Sports Staff
ESPN ?SportCenter? anchor and reporter Suzy Kolber is visiting Virginia Tech today to speak and interact with students. Kolber will conduct an hour-long lecture open to the public in Torgersen Hall, Room 2150 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kolber originally joined ESPN in 1993 as a co-host for ESPN2?s ?SportsNight.? She is currently the host of ?NFL Match-Up,? a sideline reporter for ESPN?s ?Sunday Night Football? and an anchor on ?SportCenter.? She is widely praised by critics for elevating sideline reporting to new heights.
Kolber?s visit to Tech highlights the department of communication?s emphasis on sports communication and the increasing role of women in the sports environment.
In a phone interview prior to her trip to Blacksburg, Kolber answered a few questions so Tech students can have a little more background on her before today?s lecture.
Q. How did you get your start in broadcasting?
A. I always loved sports; it was just a natural thing for me. I started out interning at a CBS affiliate in Miami, WTBJ, in the summer of my junior year of college. Everything clicked while I was there and I just kept coming back every semester.
It was a running joke that I was always there and I would never leave. Eventually I got a paid position and all of my background came from this opportunity to produce sports. From there I just took many stops along the way anddeveloped to get where I am today.
Q. Have there been any challenges for you working in a male-dominated industry?
A. Since 1985 I have never been treated with disrespect, but I think that comes from the woman.
You have to present yourself professionally and have just as much knowledge, if not
more than anyone else in the field.
As a woman, you are automatically different, so you don?t have to try to stand out ? you already do that as a woman.
But I have to work three times harder and I can?t afford to make mistakes to earn
my respect as a broad-
caster.
You can ask other female broadcasters and they will all tell you the same ? you have to demand respect and know that you deserve it.
Q. What has been your single most fulfilling experience working with ESPN?
A. have always had a passion for the NFL, so to be on the sideline for
the game is unbelievable.
It?s the best seat in the house and you feel like you are part of the action. Every single game I still get goose bumps.
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