Meet the 2019 Award Winners: Nevada Sportswriter David Schoen

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 Nevada Sportswriter of the Year, David Schoen. Schoen is a sports reporter and Vegas Golden Knights/NHL beat writer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The University of Wisconsin graduate has also previously covered high school sports as well as the World Series of Poker for his current publication. He’s been with the Las Vegas Review-Journal since 2008, originally as a copy editor before being hired full time in 2009.

This was Schoen's very first time winning Nevada Sportscaster of the year.

Schoen briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

NSMA: What was your career path like on your way to your current position?

David Schoen: Circuitous. I wanted to be a hockey writer and attended the University of Wisconsin. I started working at the Wisconsin State Journal in 1996 as a copy editor/GA sports reporter and returned to California in 1999 to work for the West Coast Conference. The pull of journalism was too much and I was hired at the Oakland Tribune in 2000. I covered a golden age for prep sports in the Bay Area, the California women's basketball team and was a voter for the women's Wooden Award, and worked my way up to associate sports editor before returning to school in 2007 for a multiple subject teaching credential. Again, journalism lured me back in 2008 and I started working at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. I was a copy editor and GA sports reporter for several years, and my dream came full circle when the NHL awarded Las Vegas an expansion franchise in 2016

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

DS: I enjoy traveling across North America and connecting with people in the hockey community to tell their stories. But nothing beats the smell of a fresh sheet of ice after the Zamboni finishes resurfacing.

NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

DS: Winning 2019 Nevada sportswriter of the year

NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?

DS: Be committed to the fundamental principles of journalism: accuracy and balance. Also, eat something before you cover a game. Most press box food is terrible.