On a windy afternoon at Lupton Stadium, Lillianna Ball ’25 stood behind the camera, bracing against the gusts that threatened to shake her shot overlooking the field. She was tasked with tracking the pitcher, batter and catcher, ensuring each pitch was captured for the live broadcast. Despite the challenge, she steadied her hands, adjusted her stance and refocused. It was in that moment that she knew sports broadcasting was her passion.
A senior at Texas Christian University from St. Michael’s, Md., Lillianna is a sports broadcasting and religion double major. Her time at TCU has been defined by hands-on experiential learning
that has taken her from the classroom to the control room, and even to professional
experiences with ESPN+ and the Dallas Mavericks. As a competitive sports broadcasting
major in our Bob Schieffer College of Communication’s Film, Television and Digital Media (FTDM) department, Lillianna has embraced every opportunity that has come her way.
Lillianna didn’t originally come to TCU to pursue sports broadcasting. Rather, she initially explored other majors before applying and choosing the sports broadcasting program.
“When I first came to TCU, I was undecided with no clear plan,” she recalls. “I saw that sports broadcasting was an opportunity offered through FTDM, so I tried it out. By the end of my first class, I knew this is what I wanted to pursue.”
That first class – “Introduction to Remote Sports Production” – was a game-changer. During this course, she was given the chance to run the camera at baseball and basketball games, getting a real feel for the adrenaline and excitement behind the scenes.
“Running camera for TCU baseball was challenging, especially when dealing with wind, but it taught me how to adapt quickly,” Lillianna exclaims.
Hands-On Learning: The TCU Sports Broadcasting Experience
Unlike traditional lecture-based programs, TCU’s sports broadcasting program is all about hands-on experience. Offered as both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, the program requires a minimum of 37 semester hours, covering everything from the history of broadcasting to live sports production.
Lillianna described her experience in the program as an immersive learning environment where students don’t just study sports media, they live and breathe it. Schieffer College’s HD Control Room serves as the heart of the experience, where students practice and refine their skills during actual live broadcasts.
“We get to work with cameras, cables, graphics machines and replay systems, all in a real-world setting in the Control Room,” she explains.
From TCU to ESPN+ and Beyond
Through her coursework, Lillianna has gained hands-on experience in a variety of live sports productions. From producing live events to running replay during TCU’s thrilling basketball victory over Texas Tech in the 2024 season, she has built an impressive resume of high-pressure moments.
“When we beat Texas Tech, I was running replay and my watch alerted me that my heart rate was too high,” she laughs. “You have to stay calm and focused, but the energy in those moments is incredible.”
Her work with ESPN+ has been instrumental in her growth, allowing her to refine her skills in a real-world setting.
“Game days are intense,” she says. “If I’m producing, I wake up early to finish my research on the game, then arrive at the control room four and half hours early. Once we go live, I am constantly communicating with the talent, associate producer and director to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Industry Connections and Mentorship
One of the standout aspects of TCU’s sports broadcasting program is the direct pipeline it provides to industry professionals. Lillianna credits much of her success to the mentorship she received from FTDM Professor of Professional Practice Mike Martin.
“The professors at TCU do not just teach, they become mentors,” she explained. “Professor Mike Martin has incredible industry connections, and he helped me land my internship with the Dallas Mavericks.”
This internship was a pivotal experience, giving her an inside look at professional sports broadcasting.
“My biggest takeaway was realizing that you have to be truly passionate about this industry to succeed,” Lillianna says. “It’s fast-paced, unpredictable and demanding. But that’s what makes it so exciting.”
A Future Fueled by Experience and Opportunity
As graduation approaches, Lillianna is ready to take the next step in her sports broadcasting career. She plans to work as a freelance graphics operator in the local sports scene, continuing to build on the skills she developed at TCU.
For incoming Horned Frogs interested in sports broadcasting, Lillianna encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity.
“You never know how one experience can change your life unless you take a chance,” she emphasizes. “My first big opportunity was working the spring TCU Football game, and that opened so many doors for me.”
Reflecting on her time at TCU, Lillianna is grateful for the mentorship, opportunities and hands-on experiences that have shaped her journey.
“Everything I know, I have learned at TCU,” she said. “This program has given me the skills, confidence and connections to pursue my dream career.”
As she steps into the professional world, Lillianna Ball is ready to leave her mark on the sports media industry with the skills and confidence she has gained from the TCU’s sports broadcasting program.
Macy Bayer ’28 studies journalism and marketing at TCU with a minor in political science, and is from Muenster, Texas. She is a social media and marketing intern for the Office of Admission.