Name: Megan Gochenauer
Major: Sport and recreation management
Hometown: Coatesville, PA
High School: Coatesville Area Senior High School
“So much goes into a baseball game beyond the actual game itself, and I think I was really drawn to that idea,” Megan said. “What makes people want to come watch a game? What makes a non-sport fan purchase a ticket?
“I want to contribute to the experiences that draw all different types of people to the park.”
Gochenauer has worked for the Philadelphia Phillies, every year since she first began her college career at Temple. From selling 50/50 tickets, to serving two years as a Ballgirl, to now working as a ticket sales rep, she has gained a fundamental understanding of all that happens behind the scenes at Citizens Bank Park.
“I feel like a ballpark experience is so different compared to any experience you get at an arena or stadium,” she said.
While it may seem like Gochenauer eats, sleeps, and breathes Philly sports exclusively, she somehow also finds time to get on the field herself.
As co-president of the Temple Club softball team, Gochenauer shared that while softball was a huge part of her childhood, she never thought she’d continue playing in college.
Despite this, when she found herself seeking that same feeling of community she’d grown accustomed to, she ended up joining the club softball team and has never looked back.
“My closest friends to this day are all from club softball,” Gochenauer said.
“I am so grateful for the amazing friendships and bonds I have gained because of it,” she said.
In addition to club softball, she has found other interests on campus.
While not the most active member due to her responsibilities with Phillies, Gochenauer shouted out her experiences with the Women in Sport and Recreation Management Student Professional Organization (SPO).
Gochenauer shares she was initially intimidated of pursuing a major in sport because of the stereotype that only men work in sports. However, being a member of the SPO opened her eyes to the number of amazing women who all had the same interests she did.
Her favorite part of the SPO was the speaker events because seeing other women in the industry talk about what they do and how they got to where they are was inspiring to her.
“Maybe someday it’ll be me up there, doing the same thing for future girls interested in the industry,” she said.
On the topic of inspiration, Gochenauer recalls a standout moment from when she was a Ballgirl.
Her favorite athlete, Kyle Schwarber, and his foundation, Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes, held an event at the ballpark for local first responder families. She was able to witness, firsthand, the time and attention Schwarber paid to each person there, despite the responsibilities that come with a busy playing schedule.
“It’s important to look at how a player is performing on the field, but I also pay attention to what they do outside of the game,” Gochenauer shared.
“I already had a lot of respect for all he [Kyle] did, but to see it in action was great. It makes every ‘Schwarbomb’ even more special.”
Family is one of the most important things in Gochenauer’s life.
She said she is grateful for her parents’ support and dedication to her, and her career with the Phillies cannot be overstated.
She shares that they were always willing to cart her to and from games and never missed a game where she was scheduled to be a Ballgirl.
“I literally could not have asked for better parents,” she gushed. “I would not be where I am with the Phillies if it weren’t for them.”
When thinking about what she wants to do after graduation, her ideal role would be to design a baseball team’s giveaway items.
Until then, she will be working with the Phils during the All-Star Game this summer and hopes to continue her relationship with the organization beyond that point.