Helping women and minorities into newsrooms since 1993
Helping women and minorities into newsrooms since 1993
Over the course of three days, the Sports Journalism Institute class of 2025 partook in an intense, virtual bootcamp, welcoming guests like Candace Buckner of the Washington Post and Fox Sports Radio’s Rob Parker.
At the beginning of each day, the class took on an SJI tradition: the sports check. With questions about recent sports headlines and historical facts, all 15 students had their sports knowledge tested. A variety of speakers then joined the Zoom to talk about career advice and previous SJI experiences.
My biggest takeaway of the experience came from ESPN Senior NBA Writer Baxter Holmes. Now an investigative reporter, Holmes highlighted the importance of keeping your reader engaged in every word. Holmes said the easiest thing a reader can do is to stop reading, and that simple phrase had a huge impact on how I read stories and how I write. Knowing he deals with a number of sensitive topics in his stories, I asked Holmes how he builds trust with his sources. Holmes said the best thing is to show your humanity, and to be straightforward about their value in your story.
Holmes’ advice is something I shall apply for the rest of my career.
--Isa Almeida
There was a lot to take away from our virtual bootcamps. We had numerous amazing speakers, but there were a few who really stood out to me.
One speaker I really enjoyed listening to was Rob Parker. Mr. Parker gave us loads of practical advice that I feel will make me a better reporter. One phrase that he used is so simple, yet so effective: “Just write it.”
Oftentimes, I attend games with story ideas already in mind, and they may not fit the narrative for that game. Instead, I need to just write what is in front of me. I shouldn’t be stuck on what I thought was going to fit the theme of the night and write what is actually going on.
But that wasn’t the only thing that I took away from Mr. Parker. I understood his emphasis on how important ledes are. When we end a story, it should tie back into our lede like a bow. And while ledes draw people into your stories, the headlines are also important. Vague headlines aren’t the most enticing, so you want to captivate people with a bold headline.
Malcolm Moran was another speaker that I really enjoyed listening to. Mr. Moran spoke on the importance of story deadlines, and I felt that this advice went hand in hand with what Mr. Parker spoke about. Mr. Moran introduced the topic by stating there are three areas to be on top of when making sure your work gets done on time: prep, in-game notes and your approach to writing the story. You should always have running copy going during the game so you are closer to getting your story published whenever the game is over. You should also have clean copy so be sure you are editing your work as you go.
Another important aspect of storytelling is really just paying attention during the game. I learned the importance of reading game notes beforehand and paying attention to trends during the contest. Taking note of the small details can help with asking the right questions.
I really enjoyed all of the speakers this week, but the advice from Mr. Parker and Mr. Moran really stuck out. I felt I learned a lot of tips on how to be a better journalist from them. The other thing I really enjoyed this week was hearing from SJI alums on the first day. It was comforting to hear from people who have been in our shoes and listen to how SJI has changed their life.
--Alaina Morris
Three SJI alumni with different career paths delivered a unified message to the class Tuesday: take boot camp seriously — the skills will serve you for life, even if you leave journalism.
Nick Creegan, Milo Bryant and Caryn Grant joined the class to discuss their careers outside of sports journalism. Creegan is an actor, Bryant is an author and CEO of NoBullFit Corporation and Grant is senior director of diversity and inclusion at NASCAR.
Creegan spoke about the skills students gain from SJI. He told us that sports checks helped him develop a lifelong habit of reading and staying aware of world news. Creegan also said the writing skills he honed at SJI, including the ability to file clean copy on deadline, helped him stand out throughout his career.
The speakers also emphasized the importance of building relationships at SJI. It’s a message I’ve heard often during virtual boot camp.
Many alumni who joined us during the first few days of class said the relationships we build with instructors are essential, but bonds with classmates matter just as much. Boot camp has shown how connected the SJI network is and how many alumni return to support the program.
Wednesday’s sessions covered writing on deadline, covering the NBA and WNBA, and being a minority woman in a management role.
