Her Campus got candid with this week’s campus celebrity. Jackie Sprague, Miami’s new football sideline reporter, spent the last eight years climbing the ladder as a journalist, but her heart truly belongs to sports. This former Redhawk graduated in 2006, and now she’s back doing what she loves right here on Miami’s campus. She recently got word that Miami is hiring her on for the hockey season. She will be the in-game host for the Redhawks, so look for her at the hockey games! Current job title: WKRC/WSTR/EKRC Account Executive and Miami University Football and Ice Hockey In-Game Host
Major/minor in college: Mass Communications with a focus in Broadcast Journalism
College involvement: WMSR, The Miami Student, AOPi, Lambda Pi Eta (National Communications Honorary)
Current hobbies/interests: I love sports. I’m currently playing in a Cincinnati kickball league with my fellow Miami alumni.
Favorite sports teams: Miami University, of course, LOVE AND HONOR! I’m from Cincinnati, so I grew up a diehard Reds and Bengals fan.
Q&A …
Her Campus: Can you provide a brief timeline of your career path since you graduated?Jackie Sprague: I worked as a TV news and sports anchor/reporter for the past eight years. I’ve worked in Cincinnati, Dayton, Lexington, Zanesville and Columbus. Now, I work in the sales department for WKRC/WSTR/EKRC. And, I was lucky enough to be invited to work for my alma mater, Miami University, as an in-game host for the football and hockey teams.
HC: How do you split your time between working for WKRC and Miami?JS: I honestly love both of my jobs so it doesn’t feel like work. I’m very lucky to get to do what I love. I know that may sound cheesy, but it’s true. I don’t take anything for granted.
HC: How was it making the transition from a full-time TV reporter to advertising?JS: It’s been an easy transition. TV is all about relationships, as is sales. It was a difficult decision to leave the on-air side, but my priorities changed and I ultimately decided that I wanted to move home to Cincinnati to be with my family. It’s also nice not working 24/7 and now I understand what a holiday is …
HC: As a reporter, what was your favorite story that you’ve ever done AND what was the most difficult story you’ve ever had to report? JS: It’s hard to pick a favorite story. I have so many. I would say anything that showed people helping people, whether it was someone raising money for a man in need of a wheelchair or the community donating toys to children for Christmas. I also loved stories where I learned something. While I was in Dayton, I was fortunate enough to tell the story of a WWII veteran. He was an amazing person. The most difficult stories for me, were usually the ones dealing with children and violence.
HC: I know that your first love is sports reporting, but for the purpose of this article explain when your love for sports reporting came to be?JS: I was raised to love sports. My parents always had season tickets to the Bengals and Reds games. They both graduated from the University of Cincinnati so they also took me to football and basketball games there. My mom and I used to go to Opening Day every year. I was allowed to take a day off school and celebrate in downtown Cincinnati. My mom is really the one who gave me a passion for sports, both watching and playing.
HC: How did you stumble upon the opportunity to work at your alma mater? JS: I love Miami University and I’m not shy about it. My friends and family know that our motto is “Love and Honor” because I’m constantly saying it. I think that my passion and love for my alma mater helped me. I also did some sideline reporting and similar things when I was in college.
HC: Were you hesitant to work as a sideline reporter for a team with a 0-24 record?JS: I love and support my university, win or lose. It’s my job to relay that passion to the fans and get them to feel the same way. Miami football was such a fun and exciting part of my college experience and I want current students to feel the same way. The game-day experience is so much fun and everyone needs to come cheer on Miami!
HC: Describe the atmosphere of Yager Stadium when Miami broke their losing streak for the first time in two seasons?JS: It was probably the best moment I’ve experienced covering sports. It was very emotional. I remember standing there, talking to students, with seconds left on the clock as everyone was getting ready to rush the field. It was amazing, running onto the field as time expired. Seeing the faces of the players, coaches and all of the fans. I’m not going to lie; I teared up. I know how hard this team works and fights and they want to win more than anyone. It was beautiful to see the students and fans support them and congratulate them after the win.
HC: So there’s a rumor that you’re so awesome that Miami wants to hire you on as a Hockey host? JS: I’m so excited to be an in-game host for some of the hockey games too. I’m obviously a huge hockey fan too. I remember going to the old Goggin Ice Arena (yes, I’m THAT old) and the fun times I had there. I want students to have the same amazing, memorable experiences I had at Miami. I hope to do that by getting them more involved in the game!
HC: Is it difficult having to keep up on all of the rules, positions and stats of sports to be able to commentate on the game? (For example, when hockey rolls around, will you have to brush up on the technicalities?) JS: As the in-game host, my job is to help get the students more involved and hand out some free stuff! Who doesn’t like free stuff? My background in sportscasting certainly helps me with this job, but so does being a fan!
HC: What advice do you have for Miami seniors graduating in May?JS: My advice is to enjoy every moment you have left at Miami. Before you know it, it will be over. Try not to stress, but work hard because it does pay off in the long run. Make sure you take time to have fun with your friends, like going to sporting events or even having movie night. It’s those moments that you will remember for the rest of your life. One of my best friends from Miami just came to visit me last weekend and we reminisced about all of our college memories. I made lifelong friends at Miami. “To think in such a place, I led such a life…”
HC: What advice do you have for aspiring journalists about to break into the real world of journalism?JS: Be prepared to work LOOOOONG hours, move around a lot, never have a holiday and not make very much money. So, I also worked other jobs to pay the bills. I was a substitute teacher and I worked as a sales consultant at a bridal salon. But, it was worth it to me. I loved being a TV journalist. Storytelling was my passion. You have to feel that way, or else you won’t make it. It’s hard work and dedication, but I would never trade that time in my life for anything. Not everyone gets the chance pursue their dreams and I never take that for granted. If you say you “HAVE” to do it, this isn’t the job for you. You should be saying I “GET” to do this for a living.
HC: Which sports reporter or journalist inspires you the most?JS: I would have to say Sam Ponder. Her dedication to her faith and her family is similar to that of my own. Those are the most important things in my life.
HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? JS: I hope to be celebrating the Miami football and hockey teams as National Champs. I would also love to see the Bengals win a Super Bowl and the Reds win a World Series.
HC: Do you have any crazy PG college stories for us? JS: What happens in Oxvegas, stays in Oxvegas.