BEYOND THE ECHO:
BEYOND THE ECHO: AHMAD GARNETT ' S SPORTS MEDIA JOURNEY
BY NEVAEH GREENE
Ahmad Garnett, a Prince George’ s, Maryland native, enrolled at Norfolk State University in the fall of 2020. Entering college during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Garnett, like many students, faced a world in turmoil. Despite the challenges, he thrived in the unknown and pursued his dream of becoming part of the sports media industry.
“ I’ ve always loved sports,” Garnett reflects.“ I admired the commentators, the energy, and just the overall aspect of it all.”
That passion and determination led him to Norfolk State, where he found an enthusiastic and supportive environment. Majoring in Mass Communication and General Broadcasting, Garnett initially set his sights on becoming a reporter. Over time, with guidance and encouragement, he discovered a hidden talent and drive for writing.
His decision to attend Norfolk State wasn’ t based solely on resources and opportunities. It was also about legacy. Garnett’ s father had left his own mark at the university.
“ I was torn between Norfolk State and Morgan State,” he admits.“ But along with the environment, resources, and people, the legacy my father made helped me pick.”
He later secured an internship with the Detroit Free Press, where he pitched story ideas daily, covered professional sports events, and navigated the demands of a fast-paced newsroom.
Today, Garnett carries forward the lessons learned at Norfolk State, not only from mentors like Dr. Marsh but also from his peers at the Spartan Echo.
“ Dr. Marsh always said: never forget about Norfolk State,” Garnett recalls.“ That stuck with me.”
Whether through resources, advice, or story ideas, Garnett continues to stay connected to Norfolk State journalists while forging his own path. To students and aspiring reporters, he offers a reminder:“ Stay focused. Grow and learn every day, but don’ t forget to have fun while you’ re doing it.”
From the sidelines of Norfolk State sports to the sidelines of professional events, Garnett is blazing a trail for his community and the next generation of Black journalists, not only in sports media, but across the industry.
By his sophomore year, Garnett was making his presence felt. As sports editor of the Spartan Echo, he covered both the highs and lows of athletics with precision and clarity. One of his favorite memories was covering the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference( MEAC) Tournament during his senior year alongside fellow student journalists Alauna Marable, Tatyana Canty, and Calista Veyan.
“ It was a three-day stretch of being in a professional setting,” he recalls. The adrenaline and pressure only confirmed his passion for sports media.
Garnett’ s senior year also brought personal hardship. His father suffered cardiac arrest, and while he wanted to be home to help, his family encouraged him to stay the course. With resilience and determination, he pressed forward. His persistence earned him a spot in the Sports Journalism Institute, a competitive program preparing the next generation of journalists.
AHMAD GARNETT CREDIT: AHMAD GARNETT
SPARTAN ECHO 13