Who wouldn’t want to talk about sports for a living?
That is the question that filters through my head multiple times day, and the answer is always the same. How in the world am I so lucky to have found a passion this strong at just 21 years old?
I have known since I was a sophomore in high school that I wanted to be a sports broadcaster. Ever since I put on the headset for the first time to call a Carmel High School JV girls basketball game, I have always been searching for more opportunities to do what I love.
From being lead commentary across 10 different sports, I truly considered myself well-versed in the profession, but still with so much room to learn. After starting my young career at the age of 15, to now as a senior at Ball State, I have been blessed with the opportunity to call over 200 games.
But on March 6th, 2024, I experienced something I did not think was possible. I covered my first game outside of the United States, on a sport that truly left me speechless. Kind of ironic, don’t you think?
“Live from Cardiff, Wales it’s Archers Rugby on Cardiff Met Sport TV!” That was the only confident phrase I said the rest of the evening as I attempted to broadcast my first ever rugby match.
Over the course of the match, I felt the urge to yell out “touchdown!” after every score, but wisely I demonstrated composure.
No forward passes? No shoulder pads or helmets? What the heck is going on?
These are the type of questions I asked myself over the next two and a half hours of pure confusion. And yet, I felt so intrigued by this novel sport. In my frantic attempt to sound at all competent to the viewers of this collegiate ruby match, I couldn’t help but remember back to my days as young high schooler.
A bright-eyed bushy tailed high school sophomore, putting that worn-out headset on, sweating from the nerves of calling my first game.
After the dust settled and the final whistle blew, it was the Cardiff Met Archers that came out victorious. The team burst over to the student section while being met with thunderous applause and clever chants to celebrate the well-fought victory.
As I watched the team’s embrace by its home crowd, I quickly realized the source of this nostalgia. This job gives me the opportunity to share my passion just like those players and those fans. And the beautiful part is, I get to be a part of it.
I guess I just needed a little reminder, 3,800 miles away from home.
By the way, a scrum in rugby is a method of restarting play that involves players packing closely together with their heads down and attempting to gain possession of the ball.
