Senior Alaina Morris selected for prestigious Sports Journalism Institute
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University senior Alaina Morris has been selected as one of only 16 students nationwide to participate in the Sports Journalism Institute (SJI), a highly competitive nine-week training and internship program designed to prepare college students for careers in sports journalism.
Morris, a sports media major from Charleston, West Virginia, will begin her journey with SJI this summer with a week-long bootcamp at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, followed by an internship at The Tennessean, where she will cover the Tennessee Titans, Nashville SC and other summer sports.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” Morris said. “SJI is very selective, so I wasn’t super confident when I applied. When I found out I was chosen, I was surprised but also overwhelmed with gratitude. It feels like all my hard work is paying off.”
The Sports Journalism Institute is a nationally recognized program that provides students with hands-on training in sports reporting and editing while also promoting diversity in sports media. For Morris, this opportunity is the latest step in a journey that began with a childhood love of sports and has evolved into a promising career in sports journalism.
Building a passion for sports media
Growing up, Morris was immersed in the world of sports, whether she was watching basketball and football on TV or competing on the basketball court herself. However, she didn’t initially realize she could turn her passion into a profession.
“I have always been extremely interested in sports,” she said. “I played basketball growing up, so sports were a part of my everyday life. But I didn’t realize I could make a career out of it until I got to college.”
At Lipscomb, Morris quickly became involved in student media, starting with The Bison, Lipscomb’s student-run radio station, where she was on the broadcast team for volleyball, soccer, and basketball games as a freshman. She credits alumnus and fellow student journalist Danny Kotula (’23) for mentoring her early on and helping her find her footing in the field.
By her sophomore year, Morris had the opportunity to broadcast Lipscomb soccer and softball games on ESPN+, and as a junior, she expanded her experience by calling basketball games for Tennessee State University on ESPN+.
Her resume also includes an impressive lineup of professional journalism experience. Morris serves as the Vanderbilt women’s basketball beat writer for Vandy247, covering all home games, writing recaps and developing feature stories. Through this role, she has covered the SEC and NCAA Tournaments as well as SEC Media Day. Recently, she began working with Main Street Media, where she focuses on covering Lipscomb and other mid-major programs in the region.
A future in sports journalism
While Morris has already established herself as a rising star in sports media, she sees the SJI program as a major stepping stone toward her ultimate career goals.
“My dream job is to be a beat writer covering the WNBA, but I’d also love to broadcast women’s basketball at a high level,” she said.
She credits Lipscomb’s student media program for setting her on this path.
“Lipscomb’s student media gave me my start,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the program that was in place when I arrived on campus as a freshman. It did more for me than I ever thought it would.”
Beyond technical skills, Morris says her time at Lipscomb has helped her grow personally and spiritually, preparing her for the next chapter of her career. With her acceptance into the Sports Journalism Institute, Morris is taking the next step toward making her dream a reality. This summer, she will continue honing her skills, learning from some of the best in the industry, and representing Lipscomb on a national stage.
“During my time at Lipscomb, I’ve grown so much as a person,” said Morris who is on target to graduate from Lipscomb in December. “I’ve become more confident in my abilities. The opportunities I’ve had, whether in the classroom or through internships, have pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Lipscomb has shaped me into a more driven, adaptable, and well-rounded individual, and I feel more prepared than ever for the next steps in my career and life.”