My earliest memories of Little League® didn’t come from playing on the field or working in the office; they came from my family. Growing up in Carlstadt, New Jersey, in a household with four older siblings, Little League was a prominent part of my childhood.
Both of my brothers played baseball with my father as their coach, and my older sister loved softball. I was never really the type to play sports, so my memories of Little League are about the free ice pops that my mom would give me while she volunteered in the concession stand and playing on the swings while my siblings had games or practices. Despite not playing, Little League has always quietly followed me throughout my life.
Before Joining the Little League Family
Before joining Little League full-time, my career path was a bit different from what some would expect. I began my career working for a few publishing companies in New Jersey and later became an Administrative Assistant to the President of Marubeni Citizen, who specialized in lathes and parts of Citizen Watches. After that, I continued my journey as an Administrative Assistant to the superintendent of a school district close to my hometown. While I enjoyed these roles, my priorities shifted once I had my son. I made the sacrifice to be a stay-at-home mom and raise my son into the man he is today.
I wouldn’t trade the years I spent as a stay-at-home mom for the world. To this day, I consider that to be the best thing that I have ever done in my life. Before any other title I hold, I am a mom.
My Little League Days
My path to Little League International came at the right time. My husband was from South Williamsport, so on my first visit to Lycoming County, he made it a priority to take me to the Little League Baseball® World Series.
When I looked down at Howard J. Lamade Stadium for the first time, I was reminded of my own Little League memories and the joy I had on the swing set while watching my siblings play. It instantly became an event that I fell in love with.
Every year since, my love for Little League has grown, and ultimately led me to apply for a job at the organization, and now to my current role as Senior Administrative Assistant of Operations. After I got the job, my husband was my biggest cheerleader. He would tell everyone, “My wife works for Little League International. She helps put on the World Series.” He was so excited.
In my role as Senior Administrative Assistant of Operations, I help coordinate materials for the Umpire Clinics hosted across the country; handle travel arrangements for our Umpire Trainers and Advisory Board; attend Little League International Charter Committee meetings to record the Committee’s responses for the Regions; maintain the operations calendar for the department, and anything else that is needed to help our department continue to make the Little League program great for millions of young players, volunteers, and families across the globe.
Then, in the summer, like the rest of the team, I get to be a part of the Little League Baseball World Series, where everybody takes on a role, even if it is not familiar to them. During the series, I work in Driver Services, creating schedules for the individuals who provide shuttle services around the complex for our visitors. I also schedule any special runs that they may have to do, like picking up items for players needed off our complex or providing transport for special guests.
Although I am not physically down on the complex for the majority of the World Series, I still feel the magic that this place provides for the players, their families, and the thousands of fans that visit every day. Being able to see the excitement of the kids playing and being proud of their accomplishment of getting here in the first place is what it’s all about. It’s incredible to see.
What keeps me coming back after all of these years is simple – I love the people. The individuals I work with aren’t just colleagues; they’re my friends. All of us, every day, strive to make the Little League experience the best it can be for youth athletes around the world. We work so hard. However, finding those moments throughout the day where I can have a little bit of fun and share a couple of laughs makes the work that much more fun.
Family has always meant the world to me. From being in a household with four other siblings to having my own family today, it’s a big part of who I am. Little League isn’t just a community; it is a family.
This feature is part of a series of Little League International Staff Spotlights, highlighting the career journey of the organization’s employees, which began during Little League’s Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Celebration (LittleLeague.org/GWG50) in 2024.