Abby McNeal
Parks Superintendent // City of Louisville, Colorado
2024 Class of Pioneers in the Field

Hard work. Integrity. Dedication. Genuine. Dependable. Words that are powerful on their own, and even more so when applied to make a lasting impact. Words that are at the core of every commitment Abby McNeal, Parks Superintendent for the City of Louisville, Colorado has made throughout her life. Whether it was renovating fields or raising her twins, McNeal lived by the principle, “when you commit to something, stick with it, give it your 100%.” Paired with her work ethic, her valued integrity, relentless dedication, genuine approach and dependable spirit, McNeal continues to be committed to helping lead our industry into the future. 

McNeal’s career in the sports turf industry has spanned across decades, across the country and everywhere from the NFL to her local community. She approached each opportunity with the same commitment to make an impact through hard, honest work. Shortly after being told she couldn’t draw a proper tree, McNeal transitioned from an aspiring landscape architect to an enthusiastic turfgrass student at Colorado State University. 

Thirty years since her start, McNeal leads the Parks Department in a community right in her own backyard. With a few stops in between, McNeal is thrilled to be making a difference in a community that was affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire. McNeal is able to bring her expertise, adopted at the professional levels, to a community she says sheltered her and her twins for years. 

A place they more than likely spent more time in than their own hometown due to their busy hockey schedules. McNeal said, “I’ve always been drawn to Parks and Rec because it’s a unique opportunity to show that we could apply techniques used at the professional levels, locally. And I sincerely wanted to make a difference in the community. During my time in Denver, we were able to give back to communities in need. And certainly here in Louisville, so many families were affected by the Marshall Fire and being able to play a role in the revitalization and rebuilding of their safe havens has been really special.” 

We asked McNeal to stop and take a moment to consider the impact she’s had on our industry over the last three decades. In true Abby fashion, McNeal was quick to turn it around and give credit to the people who played a role in her career and life. McNeal said, “this recognition has forced me to look at the path that got me here and I know we don’t have enough time to mention all the people who helped me along the way. In life you can’t go at it alone. But, luckily, when you’re in this industry you’ve got the greatest team.” McNeal was oftentimes the only woman in class or on the crew but that never deterred her love or passion for this career. McNeal said the rooms were always welcoming and she’d gain confidence every time someone believed in her.

McNeal said it was through her involvement in the SFMA board that she had an ah-ha moment about her career and the industry she called home. McNeal said, “I was encouraged to seek the secretary/treasurer position on the SFMA, which eventually led to the role of President (first female to hold the position). So many of the board members I served with are some of my greatest resources and now friends. Through that experience, it really resonated with me what makes this organization and industry so different. We are always there for each other. If you’re open to learning and willing to share your knowledge, you will find a group of passionate, dedicated, hard working magic elves, in a thankless job, getting it done and making a difference.” 

"[...] this recognition has forced me to look at the path that got me here and I know we don’t have enough time to mention all the people who helped me along the way. In life you can’t go at it alone. But, luckily, when you’re in this industry you’ve got the greatest team."

Abby McNeal

Many in the industry know McNeal as a trailblazer who is quick to put her crew, the industry and her family before herself. Her peers reflected on her accomplishments, the doors she opened for groundskeepers and her ability to do it all while being compassionate, thoughtful and humble. And each and every one of her peers spoke of McNeal as a mother and the joy she gets from raising her twins, Aidan and Hayley. McNeal’s friends, family and colleagues all agreed that Abby in her happiest form is when she is playing ice hockey with her twins or cheering them on from the stands. Throughout her career, McNeal was often asked how she managed it all, as a leader and single mom to twins. McNeal said, “I never stopped too long to think about the negativity. I brought my kids along with me, whether that meant through a conversation or physically on the job, taking care of fields. In many ways my kids and I raised each other. I raised them to figure it out and persevere, and they were my rocks in several scenarios where they probably didn’t even realize it. They got me through the hardest days and are my greatest joys. This job prepared me to be a parent because of all the things we’re forced to experience as field managers. The sleepless nights, how to problem solve, thinking big picture and knowing when to call up a friend to laugh or cry along with you.” 

McNeal didn’t hesitate to give credit to our welcoming industry, the crews who excelled like a team and the places that gave her opportunities to grow. She humbly reflected on how proud she is to be a part of this industry and shared gratitude for everyone who played a role in her journey. For someone who has granted our profession so much time and thoughtfulness, we wanted to give her something in return by sharing some of the praise her colleagues gave McNeal. 

"[...] I brought my kids along with me, whether that meant through a conversation or physically on the job, taking care of fields. In many ways my kids and I raised each other. I raised them to figure it out and persevere, and they were my rocks in several scenarios where they probably didn’t even realize it. They got me through the hardest days and are my greatest joys. This job prepared me to be a parent because of all the things we’re forced to experience as field managers. The sleepless nights, how to problem solve, thinking big picture and knowing when to call up a friend to laugh or cry along with you."

Abby McNeal

Sarah Martin, Park Supervisor for the City of Phoenix said, “Abby as a friend and mom is the ultimate supporter. I met Abby shortly after she graduated from Colorado State and was working with the Denver Broncos. Since then I’ve been able to reach out for personal or work advice and know I’m going to receive a thoughtful and helpful answer. Once you have Abby in your corner, you have a FIGHTER. She is there for you. All of Abby’s greatest qualities are made evident in what amazing kids she has raised. They’re strong, independent, smart and fun kids who know their mom is always going to show up for them, which is huge.” 

Paula Sliefert, Senior Marketing Manager for The Toro Company reflected on her history with Abby, “Abby is an industry leader who has earned high respect within the sports field world. She presents herself as a consummate professional and invests in the people and places she chooses to serve. What sets Abby apart is she really takes the time to connect with people and invest in their growth. She has taught me that sometimes the fastest way to the top is by reaching for those behind you and pulling them up too!” 

"Abby as a friend and mom is the ultimate supporter. I met Abby shortly after she graduated from Colorado State and was working with the Denver Broncos. Since then I’ve been able to reach out for personal or work advice and know I’m going to receive a thoughtful and helpful answer. Once you have Abby in your corner, you have a FIGHTER..."

Sarah Martin, Park Supervisor for the City of Phoenix

Vicki Wallace with the University of Connecticut met Abby in 1997 and served on several boards alongside her friend. Wallace said, “Abby is a quiet leader who leads by example. Abby is extremely dependable. She commits 100% to everything she does. She is consistent in her work ethic and will complete any task she initiates. Abby believes strongly in the professionalism of our industry and does whatever she can to positively promote her peers and their accomplishments.” 


Jimmy Simpson, CSFM, Assistant Public Works Director at Town of Cary and Past President of the Sports Field Management Association said, “When I think of Abby as a professional she is empathetic, courageous, honest, humble, trustworthy, kind, sincere, passionate, caring, empowering and tolerant. I have personally witnessed how Abby utilizes all of these traits and more when handling professional situations at her job and for the association. Abby has the ability to see the need for change before it happens and the compassion to help others through the change while respecting the history that came before her. I’ve loved working with Abby because she always brings a great perspective. She is a great communicator and collaborator who is willing to listen to different points of view.” 


Lastly, Richard McNeal, Abby’s Father proudly reflected on his daughter's success, “Abby has always been one who focuses on the task at hand and gives 110% toward that event. She has been and is a devoted mother to her twins. Supporting them and setting guidelines for them to follow. She has been active on the national level and has established contacts in the turf industry across the states and all over the world. As a parent, I’m extremely proud of her accomplishments and the recognition she has received from so many leaders in the field of grass.”