With so many games to cover each season, the young reporters at Rebel Report – UNLV’s student-run sports broadcast and social media platform – are definitely getting their representative mark in the world of sports journalism.
What made you decide to do sports journalism?
I’ve always had an outgoing personality and I’ve always wanted to be on TV. I love sharing my message and conveying things and my tone of voice. After playing basketball for so long, I thought, “This is perfect.” I majored as soon as I got into college, and I knew I wanted to do sports broadcasting. i played basketball [at UNLV] on a basketball scholarship, but as of this year I am medically retired due to rib injuries and a shoulder injury. I’ve been following this ever since, and it’s been amazing. It’s really cool because I have such a personal insight into basketball. I know the game, I know what I’m seeing and it’s really fun to be able to analyze it and put it into words for people.
Why did you choose UNLV?
Actually, during my senior year of high school, I thought, “I don’t want to stay home [in Vegas]’ but I did a tour of UNLV and when I saw the journalism school here I said yes straight away. I chose UNLV because it’s a hub for everything. It’s so busy I can cover multiple games in one day – a week, I covered three games in one day and they were all different sports. At Rebel Report we cover volleyball, basketball, soccer, hockey, everything.
How does your experience as a former basketball player influence your reporting?
I think being a former athlete has helped me a lot and given me a head start because I have a lot of access to the players and the facilities. my [basketball] Careers ended early and I love spotlighting these athletes. To be able to treat her on such a personal level is really awesome. I know this industry is very tough so I’m up for fights but so far it’s been really good.
In my basketball coverage, I also focus more on defense and like the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet because as a former player I’ve made plays that didn’t always show up on the stat sheet. I want to highlight the defensive mindset and shine a light on the players who aren’t getting the attention they deserve.
You mentioned that you suffered an injury that ended your career as a basketball player – I’m curious if that translates into more sports journalism and what your experience was like.
My posterior labrum was torn, so the last year has been very tough for me. It was definitely mentally exhausting as well. What really helped me get away from that and realize it’s okay is to get involved in journalism. Still being in the atmosphere, being the host of the Lady Rebels – all of that makes me feel like it should happen.
What do you love most about live reporting?
It comes second closest to gaming. You feel the energy, you feel the crowd and you see everything live. There’s nothing quite like seeing it live. You can watch it on TV or in the studio, but I think that audience gives me an extra boost of energy.
What is your future in sports journalism?
My dream job would definitely be working as a sports analyst at ESPN or CBS, in the field, maybe in the studio. But I think the fun part is now because now I can just send off my resume and see what happens and see where it takes me. I know you can’t just go to ESPN right away. Most people can’t do that, but I’ll shoot high and hope for the best.