Andrew (2013-14) began his sports journalism career in Florida. Seeking international experience, he chose St Mary’s for his MA in Sports Journalism. He is now the Senior Content Editor at Yahoo Sports.
What led you to pursue a master's in Journalism at St Mary’s?
I applied to several UK universities for journalism programmes, but St Mary’s stood out because of its Sports Journalism course. Its location in the greater London area was also a big draw—being so close to the city gave me the chance to explore London and have it become a meaningful part of my life. It was a perfect fit. Additionally, I played on the basketball team while studying, which allowed me to finish something I’d started in middle school. That team sports experience made my time at St Mary’s even more special.
How was your course, and what kind of exposure did you get?
I had the opportunity to serve as the liaison to the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and attended one of their summits in London. It was a great experience, interacting with students from across the UK and discussing what we’d all learned.
We also toured Sky Sports, which was an incredible opportunity to see a large newsroom and TV studios in action. That exposure prepared me for working at major organisations like CBS Sports, and now at Yahoo. Those experiences continue to shape my career in reporting even 12 years later.
Is there a favourite sport you like to report on?
Honestly, I enjoy whatever sport is happening at the moment. I love events like the NCAA basketball tournaments for their unpredictability and exciting performances, and I look forward to the NBA playoffs, the French Open, and Wimbledon. When the American football season starts, I’m equally passionate. While sports reporting can be repetitive, the unique stories that emerge in each sport keep things interesting for me. I'm lucky to cover a wide variety of sports and appreciate each for its own excitement.
Could you share your journey from graduation to landing your first journalism role and your current position at Yahoo Sports?
Before attending St Mary’s, I worked as a sports reporter for a radio station in Miami. After graduating, I returned to the US, but finding a job took about a year due to the tough media industry climate in 2013-2014. I eventually returned to my previous radio station, which was a challenging but valuable learning experience. That period taught me perseverance and patience, qualities that are essential in this field.
Not long after I was able to secure a position at CBS in Florida, thanks to some colleagues from my undergraduate days who helped connect me to the right people. Support from family and friends during those challenging times was also crucial in helping me move forward. From there, I gradually transitioned into larger roles, eventually covering national and international news at CBS and now at Yahoo Sports. Each step of the journey has brought new challenges and growth, shaping my career in ways I hadn’t anticipated when I first started out.
What advice would you give to students pursuing a career in sports journalism?
My advice to students is to take in everything during your studies, internships, and early jobs. Be open to saying yes to opportunities, even if you’re not sure you can do everything required. Embrace challenges, as they’ll help you grow and gain experience.