This morning I read an article recapping Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism’s “Beyond The Box Score” series with Pam Oliver, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan, Rachel Nichols of CNN and Turner Sports, and ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth. They made up a panel titled, “The Female Voice in Sports Media.” I highly encourage you to read this, because all of these women have made their way in sports in different, yet all highly successful ways, and their discussion made me reevaluate how I handle my career.
You see, for me, being a sports reporter is a dream come true. I have honestly known that I have wanted to work in journalism since I saw April O’Neal on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But, it is also a profession that fills me with anxiety. One of the points the ladies on the panel discussed is that sideline reporters are journalists and not celebrities. My favorite part of my reporting job at LSU is seeing the young men and women grow in their interviews throughout the four years that they are here on campus. I thoroughly enjoy telling their stories, getting involved with the team and really getting to know the athletes and the coaches. With my passion for my career also comes increased scrutiny; always thinking about what others are thinking of me and also putting an insane amount of pressure on myself to live up to the standards that are now set for women sideline reporters.

The first day of kindergarten was a big one for me, because it was the day of my first official reporting experience. I was April O’Neal and my brother was the cameraman.