Soccer

The Sideline Dream

N Our Voice By Sami Hauck

I have two confessions I’d like to get off my chest.

First, I’ve probably watched more NASCAR, Supercross, Motocross, and Formula 1 racing than I’ve watched soccer on TV in my lifetime.

Sorry, Coach Walker ;).

Some of my greatest memories as a kid were going to the MX racetrack, drag races and SuperCross with my dad, mom, and brothers super early in the morning. Sometimes, my brother was racing. Sometimes, we went to ProRacing events with my Dad. It's sort of a family thing. 

The other confession is the fact that I’ve always dreamt of being as Motorsports sideline reporter. Growing up, I’d turn on the MX races and especially loved watching Erin Andrews work live events. She’s always been a huge inspiration to me, and I wanted to grow up to be just like her. She makes her job look so fun. I had no idea how much work there was put in before she was on the sidelines.

Majoring in sports media and communication while also interning at the Husker Radio Network has given me the opportunities to accomplish that dream.

It’s been quite the balancing act to manage my internship, school and playing college soccer. But I’ve had so much support and cooperation from my teammates, coaches and staff at Husker Radio.

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Power of persistence

 

I can honestly say it’s worked out better than I imagined. I was asked to be interviewed by Jessica Coody after receiving my second Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week award during the soccer season. I remember going into the station and comparing that experience to my own dreams and aspirations of becoming a sports sideline reporter.

I thought to myself, “Would it hurt to just ask about a job?”

I had already researched Jessica’s background story and saw that she did some sideline reporting in the past as well. I remember I told her about my major and how I’d always dreamt of being a reporter. I saw the chance to ask if they had any internships at the time or if I could just stop in and shadow her to watch what she did.

Jessica said there wasn’t an option for interns at the time, but I felt like we really connected. She was so nice and open about everything. I made sure to stay in touch with Jessica.

I reached out to her on Twitter after some time had passed to see if anything had changed. No luck. I then sent her a message on Instagram a short while later but she said they weren’t quite there yet. 

I kept persistent and stayed in touch with Jessica. Finally, right before Christmas break, Jessica reached out to me that she had been working to figure out a way to start something with women in broadcasting and the sports world. 

I sent all of my information over to the network and officially started the internship in January 2022. Never underestimate the power of persistence.

"Not only am I learning the ins and outs of the business, but I’m also gaining more of an appreciation and respect for the work it takes to do what Jessica does."

Sami Hauk
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Finding the right balance

 

Now, it’s all about finding a balance.

The radio station is so understanding in regards to my soccer and class schedule. I’ve always had to multitask and manage my time to fit everything in I was involved with.

My schedule is pretty tight. I have soccer training in the mornings, followed by classes in the afternoons which accounts for most of the day. Then I usually head over to the radio station for a few hours. I really enjoy going to the press conferences. So when it works out, I will fit those in between classes. 

Without question I have been beyond Blessed to have this opportunity.

I’m at the point in my journey where I’m open to any opportunity to learn more. Nebraska has really given me more opportunities than I could have imagined. From working with Jessica & the Husker Sports Network team, I’ve done the 2-minute ticker on Sports Nightly, participated in managing Spring Games telecasts as well as being in the studio editing. It hardly feels like a job because it’s so rewarding. I’ve learned a lot in my short time at the station. The on-hand experience is incomparable to a classroom set up. 

Chasing my dream

 

Not only am I learning the ins and outs of the business, but I’m also gaining more of an appreciation and respect for the work it takes to do what Jessica does.

One of my favorite moments so far was working at the spring football game with Jessica. Watching her work “live interviews” of coaches and players, fielding questions that accurately fit the position of the player, their experience or what to reference for on the topic was so impressive. I respect her more now that I know how hard she has worked to become so successful as a professional sports reporter. 

There is no doubt most people think her job isn’t that hard. But I can assure you it’s so much more work than I ever imagined. I’ve only seen probably 10% of what she does to prepare and be completely informed of the status of the athletes and coaches she engages with. There is no way to know everything about everyone but she sure tries! 

I chased my dreams of playing D1 college soccer until it became a reality. I can honestly say I’ve got a long way to go to reach my goals and turn my dreams into a reality as a sports sideline reporter. But you can achieve anything if you want it bad enough.