Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Neely.
Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you were to tell 10-year-old Sydney that she would be the in-arena host for the Grizzlies, Tigers, Americans, and on-field host for the Redbirds in addition to being a tv host and producer she probably would not believe you. I grew up dreaming of being a cardiologist, but that changed after my sophomore year at the University of Memphis. After shadowing a friendly family physician, I knew that wasn’t the career path I wanted to take. Huge kudos to those in the medical field though!
I switched my major from biology to journalism and worked as a reporter for the campus newspaper, The Daily Helmsman, and anchored for the campus news station, Tiger News. I also interned for the Commercial Appeal where I covered everything from politics and crime to the world’s only flying eye hospital. It wasn’t until after I took a sports reporting class taught by Dr. Roxane Coche that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in sports. Dr. Roxane Coche played a huge role in my life.
Because of her, I was able to work as a flash quote reporter for the Olympic News Service during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which further cemented my dreams of working in sports. After the Olympics, I scored a sports/news internship at WMC Action News 5 where my sister, Tiffany Bridgeforth, was a reporter. My sister took me under her wing and really helped me become a better storyteller.
I took summer classes each year in college, graduated early with Magna Cum Laude, and applied for graduate school at Columbia University. I really put all my eggs in one basket since I only applied to Columbia and no other schools. I did not have a backup school and was so worried since I knew Columbia didn’t have a high acceptance rate. When I received my acceptance email, I was pumping gas and literally started balling like a baby at the pump— it felt like all of my hard work was paying off.
While attending Columbia, I continued to focus on sports journalism. One of the professors heard about my interest and mentioned how the Athletics department needed an emcee for football. I landed the gig and remember my heart beating a mile a minute during my first game on the mic. I was so used to speaking in front of just a camera, the thought of doing it in front of hundreds of people freaked me all the way out— I loved it though! When football season concluded, I was asked to host basketball— that’s when someone from the Westchester Knicks saw me and offered me a hosting job for the team.
The Columbia Graduate School of Journalism stressed that students should not work during the graduate program. I was also offered an internship with the Brooklyn Nets that Columbia said I could not take since it required students to receive academic credit. I was disappointed but I was determined to make the Westchester job work since I saw this as a step closer to my dream. I would complete all of my schoolwork then catch the train to Westchester at night for games,
After receiving my master’s from Columbia University in 2018, I returned to Memphis and worked as a production assistant for ABC24, a live entertainment assistant for the Grizzlies, and an in-arena host for the Memphis Hustle, the G-league affiliate of the Grizzlies. The same year, I hosted the AAC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the following year, I got the in-arena host job for the University of Memphis’ men’s basketball team. I landed my first full-time job as a tv host & producer with ABC24/CW30 in December 2020— things were on the up and up.
In January 2022, I started hosting for an indoor soccer team, the Memphis Americans, and that summer, I took my talents to the baseball field as an on-field host for the Memphis Redbirds. After four seasons of working as the host for the Memphis Hustle, I landed the full-time hosting position for the Memphis Grizzlies. I am currently the host of four sports teams in Memphis and a tv host/producer for CW30. I get excited going to work and if I can make even one person’s day, it’s worth it. I love Memphis and the people in it. This city has a heart and soul that can’t be duplicated and I’m beyond blessed to call it home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to get to where I currently am was far from smooth. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason though and when one door closes, another one opens. -I didn’t get into Vanderbilt for undergrad, but was accepted at the University of Memphis which as a result allowed me to work for the Olympics and find my true passion.
The University of Memphis gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I would not have received if I attended another college. I didn’t get a job immediately following graduation and was discouraged, but was accepted into one of the top journalism schools in the country, the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where I got my first experience hosting sports and creating sports documentaries.
I was offered an internship with the Brooklyn Nets but could not accept it since it required students to receive academic credit and Columbia did not allow that. However, I did land a position hosting for the Westchester Knicks. My experience hosting for the Westchester Knicks allowed me to host for the Memphis Hustle which spiraled into me hosting for the Grizzlies, Redbirds, Americans, Tigers, AAC Tournament, etc. If I would’ve stopped pursuing my dreams after I encountered a “no”, I would not be where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the in-game host for the Memphis Grizzlies, the University of Memphis’ men’s basketball team, the Memphis Redbirds, and the Memphis Americans. I’m also a tv host and producer for CW30 in Memphis, TN. As an in-game host, I strive to create a world-class in-game experience for fans. Whether it’s someone’s first ever NBA game or they’ve been a season ticket holder for 20 years, I want them to walk out of that arena with a memorable experience.
Each one of the teams I host has an amazing fan base and I’ve been able to build strong relationships with them. Of course, I love sports, but it’s the fans that are truly the backbone of a team. In Memphis, we don’t play and our fans are the definition of ride or die. They have true hearts and offer unwavering support, that’s why I love this city and the people so much. “Big Memphis Energy” is something that can’t be replicated.
At games, I regularly speak in front of 18,000 people and my job is to get everyone hyped, excited, and cheering on for our team. As a tv host & producer for CW30, I’ve interviewed stars like Taye Diggs, Jordin Sparks, Rainn Wilson, Tamela Mann, and so many others. I also host a lifestyle-type commercial called, “Q&A with Sydney” that clearly answers questions for viewers about a client’s products or services. I love being able to highlight businesses and share what important services they offer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
In all honesty, I don’t believe in good or bad luck. I have faith and believe in hard work and persistence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sydneyneely.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneely/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-neely-3424b3122/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjg1dI8RWKBKOCXQJ_qMCQ
Image Credits
Lexi Ross, MadeByGlyde (Clyde Sims Jr.), Nike Black, Avalon6 & Alana, and Josh Jones