Malcolm Moran stressed the importance of pre-reporting and being ready to pivot if a game changes. I know I’ll be referring to my notes from Moran’s session when we cover Mercury and Diamondbacks games during boot camp.
Advice from Mercury beat reporter Tia Reid, Thunder beat reporter Joel Lorenzi and Pistons beat reporter Hunter Patterson gave our class insight into what to expect covering a basketball game–something I’ll do for the first time at boot camp. I’m looking forward to getting to work in Arizona and, just as importantly, meeting my classmates.
--Sofia Schwarzwalder
SJI’s virtual bootcamp was capped off with thoughtful advice from Malcolm Moran, Tia Reid, Iliana Limón Romero, Joel Lorenzi and Hunter Patterson.
Malcolm discussed tips with us for writing on deadline, including preparation, retention, and protection. We should always do our research before a game to find any possible storylines, take notes while at the game, and start writing early. Building a good reputation by being on time and having attention to detail is important.
A key takeaway I learned from Tia is to be observant of everything going on during the game and use timeouts to get things done.
But I think what I'll remember the most from virtual bootcamp is the guidance from Hunter and Joel. They reminded our class that while first impressions are important, we have to keep up appearances and show why we’re meant to be in this industry. I’m excited for the in-person half of SJI bootcamp.
--Allexus Killian
The class opened with the hardest sports check so far. I learned from Malcolm Moran how to identify storylines before going into the game. I should look up the history of each team, and see if I spot patterns. I should be as close to an expert as possible. I also learned that I should be my first editor, by writing as cleanly as possible. “Write everything you are writing as if you are writing for the organizations you dream of writing for, " Moran said. I should edit as I go.
Tia Reed talked to us about her experience covering the Phoenix Mercury. It seemed like she knew everything about the team. She knew the rookies, ownership, and the makeup of the new roster. We should know who is playing in the lineup. We should also identify details, such as how the player is moving on the court before and during the game. We should look for interactions with the fans.
Illiana Limon Romero taught us about rejection and how to respond to it. We also learned what to expect diversity-wise when we enter most newsrooms. We realized the importance of diversity and why perspectives are important.
Joel Lorenzi and Hunter Patterson told us how to cover NBA beats. Lorenzi talked to us about the importance of first impressions and how we should dress when covering a team. He also talked to us about how we should introduce ourselves to everyone. Patterson gave us an important lesson on how hard we should work in the industry. We learned how he went out of his way to provide Kings coverage, with the Kings not having a beat writer. He essentially made it his beat. Lastly, we learned how to use social media as a beat writer.
--Tarohn Finley
On the third day of bootcamp, I gained valuable insight about writing on tight deadlines, covering the NBA and WNBA, and navigating sports management. Each of the five speakers gave important advice that I can utilize throughout the duration of bootcamp and during my internship.
Notably, Malcolm Moran’s talk, “Thriving, Not Just Surviving, on Deadline” was very informative as he gave his three tips to flourishing on deadline: preparation, retention, and protection in the writing process. I was engaged by his talk and took away some gems he mentioned.
While Moran discussed the significance of note-taking and recording observations, he also mentioned taking account of trends and patterns during games, with timestamps. Moran emphasized that good note-taking leads to asking informed questions later on.
What stood out to me the most was when Moran said to write everything with intention. I think this is integral because you always want to put your best foot forward and communicate effectively.
The discussions about game coverage were also helpful as we prepare to cover the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Mercury next week. I enjoyed hearing Tia Reid, 2023 SJI alum, talk about her experience covering the Mercury early in her career.
When I asked her about having to pivot when writing a game story, she said to “never assume the game is over until it’s over.” I’m glad that she spoke about that because it’s important to be flexible and adapt to changes that happen in games. She also said that she sometimes writes two options for stories when a game can go either way. I think this would be great for me to use in those moments.
In addition to her discussion, I enjoyed listening to Joel Lorenzi, 2022 SJI alum, and Hunter Patterson discuss covering the NBA as beat writers.
I enjoyed hearing them address initially having imposter syndrome when they entered the space with journalists they’ve looked up to. The conversation flowed well as they also discussed first impressions and continuously building your writing voice over time.
