Sports Journalism Broadcasting Institute

Sports Journalism

and

Broadcasting Institute

for

Teens

Continuing Education

SPORTS JOURNALISM: A RAPIDLY GROWING FIELD

The world of sports journalism has been rapidly evolving over the last few years. With continuous

technological advancements, opportunities for sports journalists are limited only by the imagination.

Sports journalists now have more options to make their voices heard, and with the growth of online

radio and television broadcasting, social media, and blogs, their voices can reach sports fans across

the globe.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START

Hofstra University Continuing Education has offered sports journalism courses for more than

15 years, and many of our students have gone on to become successful sportscasters and

sports journalists. For teens who are passionate about sports and sportscasting, Hofstra’s sports

journalism classes will give them the skills they need to gain a competitive edge.

LEARN SKILLS FROM WORKING PROFESSIONALS

Our instructors are all professionals working as sports journalists and broadcasters. They teach

students important skills such as writing, on-air presence, voice control, camera and audio setup,

editing, and working as part of a team. The goals of these courses are to help students grow as people

and to act as stepping stones to a professional life in sports journalism. Throughout the courses,

instructors provide constructive critiques and honest student assessments. Students begin networking

with professionals and get tips for the next step — whether it’s preparation for college or a job.

Training includes the following:

• Vocal coaching • Play-by-play and color commentary

• Sports research • Television sports anchoring

• Writing television and radio scripts • Pre- and postgame preparation and hosting

• Sports writing and blogging • Television and radio studio operations

•

Interviewing techniques

• Editing

• Memorization tips • Talk show hosting

•

Teleprompter use • Networking

Students leave these workshops feeling more conﬁdent about their communication skills and with a

better understanding of what they need to do to reach their goals.

HOFSTRA’S STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

Students in the sports journalism programs have the opportunity to experience state-of-the-art facilities,

including Hofstra University Continuing Education’s video and audio recording studios and editing room.

SPORTS JOURNALISM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FOR TEENS

Hofstra University Continuing Education offers a precollegiate, noncredit Sports Journalism

Certiﬁcate Program for students 12 to 18 years of age. The series of courses within the certiﬁcate

program provides participants with the core foundation and skill sets required to succeed in sports

journalism today. All sports journalism courses can also be taken as individual classes without being

part of the certiﬁcate program.

The Sports Journalism Certiﬁcate Program requires successful completion of six (6) required courses

and two (2) elective courses.

Required Courses:

• Introduction to Sportscasting for Teens OR Introduction to Sports Journalism for Young Women

• Sportscasting Research and Prep

• Sports Writing, Blogging, and Social Media

• Preparing and Conducting Sports-Related Interviews

• Sports Radio Hosting

• Sports Producing and Editing

Elective Courses (choose two):

• Intermediate Sportscasting for Teens

• Vocal Coaching

• Sports Television Hosting and Anchoring

• Television Sports Reporting

• Hosting Pre- and Postgame Shows for Radio and Television

• Sports Roundtable Hosting

• Sports Play-by-Play for Television and Radio

• Sports Fantasy Preparation, Drafting, and Debating

• Sports Journalism 101 for Teens

The concentration of skill sets taught in this certiﬁcate program helps prepare students for

college-level studies, work experiences at the collegiate level, and future goals.

Upon successful completion of the required courses and electives, students receive a Hofstra

University Continuing Education ofﬁcial transcript and a program certiﬁcate. The certiﬁcate can

be earned in less than one year.

Early registration discounts and interest-free payment plans are available.

Note: Continuing Education reserves to right to adjust and/or substitute courses and curriculum as required.

SUMMARY OF COURSE OFFERINGS:

• Introduction to Sportscasting for Teens

• Intermediate Sportscasting for Teens

• Introduction to Sports Journalism for Young Women

• Sports Writing, Blogging, and Social Media

• Sportscasting Research and Prep

• Sports Journalism 101 for Teens

• Preparing and Conducting Sports-Related Interviews

• Sports Radio Hosting

• Hosting Pre- and Postgame Shows for Radio and Television

• Sports Roundtable Hosting

• Television Sports Reporting

• Sports Television Hosting and Anchoring

• Sports Producing and Editing

• Sports Play-by-Play for Television and Radio

• Vocal Coaching

• Sports Fantasy Preparation, Drafting, and Debating

• Sports Journalism and Broadcasting Resume Reel

• Sports Journalism Capstone Course

Note: Programs are offered year-round. From September to June, programs take place on

Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. and on weekends (Saturday or Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon

or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). During July and August, we offer more than 15 programs during a six-week

period that runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding July 4.

OUR SPORTS JOURNALISM AND BROADCASTING GUEST SPEAKERS

ARE THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS!

