Kristin Whittaker is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism who is obsessed with the world of sports entertainment. She spends her time working with ESPNU and in the senior semester studio working on Carolina News. HCSC sat down with Kristin to see how she does it.
Age: 22
Minor: Sport and Entertainment management
Hometown: Indian Land, South Carolina
What is your current favorite song? Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself by Selena Gomez
What is one “fun fact” about you?
I’m super obsessed with cats
Why did you want to be a sports reporter?
“I love telling stories and I feel like in some sort or another, so many people connect through sports.”
How did you get started at ESPNU?
“I heard about the program through a friend so I decided to give it a try and I just had my first package published from ESPNU last semester.”
What has been the best part about your job?
“The best part about my job is all the opportunities I’m faced with everyday. There are many times when the job is super challenging but all those challenging times make my accomplishments feel so rewarding.”
What has been your most embarrassing on-camera moment?
“My most embarrassing moment happened in September of last year while covering opening day of the college football season. I was in Charlotte for the South Carolina v. North Carolina game and I was ready to do my standup In front of 60,000 people and completely forgot how to talk, I could barely say my own name, I was so embarrassed and nervous.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“In 10 years I hope to be reporting or anchoring for a sports network, covering golf.”
What is some advice you can give to incoming freshmen who want to do what you?
“Take all the opportunities you can to get practice. Most schools now have a student run television network where you can learn lots of hands on experience about broadcasting. Volunteer any chance you get because you never know where that opportunity will take you.”