It was cool seeing alums, who were just in our places not too long ago, work in the industry and give us advice.
Along with discussing working in sports journalism, I enjoyed hearing Illiana Limón Romero discuss the management side. She gave great information about characteristics of a good intern and how the management side works.
I greatly appreciated every speaker and the information they provided. I know that I will carry it with me for a long time, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else bootcamp has in store.
--Alana Thompson
The thing about deadlines is that they’re not optional. They decide careers. Either a writer is going to hit it, or they won’t. Personally, I’m going to make sure I hit mine. And to do that, preparation is key.
Malcolm Moran, Director of the Sports Capital Journalism Program at IU Indianapolis, harped on this message. Deadlines and clean copy are non-negotiables for a successful sportswriter. Running copy during the game helps, but in order to truly thrive under pressure, you have to put the onus on your preparation. Prepare the stats and storylines for every possible outcome you might see. That way, when a storyline develops, you’ve already got the context ready to go.
Ever seen Avengers: Infinity War? Doctor Strange saw 14 million possible outcomes for the upcoming conflict with Thanos.
Do that — prepare for all of them.
Also, if Joel Lorenzi from The Oklahoman has any say in it, let’s abolish these social media warriors. He asks a question, and someone else posts the clip on Twitter, getting engagement before Lorenzi even looks down at his recorder. Let the work speak. And if you desire to keep your private life separate from your work life, you should feel entitled to do so.
Journalists aren’t the story.
Share the story.
Let the story take precedent.
--Devon Henderson
By the last day of the virtual boot camp, I stumbled into my chair, knowing the sports check would be a bloodbath. I texted a close friend who had previously graduated from SJI to get a better understanding of Lee. It didn’t matter. I was vastly unprepared for it and misinterpreted several of the questions. Safe to say, any detective work done to try to memorize potential answers failed.
However, the final round of guests built up my confidence enough for me to want to take on in-person sports checks. From Tia Reid to Joel Lorenzi, each brought unique perspectives about preparation that I will use when I travel to Arizona. However, the $250 dropped on tailored suits, as Lorenzi suggested, will have to wait.
Iliana Limón Romero’s session stood out to me the most. After the Los Angeles Times sports editor doled out advice on how to handle our internship experience — always remain curious and be an active participant — she heaped praise onto Guzman, the deputy sports editor. The camaraderie between the two is enviable. In a career where everyone competes with each other, it was refreshing to hear how two longtime journalists relied on each other to succeed.
Exhausted by the end of the day, I signed off from the final Zoom meeting feeling both terrified and elated. My journey, both in my career and in SJI, remains uncertain for now. Like any good law show, the case is no longer in my hands (at least not until my plane touches down in Phoenix). Off to the jury for deliberations.
--Liana Handler
Day Three of the bootcamp taught me to stay prepared.
Before games, be prepared, already have story pitches/ideas prepared, and be prepared for any opportunity.
Assistant Managing Editor for Sports Illiana Limón Romero was giving us free game on how to be a great intern. Be curious, adapt, observe and show initiative are simple but effective ways to be a better intern and stand out.
NBA Beat Writers Joel Lorenzi and Hunter Patterson shared their experiences being a young beat writer, and how they carry themselves in rooms with people they might’ve read or looked up to when they were younger.
Seize opportunities early when they are in front of you, and one last thing they all mentioned at one point was build relationships.
--Caulin Avery
I sure hope I’m not that reporter who tweets too much for my respective beat.
Two days down, one to go for the virtual portion of SJI bootcamp and I couldn’t be more excited. Fresh off a workout again, I opened my laptop for an incredible experience. But first, I had to pass the sports check.
Without saying too much, I did not.
Apparently my lucky guess of 147 pitches in Fernando Valenzuela’s World Series masterclass didn’t count toward my score. I also got a critical lesson on reading article teaser notifications but not clicking on the story.
