From Tennessee to Leicester: Student researcher brings a global perspective

For University of Tennessee student Caroline Hagler, a summer internship is about much more than gaining work experience.

When I first spoke to Dr Jonathan Knowles about a visiting student from the University of Tennessee, I hadn’t even learned her name and jokingly referred to her as the “Tennessee superstar”. Having now spent time with Caroline and heard about her journey, I can confidently say she more than lives up to the nickname.

It has taken student Caroline Hagler more than 4,000 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Leicester City FC’s Sports Turf Academy (STA), where she is helping deliver cutting-edge turfgrass research while gaining first-hand experience of British sports turf management.

The placement, created through collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Leicester City FC’s Sports Turf Academy and lighting technology specialists SGL, is giving Caroline an opportunity that few undergraduate students ever experience: leading an industry research trial while working alongside some of the most respected names in sports turf.

A passion discovered by chance

Interestingly, Caroline had little knowledge of sports turf before arriving at university.

“I had no idea what sports turf was growing up,” she explains. “When I attended my orientation tour at the University of Tennessee, the guide was a turfgrass major and started talking about travelling, working at NFL stadiums and all the opportunities available in the industry. That immediately caught my attention.”

Originally enrolled as an Agricultural Business student, Caroline took an introductory turfgrass course during her sophomore year and quickly found her calling.

After joining the University of Tennessee grounds team, working on the university’s soccer and softball facilities, she gained valuable industry experience through placements with the Charlotte Knights baseball team, Carolina Green sod farm and the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise.

Now entering her final year of study in Agricultural Business and Turfgrass Management, Caroline already has her sights set on a future in turfgrass research.

Learning a different approach

Although sports turf management shares common goals worldwide, Caroline quickly discovered that British and American approaches can differ significantly.

Coming from Tennessee, located within the United States’ transition zone, she is accustomed to working predominantly with warm-season Bermuda grass, often overseeded with perennial ryegrass during winter.

In contrast, the Leicester City training facilities are maintained using cool-season turf species.

“The grass types and management practices are completely different from what I’m used to,” says Caroline. “In the US, we would almost always install sod, whereas here I’ve seen pitches established directly from seed.”

One of the biggest revelations has been witnessing how quickly UK grounds teams can establish playing surfaces from seed, often under challenging weather conditions.

“They were seeding pitches when I arrived, and now they’re preparing for play. The speed at which everything develops is really impressive.”

Water management provides valuable lessons

The dry summer weather in the UK has also highlighted another major difference.

“We’ve only had one day of rain since I’ve been here,” Caroline says. “What’s really interesting is seeing how carefully water is managed.”

In the United States, water availability is often less restrictive, particularly within sports turf operations.

“At home, water use isn’t really something we discuss very often. Here it’s a much bigger consideration. It’s been fascinating to see how facilities maintain such high-quality surfaces while being so conscious about water management.”

Leading her own research project

Alongside supporting research already underway at the Sports Turf Academy, Caroline has been given responsibility for managing an SGL-backed mowing frequency trial.

The month-long study examines how different mowing frequencies affect sports turf performance under simulated match wear.

Plots are being maintained at five cuts per week, three cuts per week, two cuts per week, alongside an unmown control area. To replicate playing conditions, a wear simulator is applied weekly.

The trial is based on previous work completed by an SGL intern in Amsterdam but has been expanded to include additional performance metrics and a control treatment (see right hand section for data collected).

The project will culminate in a research report that Caroline will analyse and present herself.

Beyond turf management

The internship has also exposed Caroline to wider aspects of turf science, including disease diagnostics, pathology testing and irrigation management.

One highlight has been undertaking irrigation training through the Sports Turf Academy.

“I’d seen irrigation systems being worked on before, but I never really understood the reasons behind what was being done. Now I have a much better understanding of sprinkler systems, nozzles and troubleshooting.”

The placement is also helping her appreciate the scientific research that underpins modern turf management.

“People often don’t realise how much work goes into producing a sports pitch. Every seed variety, fertiliser and management practice has been researched, tested and evaluated before it reaches the field.”

Breaking down barriers

As a young woman entering what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, Caroline is encouraged by the increasing number of women entering the industry.

“There’s definitely more representation than there used to be,” she says. “Whenever you meet other women in the industry there’s a real willingness to support and help each other.”

Having attended women-focused industry networking events in the United States, she believes visibility and mentorship are helping encourage more women to pursue careers in turf management and research.

Looking towards the future

Long-term, Caroline hopes to follow in the footsteps of one of her biggest inspirations, University of Tennessee Distinguished Professor John Sorochan, and pursue a career in sports turf research.

Her ambition is to continue into postgraduate study and ultimately contribute to the advancement of sports turf management through scientific investigation.

Reflecting on her time at Leicester City, she believes the experience has already shaped her future career path.

“I thought I wanted to go into research before I came here, but this experience has really confirmed it. Managing a research project from start to finish has been invaluable.”

Prof. John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor, University of Tennessee:

Caroline is a remarkable example of what our Turfgrass Management program at the University of Tennessee produces. In just a short time, she has gained hands-on experience across the NFL, MLS, major college athletics and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and now she is taking that drive to an international level through her internship at the Sports Turf Academy with Leicester City FC.

Caroline’s work is also a wonderful example of what this new collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Leicester City FC Sports Turf Academy and SGL can achieve. The research Caroline is conducting for SGL is meaningful, applied science, and the experience she is gaining will be invaluable to her career. We are incredibly proud of how she is representing the University of Tennessee on a world stage.

Dr Jonathan Knowles, Head of Sports Turf Academy, Leicester City FC:

Caroline is a credit to both her university and her family. As our STA Technician, she has taken the lead on an ambitious SGL Ltd trial, managing everything from project planning and day-to-day implementation to liaising with the agronomists at SGL.

She has also embraced responsibility for maintaining our turfgrass trials area, alongside several other in-house research trials. Indoors, Caroline plays a vital role in our turfgrass pathology and diagnostic work, particularly during this busy time of year. We’ve certainly been keeping her on her toes!

In a short space of time, Caroline has become an invaluable member of both the STA and Grounds teams. We’ll be sorry when the time comes to wave her off back to UT, but we’re incredibly proud to be a small part in her journey towards graduation.

Caroline’s placement demonstrates the benefits of international collaboration between universities, football clubs and industry suppliers, providing students with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. I’m certain Caroline has a bright future!