Every career has an origin story.

Live from the SFMA conference, Sports Turf Manager Darren Criswell shares how a part-time job at a spring training facility sparked a lifelong career in sports turf management. Along the way, we talk mentorship, leadership, earning a seat at the table, and why the toughest days often build the strongest teams. What you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Darren's turf origin story
• The mentors who shaped his career
• Leadership lessons learned through experience
• Why finding a hobby outside of work is key to avoiding burnout

A little bit more about our guest...

Criswell was previously the Sports Turf Manager at University of Arizona before taking his new role as the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape and Recycling at San Jose State University.

In our final conversation from the Fort Worth series, Virginia Tech's Dan Sandor shares why teaching the next generation fuels his passion, and how meaningful mentorship is shaping the future of sports field management.What you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

🌱 Dan's unique journey from aspiring music composer and sports journalist to becoming a professor at Virginia Tech and one of the industry's most respected educators.

🎓 Why mentorship, alumni connections, and real-world networking are just as important as what happens in the classroom.

💧 How practical, people-first research, including water conservation and field management strategies, can make a real impact for sports field managers.

🌟 An honest conversation about imposter syndrome, servant leadership, and why helping students succeed is Dan's greatest measure of success.

A little bit more about our guest...

Dan Sandor is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management at Virginia Tech, where he teaches the next generation of sports turf professionals. A native of rural Ohio, Dan earned his bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University, a master's degree in turfgrass science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

Ryan Lefler, Field Superintendent for the Worcester Red Sox, joined Meg in Fort Worth share his unconventional path into professional baseball, the power of building a strong grounds crew culture, and how creativity has helped showcase the profession through social media. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• Field maintenance to marathon training
• The realities of Minor League Baseball
• The importance of hiring good people
• How social media has helped bring a spotlight to our industry

A little bit more about our guest...

Ryan Lefler is the Head Field Superintendent for the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), where he leads the team responsible for maintaining Polar Park.