But things got much better when I realized IUPUI professor Malcolm Moran is not just a former Penn State professor, but served on the board of my paper “The Daily Collegian.” I relished the opportunity to pick his brain on preparation and statistical oversaturation.
I then got the perspective of WNBA writer Tia Reid and NBA writers Joel Lorenzi and Hunter Patterson. They all had incredible stories to tell about their experiences covering basketball. Their accomplishments at young ages gave me hopes for what’s to come.
I can’t forget Los Angeles Times sports editor Iliana Limón Romero, who made it clear that communication is key in being an intern and that rejection can sometimes be the beginning of something great.
--Avery Hill
Day 3’s Sports Check was the most challenging of the week because Gregory Lee asked questions about pitches back in the 1980s.
Malcolm Maron was the first speaker of the day and his career was astonishing. He covered anything you can think of and it allowed him to transition to teaching his methods to others. He spoke about tackling deadline stories and what preparation goes into making sure you are ready for a quick turnaround story.
Tia Reid is a Phoenix Mercury beat writer and she spoke about the positives and challenges of covering the WNBA. The SJI cohort will meet her on June 7 at the Mercury game.
Illiana Limon Romero is Ed Guzman’s boss at the L.A. Times and she made her way through the ranks as a news journalist. She is a Pulitzer finalist for assisting coverage of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Romero is in the minority within the U.S., but her work allowed her to move up to assistant managing editor at the LA Times. Her advice to future interns was very valuable information.
The last session of the online SJI bootcamp saw Joel Lorenzi and Hunter Patterson talk about becoming beat writers at such a young age and the challenges that come with it. Both writers spoke highly about their positions. They also stressed the importance of dressing nice and having connections in their profession.
--Niles Garrison
It’s so quiet in Cincinnati, you could hear a mouse urinate on an old bat.
The phrase is a spin on something 2023 NABJ Hall of Famer Rob Parker often tweets when disaster strikes a sports fan base. It’s my attempt to apply what Parker taught the class on the second day of SJI bootcamp, which included tales of covering the Lou Piniella-led Reds for the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Day Two was another day of impactful speakers, but Parker’s session on covering baseball had me ready to head to a ballpark immediately. Like Day One, I had no clue what I’d take away from it.
His ability to grab the audience with a compelling lede stuck with me. A few other general tips that resonated with me were not overthinking the story and finding common ground to connect with athletes.
Parker was one of many incredible sessions that day. As we got the chance to speak with Baxter Holmes, I found myself enamored with his experiences and one phrase left me nodding my head.
“The easiest thing for the reader to do is stop reading,” Holmes said.
--Avery Hill
On Day Two of the boot camp, Steve Gaither, Didier Morais, and Chris Chavez opened the day on how they turned their passion into a business. Each business owner expressed that it is important to leave fear behind and there is never a perfect time to take a risk. They also expressed that the younger we are and the fewer commitments we have, the easier it is to take risks. They also talked about the difficult work-life balance.
Baxter Holmes also taught us how to do investigative journalism, how valuable reporting is and talking to as many sources as possible.
Rob Parker showed us how valuable relationships are in the business. Talk to everyone, not just the athletes and coaches. Don’t be afraid of talking to sources about stuff other than their sport. Miguel Cabera used to talk to Parker about Lebron James, for example. Look for connections with sources; it could be sneakers, where you are from, or other common interests. Keep a couple of stories in your back pocket. Go into the game prepared, but don’t be afraid to throw out all your notes if there is something bigger right in front of you. “If it is obvious, write it,” Parker said. He also showed us the importance of having great leads.
I learned that journalism never leaves you no matter what industry you go in. When listening to Nick Creegan, Milo Bryant, and Caryn Grant, I learned that, despite leaving the industry, they are still using the skills they learned in SJI.
--Tarohn Finley
Be a self starter. Have initiative.
Day Two of the bootcamp we had reporters, actors, hall of famers, entrepreneurs and directors.
One message they all had in common was they were self-starters. They found a lane that they could thrive in and took that leap of faith.
FOX Sports Radio Host and MLBBro.com founder Rob Parker took us through his day of being a baseball writer and building relationships with players and coaches.
