Play by Play Day by Day with Amy Lawrence

I didn’t write very much in 2022. It’s not that I didn’t have ideas or anything to share. I WANTED to write; but for some reason, the thought of opening my laptop and getting started seemed too daunting. It was a year full of landmarks and memorable moments, but it was also one that took an emotional toll.

I will forever remember the loss, grief and disappointment of last year. For months after Grammy Helen died, it felt like I was just going through the motions. My heart was strangely detached. Maybe that’s ultimately why I couldn’t write. Putting words to paper is always a labor of love for me. It requires head AND heart, and I didn’t have much heart left to offer my blog after everything else.

Of course, writing is therapeutic, and I need it! Those finishing touches and final edits always give me great joy and satisfaction. I missed out on a bunch of writing opportunities last fall. And while it’s probably too late to resuscitate my previous cache of ideas, my hope is to tap into the creativity and passion again.

This post is a reset: to acknowledge the highs and lows and use them as a springboard for a fresh approach and new inspiration in 2023!

I passed two major mile markers last year: twenty years in full-time sports radio and ten years with CBS Sports Radio Network. Wow. Not sure I ever thought far enough down the road to believe either was possible. Who has time to contemplate longevity or legacy?? But I am proud of my investment and staying power in an ever-changing industry, not to mention a medium that is supposedly on life support. (I’ve been hearing about the untimely demise of radio forever.)

Twenty years ago, I had no idea what lay ahead of me. Twenty years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. Twenty years ago, I was flying blind. Twenty years ago, I definitely wasn’t ready, ha.

Twenty years ago, I am SO grateful I didn’t know about the challenges, the frustrations, the failures, the brick walls, the bad bosses, the long hours, the personal sacrifices, all the MOVING, the tears. When I hear friends wish they could go back to their 20s, I always think “NO WAY!” I have zero desire to climb the proverbial ladder all over again.

At the same time, the bleakest moments, those days when I wondered if it would ever get better or I would ever break through–those stretches were the ones that reinforced my drive, commitment and determination. Since the age of 16, all I ever wanted to do was talk about sports on the radio. And every night when I turn on the microphone, that desire drives away the doubt, fatigue and negativity.

Twenty years ago, I didn’t know how far my passion could carry me. Now I know it can propel me anywhere I want to go.❤️

Part of the fun is never knowing what’s around the bend. (The younger me would NOT have labeled the uncertainty any kind of fun.) No two years along this journey have been the same. I sincerely hope I am always full of this same anticipation. What doors will God open? Where will He send me next? I know at least part of the answer: back to Syracuse University!!🧡🍊

Beginning this spring, I will teach a course called “The Art of Radio.” My objective is to teach aspiring broadcasters how to create and cultivate unique sports talk radio that will stand out in a crowded marketplace. I will serve as an adjunct professor and share as much wisdom and experience as I can cram into my time with them. Of course, the students will also need to practice the craft, so I will coach them as they hone their own styles.

After years of speaking at college classes and seminars, participating in mentorship programs, training producers and working one-on-one with young professionals, a crazy thought popped into my head. I should pitch a class to a few local colleges and universities in the New York City area. Trust me when I say Syracuse NEVER crossed my mind! But one of the young women who I currently mentor graduated from ‘Cuse, and she connected me with the director of the Sports Media Center. She loved my ideas! What a blessing to have people in my life who believe in me. Thank you, Casey and Olivia!

I can’t wait to meet my first group of students. My nieces told me they wish they could take my class; the younger one even said I will be ready good at this since I can explain things really well. Those compliments nearly melted my heart. They also listed the memorable qualities of their favorite professors and classes to give me a few tips. I am nervous about taking this step. I haven’t been on campus in more than 10 years. To that end, I offered to make a separate trip to “The Hill” to get reacclimated. Olivia’s response? “Let’s bring you back as a guest speaker.” WHOA! Whaaaaaat?! Talk about a full-circle moment.

Syracuse is one of the most prolific broadcasting schools in the country. The industry is full of alumni like me who got their start at the Newhouse School. When I was a grad student, US News & World Report named the master’s program the best in the nation. To be invited to speak to current students about my career and participate in a Q&A is truly an honor.

While I was earning my TV & Radio degree, Bob Costas and Mike Tirico were among the esteemed guests. We learned from some of the most renown educators in our field, including active sports broadcasters in both media. I am PROUD of my acceptance into Newhouse and the diploma that I earned. But what I didn’t have at Syracuse was a female professor to share her expertise and experience in TV and radio. I am grateful to the university for giving me the opportunity to fill a void that still exists.

I have so much to learn, like how to build a syllabus and how to award grades for the course. If you asked me twenty years ago if I thought I would return to Syracuse as an instructor, I would have laughed out loud. Even though Mom and several great friends are teachers, I had ZERO desire to teach until five or six years ago. That’s when I began teaching elementary school kiddos at my church and realized how much I enjoy it. A few fellow volunteers told me I had a knack for it, and one little 1st grade boy nearly made me cry when he exclaimed that I was the “best teacher.” Between Sundays and mentoring whenever I can, I’ve spent the last five years practicing. I guess you can label me a late bloomer.🙃

As I launch forward into my second decade with CBS Sports Radio, I am in uncharted waters. This is by far my longest stint in one place with one company on one show in one time slot. In fact, only a handful of people in the industry can claim 10 years hosting the same show. I’ve had multiple opportunities to move to different dayparts, but I’ve chosen to stay where I am. With two years left on my current contract, I feel like change is coming. Honestly, I have no idea what that means or what happens next. But I need to be ready.

As I pray about the future and consider all the options, I am open to almost anything, including a new side gig as a professor. One thing I know for sure, I will write my way through it! I’m back.💜

This entry was posted on February 12, 2023 at 2:06 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.