Today we’d like to introduce you to KJ Wright
Hi KJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a basketball-filled family. Both my parents were involved in basketball in different arms of the game (my mother was the first female official to work a mens college game in Canada & my father was/is on the Board of Canada Basketball). My older brother played college basketball, so when it was my time to enter college – I knew I’d be a student-athlete as well!
I played five years of college basketball in Canada where I was a 5-year captain and still hold records for 3-point shooting at my school I graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and a Masters of Journalism. And then I dove right into the world of sports media as soon as I retired from my playing days!
I worked 1,00,00,000 jobs in a million different sports and organizations before being hired by the Memphis Grizzlies, where I worked for 5 seasons!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I truly believe there is no such thing as a smooth road. After graduation, I freelanced as a reporter for about 5 years before ever landing my first full-time job. In fact, my first contracted job out of school was with the Toronto Star and I was laid off twice in one year from that company before deciding that newspaper simply weren’t the space for me! But freelancing has it’s own positives and negatives … the positives are that you can create your own schedule and go to a lot of fun and unique events (I literally was working around the globe – I went to 6 different countries in 4 years). But it also has a lot of rejection, which can be difficult on your body and mind (and bank account).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a basketball reporter and host. I would say that my specialities are podcasting, storytelling and interviewing. I’m most recently known as the Memphis Grizzlies team reporter where I hosted the team’s podcast (which last year got over 67 million views!!) and conducting postgame interviews with the players! Something that I pride myself on is making my guests feel comfortable with me and like we aren’t in an interview setting – but more like two old friends catching up on fun and important topics.
Definitely less importantly, I am known across the league for my fashion! I have done a number of interviews all talking about clothes and outfits – and it’s definitely something I enjoy and use as a creative outlet.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I get asked this question a lot, and my answer is always the same. I have three things I would tell young reporters/myself. And it’s advice that I got from reporters that I looked up to when I was coming up!
1. Have fun. LaChina Robinson told me this back in 2018. I know it sounds so simple – but she watched my demo reel and said.. “you’re at a basketball game, you’re supposed to be having fun!” When I first began, I tried so hard to be serious and act like I saw other news reporters acting. But that wasn’t authentic to me.
2. Say yes to every opportunity! Allie Clifton was the one who gave me this advice. You never know who is watching, or who knows who in this industry, and so every opportunity matters! Every opportunity gives you a chance to perfect your craft. Any reps on air will be good for your growth long term! I was saying yes to opportunities working in sports I had never even heard of – but I don’t regret one single job I took along the way!
3. Find your niche. Don’t try and be someone else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjwright/
- Twitter: https://x.com/kelwright
