Tristin Ziola
Waukegan
Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented sports turf professional with extensive experience maintaining high-performance fields for NFL, MiLB, and collegiate athletics. Expertise in turf maintenance, crew leadership, and game day field operations, combined with a strong passion for delivering safe, high-quality playing surfaces. Committed to continuous professional development in sports turf management, with a specific focus on advancement within the NFL.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Groundskeeper
Soldier Field
05.2025 - Current
- Maintained turf quality through regular mowing, topdressing, and fertilization.
- Assisted in setup and breakdown of event-related equipment and facilities.
- Performed precise athletic field painting, ensuring accurate markings, professional presentation, and compliance with sport-specific standards.
- Support in the modernization and organization of department operations.
Intern
Philadelphia Eagles
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Assisted in maintaining NFL-standard practice and game fields, supporting daily operations throughout training camp.
- Performed mowing, field painting, and routine setup for practices, walkthroughs, and team events.
- Operated high-end turf equipment, and gained hands-on experience with advanced turf management techniques.
- Worked with landscaping tools, including trimmers, blowers, and mowers.
Seasonal Worker
Michigan State University
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Maintained Division I athletic fields seasonally, ensuring safe and high-quality playing surfaces for multiple sports.
- Assisted with a wide range of field maintenance techniques, enhancing efficiency and facility upkeep.
- Gained hands-on experience supporting multiple sports venues, contributing to smooth daily operations.
- Developed foundational knowledge of collegiate athletic field management and best practices in turf care.
Intern
West Michigan Whitecaps
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Maintained athletic fields through general upkeep to ensure safe, high-quality playing conditions.
- Performed detailed clay work in high-traffic areas, including home plate and both bullpens.
- Managed and coordinated the game day crew, assigning tasks, and overseeing the timing of maintenance activities.
- Supported game day operations by preparing key field areas, responding to in-game needs, and ensuring smooth transitions between maintenance tasks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Crop And Soil Sciences
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05-2025
Skills
- Illinois Pesticide Applicators License
- FFA American Degree Recipient
- 2023 SFMA Field of the Year
- MSU Turf Club Vice-President
- World of Turf Teaching Assistant
- Volunteer at the Meijer LPGA Classic
Timeline
Assistant Groundskeeper
Soldier Field
05.2025 - Current
Intern
Philadelphia Eagles
05.2024 - 01.2025
Seasonal Worker
Michigan State University
08.2023 - 01.2025
Intern
West Michigan Whitecaps
03.2023 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Crop And Soil Sciences
Michigan State University