Shaniece shares on breaking into the male-dominated Sports Broadcasting Industry

Originally published in January 2022 issue

What interested you about the sports broadcasting industry?

Kobe Bean Bryant was my first love & basketball was second. Before I knew sports broadcasting was an option for women, the actual industry hadn’t yet diversified into the melting pot we see now. As a child, I didn’t question the lack of diversity, not fully understanding that it would later affect the way I navigate the industry. I simply enjoyed the knowledge I was gaining by listening to the commentators and analyzing the game from my own perspective.

I didn’t realize that my knowledge of the game was a gift until I began debating the males in my family about sports-related issues. Men can be emotional about the game of basketball when debating. To a certain extent, I was too, but there’s also a theoretical component to anything that requires a well-groomed opinion. That’s what separates a passionate fan from a sports professional: speech, knowledge, articulation, and delivery.

It’s an art. I began to study that art by listening to some of my favorite personalities on television.

As one of the few women sports broadcasters, what have been some challenges you have faced? Have you had difficulty being taken seriously by your colleagues? How have you worked through these challenges?

Not only am I a woman, but I am also African American. I’m on the brown side of the melanin spectrum. Women are marginalized in this industry, but there’s also colorism and racism. Challenges have comfortably disguised themselves in micro-aggressions. Insensitive comments about my anatomy, appearance, and intentions have surfaced throughout my journey. It’s challenging to be taken seriously when history has written and is still writing the story of the black woman for her.

I’ve chosen to combat these false narratives by authentically being the polar opposite of what they think I am. Because I am. Black women are the most educated, creative, intellectual, gifted, and God-fearing human beings on earth. For every malicious word that someone has used to describe a black woman, I combat it with an antonym.

Being in a male-dominant field, how do you make sure that your voice, opinions, and ideas are heard? 

Like I noted above, men are extremely emotional about sports. When someone is emotional, it’s difficult to construct a well-balanced argument or opinion. You began to over-tone the person that you’re speaking to. Men are powerful in their physical and tone levels. That may work for some, but it’s not enough to overthrow a brilliant voice, opinion, or idea. 

Do you have any advice for women who also want to go into sports broadcasting or any male-dominated field?

Find your commitment. For me, I am committed to the growth of my heritage. Therefore, everything that comes after that reflects getting black women where we need to be as a whole. There isn’t much room for error or foolery with the weight of your ancestors on your back.

Walk with integrity, have faith, and commitment!