Staff Spotlight: Mallory, the Fence Crusher

Mallory, the Fence Crusher!

If you've been around Rosko's much the past year or so, there's a good chance you've been served by Mallory. However, if you've been around Rosko's much the past three months, you may have asked yourself: where has Mal been?

What started out as a summer marketing internship, blossomed into a steady bartending gig on top of marketing work. Eventually, when her senior softball season started up in the early spring we lost her to the busyness of school & sports. Then, in one of her final games of the season she broke her leg, which led to us losing her for even longer. But, resilience and energy are two easy words to describe our pal Mal. She's coming back now, a college graduate, working at her first "big girl" job, with a healed leg, and the same fun and infectious personality we learned to love.

Read more about Mallory's background, Rosko's experience, and life experience in the Q&A below!

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up and what activities have been a big part of your life?

I’ve lived in Loyalsock my whole life and grew up surrounded by family. Softball has always been a huge part of my life ever since third grade. Over the years I played on school teams and travel teams, and it became something I couldn’t imagine life without. A lot of my best friendships and memories came from the sport.

How long have you been working at Rosko’s, and how did you get started?

I’ve officially been at Rosko’s for a little over a year now. I originally started through a marketing internship after Adam reached out to me. At the time, I honestly knew very little about beer. Adam suggested bartending too so I could really understand the business I was helping market. Once summer rolled around, we started hosting a ton of events and I quickly became involved in all of it.

Mallory became the queen of theme nights at Rosko's early on in her tenure

What do you enjoy most about working at Rosko’s?

Definitely the people. Between bartending and events, I’ve gotten to meet so many customers and regulars who I’m always excited to see. I’ve learned a lot during my time there — not just about beer, but about friendships, life, and connecting with people.

What’s your all-time favorite Rosko’s beer?

Shadow Self was one of the first beers that really pushed me outside my comfort zone. It’s easy to stick to lighter beers when that’s what you’re used to, but trying Shadow Self opened me up to different styles and flavors. Since then, I’ve realized there are so many beer styles I enjoy for different reasons.

Tell us the story behind “Fence Crusher.”

Fence Crusher is inspired by the end of my senior softball season at Lycoming College. Early in the season, my body was already starting to feel worn down from years of playing. I dealt with soreness and even a lower back injury that forced me to take a couple weeks off.

Coming back from that injury, I was excited just to finish the season strong. In my first at-bat back, I hit a home run and we swept our doubleheader that day. But about a week and a half later — just three days before Senior Day — I ran full speed into the outfield fence trying to catch a ball and broke my leg.

Ironically, one of the first things I said after the collision was, “I caught the ball.” Then I told the trainer, “I think I broke my leg.”

I had never broken a bone before, but I knew immediately it was serious. It was a tough way for my softball career to end, but it also forced me to slow down and look at the bigger picture. Even though it ended a little earlier than expected, I wouldn’t change the experience.

Mallory's tibia broke in two places!

How has recovery been going?

It’s definitely been a process. I’m now over a month removed from surgery and have had to relearn a lot of normal everyday things like walking and going up stairs comfortably. Some days are better than others, but I’ve learned a lot about patience and listening to my body during recovery.

You recently graduated from Lycoming College. What’s next for you?

I recently started as a Marketing Coordinator at New Trail Brewing. My experience at Rosko’s really helped prepare me for this opportunity and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the craft beer industry. I’m excited to keep learning and growing in this field.

Mallory on graduation day from Lycoming College, Williamsport PA

What’s one fun fact most people don’t know about you?

One of my more unique hobbies is collecting Betta fish. I’ve had dozens over the years and even had a successful Betta sorority tank for a while. They’re tiny fish with huge personalities.

We are proud of Mallory for overcoming an unfortunate end to her collegiate sports career. We are also proud of her for earning a position at our neighbor's TOP 50 brewery in the US. That's amazing. And we are excited to have her back behind the bar in her spare time. Stop into Rosko's soon to meet or catch up with her. And if you see her out and about, buy her a beer, she deserves it!

See ya around the taproom soon!