RISING STAR
“ I didn ’ t know anyone at the Diamondbacks ,” she said . “ I had no contact information . I was just an 18-year-old kid sending a comment saying , ‘ I ’ m graduating high school and looking at going into this . Do you think I could shadow your groundskeeper for a day ?’”
The Diamondbacks got back to her within the hour . Head Groundskeeper Grant Trenbeath invited Withrow out for two days to work a non-game day and a game day .
“ So , on my spring break I showed up to Chase Field , and I washed wall pads , and I packed bullpen mounds , and I got to paint the logo behind the plate ( this is when it was natural grass ), and I got to mow the sidelines ,” she said . “ I went home exhausted , but I wanted to go back the next day . I knew that if I was that exhausted and still wanted to go back and do more of it , that ’ s probably what I should be doing .”
While at NDSU , Withrow interned with the Reno Aces ( in 2015 ) and then with the Milwaukee Brewers ( in 2016 ). Following graduation , Withrow worked at Northern Arizona University before returning to Greater Nevada Field in 2019 , which was followed by a quick promotion to head groundskeeper in 2020 .
According to Withrow , not having a season in 2020 ( due to the COVID-19 pandemic ) allowed her an opportunity to grow as a sports field manager .
“ It was a good time for a young groundskeeper like me to dip my toes into the water without the pressure of a season ,” she said . “ I was able to try out different fertility programs that I liked , and try different maintenance programs . If we would have been playing a season , it would have just been do what I know because I don ’ t have time to figure anything else out .” 2021 was another new experience for Withrow , because she received approval for a field renovation .
“ I had spent a lot of 2020 planning it and calling people ,” she said . “ I spent my time researching and budgeting and exploring every option possible for a huge renovation like that . Then , to complete it was very satisfying .”
Withrow also gives a lot of credit to her crew . “ I would be nothing without my two assistants and my intern and my part-time crew ,” she said . “ I am lucky that I have confident , helpful , excited people who want to come in every day and work . Without that , we would be in a much tougher spot . I feel really blessed that my crew has been phenomenal .”
On the job , Withrow enjoys game day — especially the moment after the ceremonial first pitch , when she heads to the right field corner to turn off the water .
“ You get an overview of the whole field , and you know that you have put together this amazing puzzle where all the pieces fell into place ,” she said . “ I truly enjoy seeing the players run out onto the field and take pride that they get to play here . I love seeing the fans look at the field and tell me that the field looks great . I love that it has become a staple piece of the stadium . There is a certain appreciation because of the work we have done the past few years here that really makes the field itself the jewel of the stadium — and that I take a lot of pride in .”
Added Withrow , “ I love my job , and I love this industry , and the people in it . I don ’ t know what else I would do if I hadn ’ t found sports field management , because I know I was put on this earth to do this . I feel very lucky that there are so many people who see my work and are recognizing it . I am thankful for all the people who are supportive of my career .” SFM
— Article written by John Kmitta , associate publisher and editorial brand director
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY :
“ Leah is a young industry leader who is not only one of the country ’ s best sports field managers but also one of the industry ’ s greatest advocates . Her love for sports field management is unparalleled . That passion has led to the cultivation of the next generation of sports field managers . Lastly , she represents hope for so many young women that are hesitant to enter this incredible industry , but because of her strength and work ethic , she exhibits what truly is possible for them in this industry — one of the greatest to do it , with a bright career ahead .” sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2023 | SportsField Management
39