Student Spotlight: Bri McKeown ‘26 Becomes a Ballgirl for the Philadelphia Phillies
A longtime fan of the Philadelphia baseball team, the Nursing major and softball player took her love of the sport to the next level, securing a coveted position as an ambassador for the Phillies.
Bri McKeown ‘26 was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan for many years. She loved being on the field and helping others, which led her to pursue a Nursing major at York College of Pennsylvania and join their softball team. But those skills fueled one other desire she had since she was a child: becoming a Ballgirl for the Phillies.
“I’ve always wanted to do it,” Bri said. “Since I was a kid, I’ve been a Phillies fan my whole life, and I thought it was such a cool job.”
With her upcoming senior year rapidly approaching, Bri’s mother encouraged her to take a chance and try applying. Although Bri wasn’t confident about making it, she took the chance. And to her excitement, she was accepted, and is now one of 18 Ballgirls representing the Philadelphia Phillies.
Joining the York College Team
Bri’s love of sports began before she started college. She was an enthusiastic player in high school and, in her senior year, discovered York College through participating in a softball camp they offered.
While there, she connected with Coach Kaitlyn Dulac, the Head Softball Coach. Bri was then invited to tour the campus and encouraged to keep in touch after she left. When she learned of the College’s excellent Nursing program and strong softball team, Bri committed to York College.
Bri chose to pursue nursing due to a long-standing interest in the medical field and her personal experiences. In her first year of college, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which forced her to medically withdraw for the year to recover. During that time, Bri had a very positive hospital experience and found herself admiring the nurses' amazing work.
“I want to be that person for someone else because it’s not the best time in someone’s life if they’re in the hospital,” Bri said. “So, if I can make it better for somebody, that would be my goal.”
As a result, Bri’s stay has helped shape her path forward and her desire to make the most of every opportunity. Not only has her time on the softball team allowed her to form many friendships and learn valuable skills such as communication, leadership, and community, but the Nursing program has also allowed her to engage in hands-on learning through her clinicals and practicums.
Her mentors have also played a major role in supporting her and ensuring that she connects with the work that she is doing.
“Watching her grow into a leader her teammates respect, both in her words and her actions, has been incredibly rewarding,” Coach Dulac said. “In her senior season, she has truly left her jersey better than she found it.
"It has been my pleasure working with Bri during her time at YCP,” said Bri’s advisor, Dr. Kelli Masters, D.N.P., R.N., Director of the Accelerated Nursing Program and Associate Professor of Nursing. “She is an amazing young woman and has overcome some personal challenges to excel in both the classroom and on the softball field. She meets her challenges head-on, never complaining, but developing a plan for success. Her maturity, motivation, and dedication set her up for success in the nursing field."
Being a Ballgirl
Applying to become a Ballgirl is a careful process that takes months, starting all the way in the fall. The process includes submitting a video application, doing an online interview, and later in-person tryouts.
Many of the girls who attended tryouts were of different ages and backgrounds. Most played college softball and were big fans of the sport. Bri even shared that she recognized one of the girls as someone she played against in college.
In the end, 18 girls were accepted, and they will serve as ambassadors for the Phillies for the next two years.
“The girls are all super nice, and we all get along really well,” Bri said. “I really like my boss as well, so that’s been a great experience.”
So far, she has worked at the opening day game for the Phillies. Bri is excited about working more games in the summer and upcoming fall once she is finished with school and can move closer to the area.
“Opening day was the first game that we all worked, and that was so much fun,” she said. “I got to talk to so many fans, and it was just a great experience all around. Everyone is super supportive.”
Ballgirl duties vary depending on the day and the team’s schedule. Most of the time, two girls will sit on the sidelines during a game and help collect balls. During the opening game, Bri assisted with selling 50/50 tickets.
They also help with events in the area. This includes visiting hospitals and pediatric cancer patients, coaching or doing clinics for youth baseball and softball organizations in the area, helping and cheering at races such as 5Ks, and doing a lot of work with youth organizations and community-based events in Philadelphia.
Saying Yes to Opportunities
In the short time since she joined the Ballgirls, Bri has found a lot of joy in the work that she does and the people she has met. She loves the environment and her role as a Phillies ambassador, and can’t wait to spend the next two years with her new team.
“Getting to know some of the girls has been really meaningful to me so far,” Bri said. “I think that we’re all super grateful for this experience and the time that we get to spend together. We’re not going to work every single game with each other, so we’ve been getting to know each other in the moments that we can. These girls were picked for a reason, and I think that it’s a really good community that we have together, so that’s been pretty meaningful for me.”
Currently, her post-college plans involve utilizing her major. She’s been applying for nursing jobs in Philadelphia, hoping to live and work closer to where she will do most of her Ballgirl work. Ultimately, she hopes to work in the city so she can pursue both of her passions as often as possible.
Bri also affirms that York College has played a role in helping her prepare for the work she will do after graduating. She is grateful for the support she has received during her time at college, and can’t wait for her next chapter in her new job.
“Her excitement about becoming a Phillies Ballgirl and experiencing Opening Day reflects the same energy she brings to everything she does,” Coach Dulac said. “We are proud of the way she represents her team, her sport, and we have no doubt she will continue to make an impact with the Phillies and beyond.”
“As a baseball fan, I can't wait to hear about her experiences as a Ballgirl,” Dr. Masters said. “I am so proud of her!”
In Bri’s opinion, she wouldn’t have found the amazing job if she hadn’t taken the chance. She encourages students to be ready to say yes to anything of interest that comes their way, even if they think they have only a slim chance of getting it. Even if it doesn’t work out, it can be something to learn from, so when another opportunity comes their way, they are ready.
“I think that everything that I’ve been able to do at York [College] has helped me with that, and then applying for jobs and applying for a position like being a Ballgirl is scary because you could fail, but that’s okay. Failure also helps you grow, so you have to be willing to do that.”