Keep your audience involved with your ledes, quotes, and content you create. That’s how the panelists stayed afloat in their area and thrived. Entrepreneurs took a leap of faith and found their lane.
Nick Creegan was one of those who took advantage of all opportunities and took his career into a different avenue, being an actor . Those lessons learned as a journalist still stuck with him and made him a better actor.
--Caulin Avery
So much insightful information and advice was shared during Day Two of SJI’s virtual bootcamp. Fox Sports Radio host Rob Parker encouraged us to go deeper than wins and losses when writing and to think about different storylines that will make a game different from the rest. He also taught us about the etiquette of interviewing in the clubhouse. We shouldn’t just walk up with our recorders or phones in someone’s face. We should approach people and have genuine conversations.
ESPN’s Baxter Holmes also spoke with us. He said it’s important for us to always prioritize being right, not first. In this sports media landscape, some journalists are so eager to get certain information out the fastest that they neglect to make sure the information is correct. We shouldn’t hang our heads on one source alone, and confirm with multiple sources instead.
The tips given by Parker and Holmes will definitely help me prepare for the games I’ll be covering in Arizona and going forward in Knoxville.
--Allexus Killian
Sports Check was similar to Day 1, but just as challenging as expected. The first session was with three different speakers.
Steven J. Gather is the founder of HBCU Gameday and he spoke about his time being a journalist before his transition to creating such an impactful website. He spoke proudly about his school, Winston Salem State, and how it led him to wanting to pursue a career covering HBCU sports.
Didier Morais and Chris Chavez both created their own media platforms as well. Chavez covers track and field and his love for the sport guided him to wanting a platform that showcases the brilliance of the sport. Chavez also informed the cohort how to write stories on sprints and long distance.
In the next session, Rob Parker was a favorite with his knowledge on baseball and his ability to create eye-catching ledes. Parker answered numerous questions regarding the shape of a baseball game story and the creation of MLBBro.
Following that, Baxter Holmes’ session focused on investigative reporting. He wrote many stories trying to understand more about people’s character than you will see on the outside.
The last session talked about careers outside of journalism and how SJI formed those careers. Each speaker spoke highly of SJI and how it put them on a great career path in journalism. When asked about why they transitioned out of journalism, each speaker did not say they hated journalism; they found other things they were interested in and they were able to go further in those occupations.
--Niles Garrison
Players are not a transaction. Don’t talk to them only when you need them. Don’t exclusively talk to players at all. Talk to everyone. All the time. Everywhere. That’s how MLBBro.com founder Rob Parker found success over the years.
In his decades-long career as a reporter and columnist covering a multitude of sports (baseball being his favorite), Parker’s connections and his willingness to talk to everyone in the building — including security guards — got him the scoops he built his career on. That, and his personal indomitable spirit, even in the face of irate managers like former Reds manager Lou Piniella. Parker was never shy about criticizing the teams he covered. He also made sure he wasn’t shy about hearing it the next day either.
ESPN Enterprise and Investigative reporter Baxter Holmes urged us to remember that it’s our job to earn the reader’s attention. In-depth written features and profiles are some of the richest veins in the profession. Unfortunately, hours of back-breaking work reporting and writing aren’t always enough.
As Holmes put it: “The easiest thing a reader can do is to quit reading.”
Make sure your story earns the reader’s interest — at every turn.
--Devon Henderson
On the second day, FOX Sports Radio host and founder of MLBBro.com Rob Parker, and ESPN reporter Baxter Holmes took the stand.
Parker’s advice overflowed onto my four pages of notes, but it was impossible to fully encapsulate his knowledge and expertise. He detailed story after story of his life as a beat reporter. While he talked, I envisioned what tales I might have in a few decades.
Would I be the unofficial cause of a fight between a manager and a player like Parker? Probably not. Though one can only hope. An uneventful reporting career, fights withstanding, is a boring one.
Afterward, Holmes presented his case. “The wheels of justice move slowly,” he said.
