With the start of MLB season, NBA playoffs, and the NFL draft, spring is always an exciting time of year in sports. For this month’s First Friday feature, we’re thrilled to feature a woman who lives and breathes Philadelphia sports, Kristen Rodgers. Formerly a sports anchor and reporter for KEZI-TV in Oregon, Kristen moved across the country in October 2017 to continue pursuing her dreams. Since then, the USC alumna has had her fair share of monumental experiences.
From the 2018 Eagles Super Bowl to Bryce Harper joining the Phillies, Kristen has been first on the scene for Philadelphia’s finest sports moments in recent history. On top of that, she’s even been determine to pick up on the region’s one-of-a-kind vocabulary successfully. Keep reading to learn more about Kristen’s background, passions, advice for aspiring journalists, and more!
Philly PR Girl (PPRG): Tell us about yourself. How did your career in broadcasting begin?
Kristen Rodgers (KR): Whether it was playing or watching sports, I’ve been around it my entire life. I’ve also always had a passion for telling stories. As a competitive person who loves to share people’s journeys, there’s no better combination of those two things than sports journalism. I’m a genuinely curious person and a fan of the game, so spending my days out at the Linc, Citizens Bank Park, and the Wells Fargo Center is a dream come true.
PPRG: What do you love most about your job at FOX29?
KR: I love that there is no off-season. The year jumps from Eagles football to Flyers hockey to Sixers basketball, Big 5 basketball, and March Madness to Phillies in the summer. There is always something new and fresh going on! I love that at FOX29, we truly “go there.” We bring the viewers unique angles that no one else does, which sets us apart.
PPRG: Can you describe your experience as being one of the first Philadelphia anchors to interview Bryce Harper one-on-one about joining the Phillies?
KR: It was a wild few days! This was a very interesting MLB free agency period where you had so many big names taking their time to sign with teams. I had already been down to Clearwater, Florida for the beginning of Phillies spring training. Then I came back to Philly for just a week before I hopped on a plane again to cover Harper’s signing!
Harper says he wants to dig his roots into a city, and that city is Philadelphia. He wants to spend the rest of his career here. I had the chance to meet his family as well, and it’s clear how grounded he is. Being able to get one of the first interviews was an incredible experience.
PPRG: What advice do you have for those aspiring to be in the media industry? We’re especially curious for women trying to get into the very male-dominated sports industry.
KR: Work. Work. Work. You can never be over-prepared in this industry. I always view getting ready for a sportscast in the same way I would prepare for a game. You watch film of those you admire, you consume articles and podcasts, and you get your reps to hone your writing and delivery. In my mind, the best way to gain respect in this industry is to prove yourself through hard work, dedication, and a passion for telling stories. Find your angle and the voice you want to share. Networking is key too because everyone knows everyone. At the end of the day, you need sources to fall back on to make your stories come together.
PPRG: With so many media and hosting opportunities, which moment has been the most memorable in your career? What are some upcoming events we can look forward to seeing you host?
KR: The 2018 Super Bowl trip has been the highlight of my career so far. It’s one of the pinnacles of sports, so being able to cover it with the Eagles was incredible. Being on the field after the Birds won, doing live interview after live interview with players who were so emotional, it was incredible to watch. One of the things I love most about my job is being able to break down walls between the viewer and athletes… to show how relatable they are. After the Super Bowl, the emotions the players felt were the same that every fan on Broad Street felt—pure unadulterated happiness. I can’t wait for this year because FOX has the Super Bowl! But before next February, I’m really excited for the Sixers in the NBA Playoffs and to see how this 2019 Phillies team turns out!
PPRG: As a Philly gal for over a year now, what was the transition like moving across the country from California? What were some major adjustments you made — besides fitting the word ‘jawn’ into your vocabulary?
KR: I think it was more people calling me out for my “California accent” because I don’t pronounce water as “wooder!” But I immediately fell in love with Philly. How can you not? Everyone here is so passionate about everything they do, and they’re even more passionate about their sports teams! It’s been a dream to work here, and Philly has definitely made its way into my heart.
PPRG: Your Twitter bio says you’re a golf addict. How did you get into that? Do you have any other passions or hobbies that not many people know about?
KR: I’ve been playing golf as soon as I could walk! My parents would put my carrier in the cart when I was little. I’m an only child and incredibly close to my family. Golf for us has always been a way to bond. Some of my favorite memories are walking 18 holes with my dad. He also made me learn to play from the men’s tees so it would be “fair” when we made friendly bets out on the course. If you’re wondering where my competitive side came from, just look to my dad! Other than golf, I competitively played tennis my entire life and played club tennis in college. I also love to cook, sing jazz music, and scuba dive.
PPRG: When you’re not on TV or hosting an event, where can we typically find you throughout Philadelphia?
KR: You can usually find me at one of Philly’s delicious restaurants (as there are a ton to choose from). On Saturdays, I love going to the Farmer’s Market in Rittenhouse, brunching in Northern Liberties, or wandering around Old City to enjoy the city’s history. I also love to give back. I’ve had some incredible opportunities to volunteer, work with charities around our community, and emcee/host their events. And of course, I try to go to as many sports games as I can!
PPRG: What’s the question nobody asks you but you wish they would?
KR: “What’s your favorite quote or words to live by?” I truly believe everyone should have a mantra. There is no better person in my mind to look to than the legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden. I loved studying his “pyramid of success” in college. To this day, I still tell myself, “Nothing will work unless you do.”
Kristen is on-air Sunday to Thursday from 5 – 6 p.m. and 10 – 11 p.m. She also hosts FOX29’s Thursday Night Football Show, GameDay Show, and Sports Sunday. Keep up with Kristen by following her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
