Building Confidence at Sports Broadcasting Camp

My name is Ryan Martin. I’ve been an overnight camper at Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camps for the last three summers in Boston. I  have said to many family members, friends, and peers that this is by far and away my favorite week of the year. It’s because of camp that I have made lifelong friends that I know I can one day call my colleagues in the sports industry (play-by-play, color commentary, anchoring, reporter, etc). Being part of the SBC family has been an incredible experience on its own, but what’s truly amazing about this camp is the way it has impacted my life positively for the other 51 weeks out of the year.

Being at SBC has provided me with the skills, resources and confidence to do things I wouldn't have done otherwise. This is everything from being brave enough to ask my teacher to clarify the topic in front of a thirty teenagers, or volunteering to read page fourty-eight of the textbook out loud in front of my class.

This same confidence has also allowed me to further pursue my broadcasting career. SBC has really emphasized is the importance of connections. As Steve, Jeremy, and many celebrity guests have said, connections are everything in this business. With my newly acquired confidence, I reached out to many people that are in the field of broadcast journalism to build my network. Like many campers, I love hearing “You’re way ahead of your age!” or “I wish I knew what I wanted to do when I was your age!”; it goes without saying that very few of us would be getting these motivational compliments without SBC showing us the passion that we had for the sports industry.

Creating this network has opened doors to help me as I learn the sports broadcasting world. Last summer, I was giving the opportunity to be the Jr. Announcer for the Pawtucket Red Sox (the Triple-A Affiliate to the World Champion Boston Red Sox!) and call a game with Broadcasters Mike Monaco and Josh Maurer. I also was selected to be the Arbella Celtics Jr. Broadcaster last March at the Celtics/Kings game and had the opportunity to go on air with former SBC guest Kyle Draper. I would never have had the confidence or skills to take advantage of these opportunities had I not come to SBC.

I’ve seen the value of networking, learned how to put myself out there and taken chances that I didn’t ever think I would. I’m looking forward to this summer and joining the friends I have made and meeting new ones. If you are joining SBC in Boston this summer make sure to say hi and know that I look forward to seeing you on the rug burn ball field!