Sarah Jacobs is a senior Sports Journalism and Sports Management double major with a Sports Journalism Concentration, who was involved in the development of the Women in Sports Media Symposium, which is a one-day symposium hosted by the Journalism Department at UMass Amherst to feature women sports media professionals and pioneers in the industry.
What made you want to get involved in developing the Women in Sports Media Symposium?
Professor Steve Fox had given me an overview and mission of the symposium, and after hearing what the goals of the event were, I knew I wanted to be involved. The symposium is about bringing in prominent women in the sports journalism industry so that students, faculty, and other guests can listen to their experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable knowledge about the field in which they are passionate about. I know many others, not just myself, look up to these women, therefore to be able to interact and make a connection with them is crucial for our careers moving forward.
How has the Women in Sports Media Symposium grown?
I've been a part of the symposium for three years now, and have seen immense growth over that time. We have been able to secure very popular and influential speakers who have helped increase our attendance. We have also been able to greatly increase our fundraising and budget which has helped us secure better venues and refreshments for guests and speakers. I was looking forward to the panel that we would’ve had this year, but unfortunately we had to cancel due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
How were you involved with the symposium?
Originally, Professor Fox reached out to see if I would be interested in helping to plan the event. I first became involved with the symposium my sophomore year, but had a more minor role. During my junior and senior year I was more involved, coordinating the guest speakers, the venue, the finances, and making sure that my fellow women in sports journalism were doing their part to help put the event together. I’m very proud of the work that I have done over the years with the symposium, especially this year.
What type of impact has the symposium made for women in sports on campus?
I think the symposium has provided a great opportunity for not only women in sports, but all who attend the events to gain insight and knowledge into the sports journalism world. The women that we have had on our panels pioneered the way for so many great improvements in the field: Lesley Visser, who was the first women to cover a Super Bowl and the first women to accomplish many other things in the world of sports broadcasting; Melissa Ludke, who fought for the right for women sports journalists to be able to enter the locker rooms of professional male sports; and Victoria Arlen, a very accomplished athlete who was the youngest broadcaster hired by ESPN. Lastly, it’s always great to have alumni return to share personal experiences with current students. They are valuable connections for students going forward. Having the opportunity to listen to these amazing women is beneficial for all, not just women in sports.
What were some of your best moments at the symposium over the years?
One of my favorite moments was at last year’s symposium when I interviewed Victoria Arlen, who is a close friend. I used to swim with her on the club team, so to watch her be a successful Paralympian and then go on to have a wonderful career as a sports broadcaster has been wonderful for me. Victoria has an incredible story and has inspired me to one day follow in her footsteps in sports media.
Now that you're finishing your senior year, what would you like to see from the symposium in the future?
While I am a little disappointed I couldn't conclude my senior year with another symposium, the group of young women that I had a chance to work with are very bright, so I know that the symposium will be in good hands moving forward. I believe they can take the event in many different directions, perhaps talk about the shocking event of Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing, highlight hockey coverage and it’s rising popularity at UMass, or discuss how COVID-19 has affected the industry. I know that I look forward to coming to next year’s symposium as an alum to share my experiences and insights with students.
What is your dream job and how do you plan to incorporate sports into your next position?
It has been my dream, since the 7th grade, to work as a broadcast sports journalist covering a Boston team for NESN or ESPN. I grew up in a sports family because both of my parents and my siblings played hockey, and I've been swimming competitively since I was six. My family bonded around watching the Patriots win their six Super Bowl rings, the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011, the Celtics win the NBA Championship trophy in 2008 and experiencing the Boston Red Sox come out of a slump in 2004. I was very fortunate to be able to represent UMass on the swim team, study Sports Journalism and Sports Management. I plan to incorporate my love of all sports going forward, wherever that takes me.