SCM Celebrates Women in Sports with All-Female Broadcast Crew

To celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Sacred Heart University’s (SHU) Sports Communication and Media (SCM) program held an all-female broadcast on Jan. 25. The broadcast aired on ESPN+ to cover the university’s women’s basketball game at the new William H. Pitt Athletic and Convocation Center.

Courtesy of the Assistant Director of Productions, Shannon Torres, this was the third annual broadcast to feature a team of all females. Looking back at the first year this event was established, Torres recalled the significance of it.

“We didn’t really understand how important it was until afterward when it got a lot of attraction,” said Torres.

Continuing this production annually demonstrates the growth of women in the SCM program. Compared to the first year when hired alumni were needed to fill seats in the control room, several undergraduates are now fulfilling production roles.

“To be able to have a full crew of women is amazing. It shows that the path we’re all paving is working and making a difference,” said junior Alexa Piscino, who served as graphics operator for the game.

Seven seats in the control room, six cameras, and three on-air talents were all managed and operated by a female crew to cover the women’s basketball team’s win over Niagara University. This was the Pioneers’ first win in five games and first 40-point lead since 2012.

The game was aired from the new control room at the recently renovated Pitt Center. Routine broadcasts are based in this room and operated by an experienced team of SCM undergraduates, graduates and professors.

While most of the program is comprised of men, the all-women’s broadcast allowed the opportunity to highlight the talents of their female crewmembers.

“It’s important to understand that there is a reason female voices matter,” said Torres. “No matter what you are doing in sports, it is all about perspective, and it’s important to have a male perspective and a female perspective.”

This is a conversation the SCM program is advocating for. They are working to promote woman on campus while also molding their confidence and skills for future careers.

“Landing a job in sports broadcasting isn’t an easy task,” said Samantha Henchcliffe, a former SCM undergrad and current media replay operator at ESPN. “I believe that the reason I was able to achieve this role is because of my unique broadcast experience at SHU. The SCM program is dedicated to the growth, confidence and leadership skills of their students.”

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