Tag Archive for: basketball

CSB Graduate Jennifer Portee is Making Waves in Sportscasting

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At CSB Media Arts Center, we take pride in seeing our graduates thrive in the media industry. One such success story is Jennifer Portee, a former student who has turned her passion for sports into a thriving career in sportscasting.

From CSB Classroom to the Sidelines

Jennifer’s journey into sports broadcasting began when she enrolled at CSB Media Arts Center, determined to break into the competitive world of sports journalism. With hands-on training and real-world experience provided by CSB, she honed her skills in on-camera reporting, play-by-play commentary, and sports analysis. Unlike traditional college programs, CSB’s skills-focused curriculum allowed her to gain industry experience in months rather than years.

Breaking Into the Industry

After graduating, Jennifer wasted no time in making her mark. She started her career covering local high school and college sports, quickly earning a reputation for her insightful analysis and engaging presence on camera. Her ability to break down complex plays and deliver compelling game-day coverage caught the attention of industry professionals.

Climbing the Ranks in Sportscasting

Jennifer’s dedication and talent have led her to cover major sporting events, interview top athletes, and work with respected sports networks. She has served as a sideline reporter, studio host, and play-by-play announcer, showcasing her versatility across different roles in the industry. Her knowledge, charisma, and passion for sports have set her apart in a field that demands both expertise and personality.

A Role Model for Aspiring Broadcasters

Jennifer’s story is an inspiration to aspiring sportscasters who want to turn their love for sports into a career. She exemplifies how hard work, hands-on training, and the right opportunities can lead to success in a competitive industry. Her journey is proof that with the right education and determination, breaking into the sportscasting world is within reach.

Start Your Sportscasting Journey at CSB

If Jennifer’s success story resonates with you or someone you know, CSB Media Arts Center can provide the training and mentorship needed to launch a career in sportscasting. With expert instructors, hands-on experience, and connections in the industry, our programs are designed to get you career-ready in months, not years.

Jennifer Portee is just one of many CSB graduates making an impact in the media world. Are you ready to follow in her footsteps? Learn more about our programs today and start your journey toward a future in sports broadcasting!

Meet Chelsea Sherrod, SNY’s UConn women’s basketball sideline reporter with deep Connecticut roots – Graduate of CSB Media Arts Center

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Graduate Chelsea Sherrod

Eight years removed from her own time as a college basketball player, Chelsea Sherrod still feels a pregame rush.

“Live games, live TV, there’s nothing like it,” said Sherrod, the UConn women’s basketball sideline reporter for SNY. “You can write and you can prepare. Sometimes you just have to know what is happening and go with the flow.”

Sherrod will be an increasingly present figure — inquisitor, informer, entertainer, generally a conduit from program to fan — on TV screens across Connecticut as the Huskies get deeper into Big East play.

Hired in December 2023, she is just over a year into her role as a reporter/host at SportsNet New York (SNY), which has telecast UConn games since 2006. Sherrod, who went to Stratford High and played basketball at Albertus Magnus before graduating in 2016, was named the Huskies’ sideline reporter shortly before the 2023-24 postseason.

The network was done carrying games by that point. But with conference play forming the bulk of UConn’s remaining schedule, Sherrod’s think-on-your-feet role will explore for viewers the how-and-why of Geno Auriemma and his team.

“The story lines can change so quickly,” Sherrod said. “It’s like playing a game. That’s how I prepare. Ahead of my hits, it feels like I’m getting ready for a game. You have little butterflies, you hype yourself up and you’ve got to lock in. It’s so loud in the arena. There’s the music, the bands, the fans, the producers in your ears. And it’s like, OK, let’s do this.”

It’s no surprise that Sherrod, 29, is in a role and a career that is part performative and part investigative and rooted in the sport of her youth. She is the oldest daughter in a Connecticut family well known for its pursuits in athletics and music.

“We’re fortunate to have two really loving parents and they’ve really been our biggest advocates and always allowed us to explore different avenues and pushed us to pursue what we’re most passionate about,” said Brandon Sherrod, Chelsea’s older brother, who is an assistant coach under James Jones with the Yale men’s basketball team. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t give them all the credit.”

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