Hania Elakawy, second from right, worked as a floor director for TSN/Sportsnet at the city's first ever WNBA Toronto game in 2023. From left: TMU grad Savanna Hamilton, host and reporter, Sportsnet & NBA TV Canada; Kylee Templeton, director of photography; Jenna Madalena, producer, MLSE, who is also a TMU grad; and Sara Labadie, sound mixer. (Photo courtesy of Hania Elakawy)
For students with big dreams in sports media, the chance to cover varsity sports at TMU is a win-win.
A partnership with Athletics and the university's Career Boost program, which provides students with part-time employment opportunities, is proving to be a key stepping stone for students to land big league jobs in the sports media world when they graduate.
Through the work program, students in programs such as journalism, digital media, broadcasting and photography are gaining real world experience covering the Bold in volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer and more.
Among many roles, jobs include giving play-by-play commentary, producing cool videos and graphics for social media, shooting photo and video content and interviewing athletes and coaches.
"TMU grads who have worked with us are being snatched up by top media outlets including TSN, MLSE, CBC Sports, Sportsnet - they're everywhere," said Louise Cowin, executive director, Athletics and Recreation.
"We're so proud that the experience they've gained with us has helped them hone their craft as they pursue their careers. And the coverage the students generate of our varsity teams - it's next level," she said.
Below, meet Hania Elakawy, a TMU alum who was part of this incredible program, and who is now a producer at MLSE. Elakawy is the first profile in this three-part series showcasing the success of TMU grads in the sport media industry.
