Savannah Hernandez joined Pitchfork as a freshman in 2017. She started as a staff writer her freshmen year, became an assistant editor her sophomore year , and led as editor-in-chief her junior and senior year. She went to UGA as a Foundation Fellow, where she started with a math related major before switching over to sports journalism. She’s had opportunities such as interning at ESPN, reporting for Nashville SC, covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, and working with UGA athletics. These are only a few of the cool opportunities that Savannah has had in her career so far.
Savannah recently visited Journalism I and Pitchfork students to share her story. We followed up with a Q&A where Savannah answers questions about her journey through Pitchfork to her career now in sports media.
Q&A with Savannah Hernandez
Q: When you were starting out in high school, what made you decide to join Pitchfork?
A: Honestly, I just wanted to get involved. My mom encouraged me to try it, and I’ve always enjoyed writing. It felt like a great way to connect with the community. I was also a cheerleader, so being involved in my school community mattered to me. Pitchfork felt like a natural extension of that – a way to meet people, tell stories and learn something new.
Q: Have you always had an interest in journalism?
A: It started as a way to get involved in high school, but I quickly fell in love with it. I realized how much I enjoyed connecting with people and hearing their stories. It’s truly a privilege to help amplify someone else’s voice. From early on, I discovered that I love storytelling and the responsibility that comes with it.
Q: When you started at UGA, you started as a math major, then later decided to go into journalism. What made you decide to make that choice?
A: When I got to UGA, I realized pretty quickly that while I was good at math, I wasn’t passionate about it. Journalism excited me. I decided to pursue what I loved instead of what I was simply good at, and I’m so glad I did. When you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t feel like work – it feels purposeful.
Q: What are some cool opportunities that working in sports media has gotten you? Is there a favorite memory?
A: As fellow UGA alum, Ernie Johnson says, this is a “get to” job. I get to be in spaces people dream of being in. I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people and experience moments I never could have imagined.
Covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia was the most difficult – and equally transformative – experience of my career so far. As a reporter for the Associated Press, I was on the biggest stage in sports, working for the world’s largest media outlet. Several of my pieces were published on APNews.com and distributed to media outlets across the world – an unbelievable honor for a college journalist. I interviewed legends like Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair, reported on major upsets and high-stakes games, and told stories about the global rise of women’s soccer. It was grueling – long nights, early mornings, nonstop travel across Melbourne – but incredibly rewarding. I learned what it means to be a reporter at a global event, and, more importantly, how to find my voice in a big room. As a woman in sports, that’s not always easy – but with the support of UGA faculty, my mentors, and incredible women working around the world, I never felt alone.
Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments in life and in sports media?
A: Some that stand out to me are:
- Covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia
- Working with NFL Films as a creative producer
- Creating content for Georgia Athletics
- Having my feature on MLB top-10 draft pick Charlie Condon air on Fox 5 Atlanta
- Working Super Bowl Sunday with ESPN Social
- Running the AthHalf half-marathon in Athens
- Being willing to move to new places – Nashville, England, Australia, New Jersey, Florida and Hawaii – and find community wherever I go
Each of those experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped shape who I am.
Q: What’s your favorite part of working in sports media?
A: The people, without a doubt. I’ve been lucky to work with some of the most passionate, supportive and creative individuals. Everyone tells stories in different ways, but we all share the same love for what we do. Some of the best relationships I’ve built have come through this industry.
Q: What are you currently doing or working on in sports media?
A: I’m currently working with ESPN. I create social content across all of ESPN’s platforms. I mainly work with show content – including Get Up, First Take, NBA Today, NFL Countdown and NBA Countdown. It’s been an incredible experience learning how to tell stories in real time, connect with audiences across digital platforms, and optimize content.
Q: Do you have a goal of where you want to end up within the field of sports media?
A: Right now, my goal is to experience as many areas of the industry as possible. I’ve worked in writing, broadcasting, videography and social media, and I want to continue becoming the most well-rounded storyteller I can be. I’m still figuring out exactly what my dream is, but I know I love telling “helmet-off” stories – stories about athletes as people, beyond the field. That’s what excites me most.
Q: If you could give anyone advice on what it’s like to work in the sports media industry, what would you tell them?
A: Say yes and put yourself out there. If opportunities don’t exist, create them. Start a page, cover local games, write stories, make a podcast – just start. Your ambition and work ethic will take you further than natural talent alone. Be willing to try new things, be vulnerable with your work and be patient with the process. Growth takes time.
If you have any interest in joining Pitchfork like Savannah or Sydney did, click the link HERE to apply!
Related article about Sydney coming soon with Senior profiles in May.
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