What he didn’t say was equally as important: When they do grind together, the wheels kick up a lot of mud. It’s your job as a journalist to sort through that grit and dirt to find the eventual news. You can’t muckrake until you get your hands dirty.
From both men, I learned how to take pride in my work. Years might pass by until your story is in proper shape, and some people might not like to hear what you have to say. Write anyway.
--Liana Handler
As I punched the final keys on the quote, I remembered that this sentiment applies to this post, too, so I’ll wrap it up. But, as Holmes also said, I hope I’ve earned your attention.
Rushing back from the gym and into my seat, I was ready. Day One.
Notebook and pen in hand, I had no clue what to expect. Eventually, I realized it went better than I could’ve ever imagined.
Day One taught me to not just take every opportunity, but be open to the possibility of things changing on a dime.
James Wagner, the New York Times’ Latin America and culture writer, headlined bootcamp by setting stark expectations. Wagner and I share a passion for telling unique stories and getting his advice on the pitch process was invaluable. He left no stone unturned when it came to finding unconventional stories for high school sports in Northern Virginia. There’s always a story — go find it.
Each of the speakers provided great perspective, but the highlight of my day was hearing all of the alumni in the end, some of whom I met previously. They all found success in their own way and it left me with hope. Not only do I have a network to reach out to on my journey, but I have success stories right in front of me. Not only was it a great decision to join the 33rd class of SJI, but it’s my best one yet.
--Avery Hill
On Day One of boot camp, we learned how to build story ideas from James Wagner. Look for extremes: the biggest player, the smallest player. Look for things that interest you, most of the time the reader will be too. Look for stories about diversity and foods. The best questions come from follow-ups, actively listening, and when your pad is down. Write down everything. A small detail, or something you are interested in, can lead to a big story. The high school with CFB and NFL helmets comes to mind. Be simple. Write to inform not to impress.
David Squires taught us to make outlines to structure our stories. He also reiterated how important the memorization of AP style is. I also like his analogy to lay traps when reaching out to sources. Reach out through phone calls, emails, texts, social media, and LinkedIn. Don’t get discouraged, keep following up. Toy the line of being annoying. Be a nat, not a wasp.
Always work on creating stories-have a short piece, medium piece, long-form piece. Get to know as many athletes as possible: high school and college athletes turn to pro athletes. People respect people who make an effort. Persistence shows that you are just like them when they were pursuing their dream. Don’t give up. Find a new set of sources if the original sources don’t respond. Let the sources guide the conversation. Don’t be so guided by the present question. Ask follow-up questions if the source says something interesting. Let people talk. Don’t look to fill the silence.
When we talked to Candance Bucker, I learned that we should not compare ourselves to others. You don’t know how it is going to end. We should do stories on people over x’s and o’s. Stick to what you know. Don’t try to be someone else. Be where your feet are. Go where people are if they are in the area. Don’t let your first check be your last one. Be strategic and patient. Network up and network next to you. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Be open to criticism, trying new things and other positions.
Logan Murdock showed us it is OK to have a community. Journalism and SJI have also helped him find himself. We also must think hard when taking the next job. Don’t just move up to move up, factor in your values. Take risks but also bet on yourself. Think about where you want to be long term, not short term.
--Tarohn Finley
The 2025 cohort of SJI gathered on June 2 online for the first bootcamp of the year. Day One began with Sports Check. The questions stumped a few of my peers, but the class did well overall.
James Wagner was the first speaker and he taught us how to formulate story ideas. He was a baseball writer who transitioned to covering more Latin events. Wagner’s range of stories showcased his versatility and it was really helpful to hear about the techniques and strategies he used over the years.
Candace Buckner and Logan Murdock followed up with great sessions regarding sports coverage career paths and being an award-winning columnist. Buckner’s writing led to her many achievements in her career and hearing how she made her way through the industry was fascinating. Murdock spoke about transitioning into more video and audio with the podcast he hosts. He continues to write as it is a passion of his. Both speakers informed the cohort with plenty of gems.
