For most of my life, I have been drawn to becoming a journalist in some capacity.
I pursued a career in sports journalism when I started at TCU in 2020, seeing how
greatly the student body embraces athletics on campus.
My experience in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication and the Film Television
Digital Media program has shaped me into the person I am today.
From the time I started at TCU, I embraced the program in as many ways as I could,
filling my plate to its greatest capacity to better understand what my career could
become in the world of sports. I learned about the opportunities to work both with
the student-run media group, TCU 360, and the TCU Athletics and Marketing departments
to cover sports on campus. This was a huge opportunity to dip my toes into the journalism world and understand
what it takes to make it into an industry that can often be overwhelming.
From then on, my involvement on campus soared, as I joined the Athletics department
as a Carter Host, a football recruiting position that allowed me many opportunities
to connect with student-athletes and coaches.I used my connections to cover athletics on the side as well, writing and recording
for TCU 360 by creating feature stories and interviews for the website and building
my portfolio of work.
I learned early on that as a woman working in a male-dominated industry, determination
and preparation served me greatly. Through hard work and perseverance, I successfully
secured two summer internships with Fox Sports during the summers following my sophomore
and junior years of college.
My time with Fox afforded me opportunities that I cannot begin to express enough gratitude
for. Most notably, I was able to shadow sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Jenny
Taft, as well as work with the Big Noon Kickoff team and NFL on Fox’s world renowned
broadcast including Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen during a Super Bowl year. I have
also worked as a runner for the AFC Playoffs and on set for Race Hub on Fox, a daily
show running out of North Carolina on FS1.
After returning from my summer with Fox, I was offered the opportunity to host my
own live show at Jon’s Grille interviewing athletes, as well as cover TCU basketball
and baseball all season long with pre- and post-game shows and interviews.
These opportunities and relationships have created a network and status for me as an aspiring journalist that is beyond what I could have wished for as a little girl.
These opportunities and relationships have created a network and status for me as an aspiring journalist that is beyond what I could have wished for as a little girl.
As I conclude my journey as a Horned Frog, I reflect on my favorite experience as
a production intern with the Dallas Cowboys, which proved to be the most rewarding
of them all. Standing alongside a few TCU peers on the Cowboys sideline, amidst a
legendary team that reshaped the NFL, was a surreal moment that will forever live
in my memory.These experiences wrapped into one are just a small piece of the unbelievable time
I have had at Texas Christian University. The professors, staff, students and colleagues
I've encountered over the past four years have profoundly impacted my life and enriched
my experience. As I say farewell to my Horned Frog family, I know I can rely on cherished
connections and this supportive community for years to come.
Olivia earned a degree in sports broadcasting with minors in business and journalism and is actively interviewing for positions to launch her career in sports journalism.