Name: Wendell Epps
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Year: Class of 2023
Major: Sports media
Internship: Over the summer, Epps joined WXII 12 News at the sports desk in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In his role, he covered local sporting events and compiles feature packages while learning more about television news production. Epps also attended weekly sessions with different departments at WXII including, Creative Services, Sales, Weather and Digital Media.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU provided me with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the sports media industry. From media production classes where I got the chance to learn vital techniques about operating the camera and editing videos to play-by-play broadcasting High Point sporting events on ESPN+, I have become well-versed as a sports media personality. Not every college student can say they announced games on ESPN+ or have interviewed Hall of Fame Sportscaster Jim Nantz and former NBA player JJ Redick, but I can. HPU has provided me with opportunities that cannot be found at any other institution and experiences I can use to strengthen my resume and reels.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Patrick McConnell, associate professor of sports media, is my most impactful mentor at HPU. He always motivates and pushes me to grow as a play-by-play broadcaster and constantly provides feedback on my reels. I’ve been fortunate to take multiple classes with Dr. McConnell, and he was always willing to stick around after class to answer any questions. He will even go out of his way to ask how my ESPN+ broadcasts are going and if he can be of any help. It’s professors like Dr. McConnell that make HPU a special place to learn and grow.”
What has your internship experience been like, and how is it preparing you for your future?: “My internship experience at WXII is one I will cherish. I anchored two practice sportscasts in the WXII studios, traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to cover the 2022 ACC Football Kickoff and most importantly, developed amazing relationships. I now have a professional reel to show employers and recruiters. I am elated to say that at the end of my internship I was offered a part-time position to stay with WXII through the fall to help with their high school football coverage. The station told me numerous times that they are willing to help me find full-time jobs within the sports media industry. Knowing that I have a whole news station by my side to help me with that search is very comforting, and I truly cannot thank WXII enough.”
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