--Niles Garrison
When Editor at Large at The Athletic and co-founder of the Sports Journalism Institute, Leon Carter, calls the court into session, he demands your all. You steel your nerves, take one last look at your notes and present your answers to the sports check questions solemnly. You’re under oath — at least under the watchful eye of Gregory Lee and Ed Guzman — so hope that you don’t commit perjury.
Nerve-wracking, sure. Gut-wrenching, at times. Worth it, of course.
On the first day of interviews — rather, expert testimony — most of the guests shared how they approach storytelling. Always follow up with people, New York Times Reporter James Wagner said. Persistence in this business is key.
His ability to always remain curious, always write down the smallest spark of an idea, and always be committed to pursuing one more source was vital for his longevity in this ruthless business.
If there’s one thing I’ll remember from Monday’s session, it’s the confidence that all the guests, from Wagner to the SJI alumni, had in us. Even when I felt out of my depth, someone said something reassuring. SJI was a family, according to most. So, it was only fitting that so many former attendees showed up to watch the members of the Class of 2025 present our evidence of why we deserve to graduate, and perhaps come back to cheer on another class.
--Liana Handler
Bet on yourself. Know your goals. Know what you want to do. Bet on yourself.
That was Logan Murdock's message on Day One of the SJI Bootcamp. Murdock, an NBA writer and podcast host at The Ringer, once had job offers from ESPN to cover the Knicks or the Nets. At the time, he was with NBC Sports Bay Area — a place without the prestige of the four letters. ESPN offered status, but not the lifestyle or role he wanted.
He chose himself.
Years later, he’s at The Ringer — a place he always knew he wanted to be. He didn’t let lucrative short-term offers cloud his conviction about what he truly wanted from himself and his career.
New York Times international correspondent James Wagner moved to Mexico to explore and report at the intersection of politics, culture, and sports. He came armed with an uncanny ability to generate story ideas — whether by writing observations or half-baked concepts in his Notes app like a normal person, or scribbling them on his hand like someone who’s not.
Wagner’s superpower lies in his ability to draw out what stories will interest a reader. He preached the importance of following the crumbs, pursuing stories you’re passionate about, and doing the basics well. Success, he said, will follow for a writer.
--Devon Henderson
Relationships and your network will get you in rooms without your presence.
That was the message I got from Day One of the virtual bootcamp. When you cultivate and build your stories, they get better based on how you reported, and relationships you have with the people you reported on.
Those relationships you build can also land you in places you’ve never thought your career could take you. SJI alums Candace Buckner, James Wagner and Logan Murdock all have been places they didn’t see themselves in when they started their journey.
Being a journalist means taking risks, finding unique stories and having an obsession with the job.
David Squires, my former professor and Board member for SJI, spoke about all of those things. Take that risk on writing a short paragraph.
Find unique stories and get those quotes to put in your story to spice it up.
Have an obsession and over report your story before doing the interview. After you interview the main person for the story, interview another person close to them.
--Caulin Avery
Listening to the wise words of James Wagner, Candace Buckner, David Squires, Logan Murdock, and so many successful and esteemed Sports Journalism Institute alumni was an incredible experience.
One of my main takeaways from Day One of SJI bootcamp was when The Ringer’s Logan Murdock said “don’t write scared.” He emphasized the importance of studying the style of writers you respect so it can guide you into finding your own journalistic voice. Murdock also encouraged us to figure out what we want our career path to be early so then we can make sure to have a plan to achieve that dream.
Something else that stuck with me was when James Wagner told us to always look for unique angles when reporting and find stories that no one has done before. That is what will set you apart from other reporters. Anyone can write a game story covering who wins and who loses, but the best journalists look deeper for something more meaningful.
Personally I have struggled with comparing myself to my fellow rising journalists, but getting the motivation to focus on my own journey is something I really needed to hear. The well wishes and inspiration from so many SJI alumni will help me as I continue this internship and beyond.
--Allexus Killian
I learned more about sports journalism in three days on Zoom than in my entire college career. I know there’s so much more to come in person, but SJI virtual boot camp has already given so many of the experiences I know I miss out on at a school without a journalism program.
