51³Ô¹Ïapp

Meet Allie Elkins, a Liverpool, New York native and senior at 51³Ô¹Ïapp. After earning an associate degree in Broadcast Media and Communications from Onondaga Community College, Elkins transferred to St. Bonaventure to pursue a degree in Sports Media.

During her time at Bonaventure, Allie became deeply involved in campus media, serving as a sports reporter for SBU-TV, sports editor for The Bona Venture newspaper and sports director for Bonaventure Sports Insider. She also gained hands-on experience with ESPN+ broadcasts and worked as a sports radio intern.

A recipient of the 2023 Syracuse Press Club DeVesty-Williams Scholarship, Elkins’ has strived in her division of work and was awarded the Mark Hellinger Award for academic excellence within the Jandoli School of Communication.  Allie has navigated the male-dominated field of sports media with resilience and determination, drawing inspiration from her parents’ work ethic and experience in broadcasting.

Read our interview with Allie below!

________________________________________

Q&A:

I chose St. Bonaventure as my transfer destination after spending two years at Onondaga Community College. I wanted to pursue a four-year degree, and after learning about the incredible opportunities for student involvement in media at St. Bonaventure from Tommy Valentine, an alumnus of my community college, I knew it was the right place for me. He spoke highly of the Sports Media program, and his experiences helped convince me.

Having worked as a camera operator for ACC Network at various Syracuse University sporting events, I had a deep love for sports, especially basketball. Combining this passion with my interest in storytelling through media led me to choose Sports Media as my major. It felt like the perfect way to blend my two passions.

I was highly involved in student media, including serving as a sports reporter for SBU-TV, sports editor for The Bona Venture newspaper, and student advisor/planner for the Jandoli Women in Sports Media group. Additionally, I briefly worked as a men’s basketball beat writer for Tapinto Greater Olean, commentated on three different sports for ESPN+ broadcasts, and currently serve as the sports director for Bonaventure Sports Insider.

• Rick Karnath: He was the first professor I met before deciding to transfer to Bonaventure. He gave me the chance to call games on ESPN+ and produce sports features for student media. Rick has always been a major supporter of mine.

• Dr. Denny Wilkins: Dr. Wilkins’ Writing for Advocacy class taught me how to refine my writing skills and the importance of being detail oriented. His advice has been invaluable, and his office is always the first place I go for guidance.

• Professor Amy Moritz: As one of the only women in her sports communications class, I found Amy’s presence inspiring. Her journey in the male-dominated world of sports media empowered me and has had a lasting impact on my career aspirations.

• Scott Sackett: Having transferred from a community college just like me, Professor Sackett’s fresh approach to teaching and his ability to push students out of their comfort zones have been crucial to my growth as a journalist.

I began in my field during my freshman year of community college, producing feature stories about students on campus. This early experience sparked my passion for storytelling. Winning the Syracuse Press Club Award in 2023 for those stories was a milestone in my career. My biggest inspiration is my parents: My mother’s work ethic and my father’s experience in broadcasting have both influenced my desire to pursue journalism at the highest level.

One of my favorite moments was anchoring my first newscast for NewsChannel Nine WSYR in Syracuse. While I had worked as a part-time reporter previously, filling in at the anchor desk during the weekend newscasts in December 2024 was a huge challenge that pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. It was a moment I will always cherish.

The biggest challenge I faced was deciding what I wanted to focus on within the media field. I’ve gained experience in sports radio, news reporting, and production, but figuring out which path to follow was difficult. Ultimately, I chose news reporting because it feels like the most fulfilling and sustainable long-term career for me.

My advice would be to keep an open mind and explore different opportunities. I initially thought I only wanted to work in sports, but stepping outside my comfort zone and trying different roles helped me discover what I truly enjoy. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things.

Were there any moments at Bonaventure where you felt you really grew as a journalist?

My time as sports editor at The Bona Venture newspaper was a pivotal moment in my growth as a journalist. I had never planned on pursuing print journalism, but this experience pushed me to become a better leader, writer, and journalist overall. I learned a great deal about managing deadlines and leading a team of writers.

I hope to continue learning throughout my career. Every story I cover teaches me something new, and I want to keep growing as a journalist. My ultimate goal is to tell compelling stories, wherever I am, through the content I create. The act of storytelling is what drives me in this profession, and I aim to keep pursuing that passion throughout my career.