Kendra Sheehan has done plenty of sideline reporting for Southern Illinois University athletics during her two years at WSIL TV. “I knew that was the direction I wanted to take my career and to work for a major conference, professional team or one of the major networks,” she says.
Sheehan is taking the next step in that direction. She’s joining the Western Athletic Conference as an On-Air Talent and Broadcasting Coordinator. “I felt this position with the WAC will help hone my skills and serve as the right next step in my career,” she muses.
Well prepared
Sheehan’s preparation for a sportscasting career began with her undergraduate degree from Florida State, then her Masters from Syracuse. Her passion for sports, though, has deeper roots.
“I played multiple sports growing up,” she says. “Both my parents were athletes, as was my sister who ran track and field for Auburn University. My grandfather was a professional baseball player. As I started to look at career options, I knew I wanted to get into broadcasting. The ability to combine my love of sports and my passion for telling stories seemed like a natural fit.”
After earning her Masters, Sheehan accepted a job as a digital content reporter at Buffalo Bills training camp. It was on to WSIL after that.
Unique approach
One thing Sheehan believes helped her WAC candidacy was her unique demo reel. “I utilized creative stand-ups that would make my reel stand out from all other applicants,” she recalls. “During interviews, a number of people commented on some of my unique coverage.”
She also works hard to build meaningful relationships. “[It] has helped me build a list of references that would be willing to speak on my behalf.”
Sheehan joined STAA in 2019. “STAA has helped me stay on top of what’s happening in the industry through job postings and helpful tips for networking, building a reel and creating a compelling resume,” she says.
Sheehan’s resume is now even more compelling with her move to the WAC and a deeper dive into college athletics.