Covering my first NCAA Division I men’s basketball Tournament was an unforgettable, life-changing experience. When I stepped onto the court at Fiserv Forum for the first time, surrounded by cameras capturing the action for the televised audience and glaring at the big screen, the moment felt surreal, as though I were living in a dream.
Press Conference experience
Being up close with players and coaching staff during press conferences was something I had only seen on TV, and I never imagined it would become my reality. Sharing the space with journalists from local news outlets, newspapers, and major sports networks like ESPN added to the excitement. One of the tournament’s highlights came after the Kentucky vs. North Carolina game on Friday, March 21. I had the opportunity to attend the press conference and ask North Carolina’s Head Coach, Hubert Davis a question. Though I was extremely nervous, breaking the ice by asking that single question felt like a milestone in my journey as a writer.
Meeting Fox 6 Sports Director
On Sunday, March 23, before the Ole Miss and Iowa State game, I met Fox 6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren on my way to the media room. It was such a thrill to meet a respected figure in sports broadcasting. During our brief conversation, I shared my dream of becoming a sports broadcaster and talked about my current role as a student sports writer for the MATC Times. He was incredibly encouraging, wishing me success on my journey. The conversation left me inspired and more motivated than ever to pursue my goals in sports.
Emotions: From Self-Doubt to Excitement
This experience was also an emotional rollercoaster; at times, I struggled with self-doubt and feelings of isolation, as I didn’t interact with other journalists or writers. Occasionally, I noticed curious glances, their expressions seeming to question whether I belonged there. I’m unsure if the MATC Times had ever sent a writer to cover this event before. The feeling of discomfort left me feeling out of place in such an unfamiliar environment. Another emotion I experienced was excitement, knowing I had taken the first step toward my career and I gained valuable experience. I made the right decision in choosing this path. While this event focused on college sports, it felt like a significant milestone, bringing me one step closer to covering professional leagues in the future.
I knew I had taken my first step toward establishing myself as a reporter at one of the biggest events in sports. Overall, reporting on the NCAA Tournament was an incredible opportunity, one that I’ll cherish forever. Being in the same room as future NBA superstars and historic college coaches is something I will never forget. I look forward to covering more monumental events like this and reliving that magical feeling of turning my dreams into reality.
You can read my coverage of Friday’s games here, and my coverage of Sunday games here.