I took vigorous notes, studied for each day’s quiz like my life depended on it and listened to more than one writer working my dream job.
Whether it was Rob Parker of FOX Sports Radio giving us advice on best practices at the ballpark or ESPN.com’s Baxter Holmes sending us a list of his favorite writers, I took off my headphones and shut my computer each day feeling empowered and motivated.
In the many pages of notes I have from the past three days, there are only a couple lines in bold, the first from SJI Board Member David Squires.
“Paint between the numbers,” Squires said.
In his session on writing, Squires encouraged us to find our writing voice while simultaneously prompting us to go back to the basics. His tips on outlining stories, matching energy during interviews and getting to know athletes were great reminders that there is a process to reporting and writing that can always be improved upon.
The only other line I bolded had very little to do with writing and more to do with the many things that keep people from writing.
“Just write the email and press send,” said Logan Murdock of The Ringer.
Murdock’s session was about his journey, and I identified with a lot of what he was saying about himself as a young writer. He talked about having to overcome his inhibitions and getting past writing scared. Sometimes I feel like I’m not only writing scared, but I’m sitting in the press box scared or interviewing scared. Hearing Murdock tell me to, “write the email and press send” felt a bit like he was reading my mind. His whole session was a helpful reminder that I was not alone, and that I could improve.
Murdock’s session was at the end of the first day, and listening to him tell us to be patient and bet on ourselves was exactly what I needed. I showed up to the next day’s Zoom with more confidence, less fear and even more excitement about improving my process and writing.
--Kathleen Ortiz
Washington Post columnists Candace Buckner and Jerry Brewer are the first two sports columnists I read at the suggestion of my father, well before I knew I was interested in a career in journalism.
So it was exciting to have Buckner speak to our SJI class on Day One, and she gave us several tips: network, put your best foot forward, don’t compare yourself to others, among other pieces of advice.
But my most valuable takeaway from Buckner’s talk was the importance of patience – especially when it comes time to apply for jobs.
I admire Buckner so much. Hearing that the career of one of my favorite journalists has been filled with highs and lows was incredibly valuable. SJI is about becoming a better journalist and preparing us for the job market. It is easy to get caught up in constantly wondering if I’ll get a job – or get the right job – but Buckner reminded us that each job is an opportunity, and we need to make the most of it. Whether it’s covering prep sports or Major League Baseball, we have to show up the same way and treat each assignment with the weight that it deserves.
--Sofia Schwarzwalder
James Wagner, SJI Class of 2006, glimpsed at a plastic bag of food in the Toronto Blue Jays’ locker room, and instead of seeing just a plastic bag of food, he saw a story.
On Day One of SJI’s virtual boot camp, the New York Times international correspondent taught us the art of curating story ideas. Wagner expressed the importance of keeping our eyes peeled and our ears to the floor. He told us to start conversations about anything, even the smallest things, that may be out of the ordinary.
“Just shoot the breeze,” Wagner said.
He gave us a prime example.
When Wagner saw tupperwares of homemade stewed goat in the Blue Jays players’ lockers, he raised an eyebrow. Why was there food here before the clubhouse’s postgame tailgate? He asked a couple of the players.
They told him about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s grandmother, who cooked pounds of Dominican food for them and the opposing team every gameday. Guerrero Jr. carried the bags of hot food each morning from his apartment to Rogers Centre, a tradition started by Vladimir Guerrero Sr., who played in the MLB between 1996 and 2011.
What began as a simple inquiry led to Wagner’s 2019 feature “Abuela, Chef, Boss: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Grandmother Feeds the Majors.” Wagner showed us the power of being overly curious and conversational as a journalist. One question can lead to 10 more, and the best information may not come from a traditional, sit-down interview, but rather through random chatter.
Wagner’s level of curiosity conveyed passion and a commitment to authenticity. I heard it in his voice over Zoom, and I read it in his storytelling. From now on, I’ll be shooting the breeze.
--Sophia Vesely