For Women’s History Month, we spoke to some of the inspiring women who work with Nashville SC about their experiences in the industry, how they got to where they are today, and what this month means to them.
Rosemarie Orlando - Technical
What is your role within NSC?
I'm the assistant team admin, so basically, I help Jeff take care of all the players. Like any, like, relocation, getting cars, getting visas, getting Social Security numbers, making sure that they're happy where they're at. And that they succeed off the field. Any way I can help them be better people off the field, help them reach their goals off the field. Basically anything that helps them succeed off the field. Them and their family, making sure that they're happy with their living situation. Solve any issues they may need help with. Organizing their lives. Yeah. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what I do because every day is so different.
Is that what you like about it?
Yeah, I do, I like how it's not consistent, and things just pop up randomly.
Talk to us about your career path. Where did you start and what led you here?
I first started coaching camps at the L.A. Galaxy when I was 20, right out of college. So like 21, 22. I did that for about two years. Got promoted to, like, camp director. And then I got promoted again to part time coordinator. And then two years later got a full time coordinator. And then Covid hit. So, I got let go. So I was like, this is a perfect time to try something new. When I was growing up, I always want to work in soccer. So I'm like, “Okay, maybe this is a sign I should, like, try something else”. So I got an automotive job here in Nashville. And it was coordinating classes for people that wanted to work in dealerships. Which I didn't know anything about cars. I didn’t know about dealerships. It was Covid so it was like a job I could get. And, I lasted about eight months, and I was like, you know what, this is not for me. So I was like, how do I make my way back into sports again? So I took a job at Bridgestone Arena in staffing. So not necessarily sports, but like entertainment, just like, okay, it’s a step. So I did that for a year. And then I've always been good with like computers and stuff like that. So I did it for another year there. I worked on the POS systems for the video boards and stuff. I did that for a year and then I was like, yeah no. This, again, is not sports. Like we worked for the hockey team, but it wasn't anything, you know, sports specific. But it's funny because during Covid, like obviously Nashville, it was just starting. And so my manager at the Galaxy was like, hey, I can reach out to Brandon Hill. It was full circle, which is kind of cool, to see. But he said to reach out and see if there's anything in like the community that you can do or Nashville didn't have a youth development, department yet. So, he was like, if I reach out, maybe you can, like, help start one. And I was like, absolutely. Like, I would love that. And then Brandon was like, no, like Covid right now, so nothing's really open but like we'll keep you in mind or something along those lines. So then, I was applying to places everywhere, and then I had one of my college teammates here, and she was like, you can move in with me, for a little bit. What do you have to lose? So I said okay, and that's when I got that automotive job. Then jump back to Bridgestone for two years. And then this position opened up and it's kind of cool like I've actually never worked with players directly, but they did appearances for our camps and stuff. So I would like coordinate with that. And then I applied and somehow got through four rounds of interviews and got the job. So this is actually one of my dream jobs. And I know so full circle, which is kind of crazy because I was like when I moved here, I'm working for Nashville SC. I mean, I know it's really weird. I tell people that, and then I look back and I'm like, that's actually insane.
You played soccer growing up. Was it always soccer for you? When did that love for soccer start?
Yeah, I started when I was four and a half. In YSO, like a rec league. Played that until I was like 12. Did club and high school. And then I played JC for two years and then university for two years. And then I played a little bit of Semi-Pro. So it was just in my blood. My family's Italian, my dad's from Italy, and he loves soccer. So he was like, when we were younger, he was like, you guys are just going to be playing soccer. And I was like, okay. And I ended up being pretty decent at it and it just kind of stuck. I didn't really know what else to like. I knew I always wanted to work in soccer. I know it's so cliche, but it really was. I mean, I tried other things I tried different paths and different careers, and they just never stuck.
What do you believe is the importance for female representation in the sports industry?
I think it's like I'm going to be a cliche, but I really think it's just believing in yourself. Like I've been told so many times, like, no, not even just in my career. Like people tell me no all the time, and I'm like you have no idea who I am. You have no idea what I'm capable of, but, like, in a good way, right? So any time someone told me no, it's just like, motivation. It was like, I can do it. I know I can do it. Just because, like, it's a male dominated industry doesn't mean anything to me. And I think that's the most important thing is you have to believe in yourself. I mean, other people can believe in you, but like, if you don't believe in yourself, that’s lethal.
Who is your professional role model?
I would say my sister. I think she was always very driven as well. She opened up her own business, and she's a physical therapist. I saw her go through schooling. I saw her, her try to balance, like, her social life, her family, school, and, like, now she's balancing her family, like her own family, and owning a business and trying to be a mother and trying to, like, be there for our immediate family. So it's motivating to see her do that. And I'm like, damn, if she can do it, like it's definitely reachable for me. Like, dang, my sister has two kids and she does all of that. And I'm like, I have a dog. And I can't even I can't even balance things. But I'd say that's super motivating.
What does it mean to you to represent women at the professional level, here at NSC?
