Behind the Voice

From a young age, I've had a deep admiration for sports, but my passion extended beyond the game itself. I was captivated by the presentation, the pregame excitement, and the intricate details that contributed to the overall spectacle. I was particularly fascinated by legendary broadcasters like Al Michaels and Mike Emrick, whose voices enhanced the game's most incredible moments. Their ability to create lasting memories through their iconic calls inspired me.

I aspired to be like them - a voice that could be welcomed into homes, cars and other personal spaces, painting a vivid picture for the audience. I wanted to create a unique experience for each listener, shaped by my emotions, tempo, tone, and delivery. This was the genesis of my dream.

One of my first experiences imitating a broadcaster happened while visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA as a child with my papa. There was an interactive exhibit where visitors could do voiceovers for some of the most iconic plays in NBA history.   I gave it a try, and from that moment, I was hooked. I vividly remember an employee complimenting my voiceover and telling me that I would do something special in the broadcasting industry someday. I often wish I could find that employee and express my gratitude for their early encouragement. It's amazing how a small act of kindness can have such a lasting impact.

Some of my fondest childhood memories involved playing mini sticks, wiffle ball, or driveway hoops with my brother and cousins. I would enthusiastically commentate our own games, pretending to be our favorite athletes. These games were fiercely competitive and often ended in tears, but we always came back for more. Looking back, I realize those emotional highs and lows, shared with loved ones, shaped my broadcasting style. The world of "pretend" is invaluable and I'm grateful for the childhood that nurtured my aspirations. 

However, I still lacked a public platform to showcase my talents. The events that led to my debut reveal a lot about my character. During my sophomore year of high school, I was cut from the JV basketball team, the first time in my life that I didn’t make a team. In hindsight, I wasn’t a great player, but it was devastating at the time. After a few days of self-pity, I had an epiphany. The high school had a local station and YouTube channel that broadcasted varsity sports, and they needed a commentator. I could be that voice.

Turning a negative into a positive, I partnered with one of my best friends Brennan McLoughlin, and together we became the voices of Spartan Football, Basketball, and Hockey. We quickly gained popularity and received encouragement from parents, teachers, peers and friends. Their support motivated me to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Inspired by my experiences, I developed a tagline to conclude my broadcasts: "Always Remember to Live the Dream." I invite you to join me on this journey.