Rays Project Manager Helps Team Reach World Series

Grace Dowling, a 2016 graduate of Lake Forest College, worked as a project manager for the Tampa Bay Rays during their run to the 2026 World Series. Dowling, who grew up in South Florida, has followed the team her entire life. She secured the position after earning a master's degree in sports management from Georgetown University.

Dowling's role focuses on the intersection of technology and baseball operations. She acts as a bridge between the Rays' baseball systems team, software developers, and data engineers. Her goal is to ensure that analysts, coaches, and scouts have access to responsive data tools. She coordinates with several hundred employees across the organization.

"Coaches and the front office know what questions they're trying to answer," Dowling said. "I work with our developers and data engineers to turn that into something they can actually use, in real time." Her position requires strong communication skills and empathy to manage different viewpoints within the staff.

Dowling attended Lake Forest College to play tennis and study communication. She recalled breaking her ankle during her first year, which prevented her from playing during the spring semester. The college community supported her through the injury, a lesson in collaboration she has applied in her career. She later interned with the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women's Tennis Association.

The Rays' journey to the World Series involved extensive behind-the-scenes coordination. Dowling was in New York when the team advanced to the American League Championship Series. The organization celebrated when the Rays defeated Cleveland at Tropicana Field to secure their spot in the World Series. "Being at Tropicana and getting that win was something else," she recalled.

The team's success relied on departments beyond the field. Staff handled stadium operations, human resources, and camera placements. "Everyone is all in," Dowling said. "We all came together to get us to that point."

Dowling noted that the Rays' company values include respecting more perspectives. This philosophy aligns with her experience at Lake Forest, where she learned to value diverse viewpoints. She believes understanding why others think a certain way is essential for effective communication. The 2026 season has concluded, but Dowling continues to apply these principles in her work.