Hitting The Sideline With Gabby Mallette
Monday, October 20, 2014 | Volleyball
Florida volleyball junior outside hitter Gabby Mallette had the opportunity to shadow SEC Network sideline reporter and volleyball color commentator Maria Taylor October 11 at the UF vs. LSU football game. Mallette's blog about the experience:
What do you want to be when you grow up?
We're all asked that question growing up, and as a junior at the University of Florida -- I now have my definitive answer.
As I've found myself getting more involved with athletics, my answer is a sports analyst. The University of Florida is known for its prestigious College of Journalism and the continued success of alumni in the broadcasting world. Thankfully, being a student-athlete at one of the best universities in the nation, I have been introduced to extremely successful and respected people in the industry.
Last year, my teammates and I had the opportunity to meet legendary sports analyst and sideline reporter Holly Rowe. She taught us the “dos” and “do nots” of social media, gave us interview pointers and helped us with tips on how to present ourselves to the public and develop and represent our brand. During our session with Holly, we completed an activity where we interviewed one of our teammates. After watching my interview, Holly was impressed and told me I should look into a career in sports broadcasting.
Fast forward a year -- Holly visited us again this season the first week in October. I was in the same place as I was a year ago and decided to take a leap of faith and ask Holly for a one-on-one meeting to talk further. During my meeting with Holly, we practiced interviewing energy, poise, and discussed setting goals for my future. Once I made a game plan that Wednesday, I had never felt more confident in my dream to be a broadcaster. I decided that I would make myself vulnerable and do whatever it takes to reach my goals.
Just two days later, SEC Network reporter Maria Taylor stopped by our volleyball practice before we played her alma mater, the University of Georgia. Maria and I were talking about how competitive the industry is and how important it is to use connections to get a foot in the door. She then asked me if I would be interested in shadowing her on the sidelines of the Florida vs. LSU football game the next day. I honestly could not contain my excitement and felt so lucky to be given the opportunity to do something so hands on with such a successful person.
While I was on the sideline with Maria at the football game, she answered all 800,000 questions I asked and introduced me to every person she possibly could. She made me feel so welcome and comfortable in a hectic environment. I doubt I was ever more than 10 feet away from her, and this includes while she was interviewing Will Muschamp and Les Miles. I had such an amazing time with Maria and the rest of the SEC crew in The Swamp against LSU.
Being out there on the field shadowing Maria was ultimately a test for me to see if it was something that I actually want to pursue as a lifelong career -- it is! After experiencing hands on what it takes to be a sideline reporter, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me.
I am so thankful to be able to have the opportunity to meet the best in the industry through the Gator Nation and the sport that I love so much.
Go Gators!
