(August 23, 2018) Dan Hasty’s experience as a play-by-play broadcaster and studio host helped create a personal connection that led him to his new job. An STAA member, Hasty is the new basketball voice at NCAA DI University of Detroit Mercy. The Titans are coached by former University of Indiana head coach Mike Davis.
“About four or five years ago, I met the person who eventually became my contact at Detroit Mercy. I had filled-in on one of his basketball broadcasts and on another occasion, he needed a PA announcer for an afternoon mid-week women’s basketball game. I did the game and had a blast,” said Hasty.
Social media may have also played a factor in Hasty landing the job.
“Thankfully, my contact started following me on social media. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but it gave Mercy a chance to see my work from a distance, which I’m sure played a big part in why they brought me in.”
Hasty will keep his minor league baseball job with the West Michigan Whitecaps. However, he gives up the men’s basketball job he held for one season at Saginaw Valley State. He wouldn’t have left SVS for just any job, but Detroit Mercy is a perfect fit.
“I visited with a few members of UDM’s athletic department and felt a strong connection. Our ideas and vision for the radio broadcast were remarkably in-sync, and it was easy to tell that we had chemistry. It’s an honor to be a part of this — especially with a program guided by strong leadership with a proven track record in head coach Mike Davis.”
Not only is the program a perfect fit for Hasty at this stage of his career, but working in Detroit comes with plenty of benefits including time with family and friends.
“Believe it or not, it’s actually a shorter commute from Grand Rapids-to-Detroit than Grand Rapids-to-Saginaw. It’s just barely over two hours,” says Hasty. “Add-in that I grew up close to Detroit, I’ll get to spend much more time with family and friends out that way. Plus, I can always stay there for the weekend and not have to make a round-trip commute, which is what I had to do for SVSU. The chance to be back in Detroit, the city in which so many of my best memories have been made, made this a special opportunity.”
The move was a no-brainer for Hasty and STAA looks forward to featuring Hasty #InTheBooth on social media this basketball season.
(Visit Dan’s website).