Connect with us

College

Women’s History Month Interview Series: Hawaii News Now Sports Reporter, Taryn Hatcher

Taryn Hatcher is the most recent on-air success story to come out of Rutgers.

Taryn Hatcher is the most recent on-air success story to come out of Rutgers.  The recent graduate has moved to Hawaii for her newest adventure being a Sports Anchor/ Reporter for Hawaii News Now.

Hatcher started out at WRSU Sports and then brought her talents to RVision, where she covered Scarlet Knights, football, soccer and basketball.

Being driven and ambitious has helped Hatcher launch her career at the young age of 22.

Hatcher will now be telling the stories of professional and collegiate athletes, something she always dreamed of doing.

 

tarynhatcher2

 

Diane Quail: How did you get into sports broadcasting?

Taryn Hatcher: I knew I wanted to be involved in sports reporting in some capacity since I was a little kid. I used to watch college basketball games with my dad and I remember thinking the people involved with the broadcast looked like they were having the time of their lives. I knew then and there that’s what I wanted to do. I really got involved with sports broadcasting when I came to Rutgers, through WRSU, and internships.

DQ: Who is your biggest inspiration?

TH: When I was younger it was Dick Vitale. He really knew basketball and he just seemed like he loved his job so much. I wanted to love what I do as much as him. As I’ve gotten older I’ve found inspiration in a lot of women broadcasters though. The Doris Burk’s the Holly Rowe’s and the Amy Fadool’s (the nightly anchor for Comcast SportsNet in Philly) of the world. Women who know their stuff and have a passion for the job

DQ: What would you say is the best experience you had working the sidelines for Rutgers football and basketball?

TH: Going the Quick Lane Bowl was amazing. So was making my national television debut on Big Ten Network. I’ve always wanted to anchor AND work sideline. So, to be on national TV literally weeks after earning my diploma was unreal. I have so many people to thank for that opportunity.

DQ: What was your favorite memory at Rutgers?

TH: Nights in my apartment my friends just hanging out. I miss them so much. I met so many incredible people there, I wish I could’ve packed them up and brought them to Oahu with me.

DQ: What are you going to miss most about not only working for Rutgers athletics, but the school in general?

TH: The people, for sure. If it wasn’t for the people around me, the professors who guided me, the bosses at my internships, or the people at the athletic department and BTN, I wouldn’t be where I’m at and I wouldn’t have made any of the amazing memories I made. I’m so thankful for all of them. It’s such an incredible place.

 

tarynhatcher1

 

DQ: What will be your new position?

TH: I will be a sports anchor/reporter.

DQ: In terms of your new position, what are you most excited about?

TH: Being able to tell peoples’ stories. I love the human side of sports. There’s so much more to an athlete than their stats; uncovering who someone is as a person is my favorite part of sports reporting.

DQ: What do you feel you will be able to bring to your new position that will set you apart from others? 

TH: Obviously being the youngest person in a newsroom I think I bring a different perspective. There’s a definite need to prove myself that I feel internally. But, that only feeds my ambition and motivates me to work harder.

DQ: What advice can you give to females looking to work in the sports industry?

TH: Figure out what you need to do, and do it. Work ethic and ambition have nothing to do with gender and that’s what a hiring manger looks for.

DQ: Have you face any challenges being a female working in sports?

TH: Not really, I’ve never looked at it as an obstacle so no one has really treated me like it should be. There have been a lot of women before me to blaze the trail, I think they’ve knocked down a lot of walls and I’m lucky enough that I don’t have to.  For me, it’s been about working hard for opportunities and then working harder to make the most of them. Being a woman has never even been part of that conversation.

DQ: Do you feel that there are less challenges now then there were for women in the sports industry?

TH: For sure. The fight to get into locker rooms post game, to get on air, to earn a spot at the anchor desk; they’ve all been fought, and to some extent, won by countless women before me. I can only speak from personal experience, but from my parents, my friends, my professors at RU, and my bosses, I’ve only ever received encouragement.

DQ: Favorite Sports Movie?

TH: Miracle …or Space Jam. I’m not sure if that one counts, but it should. It’s a classic—with an amazing soundtrack.

DQ: If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

TH: Pistol Pete, my Dad, and Bob Costas. My Dad loves Pistol Pete, he talked about him my whole life. If I could bring Pistol back to life just so my Pops could meet him I would in a heartbeat. And I love Bob Costas. I would love to ask him about all the events he’s covered, Olympics, super bowls, all of it.

DQ: March is Women’s History Month. What type of legacy do you hope to leave, not only through your career, but as a woman?

TH: At 22 I don’t know how much I can talk about legacies yet. I’m just aiming to be a good person who also happens to be a good sports reporter. For me I never want to stop working hard to be the best, but that applies to every aspect of my life. Being a good daughter, a good sister, a good friend, a good co-worker, and a good reporter; it’s all equally as important to me.

 

The following two tabs change content below.

Diane Quail

Diane is a Staff Writer here at DoubleGSports.com
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in College