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.

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.

Marcus Elswick brought an audience and Kentucky pride to his Groundskeeper Chat in Fort Worth. Marcus and Meg caught up since their chat in 2024 and talked about the impact of being involved at the national and local levels of SFMA. Here's what you'll hear in this week's chat:

• Life updates with Marcus
• Kentucky Branch of SFMA
• University of Kentucky updates
• Marcus and his crew

A little bit more about our guest...

Marcus Elswick is the Head Sports Field Manager at The University of Kentucky, where he has worked for over 15 years. Elswick is also the Secretary/Treasurer for the Kentucky Sports Field Management Association.

City of Phoenix's, Sarah Martin, stopped by our booth at the Sports Field Management Conference to catch up and conduct our year in review. Sarah and Meg focused on the importance of community and how organizations like SMFA can play a pivotal role in someone's career and life.

A little bit more about our guest...

Sarah Martin is a Park Supervisor for the City of Phoenix Parks and Rec in the Water Management Department.

Minnesota Twins Head Groundskeeper, Larry DiVito joins us for his second Groundskeeper Chat at SFMA in Fort Worth. Larry joined us to recount his shock at winning the 2025 Dick Erickson Award the previous year and how he was preparing for his big speech! Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:

• SFMA Annual Awards
• Reflecting on his career
• His crew and culture
• What's Next?

A little bit more about our guest...

Larry DiVito has been with the Minnesota Twins since 2009 and was one of Pioneer Athletics 2024 Pioneers in the Field.

• One Man Band Bryan Sheetz
• Branding + Social Media + New Gen.
• SFMA National Field of the Year
• Turf credentials for high school students
• Landscape side gig to sports turf to Thomas Dale Turf Program

• The Olson Turf Origin Story
• The many walks of life within the turf industry
• What makes Austin FC home
• MLS Grounds Crew of the Year + MLS Best Field
• Soccer in 2026!

• Our reoccurring Weston Appelfeller plug
• The strength of networking and community
• Career changes + transitions
• Denver Summit FC