8 • Sept / Oct 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine
WHS student tackles the sports journalism industry , one microphone at a time
If you ’ ve ever attended a Weddington High ( WHS ) baseball or varsity basketball game , you probably know Kendall Smith . Or , at the very least , you ’ ve probably heard her voice .
For the past several years , the high school senior has announced a number of sports games at WHS and in the greater Charlotte area . Instead of spending her summer at home , Kendall recently participated in the University of South Carolina ’ s Carolina Journalism Institute , a summer program devoted to helping high school students enhance their knowledge of cutting-edge journalism techniques and standards .
Check out what the “ Voice of WHS baseball and basketball ” had to say about her love of sports journalism and her time in the USC summer program :
On how she fell in love with sports journalism : I was initially drawn to sports reporting in fifth grade when I auditioned for and was selected to be a broadcaster for the Antioch Elementary television station . I have a passion for speaking , a passion for sports , and a passion for telling stories . That passion has grown exponentially since my time at Antioch Elementary , but that is where my love for the sports journalism field began .
On her experience in the program : Throughout the day , we took different classes that expanded our journalism skills in writing , broadcast , social media , etc . We also did field reporting and had the opportunity to shoot and report on our own stories around town . I , of course , picked baseball because the team just finished an incredible NCAA Super Regional run , and I wanted to pursue sports journalism .
My most memorable experience in the program was going to the top of Williams Brice football stadium where all of the TV stations work during games . It was unreal getting to see such a massive stadium from that perspective , and I also dreamed about having the chance to actually report on the field and interview coaches and players one day . It was a motivating moment .
On how her broadcast experience at WHS prepared her for future opportunities : I ’ ve announced WHS baseball games since I was a freshman and I also announce WHS basketball games . Any microphone exposure is essential to success in this field so they have both been instrumental in that regard . I ’ ve also had an internship with Carolina Sports Network since the summer of 2017 . With them , I broadcast UNC Charlotte football , the Charlotte Hornets , and the Charlotte Knights games .
These opportunities prepared me so much and allowed me to experience a career in journalism . I have more exciting sports journalism opportunities in the works for this fall as well that I am thrilled about , too !
On how this summer program will prepare her for a career in broadcast journalism : This experience will prepare me immensely for college because it gave me a “ college experience .” I took classes from college professors and had a workload and projects similar to a college student . It truly taught me about the effort it requires to be successful as a journalism student in college . In broadcast journalism , any experience you get behind a microphone is helpful . I soak in any chance I get to hone my craft . USC provided me with a great chance to do so .