“Over the last decade, one of the highlights of my summer has been the day I spend with the students at Hofstra’s

Sports Journalism and Broadcasting Institute. I enjoy sharing stories and anecdotes about my career, as well as

distributing the materials that I use in preparing for a broadcast. Hopefully the tales I share from my high school

years in Port Washington to my experience at NYU to my professional career can help inspire the students to shoot

for their goals.”

– Kenny Albert, FOX Sports/MSG Network/NBCSN

“If you’re a teenager interested in getting into the sportscasting ﬁeld, there is really no better place than the Sports

Journalism and Broadcasting Institute at Hofstra University. Whether it’s standup, play-by-play, reporting, or camera

work, the workshop has a little bit of everything. I wish I had had an opportunity like this when I was younger; it really

gives you a good feel and foundation for what it’s like to be in this business. I sent my own son to the Sportscasting

program, and he had a fabulous time. It really is as good as it gets.”

– Mike Breen, NBA Play-by-Play Broadcaster for ESPN and ABC

and New York Knicks Broadcaster

“I always enjoy having a chance to speak to the students at Hofstra University as part of the Sports Journalism and

Broadcasting Institute. Getting an opportunity to speak to my future peers is something that I never take lightly, and

I always feel enriched by it. The instructors in the Hofstra Sports Journalism program do a wonderful job of providing

the tools for success, and I’m honored to help them in any way I can.”

– Freddie Coleman, ESPN Radio

“The Sports Journalism and Broadcasting Institute at Hofstra is a tremendous opportunity for students. It really gives

them a chance to see all facets of the business. I enjoy coming back every year! I took a class a long time ago, when I

was trying to get into the business. It was my ﬁrst taste of sports broadcasting. I always enjoy coming back and trying

to act as a mentor for students now.”

– Tracy Wolfson, Sportscaster for CBS Sports

“It’s always great every summer to come here to the Hofstra University Sports Journalism and Broadcasting Institute and

get a chance to work with all the young students. The program teaches students introductory and advanced skills in writing,

research and prep, interviewing, radio and television hosting, and sportscasting experiences. The hands-on experiences

are the best part for the students; they actually do the play-by-play and color. The students become much better journalists

and broadcasters than they were when the week began. I highly recommend the program, and I know that down the road

some of these young students will be the ones taking my place.”

– Chris King, Play-by-Play Voice of the New York Islanders and Long Island Ducks

WE GET RAVE REVIEWS FROM STUDENTS …

“I attended the Hofstra Sportscasting programs and learned so many skills that I’ll be able to use in the future, like how

to read off the teleprompter, being able to experience how it felt to be on camera, doing radio broadcasts, and how to

do play-by-play. I plan to attend more programs in the future to increase my skills in sports broadcasting.”

– Amanda Zumpano

“The relationships that began and were fostered during my three summers in the Sportscasting programs have helped

drive me to choose broadcasting as a career. The personal touch the instructors gave to me and the knowledge they

imparted on me have given me the conﬁdence that I can be successful. If you’re a huge sports fan and have a strong

work ethic, this is the best way to spend a part of your summer.”

– Brendan May

“My experience with the Summer Sportscasting workshops has been amazing. I learned how to use cameras,

teleprompters, and editing equipment. The instructors helped me learn and understand the many different aspects of

broadcasting so I can have the conﬁdence to someday be a broadcaster or journalist.”

– Charlie Maisano

“The knowledge and experience I gained from my three summers in the Hofstra Sportscasting programs are truly

irreplaceable. The instruction I received has made me realize that my dream of being a sportscaster is attainable. Being

taught by legends in the business has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. They really pack a lot of

activities into a short span of time and cover every aspect of sportscasting, from play-by-play and color commentary to

on-camera work, to radio updates. It’s a wonderful experience that is both fun and educational.”

– John McHugh

“The certiﬁcate program at Hofstra University was such a big help to me during high school. I learned important

skills, such as speaking in front of the camera, how to host my own radio and TV shows, and editing my work. All the

instructors were excellent and took time to explain how to research, write, and deliver our broadcast. I know I can use

my experiences to achieve all my goals and dreams.”

– Artemis Tsagaris

“Coming all the way from Toronto to take this program, I was a little skeptical, but now I have zero regrets.

My experience at Hofstra is something I will always cherish. The teachers are so knowledgeable and helpful to the

students. They teach each student at their own level, which, for someone who struggled in school, is something

I really appreciate. I earned the Sports Journalism and Broadcasting certiﬁcate in 2016. This was the best

experience of my life, and I truly feel I’m now capable of doing what I want to do in the future.”

– Nolan Kangas

… AND PARENTS TOO!

“The program has given our daughter, Julia, the foundation she needs to succeed in the world of sports journalism and

broadcasting. Entering a world where sports broadcasting is dominated by men, the instructors have given our daughter

the conﬁdence she needs to go forth and fulﬁll her dreams. She learned so much during the program that she is now

conﬁdent to start at Hofstra University in the fall and excited to continue her studies in this ﬁeld.“

– Jill and Rich Esposito

“Our son Jonah was the youngest in the program, but he felt welcomed and at home right away. The instructors are

fantastic and make every aspect of sports journalism exciting — from interviews to reporting to editing and research.

