Tortugas Celebrate Nationals Girls and Women in Sports Day

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl.— The Daytona Tortugas are proud to partner with Minor League Baseball in support of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). NGWSD, which is powered by the Women's Sports Foundation, is an annual day of observance to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls and honor the progress and continuing struggle
for equality for women in sports.

“The Tortugas are proud to recognize Kristina Markus, Rachel Morton and Angela Ford not only today but everyday,” said General Manager, Jim Jaworski. “They play a crucial role in our organization and we couldn't do what we do without them.”

The Tortugas’ front office features remarkable women across each of its departments, ranging from ticket sales, food and beverage and marketing. To celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, get to know the women on the Tortugas’ staff and hear why they believe it’s so essential for women to be a part of the industry.

ANGELA FORD
Food and Beverage Director, 4th season

Biggest influence/who has inspired you most during your career:

I have a lot of people to thank for my longevity in the restaurant world that saw potential and kept mentoring me and bringing me up the ladder.

Favorite promotion you've seen or been involved with during your career:

My favorite promotion would be Augtoberfest!!! Festive music, beer, brats, and blonde braids -- it doesn't get better than that!!

Fun Fact:
If you ever go through Walmart and there's googly eyes on products, it may or may not have been me.

What it means to be a woman in sports to you:

I am on the F&B side of this crazy train and like any restaurant in the world, seeing people leave with full bellies, happy they spent their hard earned money with us and complimenting the cooks is always satisfying.

Advice for someone starting out in the sports world:

My advice to anyone looking to join this fun field is to not be afraid to challenge yourself and try something outside of the box, not every food promotion is a homerun but the ones that check the boxes are very satisfying.

KRISTINA MARKUS
Director of Ticket Operations, 3rd season

Biggest influence/who has inspired you most during your career:

My college professors at Troy University were some of the biggest influences and inspirations prior to the start of my career. Now, I want to live up to their expectations and the expectations of my friends and family.

Favorite promotion you've seen or been involved with during your career:

Our Wizards and Wands night was by far my favorite promotion over the past two seasons. Our giveaway was a Golden Stitch and the season ticket holders loved the creativity behind the giveaway.

Fun Fact:

Living in the Shark Capital of the World, it’s only fitting that I have held a shark before, willingly.

What it means to be a woman in sports to you:

Being a woman in sports allows us to pave the way for those coming after us. It means not being afraid to be the one that paves the way for change.

Advice for someone starting out in the sports world:

Never be afraid of the word "No."

RACHEL MORTON
Marketing and Partnership Activation Manager, 3rd season

Biggest influence/who has inspired you most during your career:

My mother started her own business and ran it successfully for over 20 years, my sister is one of the Senior Accountants at her company, my father was dedicated to his company for over 45 years, and I am surrounded by friends that excel in all of their industries, the better question is who has not influenced me in my life.

Favorite promotion you've seen or been involved with during your career:

One of my favorite promotions to have been a part of was our Wizards and Wands Night last year. It was fun having creative freedom to try a new giveaway like a Golden Stitch Baseball and really dive deep into the night with contests, food, etc. As a recent Harry Potter fan, it was cool to nerd out for a night too!

Fun Fact:

I am in the current pursuit of seeing a game at all 30 MLB stadiums, knocking at least two every year, sitting at 4 so far.

What it means to be a woman in sports to you:

It means breaking barriers for little girls that have dreams to be in rooms that were predominantly full of men and ones where women that weren't thought to have been.

Advice for someone starting out in the sports world:

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. You won’t know you’re good at something until you put the effort into trying. Never discount your worth and surround yourself with people who are going to brag about you in rooms that you are not in.