Ashlee Woods
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Canada,
MSN Ireland,
MSN Singapore,
USA Today,
Birmingham Business Journal,
Yahoo Sports,
The University of Alabama,
Sporting News Canada,
Sporting News
and
Covers:
Football, Women's Basketball, Tennis, Black culture, Politics
☆ ua alum ☆ music enthusiast ☆ blessed by the best ☆ RTs =/= endorsements ☆
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Working for the Crimson White
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have once. I couldn't get the writer to slide back in position for a new line so I stopped.
How is social media changing news?
It has changed the credibility of it. So many writers are more focused on clicks that they cater their work to appease, instead of educate
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Spider Jerusalem. Although troubled, his passion to expose corruption is something to admire
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To serve the community by sharing stories and highlighting issues to educate and inform the masses
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#Tankgate. Seeing people upset over a team tanking for their future was hilarious to me.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Either through email or phone calls. I prefer it to be brief, allowing me to do my own research on the topic and create my own thoughts
What's your favorite social network?
Probably twitter. It's the one I'm on the most and I've met some good friends through that platform.
Who do you wish followed you?
Jemele Hill. I loved reading her work as a kid and I love how she's using her platform to help BIPOC creators
Why did you become a journalist?
To tell the untold stories of the world. To share my life experiences through writing and to educate others.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My school actually didn't have a newspaper. A couple of friends tried to start one, but it fell through.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Critiquing how UA has handled social injustice. Several athletes have been mistreated and I was proud to give them the chance to speak out.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be willing to take hate. Every story isn't going to be a crowd-pleaser, but how you handle criticism speaks to the writer that you are.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
It was for an article for a Christian magazine. The editor detailed the piece in one email and allowed me to have free reign over creation.
What's your favorite drink?
Either water, Powerade, or Coke. I'm always drinking one of those three.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Either in my bed sleeping or out on my porch listening to music or a podcast just chilling.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Atlantic. Their pieces are full of critical analysis and educate readers on world issues.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The fans are toxic and disrespectful. Sure, there are some that stick out, but I've met several fans that love the sport and the work we do
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.