They emphasize the importance of preparation, organization, and presentation in a joyful but serious way that makes

kids want to hang out in a classroom even after school has ended. If your kid loves watching, debating, and learning

about sports, then don’t miss out on this amazing place ﬁlled with amazing people.”

– Rebecca Hirschwerk

Additional testimonials from students, parents, and instructors can be found at

ce.hofstra.edu/sportsjournalism.

LEAD INSTRUCTORS

Keith Irizarry is the program coordinator for the Hofstra Sports Journalism and Broadcasting

Institute. Keith can be seen on Sunday mornings during the NFL season on the CBS Sports

Network’s That Other Pregame Show as a host and fantasy football analyst.

Kevin Dexter is the assistant program coordinator for the Hofstra Sports Journalism and

Broadcasting Institute. Kevin anchors radio sports updates on WFAN, 1010 WINS, and WCBS 880

in New York City, and nationally on CBS Sports Radio. Kevin can be seen on local television as a

sports anchor at News 12 Long Island and News 12 Westchester, and he is the play-by-play voice of

the Long Island Nets – the NBA G League afﬁliate of the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin is a 2013 graduate of

Hofstra University.

Liam McHugh

serves as a host on some of NBC Sports’ most high-proﬁle properties and

events, including Football Night in America, the NHL, Notre Dame Football, and the

Olympics. Since 2010, Liam has served as the lead studio host for NHL Live, the studio show

that airs prior to and after NHL telecasts throughout the regular season, Stanley Cup Playoffs,

and Stanley Cup Finals.

Jim Baumbach is an award-winning investigative and enterprise reporter in the sports

department at Newsday. Recent projects include a two-year investigation into the

challenges facing professional football players after they leave the game and a seven-month

investigation into head safety in high school football on Long Island. Throughout his career,

Jim has covered every New York professional sports team and reported from high-proﬁle

events such as the Super Bowl and the World Series.

Amanda Pugliese

is a professional sportscaster who has been broadcasting high school sports

in the New York metropolitan area since 2014 for News 12 Varsity, formerly MSG Varsity. She is

the lead sideline reporter and studio host for the network, covering football, basketball, hockey,

wrestling, and lacrosse. Amanda is also a digital content creator for MSG Networks.

Dan Savarino

graduated from Hofstra University with a BA in journalism and minors in both

marketing and rhetorical studies. While at Hofstra, Dan served as radio station manager for

WRHU-FM and color analyst for the New York Islanders radio coverage throughout the 2014-2015

regular season and playoff games. He had previously served three seasons as a rink-side reporter

for Islanders games. Other on-air experience includes serving as the play-by-play voice of Hofstra

men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse, softball, and baseball. You can watch him on News

12 Varsity, providing play-by-play for high school sports in the tristate area.

Vinny Micucci

is a professional sportscaster who has hosted numerous radio and television

shows and interviewed celebrities and athletes, including Derek Jeter, Jay-Z, and Robert

Redford. Vinny has covered numerous World Series and All-Star games in more than 10 years at

MLB.com and has called television and radio play-by-play of Major League Baseball games. He

has appeared on MLB Network, ESPN, MSG, Verizon Fios, and more. He is also the author of a

book titled From Sports Fan to Sportscaster.

Scott Greene was a high school and college coach for 16 years. Since 2010, he has

broadcast more than 250 games as the lead basketball color analyst for Verizon Fios 1

Sports. Since 2013, Scott has served as Fios 1’s football analyst and sideline reporter. He

has also worked college basketball packages for ESPN3, Big East Digital, American Digital,

and America East. Scott also served as college softball analyst for St. John’s University and

professional color broadcasting analyst for One World Sports.

FORMER AND CURRENT GUEST SPEAKERS AND INSTRUCTORS INCLUDE:

• Kenny Albert

• Mike Breen

• Freddie Coleman

• Spero Dedes

• Nick Ferguson

• Steve Gelbs

• Cayleigh Grifﬁn

• Chris King

• Mike Leslie

• Mark Malone

• Brendan May

• Pete McCarthy

• Shannon Spake

• Kelli Tennant

• Amy Trask

• Trac y Wolfson

For more information, visit ce.hofstra.edu/sportsjournalism or contact

Sports Journalism and Broadcasting Director Michael Chisena at

516-463-5909 or [email protected].

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HofstraSportscastingInstitute

@HofSportsJourn

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sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran

status in employment and in the conduct and operation of Hofstra University’s educational programs and activities, including

admissions, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. For more information,

visit hofstra.edu/eoe.

Continuing Education

Sports Journalism

and Broadcasting Institute