Meet the 2020 Award Winners: Arizona Sportswriter Kent Somers

This award spotlight is on NSMA 2020 Arizona Sportswriter of the Year, Kent Somers, a four time NSMA winner. Kent is an columnist for The Arizona Republic and AZ Central.

Kent Somers was interviewed by NSMA intern Sahil Dhawan on his career and the industry as a whole.

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

Kent: It was a little bit different than some people. I happened to join the school newspaper in college and it just clicked. I came to it late and felt like I had a lot of making up to do. My first job was in Utah, a small gig. It took me a few years to finally get some opportunities in sports because that's what I really loved.

NSMA: What is your favorite part of the job?

Kent: I've wanted to be a columnist for a long time and that has been nice. I think finding the story that nobody else has and attracting new readers is my favorite part. Also the games, you never know when you're going to see.

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

Kent: Just lasting in this business. Also, covering the 2008 Arizona Cardinals playoff run was great. I've seen seen a lot of 4-12 Cardinals teams in my day so that was great.

NSMA: What's some advice you can give those new to the industry?

Kent: Find a place you can write, you need the reps, we all do. Look for something unique, if something is interesting to you, you can write it in an interesting way. Secondly, find someone who can critique your work. A mentor in a sense. Have thick skin and use that constructive criticism to get better.

You may watch the entire interview here:

Written by NSMA Intern,

Sahil Dhawan