Exit Interview: Community Relations & Promotions Trainee Rachael DiLeonardo

After two years working for Gwinnett's baseball club, Community Relations and Promotions Trainee Rachael DiLeonardo is leaving the Stripers for a full-time role with the Midland RockHounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
Rachael started with Gwinnett in 2017 as a member of the Promotions Team and was hired as a Trainee for the 2018 season. Now, the Milton, Georgia native is headed to Texas as she becomes the fifth of the Stripers' nine trainees to take a job in sports.
Media Relations Trainee Dan Reiner sat down with Rachael to reflect on her two years at Coolray Field and how she can use what she learned in her new role.

Dan Reiner: What's the job you're taking?
Rachael DiLeonardo: Community Relations Coordinator at the Midland RockHounds. I'll be working with organizations in the community, and I'm also going to be working with other departments within the organization - ticketing, marketing, social media.
DR: What will you be doing with those departments in your role?
RD: I'm going to be going out into the community and finding non-profits that want to get their voices out and reach their goals. I'm going to help them do that by tying in the RockHounds through those other departments.
DR: Was it a goal for you to stay in Minor League Baseball?
RD: I definitely wanted to stay in Minor League Baseball. I love the atmosphere, I love how small the front office is and how close you get with your coworkers. The days are long but it's a family and it's fun to hang out with everyone. You get to interact with the fans, the players and the coaches and it's just a fun atmosphere.
DR: What are some experiences you had here that'll be useful to you in Midland?
RD: Some things we did here that I want to accomplish there is implementing the Military Monday and Hometown Hero initiatives. They don't have that in Midland - to bring that there would be really cool. Also to do Read Across America and get into schools more.
What I learned here is how to manage a group of 12 interns, how to entertain during the games, how to interact with local businesses and local non-profits and grow relationships with them. That'll all be useful.
DR: What are your favorite memories after two years with Gwinnett?
RD: Our photo shoot for Bark in the Park promotions this year, when we had players interacting with the very cute dogs. Also, Pajamas in the Park Night, I got to dress up as my favorite animal: a chicken. Where else would I be able to do that? I love the Stripers and I'm going to miss them. Coolray Field will always have a spot in my heart.