Sports have always been part of Alex Eschelman’s life. She grew up in a family that enjoyed golfing, skiing, traveling, and watching sports, and her involvement in cheerleading further fed her passion for the thrill of competition. She graduated from University of Arizona in 2019 with degrees in journalism and sports management, then interned at Pac-12 Networks in San Francisco before going on air at ABC and FOX affiliates in Bozeman, Montana. From there, she was on to the Big Sky Conference in Salt Lake City, where she covered the league on ESPN+ and Scripps Sports. In April 2024, she joined KTNV Channel 13 in Las Vegas, where she says work doesn’t feel like work.
On air, she’s confident, warm, and enthusiastic–and she knows her stuff. Let’s catch up with her!
Growing up, who inspired you?
While the Oak Ridge High School cheerleaders were girls I constantly admired as a kid, my parents are two figures who have inspired me every day. From our family bike rides to our golf outings and ski trips, I am extremely fortunate to have been raised by parents who showed my sister and me how sports can create everlasting memories.
What sparked your interest in sports broadcasting?
Initially, it was my passion for cheerleading. Growing up, I always loved being on the sidelines and finding ways to bring people together. During my senior year of high school, I started thinking about which career path I wanted to pursue in college. I cannot recall the exact moment I realized I wanted to be a sports broadcaster. However, I think I just knew it was the right profession for me. Later, being a part of ESPN College GameDay when I was a freshman cheerleader at University of Arizona really solidified my dream of becoming a sports reporter. Seeing Sam Ponder in action alongside Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and the entire broadcast team was unforgettable.
What’s been your most exciting on-air moment?
I have had many exciting on-air moments, including interviewing Raiders legend Marcus Allen and NBA all-time great Damian Lillard. With that being said, the most exciting was my first time sideline reporting at a Montana State football game. My dream became my reality.
What was your first big break?
Getting the opportunity to host a Utah Jazz broadcast. In Salt Lake City with the Big Sky Conference, I shadowed the Jazz broadcasters in my off time. One day, I got a phone call asking if I wanted to fill-in host because the main anchor was unable to do the broadcast. I am so thankful to the entire Jazz broadcast production team for that chance, as that invaluable experience has helped me succeed in Las Vegas.
Have you faced any challenges in your job?
Moving to new places frequently and working weekends and night shifts has been challenging at times. However, I am grateful that there have been many more rewarding moments than difficult ones. It is hard to look at my job as “work” because of how fun it is to attend major sporting events for a living. When my profession poses challenges, I am fortunate to have great family and friends who I lean on.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Every day is different. Oftentimes, I am at a game going live in our shows and putting a story together on the matchup. When I am not at a game, I am covering a practice or event. Sometimes I have a photographer with me. However, I am also responsible for shooting my own content and editing it for television.
How do you prepare for interviews with athletes and coaches?
Sounds simple, but I google them! I read articles and watch or listen to previous interviews. From there, I start writing my questions and putting them in order.
Any particularly memorable interviews or unexpected moments on air?
I recently did an interview with a mother and her daughter, Wonderful, who is an adaptive athlete. Wonderful’s mom did the interview. Though Wonderful could not speak, she smiled the entire time, and she grabbed my hand. We held hands most of our interview, and that is a moment I will never forget.
What’s a dream assignment?
To be a sideline reporter for ESPN. I would love to be assigned to an old-school Pac-12 matchup like Colorado versus Arizona.
What’s next for you?
I’m extremely excited to host the Las Vegas Aces’ pregame, halftime, and postgame shows on Scripps Sports this season.
What advice would you give to other young women hoping to break into sports media?
Work hard, be kind to people, learn from your failures, celebrate your accomplishments, never be afraid to try something new or ask for help, and believe in yourself.
“From our family bike rides to our golf outings and ski trips, I grew up with parents who showed me how sports can create everlasting memories.”
“I have had many exciting on-air moments, including interviewing Raiders legend Marcus Allen and NBA all-time great Damian Lillard.”