When last year’s NAHJ connection leads to this year’s dream job
Larissa Lucas was the kid who put off bedtime to stay up and watch SportsCenter. As both a player and fan of sports, she grew up dreaming of a career focused on her passion, and when she met an ESPN recruiter at last year’s NAHJ conference, that dream came true.
We asked Larissa about her role as a production assistant with the ESPN NEXT program, experience at the journalism conference, and advice for those attending this year.
Tell us about yourself! Where are you from, and what, if any, is your early connection to sports?
I was born in Salvador, Brazil, and raised in Houston, Texas. Sports have been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing at just four years old, and I honestly feel like I’ve been watching sports since before I could talk.
I graduated from the University of Arkansas last May (Woo Pig) with a degree in advertising and public relations and a minor in journalism and strategic media. While at Arkansas, I had the chance to work with the university’s NIL initiative, athletic teams, and several local nonprofits and charities. I also gained hands-on experience with ESPN as a runner whenever they were in town, working events like Arkansas football season, College Gameday for basketball, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, the SEC Softball Tournament in 2023, and the 2023 Final Four.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sports media?
My genuine love for sports is what led me to pursue a career in sports media. I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful sports can be! They create community, bring joy, and open doors. Whether I’m playing or watching, sports have always been a source of light for me, even during tough times.
I’m also a big believer in loving what you do, and for me, there’s almost nothing I love more than sports. Being able to share that passion with others through storytelling, content, and connection is what motivates me every day.
Did you always want to work at ESPN?
Absolutely. As a kid, I’d stay up past my bedtime or wake up early just to catch SportsCenter’s Top 10 and Not Top 10. I remember crossing my fingers for Monday Night Football games to go into overtime—anything to delay bedtime and keep ESPN on a little longer.
ESPN is the heart of sports media. For someone who grew up loving sports, working here really is a dream come true. Every day I walk onto campus, it feels like a “pinch me” moment.
You connected with ESPN at last year's NAHJ conference. What was that experience like, and how did you continue the connection afterward?
The NAHJ conference was truly a turning point in my career. I made the most of every opportunity—attending all the sports panels, asking questions, pitching ideas, and, most importantly, networking.
Connecting at the ESPN booth during the career fair was key. That’s where I met recruiter Taylor Monti, who introduced me to the ESPN NEXT program and guided me through the process. ESPN’s recruiting team does an incredible job supporting you through every step of the journey, and I’m so grateful for that.
What do you do at ESPN?
I’m currently a production assistant and part of the ESPN NEXT program. I work on ESPN BET Live and Fantasy Football Now and have been with this team for just over six months. My job is to support our producers in every way possible. That includes researching and pitching ideas, identifying betting trends, coming up with show segments, cutting highlights, supporting social media, and doing whatever it takes to help our shows succeed.
What I love about ESPN BET Live is that we cover every sport and get to dive deep into stats and analytics—something I really enjoy.
What has the past year been like at ESPN? What moments have stood out?
It’s been amazing! Going in, I was a little nervous about finding my place at such a large company, but ESPN and the ESPN NEXT team made sure I never felt lost. Here, I feel seen, heard, and respected—and I’m constantly surrounded by people who love sports just as much as I do!
Some standout moments? During my first month, I got to attend a talk with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver—just a few feet away from him. Unreal. And honestly, every day is memorable. Whether it’s running into Herm Edwards or Mark Messier in the hallway, or seeing my work go live on air, all of it is a dream come true.
Going back to how you first got started, why do you think it's important for ESPN to attend journalism conferences?
It’s so crucial for ESPN to attend these conferences. For many of us, ESPN feels like a distant dream. Seeing the company show up in person—hosting panels, leading discussions, and engaging with attendees, makes that dream feel real and attainable.
These conferences help bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity. They give people a chance to be seen, heard, and remembered—not just another resume in the stack.
For those attending this year, how would you suggest they take advantage of everything the conference has to offer?
Show up for everything. If working in sports is your goal, make sure to attend every sports-focused session and panel. NAHJ does a phenomenal job bringing in more and more industry professionals across networks, and every panel—whether ESPN or not—has value.
What advice would you give to others looking to have a great career at ESPN?
No matter where you end up, I think there’s three things that are most important: Be patient. Work hard. Be nice to people.
When I graduated college last May, I thought I was so behind because I didn’t have a job immediately lined up. It’s easy to get discouraged after sending out dozens (or hundreds) of applications. But don’t give up.
When you do land the job, it’s okay if it’s not smooth sailing right away. Post grad is hard. Adjusting to “corporate” life is hard. Moving across the country is hard. But keep showing up, stay focused, and never forget how proud your 12-year-old self would be of where you are now.
Will you be attending this year’s NAHJ conference? Don’t miss out on connecting with ESPN! Visit us at booth #300 and check your conference schedule to attend panels and hear from on-air talent and employees about their career experiences.