It makes me feel super excited. I never thought, like I never thought I could do it. So, like, being here is an accomplishment 100%. But it's nothing that, like, it wasn’t unreachable for me. you know, like, I've worked in a male on the industry my entire life, so, like, just because there's more males in this field doesn't mean anything you know.
What is like working alongside other women within the technical staff?
I don't work super close with them, but, it's nice having, like, two other girls you can go to Its nice to have those two who are comforting and, like, we'll have our girl time. And then seeing Sydney becoming the head athletic trainer is like so awesome. And, Bre, everyone respects her here too. And she's killing it. She kills it every day.
What does WHM mean to you?
It's a tough question because I'm lucky. Like it never came across as like something super important like it is now. And like, yeah, I never thought about celebrating a whole month because, like, I know how cool I am. I celebrate that every day. Its great that we have a month, but, like, super cliche, but like, it should be like all year round. It should be a norm that like girls are doing so well in every single industry. Like I feel like, having one month to elevate it, it's like it's your job. I love to celebrate this month but like I know I'm, I'm cool and I am who I am and I want others to also see it too that, like you don't need a month to point it out.
Mondrivia James - Academy
What is your role within NSC?
For those of a certain, era, I like to say I am the Mrs. Garrett, if you are familiar with Facts of Life, the TV show with Tootie and Blair. But I am the Welfare Officer, and I bridge the gap between, the student athlete and the parent, the student athlete and the coach. I always like to refer to them as student athletes in my role, where you may hear the coaches just say, oh, the players, the players. So my job is to number one, when we have out of state players, you know, kind of oversee and be their representative. Not their legal guardian per say, but you know, help the family, their parents back home, be a voice for them. Be a voice for the student athlete, work with host families and also students athletes that are part of the program. The one that, you know, make sure their grades are up to par and we will actually, you know, not have them training if they fall below a certain standard. So I guess overall, as a welfare officer, you know, protect the integrity of the organization when it comes to player academics, teaching them common sense, as I’d say and just be, the Missus Garrett of it all. I am definitely not a teacher, and I have to remind them of that when they come up. I was like, oh, let's email your teacher. So we I do like to have minds, but, I tell them I'm a Gemini. I like to help them, but I can lay it down when its time to do so.
Talk to us about your career path. Where did you start and what led you here?
So my career path has started out in entertainment, and I was with country music television for 12 years and then moved over to academics. But I've always liked helping others and making sure others are taken care of. And I like to see people having a good time. So when I left college and into entertainment, that was awesome because I was in concerts, people enjoying concerts, people with country music, television, people, just out having a good time. I really celebrate that. And that is what I'm passionate about seeing, other people have a good time in school. I would throw parties, set them up and I would just sit down or go take a nap, just knowing people were having a good time. This position actually came to me or I saw it as perfect timing because by nature I am a care giver. I like looking after people and to be honest, my mom had passed away and I took a break, and I was her caregiver for seven years here in Nashville and probably, another 12 more remotely when she was in North Carolina. So, even though she was 90 years old, I was prepared for her to pass away, but it just happened so suddenly that I was like, whoa. So I kind of took a step back from life and let you know, life do life. And then I saw this position and I read what I read, but I interpreted it as caring for people who needed a voice and that's why I applied for the position. And that's kind of what brought me here. It was out of, a mutual need. They needed a welfare officer, and I needed to be able to care for people I love.
What do you believe is the importance for female representation in the sports industry?
I think it goes, a little bit dialed in with this particular position. You know, even though they’re kids. You know, 14, 17 and 18, there's somebody who's kid. And I think being a female, particularly in this role, has its advantages because I think females do and see things through a different perspective. And also when it comes to sports in general, just being able to being a female, to be able to give a a different view or to look at things with a different filter, I really think that's what's great for this role and for women in sports in general, to bring a different perspective and bring, a different voice. I also think, our voice, if it's something that matters and it's important our voice, we will let our voice be heard and get the point across.
Who is your professional role model?
I think the people that have made me who I am today, definitely is my mother, but also my sorority sisters, specifically the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha at my undergrad chapter, Alpha Phi at North Carolina A&T. Their people call my pledge class, but my line sisters, there was 36 of us. Two of them have passed away, and I am very close to all of them. And I can honestly say, the values that my mother taught me and the values and just let things that still learning today from them and speaking with them. And, you know, we encourage, encourage each other. Someone said, you know, with my mom, she had Alzheimer's and it's like, you need to go to therapy. I don’t need to go to therapy. I have 34 therapists that I can talk to, and it's free. And, you know they get me. They know when I am being unreasonable. They know when I'm being crazy. They know when I need to dial it back. And, they are true friends when they're like Mondrivia, we are not going at the house with you looking like that. They know how to be honest with me. And that's what I really value. And that's really what I appreciate. And I also want to give a nod to my mom and dad, both of them, they were not college educated, twere tradespeople, and they had me later in life. But, for them to be older parents, I never, felt like I had old parents. And you go horseback riding with them. I could dream up what I wanted to do and they made a way to make it happen. They made it. They maybe did not understand it, but, they made a way to me to make it happen. And they always told me, you know, to shoot for the stars and that you could do anything. So I still hold on to that, and cherish, you know, those things they used to say to me when I was a kid. And that's the only way that I'm here now, you know, just that their strength and their lessons and, you know, through having such good friends on my side with my sorority sisters.
