Meet the 2020 Award Winners: North Carolina Sportscaster Stan Cotten

01.21.2021


This award spotlight is on NSMA 2020 North Carolina co-Sportscaster of the Year, Stan Cotten, now a five-time NSMA winner. Stan has also been inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. He’s been broadcasting college sports for the past 40 years. He is currently referred to as the “Voice of the Demon Deacons,” as the play-by-play announcer for Wake Forest Sports Properties.

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

NSMA: Have you been to an award weekend and if so, how was the experience?

Stan: Oh it’s incredible. Being surrounded by those who know what you do on a daily basis. Like-minded people with whom you can relate and trade experiences. I really think Dave Goren has done a great job recently bringing young people to these events as well. Meeting the Hall of Famers and those who have done this before is always great as well. If anybody has the chance of coming, definitely take it.

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

Stan: If I were to ever write a book, which I won't, it would be called “All I ever wanted to do was play”. I wanted to be a great player and my athletic career ended early. After hearing the famous sportscaster John Ward sportscast, everything changed. Once I got involved within the media and I caught the “broadcasting bug”, an old coach of mine wanted me to broadcast his Division II games. Since then I haven’t stopped and I’ve been at Wake Forest for 25 years. These opportunities have been the highlights of my career.

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

Stan: Keep an open mind. There are so many opportunities in sports media nowadays. You can always pivot and take a little turn. You never know what role will best fit your skillset. Don’t be bashful, reach out and ask for help along your path. Keep an open mind, survey the field.


You may watch the entire interview here:



Written by NSMA Intern, Sahil Dhawan


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