Media Girls - Press Pass Program

A message from Media Girl Ava:

Press Pass is so much fun! I’ve learned how to interview people, use fancy cameras, and ask good questions like a real reporter. I love getting to go to different events and see how the media works behind the scenes.

My favorite memory was going to the USF women’s basketball season opener. We got to watch the game, interview people with real media equipment, and even talk to the coach and some players after. The best part? It was on a school night! It felt so cool to be there doing real interviews like a journalist.

I can’t wait for more fun experiences with Press Pass!

A message from Media Girl Lexi:

I have truly enjoyed my experience so far as a Press Pass mentee. I have learned lots about interviewing techniques, working with various cameras and sound systems, and on-the-spot reporting.

I love that through this program I am able to connect with seven other Girl Scouts who have a similar dream of working in journalism and production.

One of my most memorable moments so far was attending National Girls and Women in Sports day in February, where I had the opportunity to interview Samantha Richter, the Assistant Athletic Trainer and Jessica Pastuf, the Director of Performance Nutrition from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Being able to talk to these two women about the variety of ways girls can be involved in professional sports and their own journeys within sports simultaneously helped me improve my interviewing skills and learn about the experience and determination that comes with working in the sports world.

A message from Media Girl Mia:

While being in press pass I have improved my interviewing skills and questioning techniques. I also learned what it was like to participate in a press conference for an athletic event. What I love about this program is that I get to learn more about the many areas in women's sports and sports brocasting. I am a huge fan of womens collage basketball so I am looking forward to the many opportunities that this program will give me. One of my favorite memories was when i got to take photos at a USF womens basketball game. I know that this program will help me make many more unforgettable memories. 

A message from Media Girl Shea:

The coolest part of the Press Pass program has definitely been watching the interviews and being part of all the learning sessions that are preparing us for the Women’s Final Four basketball event. I’ve loved learning how to interview, how to always be prepared for unexpected opportunities, and meeting some really amazing women in the sports world who have shared their advice and stories.

One of the best experiences so far was being on the floor for the USF vs. Bethune Cookman game, where I got to connect and interview  Danielle Donehew, the Executive Director of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association—we even bonded over our shared love for sea turtles! That connection led to an unforgettable opportunity at an FSU Women’s Basketball game, where I sat courtside for media coverage and got a behind-the-scenes tour of the locker rooms.

I’ve also made great friends who share my passion for sports and media. Huge thanks to Mrs. LaKendria and her team for teaching us skills like interviewing, networking, and always being prepared. This program has given me tools I’ll use for the rest of my life, and I’m beyond excited to represent Press Pass and the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida at the Women’s Final Four in April—it’s been an unforgettable journey so far!