By: Jenny Guzman

For newcomers to sports reporting, the jargon, statistics and rapid-fire updates can be challenging to follow throughout a game season. For women facing additional gender barriers while trying to break through the male-dominated field of sports reporting, these challenges are harshened by a veil of misogyny, whether it manifests through the subconscious of their colleagues or otherwise.

Sports have generally been recognized as a predominantly male-centered interest, both in the games themselves and on a broader level in the entertainment industry.

When it comes to sports journalism, only 15% of sports reporters are women, according to a 2022 Pew Research study.

While this number may seem discouraging to several aspiring female sports journalists, it should not deter women from pursuing their passion. Furthermore, the increase in female sports journalists points to the possibility that girls are not letting the statistics hinder their ambitions.

For women eyeing this career path, college provides an ideal environment to gain experience and learn from seasoned professionals.

Fortunately, at Cal State Fullerton, there are opportunities for all students to explore sports media and entertainment.

The intimate space found in Titan TV’s Titan Sports Network has become the home base for several aspiring women’s sports reporters to build their expertise and receive constructive feedback.

First-time female Titan Sports anchor, Sasha Pytell, elaborated on the uneasiness of entering an unfamiliar environment, but persevered strongly with a supportive crew by her side.

 ”I trust their judgment and I trust myself,” said Pytell, a third-year journalism major. “I’m moving forward, believing that it’s gonna work out and all.”

The trend of experiencing a greater reward than cost follows suit as other young women sports journalists push their way to the forefront of this industry.

Transfer student and fourth-year journalism major Isabella Lyons is a year into her sports media coverage journey, interning with the school’s Titan Sports Network and working as a sports reporter at JP West Media — major milestones especially at the college level.

As a woman navigating the sports media world, Lyons mentions that taking a step in the right direction to enter this industry meant branching out and putting herself out there.

“ I went and DMed JP [West].. I was like, ‘Hey, I wanna get into this, is there any way you could help me get on the sidelines?’” Lyons said. “He replied and was like, ‘You know what? I’ve actually been looking for a sideline reporter this whole season.’ So we got connected through there.”

Despite several women facing challenges such as imposter syndrome, it does not completely flame out their passion for the career.

“ Recognizing that this is open for everyone,” Lyons said. “It’s not just men who can do this; anyone can do this, any age, any gender, any race.”

With CSUF’s partnership with ESPN and Titan TV, home to shows like Titan Sports, the media outlets have provided many, including young women, the opportunity to engage in sports coverage in an active environment.

The young women in sports today have made a space for themselves in the field of sports journalism at the college level and continued to showcase their belonging alongside their male counterparts.