Ever since I was young, sports have always represented community for me, a place where people of all backgrounds can come together, connect, and feel like they belong. What I’ve always loved is that sports have their own culture and fan base, and no matter who you are, there’s a team or environment that will welcome you exactly as you are.

That’s a big part of why I wanted to work in this industry. I enjoy being hands-on, interacting with a wide variety of people, and helping create both the big and small moments that fans remember. Whether it’s designing a unique experience, solving a problem quickly, or even making a small gesture that makes someone feel seen, I love being part of the team that brings those experiences to life.

For me, sports combine everything I value: creativity, teamwork, high-energy environments, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people. Being able to help shape those memories for staff, athletes, and fans is exactly why I’m passionate about working in sports.

For me, caring is about making people feel seen and valued. At Cooperstown, I often added small touches like birthday notes in lockers or surprise snacks for players and coaches. One of my favorite examples was when a 12-year-old lost his pin collection. I gave him my own extra rare pins and replacements, and weeks later he and his father brought me pins from another camp as a thank-you. That moment reminded me how powerful genuine care can be in creating lasting memories.

I’ve always been told I march to the beat of my own drum. Growing up in a graduating class of 23, I was in nearly every club sports, drama, band, art and it helped me connect with people from all walks of life. At Cooperstown, my “different” approach helped me build bonds with teams and families, even earning me the nickname “Bestie” from a group of coaches who surprised me with matching BFF bracelets. Being authentic and a little different helps others feel comfortable enough to open up and connect.

I bring energy to everything I do, whether it’s managing equipment, running events, or interacting with fans. I believe enthusiasm is contagious if I’m excited and engaged, it inspires those around me to match that energy. Even in tough situations, I find ways to stay positive and focus on solutions. I think of it as creating an environment where people feel motivated to do their best.

I genuinely believe fun should be part of every experience. One way I created fun at Cooperstown was through pin trading I designed my own three-piece glove pin (with glitter “ultra rare” versions) to join in with the kids. It became a hit and allowed me to connect with players, siblings, and even parents in a creative way. Finding ways to add joy to everyday tasks makes the work meaningful and the memories lasting.

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York with a graduating class of only 23 students. Those experiences really shaped who I am and how I interact with people every day. Because it was such a small place, I had the chance to be involved in almost everything. I played sports, helped coach our modified soccer teams, and joined drama club, ski club, art club, band/marching band, all while holding my school’s throwing records in track and field.

Being part of all those different groups helped me connect with people from all walks of life. It also taught me that when everyone brings their own piece to the puzzle, you can build something really meaningful together.

Growing up in a small town definitely has its perks, but from a young age, I knew I didn’t want to stay there forever. I stayed longer than I planned because I was lucky enough to get a full-time job in my field right after earning my master’s, and I also wanted to help my grandparents. My grandma has dementia, and my grandparents are truly some of the best people out there. Being able to live with them for a few years and help take some of the load off my grandfather meant a lot to me.

But even then, I knew it wasn’t my long-term goal. In my opinion, you can’t grow if you stay in the same environment you’ve always known. I want to grow both personally and professionally, and what better way to do that than to challenge myself and my skills at the professional level? Working in professional sports would be an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and push myself in the best way possible. And now, it finally feels like the right time for me to leave home and take that next step. I’m ready.

Being hungry means never settling. I’m always looking for new experiences, challenges, and ways to level up. Whether it’s running 4,000+ games in a season at Cooperstown or tackling new projects outside my comfort zone, I set goals and push myself to reach them. I know I’m not yet where I want to be in my career, but I’m committed to putting in the work, learning, and growing until I get there.