Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Vaxter.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ball is life and always has been for me. I was born to be apart of the game. My journey began in second grade as a cheerleader for the Milford Warriors in Cobb. In the South, nothing is more thrilling than seeing little tykes going to war at the line of scrimmage early Saturday morning. Being apart of a team made me feel complete. Even if that meant waving purple and gold pom poms in the red Georgia clay during some of the hottest days Atlanta has ever seen. This is where I felt most at home.
The first time I felt my heartbreak was in 1999 when the Falcons fell to the Broncos 34-14 at Super Bowl XXXIII. I cried like I was on the active roster. That’s when I realized the deep and overwhelming passion I felt for the game. This was difficult to explain to my elementary school bff who just wanted me to come over and help assemble her Malibu Barbie dream house.
Growing up, I joined every cheer/dance team I could. School sporting events became the center of my life. I graduated from Westlake High School (Atlanta, GA) where the culture and pride of the school revolved around athletics. This is where I discovered my identity and sense of belonging.
I attended Georgia State University as a journalist major. I was on a search for where I fit into the world around me. After joining the Pantherette dance team and becoming heavily involved in the athletic department, it was clear to me what direction I would take my life. There was nothing else I’d rather do. As my interest grew rapidly in the sports media world, I realized my strongest desire was to create my own path where I could authentically be me. It took me years of interning, working behind the scenes, networking and watching from afar to muster up the courage to create my own channel.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many struggles along the way.
The first challenge was getting started. I’d never shared my interest in sports media publicly. In my free time, I watched game film like a coach, read articles on what was current and spent countless hours researching players in upcoming drafts excited to follow their journey. I’d go to a local sports bar just to sit next to someone who would listen to my hot takes. I wanted to let my voice and opinions be heard but the idea was terrifying! For Christmas three years ago, I received the gift of a Canon. I turned it on and decided that I must start somewhere!
The second challenge was identity. The women I saw on ESPN growing up were super conservative. I told myself that whenever my time came I’d always stay true to who I am rather than fit an image. There is always pressure to compromise who you are to get something that you want. I am always mindful to represent my brand in the most genuine form possible. Women can be spicy and knowledgeable simultaneously!
Please tell us about Sports By Shayla.
SportsByShayla is a personal blog (YouTube channel) that covers current sporting events, Specializing in problematic hot takes on the latest and greatest happenings in the world of sports.
I am proud to authentically represent incredible women who have created their own seat at the table in industries that were not designed with us in mind.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have an amazing support system who deserves all of the credit.
My loving family encourages me to see the channel through when I feel like nothing is working out. My two best friends (Ariel and Kayla) who watch all of my content and give their honest opinions on what to improve on. My married mentors (Harry & Kierra) who are never too busy to hear my ideas and give me helpful suggestions… My younger brother Cameron who holds me accountable and keeps me on task. My momtrepreneur friend Laci who offers me warm advice and brand expansion opportunities. And all of the unexpected support that I am flooded with daily that inspires me to push the dream forward.
Contact Info:
- Email: sportsbyshayla@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sportsbyshayla
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