What does WHM mean to you?
You know, I don't know how to phrase it. So I'm going to say it and then try to add to it. You know, being Women's Month, it's like in some ways the more things change for us, unfortunately they stay the same. It’s an ongoing process to learn how to circumvent that. You know, we have come a long way. But we've still got a long way to go. You know, we are in uncertain times, but you just have to remain positive. You know, seasons come and seasons go. I look forward to, you know, the seasons where, women are at the top of all of their games, you know, more general managers. Definitely. Equal pay in and in sports in general. So I hope, you know, we have to remember our past or continue to remember our past so we can continue to move forward. So I hope that, you know, we can celebrate that.
Holly Manes – Front Office
What is your role within NSC?
My role within NSC is the marketing and merchandizing manager. I am responsible for various marketing campaigns and promotions. As well as email marketing and merchandise.
Talk to us about your career path. Where did you start and what led you here?
I started as an intern in college, my last semester of college, and I was the consumer marketing intern, and I was an intern the semester that we were working to open the stadium. And I really enjoyed my internship and knew for a long time that I wanted to work in sports. So when I graduated, I moved back to Nashville and was lucky enough to have a role open up at the club that summer. And ,then I started in my first role at the club, which was marketing and merchandise coordinator.
Who is your professional role model?
My professional role model is definitely my sister. My sister is an entrepreneur and an amazing businesswoman who has taken her own ideas and brought them to life. No matter how difficult they may seem or outrageous they might seem to other people. And she's been able to turn them into something amazing just with hard work and dedication and her creativity. So I definitely look up to her in terms of, work ethic and just, you know, what can happen if you continue to work hard. And, she also really values her relationships with her own staff and her, coworkers and colleagues, which is something that I value. And so I really respect her for and how she carries herself as well.
What do you believe is the importance for female representation in the sports industry?
I would say that female representation is huge, just because, like, sports is something that so many people around the world have in common, whether it be through playing, whether it be through being a fan. And I think that, you know, coming together and with our, like, things we have in common, but also just being women is something that's really cool and something that I feel like growing up, I was always very into sports and didn't see a lot of female representation when it came to my favorite sports like hockey and soccer. And so, it's been really important and cool to see more representation happen. And working on the retail side of things, there's still, a lot of work to be done. There's still a lack of representation when it comes to, female specific merchandise and things in that space. And so with my role, it's been really cool to be able to have a part in expanding what our female representation is in our merchandise and taking feedback from staff and fans and trying to show that there is a demand for better and more exciting female merchandise. Because women loves soccer and they're wearing things and they want cool things to wear. And so being able to work on projects like, Women and Gold, which is our exclusive women's store in celebration of Women's History Month and Barbie Game Day. It's been really awesome to see girls like me and women like me get excited about something, that we just haven't had before. And it's really fun to be able to have a part in playing that, because I know I would have loved that growing up too.
What does WHM mean to you?
It's a great thing that, you know, we take this month to recognize and champion for those specifically, you know, in this situation where we're doing it for other women that work in sports and play sports and, things like that. But it is a reminder that there's always more that can be done. And, I think it's, you know, we're using this month to, for instance, show that women can be anything with Barbie Game Day and in sports. And so I think that just using this month isas you know, a way continue it all the way through the year, is really important.
Rebecca Kelly – GEODIS
What is your role within NSC?
Providing overnight monitoring and protection of both our Stadium and Practice Facility by controlling access, monitoring activities through cameras and patrols, adjusting lighting and access for private events and maintaining multiple facility systems for example Fire Protection.
Talk to us about your career path. Where did you start and what led you here?
I have been blessed to work in a variety of industries through the years in management, training, sales and customer success. Moving back to Tennessee to care for family opened an opportunity to work a second job leading me to NSC and a chance to work sports! I have been an athlete and a fan for many sports through the years and I am grateful for the opportunity to be with a great organization like NSC!
What do you believe is the importance for female representation in the sports industry?
I have watched the world change around me in so many ways over the years … to see the growth from Title IX to women’s teams packing stadiums today … female presence and representation cannot be taken for granted … it must be honored and valued for all the hard work that brought us here today!
Who is your professional role model?
Pat Summitt with the Tennessee Vols will always be a role model for me and so many. She paved a path for women early on with her work ethic and leadership.
Two of my favorite quotes of hers:
- “Here’s how I’m going to beat you. I’m going to outwork you. That’s it. That’s all there is to it.”
- “Success is a project that’s always under construction.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman at NSC/GEODIS?
I am blessed to work for a great organization, great teammates and great leadership while working in a Sports Venue focused on taking our team to the next level … I am grateful and excited to grow and build something very special here in Nashville!
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A current article states that 45% of girls quit sports by age 14…we must teach our young athletes never quit or give up on your dream. A dream may change or be redirected but never give up! Our Women’s Sports History is so rich and full of great examples for everyone and should be shared as often as possible.
