Never underestimate the power of a determined child.
That lesson sticks out to me since I’ve been a journalist. I’ve covered sports ranging from small-town high school games up to the NBA and the Boston Marathon. The stories that still resonate are about young athletes who, in a society that can often make them feel powerless, persevere to chart their own path and bring their communities up with them.
I think of Terrence Clarke, whose energy and enthusiastic quest to uplift Boston has forever changed the trajectory of local basketball, even after his tragic death. I think of Jaylynn Conway-Hernandez, a child of the foster care system and a single mother who graduated from Brighton High in Boston, made a triumphant return to playing basketball and went on to attend Regis College. I think of Amiyah Peters and Hialeah Turner-Foster, two leaders of the Mashpee, Mass., girls basketball team, who led a squad that was proud to showcase its Native American heritage, and who helped bring packed crowds to their home games.
I could list dozens of young athletes I’ve met with inspiring personal journeys. Or go watch a marquee local game yourself and witness the electricity from the crowd and the competitors. For a couple of hours, it’ll feel like the most important place in the entire world.
Most young sports writers dream of covering the pros. I’ve been lucky enough to have that experience. I started writing at Boston University, covering the men’s and women’s basketball teams while blogging about the NBA on the side. I then had a great three years with Basketball News, where I attended NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, wrote feature stories and deep-dive basketball analysis, and learned a ton about the game and the industry.
I also started at The Boston Globe in 2019. The Globe transformed me both as a reporter and community member. I spent four years covering high school sports — primarily cross-country, girls basketball, and boys volleyball — and two as the women’s college basketball beat writer. Those games, stories and conversations have led me here.
Athletes lead their communities, even as young adults. They work tremendously hard behind the scenes to chase dreams to play at the highest levels, earn a college scholarship or win a high school state title. Amateur athletes take on a bright spotlight at an early age with an audience that can include neighbors and friends, but also coaches, scouts and strangers on social media.
The effort these teenagers put in, along with their supportive coaches and family members, often goes unnoticed. But it’s just as meaningful at the scholastic, college or professional levels. I’m joining New England Basketball Journal so I can help provide an outlet that matches their dedication.
We’re going to bring detailed analysis of the talent in this region. We’re going to highlight the powerful stories of those who have overcome adversity in their basketball careers. We’ll also investigate the key issues in amateur sports to help coaches, players and families make important decisions.
New England Basketball Journal launches at the perfect time, when the local hoops scene here is as great as it’s ever been. People are searching for coverage on the players, teams and storylines that make up this intricate world within sports. I’m so excited to help bring that coverage to you, and I can’t wait for our next conversation.
