The Diamond Vols make Vol Baseball more than just baseball.
They help create a community built up by the players, fans and families. The Diamond Vols is a student-run organization that supports the baseball team on and off the field, representing Vol Baseball in all aspects of the game.
“There’s four girls working every game, and we just assist with any needs that the team, coaches or umpires need,” junior captain Leigha Pacha said. “We’ll give the umpires balls and water, and sit there in the dugout and get equipment or any random things anyone needs.”
Junior captains Pacha and Mallory Janik have been a part of the program for two years. They carry the position of Diamond Vol with pride.
“I’m a sports management major, so I know that this is exactly what I want to do,” Janik said. “So it’s awesome getting experience. And being able to be around such a winning program, and such a highly ranked program, is awesome knowing I want to work in sports. And … just getting the privilege to be around these coaches and these athletes every day that work so hard and have a championship mindset is really rewarding.”
Vol Baseball’s champion mindset also translates to the caliber of the Diamond Vols, as reputation and respect is of utmost importance to them.
“I know people don’t mean in a demeaning way when they say that we are the bat girls,” Janik said. “It’s so much more than that. Being able to sit next to the dugout and just experience everything that happens on and off the field is just a powerful feeling.”
As of March 10, Vol Baseball currently stands at 14-6, with an exciting season ahead. The Diamond Vols are proud to represent a program with such strong team culture.
“I love the work ethic and the culture that surrounds the team. You can see every day, just by sitting there and listening to what they’re saying during games, how they lift each other up, how much they love each other, and how much they want to succeed,” Janik said.
The Diamond Vols work in both dugouts for all home games. Attention to detail and character is extremely important for this role, especially when dealing with away teams or umpires. The Diamond Vols assist them with any needs they have, such as getting water, equipment, extra baseballs and other direct communication.
Even as assistants to the team, the Diamond Vols say they aren’t made to feel less than or unequal in the male-dominated sport.
“Some people don’t respect women in sports, even though I have the same knowledge as some people that are working like a man. It’s hard to prove yourself,” Pacha said. “Baseball is a male sport. There’s literally nothing to do about it. But you can tell … this season and the coaching changes we’ve experienced. They are very accepting and they treat us as equals.”
