Have you ever been told “no” and felt like your dreams were slipping away? For one woman, a single rejection at 20 could’ve ended her hopes of working in baseball. Instead, it fueled a journey that led her to become the general manager of a professional team by 33. Her story isn’t just about baseball—it’s about grit, reinvention, and rewriting the rules in a world that often feels stacked against you.
A Dream Born on the Diamond
Picture a 12-year-old girl, glove in hand, standing on a dusty Little League field. That’s where it all began for her—a love for baseball that burned brighter than the summer sun. But by her teens, the opportunities dried up. Girls’ baseball wasn’t a thing where she grew up, and softball, often pitched as the “female alternative,” didn’t spark the same joy. She thought her days with the sport were done. Baseball, it seemed, wasn’t a career path for someone like her.
Fast forward to her 20s, and she’s a college student with a dream she can’t shake. She applied for an internship with a minor league baseball team—a chance to get her foot in the door. The response? A polite but firm rejection. Most people would’ve moved on. But for her, that “no” was just the start of something bigger.
Turning Rejection into Opportunity
Rejection stings. It’s that gut-punch moment when you question everything—your skills, your worth, your path. For this young woman, the internship rejection could’ve been the end. Instead, she took a different route. That summer, she waited tables to pay the bills and volunteered at a sports marketing firm to build her skills. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was strategic. She was learning the game off the field.
“I didn’t know what I was doing at 20, but I knew I wanted to be in baseball. That rejection made me hungrier.”
Two years later, armed with an MBA and a sharper sense of purpose, she reapplied for the same internship. This time, she didn’t hold back. She poured her heart into the application, showing not just her passion but her willingness to work hard. The team noticed. She landed the role, balancing business school with tasks like vacuuming the team store and managing merchandise inventory. It wasn’t the big leagues, but it was her start.
Climbing the Ranks with Grit
Starting as an intern, she wasn’t just stocking shelves—she was running a small business within the team’s larger operation. The pay was minimum wage, but the experience? Priceless. She learned the ins and outs of sports management, from merchandising to fan engagement. Each role she took on was a step up: assistant to the director of merchandising, then manager, and eventually director of marketing and merchandising.
- Merchandising Intern: Managed inventory and learned the business side of baseball.
- Assistant Director: Supported larger merchandising strategies and operations.
- Director of Marketing: Led creative campaigns, including a bold team rebrand.
- Vice President of Marketing: Oversaw fan experiences and brand growth.
- Assistant General Manager: Took on high-level operational responsibilities.
Each promotion was a testament to her work ethic. By 2021, she was the vice president of marketing, spearheading projects like a playful team rebrand that turned heads. A year later, she stepped into the assistant general manager role, setting the stage for her historic leap to general manager in 2024.
Navigating a Male-Dominated World
Baseball, like many industries, has long been a boys’ club. When she started, only one other woman worked in the team’s front office. It could’ve been intimidating, but she didn’t let it define her. Instead, she leaned into her unique perspective. Imposter syndrome? Sure, she felt it. But it became her secret weapon. Doubting herself pushed her to speak up, share bold ideas, and prove her worth without fear of failure.
“I used to think I didn’t belong. But that doubt made me fearless in meetings—I had nothing to lose.”
Her candidness paid off. Managers valued her fresh ideas, and her promotions felt like natural steps, not token gestures. By the time she became general manager, it wasn’t a headline within her organization—it was just the right person for the job. Still, the milestone wasn’t lost on her: she was the first woman to hold the role in her team’s history.
Breaking Barriers Without Fanfare
What’s striking about her story is how normal it felt within her team. Her promotions weren’t framed as “woman breaks glass ceiling” moments—they were about her skills and results. Yet, the broader context is undeniable. In 2025, only 14 of the 120 minor league teams feeding into Major League Baseball had female general managers. Her role is a beacon for others, even if she doesn’t shout about it.
| Industry | Female Leadership | Representation |
| Minor League Baseball | General Managers | 14 out of 120 teams (2025) |
| Major League Baseball | General Managers | 1 woman historically |
| Corporate Leadership | CEOs (Fortune 500) | ~10% women (2025) |
Her organization’s culture played a big role. She never felt singled out for her gender, which allowed her to focus on the work. “It’s refreshing,” she said, “to be part of a team where this is just… normal.” That normalization is key—it’s not about making a statement but about doing the job well.
Lessons from the Field
So, what can we learn from her journey? It’s not just about baseball—it’s about resilience, seizing opportunities, and owning your path. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
- Embrace Rejection: A “no” isn’t the end—it’s a detour. Use it to refine your approach and come back stronger.
- Start Small, Think Big: Her internship wasn’t glamorous, but it was a foot in the door. Small roles can lead to big opportunities.
- Own Your Voice: Doubt can be a strength. Speak up, share ideas, and don’t fear failure—it’s how you grow.
- Build Your Skills: She didn’t just wait for opportunities—she earned an MBA and volunteered to gain experience.
- Find Your Fit: A supportive environment makes all the difference. Seek out teams that value your contributions, not just your title.
These lessons apply far beyond sports. Whether you’re navigating a career change, breaking into a new industry, or chasing a dream others doubt, her story shows what’s possible when you keep swinging.
Living the Dream, One Game at a Time
Today, she’s living a life she once thought impossible. As general manager, she oversees operations, fan experiences, and team strategy for a minor league powerhouse. It’s a role that blends her love for baseball with her knack for leadership. But more than that, it’s a reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear.
“I’m living my dream, but it’s not about me. It’s about showing others what’s possible.”
Her story resonates because it’s relatable. Who hasn’t faced a closed door or doubted their place? Yet, she turned setbacks into stepping stones, proving that resilience and passion can rewrite any script. Perhaps the most inspiring part is her humility—she’s not here to boast but to pave the way for others.
What’s Next for Women in Sports?
Her journey is part of a larger shift. Women are slowly but surely claiming space in sports leadership, from general managers to coaches. But there’s still work to do. The numbers—14 female GMs in minor leagues, one historically in the majors—show progress, but also a gap. How do we close it? It starts with stories like hers, normalizing women in these roles and inspiring the next generation.
In my experience, change happens when people see what’s possible. Her rise isn’t just a personal win—it’s a signal to young women (and men) that the game is open to everyone. Maybe the next general manager is out there now, tossing a ball in their backyard, dreaming big.
What do you think—could you turn a rejection into a comeback like she did? Her story makes you wonder what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
