After months without live action sports, the Vegas Golden Knights returned to the ice for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. During one of the games, I noticed a video featuring Stormy Buonantony, the Rinkside Reporter who joined the team this season. She mentioned Vegas is her hometown. I was impressed with this local’s accomplishments in a male dominant profession. I reached out to learn more.
IN A NUTSHELL, TELL ME ABOUT BEING VEGAS BORN?
The first time I heard the VGK use– “Vegas Born” – I felt an instant connection. This is where I grew up and my love of sports developed. My dad was on the 40-man roster for the St. Louis Cardinals back in the day and Mom was an elite gymnast turned coach here locally. Sports of all kinds were very prevalent for me and my siblings. I also have an uncle who’s an oddsmaker, so we’re very “Vegas!" All kidding aside, I love this community and take a lot of pride in telling people where I’m from.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A SPORTS JOURNALIST?
This is tough to answer! I always had a desire to be a sports journalist, but it took a long time to believe it was a realistic path. I was a nursing major when I started college, and if it wasn’t for a Radio-Television elective course and the professor who pulled me aside because he felt I had the talent to do it, who knows where I would be!
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU FIND UNIQUE ABOUT WORKING FOR THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS?
The VGK organization has attracted extreme talent throughout the organization, on the ice and off. And what I find truly unique and special is that regardless of position, there’s a no-ego mentality. The culture and expectation of everyone is to do your best for the people around you, not yourself. That’s not a norm in professional sports and I feel extremely lucky to work for a team with that mindset.
WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT 2020?
Before the shut down, I was invited to judge a talent show at my alma mater, Palo Verde. While there, a student approached me and asked for advice about getting into this business. During COVID I had the time to connect with her and other students further and loved it! I started a dialogue with the Nevada Broadcasters Association about opportunities to inspire students on a more formal basis. The idea of giving back is not new, but there is something special about doing it in the town I was raised. It reminds me of all the wonderful mentors who inspired me. Now I get to pay it forward.
