Game Changers
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It’s been said, that this year’s Super Bowl commercials were more catered to women instead of men, like in past years.  Let’s think about it. Last year GoDaddy got a lot of attention because of their racy commercials that were obviously geared towards men. However, think about the commercials we saw just a few weeks ago. The Tim Tebow and David Beckham commercials got the attention of women for sure, along with many more. Women are becoming more interested in the football world not only as viewers, but more and more women are breaking into the football world as a career. Many would say that football is predominately a male sport, and in participation that is completely true. However, today there are many women who view and take an interest in football, and the job market for women in the football industry is increasing.  Many women have jobs in public relations, sports reporting, college football offices and the list goes on.

Niki Noto is an Alabama alumni and sports reporter for ESPN and ESPNU Road Trip.  She is a true example of a woman that has worked very hard to get where she is.  I have always thought that it is important for women to have a strong presence in the football industry, but Noto says that maybe we shouldn’t view it as an “importance” anymore.

“It makes it sound like we’re not expected to be where we are, which is a counterintuitive way to look at it,” Noto said.

“I think it’s MORE important for females to remain in these current roles,” Noto said. “And to keep inspiring young women to go after their dreams, even if it is still a predominately male profession.”

Noto said that she and her colleagues are holding their own in their field. She said that she constantly sees females in the field shooting, editing, reporting and doing many other tasks.

“I think we are making strides, and I think other females in the profession recognize that simply having other females next to them in the profession, is the strong presence we all need,” Noto said.

Noto was inspired to go in to this career field by her dad. She said that he has been in the cinematography business for a long time and has a keen eye for it. Her dad saw the ambition in her and wouldn’t ever let her quit.

“He always pushed me in whatever I did – do one more rep, watch this take, talk softer, go slower, ask strong questions, etc.,” Noto said about her dad.

Working in sports, specifically football, is also becoming a popular aspiration for high school and college girls. If you haven’t watched Erin Andrews on FOX Sports or Sam Ponder on ESPN and thought to yourself “Man, I wish I could be her,” then you are probably lying to yourself. How cool would it be to be on a major sports network talking football with all the guys?

Noto has a few tips she said she would tell high school and college girls who have similar goals of working in the football industry.  

“First and foremost you have to be a one-man (or woman) band these days,” Noto said. “You also have to immediately accept out of the gate that you’re going to be overworked and underpaid.”

Don’t expect to make millions she warned. She also pointed out that this kind of job also means giving up a lot of free, personal time.  Sporting events are held on nights, weekends and holidays a lot of time.

“You have to go in knowing that you won’t have a normal 8 to 5 schedule,” Noto said. “You might miss holidays, birthdays or going out with your friends. It might be difficult for you to have a personal life because you’re grinding away at your professional life.”

Along with your personal life, comes relationships, and those can be a challenge to maintain for someone in these types of jobs. Noto says that you have to know that some guys will be intimidated by you. Some guys can’t handle the crazy schedule or the fact that in this job, you will be surrounded by men all the time, she said. She says to stand firm though because that’s a good way to weed the wrong guys out.

“My biggest prayer and piece of advice is to find that personal and professional balance,” Noto said. “For me, I knew that when I found that person I loved more than my job, they were both worth it. It’s also important to know that it IS attainable. “

In any job you have to be committed, but this one requires a lot of commitment and a willingness to put yourself out there.  Your private life is not so private anymore, she pointed out.  To be taken seriously, she says you must take yourself seriously in how you present yourself.

“You have to understand that today we are an instant gratification generation living in a social media society,” said Noto. “With that being said, people are ready to watch you fall. It’s a different time we live in, and social media can help you, as much as it can hurt you.”

As a woman working in the football industry, there are bound to be obstacles to overcome. Maybe sometimes those obstacles aren’t always because of gender, but sometimes they are.  Noto says that we all struggle with obstacles that are either internal or external. Internally she said she has struggled with always wanting to do her best and be proud of her work, but not every time you do something good is someone going to pat you on the back.

“Your colleagues won’t always have the similar vision or same opinion,” Noto said. “I think it’s important to understand how to navigate communication with their personalities.”

Externally, Noto says image can be an issue women struggle with in today’s society.

“Again, when you put yourself out there on TV, in pictures, whatever medium it might be, you immediately allow yourself to be susceptible to negative feedback,” Noto said. “You can have the thickest skin possible, but it still can hurt.”

She said to surround yourself with people who bring you up instead of tearing you down. Two of her role models in her career field are Sam Ponder and Heather Cox.

“Both of them are simply stunning human beings with incredible hearts,” Noto said. “They beautifully execute their jobs, their questions, their ability to ask the tough questions, yet maintain positive relationships with their interviewees.”

Another woman that has impacted her in a positive way is Shelley Smith. She said Smith sent her a congratulatory text when she saw Noto doing bowl games on ESPN.

“I’m very grateful for positive experiences in the ‘sorority,’ if you will, of female broadcasters,” Noto said.

Noto also says that she would love to meet Robin Roberts.

“She really was a pioneer for female sports reporters, and I admire her grace of how she’s handled situations and continues to shine in her career.”

Noto has clearly had a successful career in football so far, and I am sure there are still many great things to come for her. She is truly an inspiration for all girls with an interest in sports, specifically football.

In Noto’s opinion, she says the key to success in a career in football for a woman is to stay in the loop and stay in the conversation.

“I think it’s important to obviously stay on top of whatever is going on in the football world,” Noto said.

She says to also watch game film with coaches.

“I truthfully learn more about the game on the phone for conference calls, or on site in the film room,” said Noto. “It’s their natural habitat, and that’s where you can really be a sponge and learn about your subjects.”

We live in an ever-changing world, and football is not immune to change.  Today, football is not something that only guys can engage in.  Over the past few years, we have seen a shift of incorporating more women in the industry, and those women are making a huge impact in the world of football. Women like Niki Noto are changing the game and providing encouragement for young females to work hard and go after their dreams. 

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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