As a high school student, Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) senior Ashley Bryant found passion and purpose in playing volleyball at Orlando’s Cypress Creek High School after relocating from her hometown of Calera, Ala. Unexpectedly, a diagnosis of epilepsy caused her to exit the sport much sooner than she had planned. Yet, while she had to leave the court to preserve her health, the court never left her. She was determined to find a way to stay connected, so she replaced the ball she was used to holding in her hands with a smartphone, and the rest is history.
Her determination as a high school student would later lead Bryant to be recognized as one of FAMU SJGC’s honor students, graduating magna cum laude this weekend from the school’s undergraduate broadcast journalism program. She is leaving “The Hill” as one of the top emerging journalists entering the sports media industry.
“I knew I did not want to give up being involved with sports,” Bryant said, reflecting on coping with having her hopes of a volleyball career cut short. “I decided that if I couldn’t play sports anymore, I would find a way to be behind the scenes and support the team without being on the court physically. So, I asked my coach if I could start running the social media for our volleyball team. And that’s when I realized I had the skills to contribute to the school’s media. I joined the yearbook team, which led me to become editor-in-chief.”
For Bryant, these experiences sparked an interest in journalism. However, it was a different family health issue that ultimately affirmed her decision to pursue a career in media. After witnessing an injury her brother experienced as a star player on Alabama A&M’s Division I college football team, she realized how quickly the lights, cameras, and fans disappeared when athletes were no longer in ideal physical condition.
“Athletes are more than players. They are real people with real emotions, and they have a story beyond what happens on the field or court,” Bryant said, adding that her journey taught her that just because an athlete loses or temporarily battles with a physical ability doesn’t mean they lose who they are as a person. “So, I decided to be the one to tell their stories. Many people treat athletes like they are disposable. But I was determined to shine a light on who they are outside the crowds and spotlight.”
Bryant said she knew FAMU SJGC was the right choice to prepare her for a career in sports media, so she applied to the broadcast journalism program to take advantage of every opportunity available to help her accomplish her goal of being a voice for athletes. And she left no stone unturned when preparing for her career as a storyteller.
Bryant, an award-winning student journalist, photographer, and digital media specialist recognized for capturing the Best HBCU Football Photo by Light on College Sports, has juggled numerous roles during her tenure on FAMU’s campus. She is the current social media intern for the FAMU SJGC communications team, playing a critical role in expanding brand awareness. She’s interned with FAMU Athletics’ creative team for the last two years, making history by developing social media content about FAMU players that has reached millions of global viewers. She also served as a sports journalism intern at HBCU Gameday and as a sports editor and writer at The FAMUan, the school’s student-run newspaper.
In addition to completing multiple internships and hands-on student training programs, Bryant was recognized for her academic achievements, receiving the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Delta Research and Educational Scholarship and the Jayda Dionne Parker Scholarship.
And if she wasn’t busy enough for the past three years, Bryant, who finished her degree program early, is already on a fast track to a successful career backed by real-world experiences through her selection to multiple NBA training and mentorship programs. In February, she was selected as a content intern for NBA All-Star Weekend. In the summer of 2023, she completed a 10-week fellowship with the Portland Trail Blazers as a video production team member after being selected as one of more than 5,000 applicants for the 2022-23 NBA HBCU Fellowship Program. This summer, she will complete a digital marketing fellowship with the Washington Wizards.
Bryant said her career readiness and achievements would not be possible without the strong foundation she received at FAMU SJGC.
“Everything I learned at J-School has prepared me for success. This school has taught me not to be one-dimensional,” she said. “I am leaving here with the ability to do so many things — from being in front of the camera and behind it to writing and editing. Everything I have achieved comes back to how I’ve been prepared in the broadcast journalism program. My professors at J-School have been my biggest support system. They encouraged me to apply for fellowships and internships even as a freshman to get experience early, and it made a difference for me.”
Crossing the commencement stage this Saturday will be a full-circle moment for Bryant. Her FAMU training led her back to the sport that started it all. She leaves campus with special recognition from NCAA Volleyball for taking one of the top sports photos during this academic year.
The future of sports media is bright with Bryant emerging as one of its stars.
