By Morgan Huizar
Growing up, I have been dealing with a disability called Spina Bifida. It’s a neural tube birth defect when the fetus’s spine does not close completely during early development. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, which include incontinence, loss of feeling, and leg paralysis.
It caused me to become wheelchair bound.
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Despite the challenges given, I knew I was destined to work as a Sports Broadcaster.
Before my mom became a stay-at-home to take care of my sister and I, she had accumulated 25 years of experience working for local TV news stations (KENS5 and Telemundo), doing everything from camera work, commercial traffic and producing.
She once told me my sister took her first steps as a baby during a live broadcast while my mom was busy producing, so she couldn’t freak out like she wanted to.
In college, I faced all sorts of internal battles with myself. I felt I was not going to be accepted because of my wheelchair, but that could not be further from the truth.
Everyone from day one took me under their wing. People like Nick Mantas, a former KSAT 12 reporter; Mary Rominger, current Sports Reporter for KSAT 12; and Vinnie Vinzetta, Reporter/Anchor for KENS5, have taught me so much about the business and helped me along the way.
Soon, I began working for The Logos Newspaper and started living out dream interviews I thought I would never get to live out.
I spoke to former UIW quarterback Zach Calzada, former Texas Longhorn defensive back Malcolm Brown, who played for legendary head coach Mack Brown, and many more.
One life-changing relationship I retained while working for The Logos was meeting former UIW defensive player and Broadcast Assistant Brandon Richard.
Richard and I instantly clicked. Years later, he would offer me my dream of becoming an ESPN+ sideline reporter for the UIW Cardinals. The offer was accepted quickly, and I finally achieved my dream. I owe it all to him.
Richard trusted me to tell unique stories from both teams, not just UIW.
Tasks of a sports broadcaster go beyond reporting. I go on vocal rest as much as possible — almost 24 hours.
The day of the game, I arrive two hours earlier. One hour in our production truck and then I head back towards the playing field to see the players warm up and to also see if I could find out anything significant other than what I already have in my notes.
Before the game starts, I would already have completed my mic checks, put on my communications system and patiently wait for my time cues.
Once I first get on air, I give a quick weather report and then continue to watch the game. After the report, I make on-screen appearances two more times in the third and fourth innings, then I go up to the stands and watch the game.
When games conclude, I wait for the players and hang out with them for a bit before I leave.
My day as a sideline reporter is fun, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. In my four months working for UIW Athletics, I have done over 50 games, but I would not change a single thing for the world.
