Sports Writing
Without sports writing, I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today. My entry to journalism and my original pull to the field was sports reporting. While my interests have expanded, covering sports was something that persevered in my work for the entirety of my high school career.
Photo by Owen Musser
When the LHS boys basketball team entered its seventh-straight state tournament with only one loss, players didn't expect to face the team that had handed them that loss earlier in the season.
Because of changes in KSHSAA state brackets due to COVID-19, the undefeated defending champion and No. 1 seed Blue Valley Northwest Huskies faced the second-seeded LHS Lions in the first round.
Reporting the game was different due to COVID-19 restrictions. I watched the live stream in my bedroom with a bowl of stir fry, and when LHS got the upset win, I quickly began writing and getting interviews with players and coaches so I could post the story early the next morning.
Photo by Ben Cohen
In a team effort with a brand-new staffer and a member of our video team, this story allowed me to stretch my boundaries in a couple ways.
I was able to help a new reporter through his first time live tweeting and covering a live basketball game and put out a story recapping that game and the rest of the season up to that point.
I then worked with the reporter and a video member to create a game recap video to run alongside the story.
2nd Place Multimedia Storytelling, KSPA February 2021 Monthly Contest
Photo by Kenna McNally
The Lawrence High vs. Lawrence Free State city showdown rivalry game is always a big deal in Lawrence. I worked with a co-editor and staffer to put together a comprehensive preview of the game that broke down all the major storylines.
1st Place Sports Writing, KSPA October 2021 Monthly Contest
Photo by Kenna McNally
In the first major sports game for LHS since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sports, LHS demolished its opponent.
and a co-editor went to the game to report and wrote a story the next morning, not only about the game, but the positive impact it had on the community to have sports back.
2nd Place Sports Writing, KSPA October 2020 Monthly Contest