Carissa Kellman

My dream of being a writer started at the ripe old age of 7. I wanted to write children’s books. I would fill file folders with stories. It could have been anything – a stuffed animal, toy, or drawing – and I would create a story around it. I even started a YouTube channel, where I would write scripts, film, and edit series around these fictional characters.

Eventually, I found myself interviewing my friends at school, writing and filming features on their talents, interests and fascinating habits. They loved it, too.

Growing up on Long Island in a family full of sports fans and engaging in sports myself, I was familiar with the culture.

It came naturally to me. Telling stories and learning about people was exciting and fun. That passion for creativity and audience engagement fueled my decision to pursue journalism. I started studying journalism at Marist College in 2019, but it wasn’t until my second year there that I added a sports communication concentration.

Growing up on Long Island in a family full of sports fans and engaging in sports myself, I was familiar with the culture of New York sports, but I was exposed to a wider range of athletics in college. I interned with a streaming service that provided live coverage of equestrian events and interviewed riders at various levels of experience. It was then that I felt like a child again, captivated by their unique talents and devoted to telling their stories in a rewarding manner.

But ultimately what I learned was that the meaning of success in sports extends far beyond the physical aspect. Athletes begin playing mostly for the love of the game. You can see it, hear it – and, sometimes – even feel it. Those tangible moments are what makes covering sports an enriching experience. The opportunity to share my observations is a privilege.

High school sports are the heart and soul of many communities here on Long Island. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a part of the Newsday team that is dedicated to the coverage of more than 100 high schools and their students. There is nothing more rewarding for both my younger and current self than to see the excitement on their faces when they are recognized for their accomplishments.