Meet the 2019 Award Winners: Tennessee Sportswriter Teresa Walker

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 Tennessee Sportswriter of the Year, Teresa Walker. Walker has been working for the Associated Press for the past 31 years, covering the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Memphis Grizzlies, and college football. Other career highlights include covering five Olympics, being honored with an APSE award for feature writing, as well as covering the U.S. women's hockey team’s gold medal victory in 2018.

Prior to joining the AP in 1989, Walker had worked in The Daily Times (Maryville, TN - circ. 25,000) newsroom for approximately two and a half years, covering police stories and courthouse meetings. She then decided to move over to covering sports. This will be Walker's third time winning Tennessee’s Sportswriter of the Year, the first time being in 2015.

Walker briefly spoke with NSMA on her career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

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

Teresa Walker: Worked at The Daily newspaper of approximately 25,000 circulation for 2 1/2 years out of college. Joined the AP in December 1989

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

TW: I get to tell stories and go to games other people pay to see. Doesn't get much better than that.

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

TW: Writing a feature from the 2015 Masters that was honored with an APSE for feature writing and covering the U.S. women's gold medal victory in hockey in 2018.

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

TW: Don't be afraid of criticism of your work. It's the only way to improve and hone your skills.

Written by NSMA intern, Brian Cohen