Major: Public Health
MINOR: Management of Aging Services
what are you up to now?
I am currently working in sales at Aluminum Athletic Equipment (AAE) in Royersford, PA. AAE is a sports manufacturing company that produces all types of track & field, football, soccer, field hockey, baseball/softball, and lacrosse equipment. From high schools and colleges to professional leagues and recreational programs, I work directly with coaches, governing bodies, and athletes worldwide. Along with having a full-time desk job, I am also a Philadelphia Phillies Ballgirl. Being a Ballgirl doesn't just mean retrieving foul balls, it means being a role model for the younger generation. We are driven to give back to the community and support game day operations to enhance the experience for our fans. Having the opportunity to be a Ballgirl has allowed me to combine my love for baseball with my passion for giving back. It's an honor to represent the Phillies both on and off the field, and to serve as a positive influence for the next generation of fans.
What is the coolest thing about what you do?
You might think the coolest part about this job would be sitting down the foul lines, while that is a once in a lifetime experience, I would say the coolest thing about what I do is off the field. Ballgirls take part in selling 50/50 tickets at home games, softball & baseball camps and clinics, hospital visits, school visits, golf outings, 5Ks, you name it! Our clinics teach the basics of the game spanning from infield, outfield, baserunning, and the proper mechanics of hitting. It's a very rewarding experience getting to share the knowledge of the game that I was taught to the young kids who aspire to play the game.
What's been your favorite moment at your job?
My favorite moment so far was attending The Miracle League of Delaware County. The Miracle League was created to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play baseball. Baseball is America's favorite pastime and letting them experience the joy in playing the game is genuinely a touching experience. The Miracle League athletes get to have that experience of being a part of a team and support each other to develop positive friendships. We were paired up with a buddy, and mine was a little 8 year old girl who was truly a ray of sunshine. She was diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy, but that did not stop her. I watched in awe as she would field the ball with her glove, then quickly slip the glove off and throw the ball with the same arm, all with the biggest smile on her face. It was a powerful moment of resilience, joy, and determination that I will carry with me forever.
How did UMBC prepare you for life after college?
UMBC prepared me for life by pushing me to excel academically and helping me balance the responsibilities of the student-athlete life. UMBC is a top-ranked national university that has tough academics, but has amazing resources that make the transfer from college to the real world manageable. The ability to balance a full-credit course load, an internship, and softball taught me the importance of time management, discipline, and staying focused under pressure.
What's your favorite UMBC memory?
My favorite memory at UMBC would have to be winning the 2021 America East Conference Championship. Even though we went on to win in 2022 and 2023, 2021 stands out to me for a few reasons. After missing my senior high school season due to COVID-19 and starting college fully remote, the transition wasn’t easy or normal, however, hoisting that trophy up high made all the challenges worthwhile. Playing in the NCAA Women's College World Series has always been a dream of mine, and when our name was called on Selection Show Sunday to face the University of Arizona, I knew the hardships we endured were worth it. Winning a college championship is a significant achievement, but winning three is truly extraordinary. Each title holds a unique and special meaning, creating memories that I will cherish forever.
What do you miss most about UMBC?
What I miss most about UMBC is playing softball and being around my teammates. The bonds that were created will last a lifetime, literally I have two of my teammates' initials tattooed on my ankle. Having their support both on and off the field helped me through the highs and lows. During my senior season, I knew my softball career was going to come to an end in a few short months. It was a tough mental adjustment to realize what life was going to be like without the game that had shaped so much of who I was. In 2024, we were chasing our fifth straight championship but just fell short. Through that disappointment, I have to thank Katie Darby. She reminded me that athletic validation doesn't define me as a person and there is more to life than winning, because one day, I'd look back and wish it had never ended.