2024 State Winner Thumbnail: Alyssa Charlston-Smith
02.05.2025
From Basketball to Broadcasting
Charlston-Smith’s love for sports began with basketball, leading her to play at the University of Idaho. While there, she gained experience with cameras and editing. Though her early work was rough, she credits practice and repetition for her growth. After playing professionally overseas, she landed a job at KXLY in Spokane, where mentor Keith Oso helped shape her on-camera presence. This led her to Seattle, where she now covers the Seahawks, Kraken, Mariners, and Storm for Fox 13.
Technical Skills & Confidence
Alyssa honed her craft by mastering camera work, lighting, and editing—often staying up late to perfect her work. She believes technical skills empower broadcasters to tell better stories. Despite her success, she still feels she hasn't "made it," valuing humility and continuous growth. Seeking feedback and staying coachable are key to her progress in the competitive industry.
Industry Insights & Personal Connections
Charlston-Smith has been pleasantly surprised by the respect she’s received as a woman in sports media, acknowledging the industry’s growing inclusivity. She treasures the strong relationships she’s built with athletes, allowing her to share unique insights.
Dream Events & Role Models
Her dream events include covering a women’s national championship at Madison Square Garden, a men’s Division I title game, and a Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Inspired by her father, a news anchor, she also admires broadcasters Doris Burke and Holly Rowe.
Advice for Aspiring Journalists
She encourages aspiring journalists to stay curious, sacrifice free time, research continuously, and seek guidance from professionals.
Charlston-Smith’s journey highlights the dedication, passion, and resilience needed to thrive in sports journalism, serving as inspiration for future broadcasters.