“I didn’t know I wanted to work in sports,” Fischgrund said. “I just knew I loved the feeling of working toward something bigger than myself.”
That spark first ignited in high school, where she held leadership roles in a youth led organization and helped run largescale events drawing 500 to 600 participants. At Indiana University, she continued seeking out opportunities to be part of meaningful, high-energy projects, ultimately joining the university’s student foundation.
“When I finished at IU, I knew I wanted to keep chasing that excitement—being part of something big and fun that meant so much to people,” she said.
A South Bend, Indiana native, Fischgrund admits she knew little about INDYCAR before applying for an internship after college.
“A friend told me I should apply,” she recalled. “I didn’t know what INDYCAR was, but I went for it, got the internship and I obviously haven’t left. It’s been fun to live different lives within Penske Entertainment and to be part of something bigger than myself.”
During her tenure at Penske Entertainment, Fischgrund has worked across multiple corners of the organization, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR Race Weekend in Iowa, and now the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix in Nashville.
“I’ve had unexpected opportunities in this company and this industry,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even if I spent longer in some roles than I initially imagined, every step brought me to where I am now, and it has all been great.”
Unlike many professionals in leadership roles, Fischgrund doesn’t map out long term career plans. Instead, she prefers to stay focused on the work directly in front of her.
“I love new adventures, and I love not knowing what opportunities might come next,” she said. “I’m not someone who has a fiveyear plan. I’m always focused on the moment—making sure the job I’m doing right now gets across the finish line. It’s hard to think about what’s next when you don’t even know what could be next.”
Outside her demanding schedule, Fischgrund dedicates additional time to Playmakers Nashville, a newly established nonprofit committed to advancing women in all areas of sports. She currently serves on its board.
“Having the opportunity here in Nashville to connect students who want to work in sports with women who are already in the industry—or who may want to transition into it—has been really fun and fascinating,” she said.
As for her advice to the next generation of women looking to get into sports? Showing up and learning how to effectively network.
“It’s important for women to get involved in everything they can,” Fischgrund said. “Networking is truly one of the best tools we can learn how to utilize, and that’s not just for women but for everyone. Your contacts, the way you show up and the way you utilize your contacts and represent yourself in the community can completely change your trajectory if you do it correctly.”
For more information or to join Playmakers Nashville, visit playmakersnashville.org.
The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix returns to Nashville Superspeedway July 18-19 with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone. Tickets are on sale now and available at musiccitygp.com or by calling 866-RACE-TIX.
