From conference connections to ESPN: Jasmin Matthews’s path to sports storytelling
For Jasmin Matthews, ESPN has been a constant presence since childhood, from watching games to tuning into her favorite shows after school. Her passion for sports and storytelling grew alongside those experiences and shaped her career ambitions early on.
Fresh out of college, Jasmin was eager to turn that passion into a profession. She attended the 2024 NABJ conference, where she connected directly with ESPN recruiters and employees. Those interactions opened doors and sparked meaningful conversations. Her connections, combined with her determination, led her to secure a role as a production assistant on SportsCenter @ Night through the ESPN NEXT Program.
A year into her journey, Jasmin reflects on how staying persistent and building real connections can open doors in sports media, inspiring others to follow their passion.
NABJ 2025 is almost here! You connected with ESPN at last year’s conference, and that set off some life-changing events. Why did you decide to attend the conference?
I knew that the opportunity to attend the conference would allow me to not only be able to network, but also to bring the joy back of applying to jobs. As a recent college graduate, it was discouraging going through months of applying to jobs without even hearing a response from most places. The ability to attend NABJ and have face-to-face conversations was something I knew I needed to have hope in being able to get started in my career.
Tell us what happened at the conference. How did that lead to a job with ESPN?
At the conference, I met recruiters and current employees at ESPN. I had the chance to talk about my story and what I would like to do in my career. I made sure to follow up on those initial conversations and to just be persistent. Being able to form those connections helped tremendously and allowed the ball to begin rolling on interviewing for a position.
Why ESPN?
Consuming what ESPN offers has always been a part of my daily life since I was a kid, from watching a game to turning on NBA Today and Highly Questionable after school. When the opportunity came to be able to be a part of this daily news and storytelling, I knew without hesitation that I would want to be a part of it.
What’s your role with ESPN, and what has your first year been like?
I am a production assistant in the NEXT Program, and my current show assignment is SportsCenter @ Night. My first year has been a really great experience. From watching SportsCenter growing up to being able to create content for it, it can feel like a surreal experience.
Have you had any stand-out moments from your time with the company?
A moment that stands out was being able to cut a retreat for UConn’s national championship that highlighted the performance of Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd. Women’s college basketball is a sport that is very important to me, so to be able to play a role in the storytelling of it for March Madness was an amazing experience.
What makes ESPN a great place to work?
The wide range of opportunities is what makes ESPN so great. Whether it’s a role in production or in another department like marketing, the company has so many areas to explore and be able to grow in my career.
None of that would’ve happened if you hadn’t attended NABJ! Why do you think it’s important for ESPN to attend the journalism conferences?
It’s important for ESPN to attend the conference because it makes the opportunity to be a part of ESPN feel achievable. For a company that so many people have grown up knowing about, sometimes it can feel like a far-fetched dream to actually land a job here. Being able to talk with ESPN representatives in person allowed me to realize that my aspirations were achievable.
For those attending this year, how would you suggest they take advantage of all the conference has to offer?
I would say to utilize everything, even the things that may not seem like a priority. Whether it’s sitting in on a panel or taking the opportunity to get a free headshot, everything that the conference offers has so much value. Also, I would say to not be afraid to revisit conversations with people throughout the conference. If you have more questions or even just want to continue a conversation from the previous day, don’t be afraid to circle back!
What advice would you give to others looking to have a great career at ESPN?
I would say just show up as yourself and embrace the interest that you have in any sport. I feel like we all have interest in the larger media-covered sports and leagues, but I think the amazing thing about ESPN is that it covers so much. That one sport that you may feel is niche and no one cares about? Lean into that interest! ESPN most likely offers the opportunity to explore it. Also, this allows you to be an advocate for the sport, which I feel can help so much with the visibility of it.
Will you be at NABJ this year? Don’t miss connecting at the ESPN booth, and review the conference schedule for exciting panels and sessions.
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