VOLUNTEERISM
Photo by John Kmitta
Photo by Dawn South
Sarah Martin , CSFM , City of Phoenix , said the best part of being on the LLSWS crew was getting to know the other volunteers , hearing their stories , learning from them and becoming friends .
“ Working with an all-female crew was amazing , and I am grateful to have had the opportunity ,” said Martin . This was the third year Cheryl Miller of the Asheville Tourists has worked the LLSWS , having worked the first two years of the tournament as an employee of Little League Inc .. “ While my time has ended with Little League as an employee , now I get to enjoy being just a volunteer with the rest of the ladies ,” said Miller . “ I think it ’ s important to show the teams , families and fans that having a career in the turf industry is an option that is available to anyone .”
Miller was motivated and inspired by working alongside some of the most experienced female trailblazers in the industry , but also by the younger students . “ To see the next generation paint their first foul line or drag an infield for the first time on such a big stage , there ’ s nothing like it ,” said Miller . “ You watch them become passionate with all the things you ’ re passionate about with this job . It ’ s just the best feeling .” “ In March of 2022 , I made a post on Twitter about my love for the turf industry ,” said LLSWS crew member Brynn South . SFMA President Sun Roesslein , CSFM , saw the post and invited South to Greenville .
“ I grew up watching Little League softball and baseball on TV , just dreaming that one day I could go and watch the tournament ,” said South . “ The offer to work this tournament was something I couldn ’ t pass up . Knowing that I could help provide these young girls a playing surface that I could only dream of just made the decision much easier .”
Megan Muesse , Texas A & M , returned for her second year at the LLSWS .
“ As a student , I ’ m not sure what I want to do with my career ,” said Muesse . “ So , being able to learn from all these women what they do for a career , and the path that led them there , is very valuable for me to learn from and apply to my life .”
Added Muesse , “ The best message that I can give women — or to anyone — is to just get involved . It may be scary to go out of your comfort zone , but it ’ s worth it once you do .”
Martin echoed that advice , “ Step out of your comfort zone ! The people you meet , friendships you form , and the knowledge you gain is well worth it .”
South shared the words of fellow LLSWS grounds crew member , Chrissie Segars , Ph . D ., “ In a world that wants women to whisper , I choose to yell !” sportsfieldmanagementonline . com September 2023 | SportsField Management
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