Four years ago, I stepped on to the 40 Acres without a clue in the world. I was 2,000 miles away from my home in Portland, Oregon and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. In fact, I thought I wanted to be a surgeon. Yeah, right. 

Today, I can confidently say I have some clarity, largely because of my involvement with The Daily Texan the past few years. Being the associate sports editor and beat writer for Texas women’s basketball this year was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I went to all of the team’s home games this season, got to interview players and coaches and even traveled to Kentucky for the Sweet 16. Having the opportunity to be around a group of strong young women and an honorable female coach, Karen Aston, was very rewarding for me. So, I guess this is more of a letter to Karen:

Dear Karen,

I’m so thankful that you and your players were the first team I ever covered as a sports reporter. You’re doing an amazing job of developing your players on the court and building Texas into an elite program. You’re also doing an outstanding job of helping shape your athletes into strong women and leaders, which stood out to me above all else while being around your team this year. 

There’s a stigma that it’s difficult for women to strive in sports because it’s a male-dominated industry, but I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. Thank you for assuring me that women can strive in the sports world, whether it’s on the court or on the sidelines as a reporter. There were many times at games and press conferences this year where I was the only female reporter in the room, but that was fine with me because I was always confident I could get the job done. I’m proud that I got to learn stories about you and your players and share them with the rest of the Texas community.   

I’ll take what I learned from you, your staff, your players and my peers at The Daily Texan and continue to apply it to my life as I embark on a career as a sports reporter. 

Thank you for everything,  

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