Name: Kelli Grashel
Major: Sports Media
Obsession: The Kennedys
Favorite Quote: “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a [person] stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”
Q: What is your favorite part about being involved in the Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM)?
A: It’s a great organization and it’s the first collegiate chapter, ever. I was one of the founding members, and I got on the executive team last year and helped design the website.
Q: What’s something you have done with AWSM that you thought was incredible?
A: I got to go to the national convention for the national organization of AWSM. They were paired with the Associated Press Sports Editors; it was the best opportunity for my potential career.
Q: What is most intimidating about going into a field that is mostly male dominated?
A: It is intimidating because most of my classes even now are male-dominated. Some of them are very welcoming, but some of them look down on women in the world of sports. They think you’re in it for the wrong reasons. They think everyone is trying to be the next Erin Andrews, but I’m just trying to do what I love. I feel like they don’t take women seriously in that field. But the men I met from ESPN and The Oklahoman want to hire competent women in this field.
Q: What is your advice for women who want to pursue a career in sports media?
A: Get involved in as much as you can and as soon as you can. I jumped in Student Government Association when I was a freshman with lots of juniors and seniors who knew what they were doing, but it turned out to be the best opportunity for my college career.
Kelli is the President of AWSM, Secretary and director of communications for Student Government Association , Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Director of Membership Enrichment and is a member in the Sports Media Club. Kelli is dedicated to helping other women get involved in sports media on campus and in jobs around the world.