Today we’d like to introduce you to Jael Rucker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I first got involved with sports reporting at my high school. I delivered the sports updates on our morning announcements show and covered our games. Fast forward to college, I was a part of the ESPNU Campus Connection program for students, where I got to cover Georgia State University. That led to the incredible opportunity of being the sideline reporter for the Panthers on ESPN3 and ESPN+. I cover college basketball and college football as well. I actually just finished my second season the other day!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road, but nothing worth something is. My first year, in particular, had some challenges which were typical things like nerves and learning how to operate on live tv. My very first time on air was atrocious actually. This year, I think I really began to find my voice, and that is my biggest advice to young women on any journey. Find YOUR voice, and realize that your path isn’t necessarily the same as the next person’s. It’s not supposed to be either. Stay true to yourself, work hard, and it will all align!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the College Basketball and College Football Sideline Reporter for Georgia State University on ESPN3 and ESPN+. I guess you could say my specialty is sports! I grew up playing sports, and I have been around the game since I was a child. I am not really an “individual accomplishment” person, but I am extremely proud of The Panthers, and I am fortunate to be a small part of something so special, and a witness to what they do night in and night out. For me personally, it’s all for the love of the game, and the same excitement I got while playing (and still get to this day while watching) is what I try to bring on my end.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
As the internet and technology continue to advance, more and more opportunities are opening up, specifically on the digital side. There are a lot of sports social media jobs and digital reporting jobs that are opening up. I think that will continue to happen in the next few years or so giving women a great opportunity to land jobs in the sports field. These types of opportunities weren’t around ten or even five years ago (or at least to the extent it is today), so again it just goes to show you how much things are changing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jaelruckertv
Image Credit:
David Westbrooks
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