Dee Lugo (Photo courtesy of Trenton Thunder)

Dee Lugo is the Production Manager for the Yankees Double-A affiliate; Trenton Thunder. She hails from Ocean City, Maryland and calls herself a Philadelphia local. Dee graduated from Rowan University with a bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV/Film. She was initially a part of the Comcast SportsNet team as a Studio Technician and NFL Films’ camera department. Dee spent the 2015 season with the Camden Riversharks, in their Creative Services Department. These previous experiences have brought her to the Creative Service Department of the Trenton Thunder.

DGS: What role do you play for women in sports?

“I think I am helping with diversity and breaking that glass ceiling of getting more women in sports.”

DGS: How is it different breaking into the sports industry? 

“It’s a very male dominated industry, so being female you are automatically affected. You are automatically second-guessed. You’re outnumbered, but as long as you can hold your own, prove yourself and work hard there is really no issue.”

DGS: Do you see it as an advantage breaking into the sports industry as a female?

“I would say it is an advantage! If you have what it takes and if you have the confidence you have a leg up with that different perspective and you have that differentiating factor from the rest of the pack.”

DGS: How did you get where you are today?

“This is only my second year in baseball. I haven’t been here long, but I can say thoroughly I am enjoying it. I actually started with the Camden RiverSharks, they were an unaffiliated team and they actually closed after the 2015 season. I took a little break and went back to freelancing where I live in Philadelphia. Then a job opened up here with the Thunder and I got the call up to affiliated ball.”

DGS: Did you play any sports yourself?

“I actually have never played softball. I played on the soccer team and lacrosse as well in high school in Ocean City, New Jersey. I do play in an intramural softball league now.”

DGS: What traits were critical to your success?

“Definitely being a strong team player. A trait you need to have is taking and giving critiques. As well as confidence, in myself, my ability my work, and the others around me. Just being head strong and taking everything full force.”

DGS: What is a regular day at the office like in season/out of season?

“Regular day in the offseason you come in and work with all of the other departments see what kind of stuff they need to sell sponsorships or tickets, anything from mockups to sales fliers. We just finished designing our pocket schedules, and a lost of the marketing collateral for the season as well as planning promotions for the upcoming season. We are also thinking ahead with the All-Star game coming here in 2018 as well.”

“During the season the day is really just preparing for that specific game, whether it be a day game or a night game. It is a lot of preproduction, making sure you have all of the headshots for the staff and the players of both teams. Also, making the game script, making sure you have all sponsorship fulfillments. Every game for us on the production side is preparing for a live event.”

DGS: Why did you choose to pursue a Radio/TV/Film degree?

“I always liked creating things, and I fell in love with expressing myself through this medium. I was dead set on Rowan University since I was a freshman in high school.”