What is Your Story?

By: ​John Supowitz

John submit this story to be featured on Sports As A Job as a guest

Something I've learned working in the sports world is everybody has a story; some are great, some not so much, but there's always a story. More importantly, I’ve learned the best way to learn someone else’s story is to know your own. 



So what’s your story?



Mine started in 2015, I was at a crossroad in my life; unemployed, living in my parent’s basement, no idea of where I was going in life. I knew I needed to make a change. 



I had gotten my Bachelors in Journalism, and my stint with ESPN as an NCAA football highlight editor had been over for some time and my attempts to find a new job was not going well. I decided to go further into debt and go back to school.



I was accepted to Quinnipiac University's Sports Journalism Masters Program. A start to a new chapter of my life. Not being in school for quite some time I didn't know what to expect, but I was excited about the challenge, and that it was. 



The next two years reinvigorated my love for sports media; being in front of the camera and behind the scenes got my spirits up and ready for my next chapter; a career in sports journalism.



2019 was a great year for me. This was when I started to advance in my career.



In early 2019, I’ started writing for a website called The Scorecrow, covering baseball, contributing to a baseball podcast called "Too Much Pod Tar," and starting my own YouTube series “Yelling From The Bench” where I comment on the unusual stories in sports. With them, I’ve been able to grow my skills as a writer. They've let me expand on creativity and I feel I've made huge strides in my abilities.



Also in 2019, I was hired by BroBible to cover fantasy football and sports betting. I was a fan for years, and getting an opportunity to see my work on that site with its a large and loyal following is something I take pride in.



I also have been given the opportunity to grow in the sports production industry. I recently completed my first year as a part of the Gameday Production Crew for the Colorado Rockies Double-A affiliate Hartford Yard Goats and New York Islander AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers.



The excitement of being at the games, standing amongst the crowd, that atmosphere I’ve never taken for granted. For the Yard Goats, I spent a lot of time working the camera in center field; the view of the sun just setting over the stadium, seeing that skyline over that field is my best moments working in this industry. It always reminded me how lucky I am that I get to call this my job.



What these past few years have taught me is the journey will always continue. I have experienced victories, but many more defeats, you can't look back at either, just reflect while you keep moving. Let it all inspire you. 



My best advice is to put yourself out there. There are tons of opportunities to put your work out (blog, YouTube’, podcast, Twitter, the list is endless) you can build a portfolio before you ever get a professional gig, do it. Don't let likes, views, and followers persuade you. If you love what you're doing, that passion will show. People love passion, it brings out authenticity, and the one thing that has never changed, people are drawn to authenticity. BE YOURSELF.



Although I’ve accomplished so much, I’m not done. I’m always striving for that next opportunity. I’ want to continue to grow in this industry, and the journey of hard work, patience, and perseverance will all be worth it. So obviously I haven't finished writing my story, never believe you haven’t stopped writing yours.



So ask yourself, what's your story?



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