Trying to Balance Both Worlds

By: Rachel Vigil 

One of the amazing things about the sports industry is that it is a tight knit community. The people that have years of experience understand how difficulty and different it is to navigate the sports industry. We reached out to Rachel through social media asking if she would share her story. Willingly she wrote back some responses to questions we had for her. Lets get to know Rachel Vigil a podcast host, On-Air Talent/Broadcasting Coordinator for the Western Athletic Conference, and host with the Colorado Rapids. Join us as she takes us through her journey so far.

Share with us who is Rachel Vigil...
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Hi! I am a Denver native that graduated from Colorado State University in December of 2017. I majored in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Sports Management. I am a dog mom to my German Shepard/Lab mix puppy, Mia. I’m also a sister and aunt to two beautiful nieces (with another baby on the way!). I’m a sports enthusiast, career junkie and sushi lover. I spend most of my days (before quarantine) hanging out with friends, shooting content for my lifestyle blog and spending hours at the dog park!

It seems that from 2014 you knew what you wanted to do in the sports industry. Was there a moment you can remember that sparked your interest to work in sports broadcasting? Maybe even a person?

I’ve actually known that I wanted to be in the sports broadcasting industry since I was 10. I went to my first Denver Broncos game with my dad and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be involved with sports. As I got older I realized my dreams of playing were probably not going to happen so I decided to do the next best thing - sidelines. As I’ve grown up and gotten older, that dream has expanded to doing so much more around the industry. I’ve found a love for hosting, producing, as well as being on the sidelines.

Your current position is: On-Air Talent and Broadcasting Coordinator for the Western Athletic Conference. Tell us about what you do.

I started with the WAC in February of 2018, only two months after I had graduated from Colorado State University. Looking back, I can’t thank them enough for taking a shot on me and continuing to stand by me while I figure out who I am in this industry.

On a day to day basis, I work in the office shooting content for all of our digital platforms. Some days are interviews with coaches, players, etc, while others are editing packages. Between writing scripts, editing, social media and shooting, my days usually fly by.

I’m also very fortunate that I get to travel to a majority of our championships. For our soccer and basketball championships, I’m doing sidelines (which I love). Other championships like Swimming and Diving and Track & Field, I’m behind the camera directing.

Favorite moment working in sports so far?

I don’t know if I have a favorite moment - that’s a really hard question to answer! Gosh - I can narrow it down to maybe two..

2019 WAC Vegas - I had a full year under my belt with the WAC so I got to bring my dad and aunt along to experience the Vegas magic. All the games were so good that year and the energy was electric.I loved being able to experience it with them and show them the behind the scenes. I can still picture my dad's face when he got to go onto the court. Priceless.
Another favorite memory of mine would have to be hosting a basketball game at Colorado State. There were two games, I believe my junior year, that were back to back buzzer beaters and the energy was electric. Moby Madness is no joke.

What is one thing no one ever told you that you found out from your own experience working in sports?

Hmm.. another really good question. I think it would have to be that you will hear no ten times more than you will ever hear yes. I was very fortunate that I had multiple internships in college so I was getting new experiences left and right - however the real world is not like that. I’ve been told no more times that I can count and that starts to weigh on you, however, that’s part of the journey. Just have fun and enjoy the moment that you’re in.
Another thing is that the camera removes 50% of your energy. Even if you sound like you’re having the time of your life talking about a story in person, the camera will show 50% less than that so be over the top (in an authentic way).

We noticed that you also have a blog called “Sports and Stilettos”. How did that start and what is it about?

I originally started S&S about a month after I graduated. In college, I was fascinated by the industry however I couldn’t find any information about the industry besides all the basics. I wanted to start a platform where I could document my career and the journey for other young broadcasters. As I started my job, I realized that a lot of it was in the office and wasn’t as thrilling as it sounds. Then it turned into more of a lifestyle blog where I could share my favorites as well as my career.
I just always wanted to give back to younger broadcasters. So many individuals have helped me along the way, the least I can do is help someone else. I’ve always said, if I can help one young broadcaster with their notes or showing them what a trip doing sidelines is like - then that’s a win for me.

I also got told in college that you can’t be in sports and love fashion - I still laugh at this statement cause you absolutely, 100% can. Hint the name Sports & Stilettos.

You also started a podcast about it as well. Who are a few people you wish you could have on as a guest?
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I just recently started up my podcast! It’s like my new baby since I’ve only been doing it for a few weeks, however, I have loved every minute of it. I get inspired all over again every single time I’m able to talk to a new woman in the industry. Lucky for me, all the guests I’ve had have been nothing short of amazing.

There are so many that I wish I could have on - Sage Steele, Rachel Nichols, Doris Burke, Michelle Tafoya, Jane Slater, Maria Taylor, the list goes on and on.

It’s funny cause I actually had the idea to start a podcast around Christmas time but finding people to interview between crazy work hours is nearly impossible during the season so this quarantine opened up the time for a lot of these women. Who knows maybe some of the women above will be featured!

Advice for college students or anyone looking to pursue a career in sports broadcasting?

Cheer for others around you and don’t get down on yourself if you didn’t get a position. Social media is a highlight reel and it can be so hard not to compare yourself. The right position will come for you - just be patient.
The other one that I am still working on is not using the word “guys”. This has become such a casual phrase (I think mostly due to Youtube - hey guys!) however, you’re not always talking about guys. Sometimes you’re talking about women. So players, team, athletes are always your best bet.

Lastly - get away from that “anchor” voice. Be yourself and have fun with it. Most hiring producers, agents and talent scouts that I’ve talked to are all wanting fun personalities. Anyone can get in front of a camera and read a teleprompter, they want someone who can bring the energy and make the story sound exciting and make you care. This is something that I still struggle with to this day, however, it’s something I’m working on constantly.

You can follow Rachel Vigil on Twitter and Instagram @rachel_vigil_
Visit Sports and Stilettos here: https://www.sportsandstilettos.com/