What was your first job as a journalist?
Stringer for a local paper in California. First assignment was doing a season preview for one of the local girls volleyball teams.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
When I was a little kid my parents had one and I remember playing on it once or twice. Since then, no.
How is social media changing news?
It makes news more accessible. However, in addition to "fake news," many people use it to confirm their own biases.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Max Mercy
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's important to inform your audience of what is happening in the world around them. It's a heavy burden but one I carry proudly.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Let me know the basics and trust me to figure out a way to write it. It's not a flawless strategy but it's the best one for me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google (and any search engine), Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Falcon, Photoshop, Paint
What's your favorite social network?
I like Twitter but it needs to be used in small doses. On a 24/7 basis, Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
Joe Montana.
Why did you become a journalist?
A combined passion for sports and the combined skill and love I have for writing.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. I was the sports editor. But we were a small class, so I reported on a little bit of everything.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A swimmer won an "ultimate underdog" award from a clothing company. It ended up being a lot more in depth.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be patient and don't get discouraged in waiting for opportunities. They can be scarce. But when one comes, do your research.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Unless I'm on a tight deadline, I'm pretty flexible.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
See the answer regarding the story I am most proud to have worked on.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
That a high school student injured his collarbone because he had breast cancer and not because a kid twice his size fell on him.
What's your favorite drink?
Dr. Pepper -- can't stand coffee but need that caffeine kick.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Covering a game or in my car driving to or looking for a story.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
USA Today.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Sports are for dumb jocks. There are some dumb jocks but I've bumped into far more very insightful athletes than dumb jocks.
