The return of Transatlantic Storytelling is officially underway as 16 Ball State students have been selected to participate in the second iteration of the award-winning project with Cardiff Met University in Cardiff, Wales.
The highlight of the project will be a 12-day cultural immersion trip to Wales in late February and early March 2024. While on the ground, students will collaborate with their peers in the Cardiff Met Sport Broadcast course to produce feature stories, live sporting events, studio shows and podcasts.
Griffin Leonard (Junior)
There are two reasons I want to be part of this trip. The first reason I want to go on the Transatlantic Storytelling trip is to expand my knowledge and abilities in the world of filmmaking and media. I feel that I will truly expand my knowledge and unlock a new understanding of Sports Media by immersing myself in the culture of Wales. New perspectives can be inspiring, and I hope to use that experience to bring back unique ideas to use for my final year in the program.
From an early age, I have been fascinated with other countries’ cultures, especially that of the United Kingdom. Beginning with my love for soccer, I started to learn more about the UK, immersing myself in their media, sports, and lifestyle. However, years later, I’ve still yet to get a chance to experience for myself. This trip would give me the chance to do something I have yearned to do for a decade.
Hello, my name is Griffin Leonard. I’m a junior in the Sports Link program, and a native of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
I specialize in on-air talent and commentary, but additionally work in the sports production field as a cameraman.
After starting in sports media doing P.A. announcing for my little brother’s baseball games, I’ve expanded my craft over the last 7 years.
More recently, I’ve worked for the Colorado Rockies, Indiana Pacers, and for ESPN Monday Night Football in the production realm. On the commentary side, I’ve worked on ESPN+ for Ball State sports, as play-by-play, color and studio host. Additionally, I’ve broadcasted a multitude of games on SL Digital Radio, including the 2023 MAC Basketball Championships in Cleveland, Ohio.
Outside of the sports media world, I try to balance my work and personal life. I work two other jobs currently, one of them being at Subway, and the other at Oaks Church in Muncie doing childcare for families of the church. Babysitting has been something I’ve been involved in for a while, this being my 9th year.
As far as hobbies go, I’ve recently gotten into frisbee/disc golf, courtesy of my classmate Jordan Klimes. I enjoy being in nature, and am blessed with the beautiful landscape back home to explore.
Part of the Wales trip that I’m looking forward to the most would be to explore the sights and wonders that the country holds.
My main goals for this trip are to gain an understanding and love for Welsh culture, and to learn some filmmaking techniques so that I can look back on this project with pride and know that I was part of something special. I have dreamed for a while to get to travel and experience Europe. My goal would be to immerse myself in the magic of Cardiff and create unforgettable memories.
Griffin Leonard