Hundreds of HISD student-athletes filled Delmar Fieldhouse Wednesday, Aug. 23, for Athletics Media Day, an initiative created by Athletics Director Andre’ Walker in 2022 to provide high school athletes exposure to professional media training at no cost.
“I think it’s very important for our kids to have some form of training and understanding in how they ought to respond to certain questions they’re being asked in interviews,” said Walker. “If they have an opportunity to receive some proper training, it makes interviewing easier and makes them feel more comfortable.”
The event included trainings led by KHOU reporter Zack Tawatari, H-Town High School Sports host Todd Freed, and HISD’s Press Office staff Joseph Sam and Jose IrizarryCardona and aimed to help students sharpen their interview skills. Afterwards, students transitioned to the press conference room to practice alongside their teammates during a simulated post-game-style interview led by HISD Assistant Athletics Director Dan Kelly and HISD Multimedia Producer Enrique Gonzales.
“They really helped us with giving us good interview tips and telling us what to do and what not to do in an interview,” said Scarborough High School junior and volleyball athlete Yuliana Saavedra.
Media Day also featured a headshot photo station and a social media etiquette presentation led by HISD Digital Media Sr. Manager Ose Anetor to help students understand the significant impact social media has today and how one post can have a long-lasting impact.
“Students’ social media presence is their brand: a summary of who they are to the public,” said Anetor. “One post can have a profound impact on a student’s future, positively and negatively. An awesome post might catapult an athlete into the school of their dreams, while one negative or controversial post can destroy everything the student has worked so hard for.”
Plans are already underway for a spring sports Media Day.
“Today was for our football, volleyball, water polo, and cross-country athletes because those are the sports that kicks off first,” said Walker. “I received a lot of positive feedback, so we’ll come back and host another media day for our springs sports as well.”
To learn more about HISD Athletics and upcoming events, click here.