PROFILE
Driscoll : Serving and continuing to serve both at the chapter level and at the national level has been a blessing . The association has given so much to me in raising my awareness and making me a better sports field manager that I work to spread the word of the association and what it will offer others . From the education that can be received at conference and throughout the year on different platforms to the networking that can be done among your peers , it absolutely has been amazing to serve and I hope to continue to share with others what SFMA is about .
SFMA has greatly helped me in every manner — from learning to draw diagrams , distances and measurements and what lines mean and how they work for the individual sports to what works and hasn ’ t worked for individuals across the country , what good grass is for a natural grass field , proper mowing heights , that you can push boundaries and buttons , aeration is everything , and our main focus should simply be providing quality safe playing surfaces for whatever level athlete . SFMA has been a valuable tool in my toolbox . I know I wouldn ’ t be where I am today without the association , which is why I participate and try to advocate for others to join .
SFM : You have served , and continue to serve , SFMA on various committees and on the board of directors . You also helped found the Mid-Atlantic chapter . What drives you to volunteer and give back to the industry ? And what advice do you have for other sports field managers when it comes to industry involvement ?
SFM : Who has influenced you most in your career ? Driscoll : There have been some incredible people who have in one way or another shaped me . First , my parents — Marianne and Jeremiah — who instilled in me a strong work ethic and the principles of giving it your all and always doing your best .
The faculty and staff during my years at Saint Mark ’ s as a student were highly influential in getting me to where I am today . They held me to higher standards , always expected the best , and with guidance and discipline made my continuing education relatively easy as I knew what I had to do to succeed . When it comes to sports field management , the individual who believed in me and pushed me to become a CSFM was Jody Gill , CSFM . I became a director on the board while he was the first K-12 president of the association . He challenged me to attain the certification , which I did a few years ago .
24 SportsField Management | September 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com