Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” features Carolyn Scherpe from the GHS Class of 2013.
It has really been fun to watch Carolyn’s career unfold. It is tough for an athlete to make it to the major leagues in any sport, and it is also a grind for individuals in marketing and administration to make it to the major leagues.
Carolyn was willing to grind and do the unglamorous jobs of college baseball, spring training, and minor league baseball. Today she is in a leadership role with the Houston Astros. Her career is exciting, and her drive is inspiring!!
Favorite teachers/classes
Mrs. Sandall at Silas will always be one of my favorite teachers. Even though I was quiet, she made me feel seen and valued in her classroom and she continues support me throughout life to this day.
At GHS, I loved all of the art classes!
Sports/activities at GHS
I was involved in softball, Gadets, volleyball, and tennis (senior year). I also participated in Project Graduation, Yearbook, and CARE Club.
Best memories of growing up in Galesburg/attending GHS
No matter where life takes me, I am always proud to say I’m from Galesburg.
Dancing with the Gadets was one of the highlights of my high school experience. From attending dance camp at ISU each summer, to practices in the hallways after school, to performing in front of the entire town at football and basketball games, we always had so much fun dancing as a team. We even had the once in a lifetime experience of competing at UDA Nationals at Disney my senior year. The friendships and memories from those years will stay with last a lifetime.
Can’t forget my travel softball days with the Wildcats —carpooling on road trips, long tournament weekends, and all the fun (and occasional trouble) we got into made for some of the best summers growing up.
Education after GHS
After high school, I attended Monmouth College (Roll Scots!), where I competed in softball, dance, and tennis. I studied Kinesiology with minors in Business and Art.
The summer before my senior year, I completed my first internship with a professional softball team, the Chicago Bandits. From that experience I realized I want to work in professional sports and decided to pursue a Sport MBA at Florida Atlantic University.
Career path
During my time at FAU, I took on numerous internships and part-time roles that helped build my experience and resume.
Some of the most impactful opportunities included volunteering as the FAU Baseball team’s student manager, dancing on dugouts as a Shooting Star for the Houston Astros during spring training and working as an official scorekeeper for the GCL Nationals. These experiences ultimately led to a full-time internship as the Marketing Intern at the Spring Training Complex in West Palm Beach.
After COVID, I moved to Sacramento, California, where I worked for the Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants) as a Promotions & Production Senior Coordinator.
All of these opportunities helped me grow professionally, build connections, and ultimately led to my current role as Promotions & Events Manager for the Houston Astros.
What does your present job involves
I truly feel like I have one of the best jobs in the organization. I get to design all the bobbleheads, bucket hats, and jerseys that fans receive when we distribute gate giveaways or activate a theme night! It’s really fulfilling to see an idea come to life and create a lifelong memory for our fans.
I also serve as a field producer during every pregame, where my team coordinates ceremonies such as the national anthem, first pitches, and play ball calls, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on schedule. Through this I’ve been able to work with major talent such as Cody Johnson, Paul Wall, Simone Biles, and George Strait.
In addition, my team manages fan affinity programs, including the kids club, newborns club, and the bricks program.
Favorite experiences in your job
The most memorable experience of my career was the 2022 World Series. From the intensity of the postseason games every night, to celebrating on the field with my dad after we won it all, being part of the championship parade, and even receiving a World Series ring with my name on it—it was truly a dream come true.
Advice for present students/athletes
Get involved. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t learn the life skills that softball and dance taught me about working as a team, showing up even when it’s hard, and never giving up.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve learned is to “work hard and be nice.” Get the job done but also take care of those around you if you have the ability to help.
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