SALT LAKE CITY – In a moment that contrasted sharply with the buzz surrounding the unveiling of Utah’s new NHL team, a gathering of around a hundred attendees filled Red Butte Garden to hear from the esteemed ESPN reporter, Holly Rowe. The event was part of the 2024 Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture for the College of Communications, held on April 19.

A Journey from Bountiful to ESPN

Rowe, a proud native of Bountiful, Utah, and a graduate of the University of Utah, shared her inspiring journey from her early days as a communications student to her remarkable career in sports journalism. Her narrative was peppered with anecdotes about her humble beginnings, including the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male field.

“Work hard with great passion and be intentional with what you put your time into; you never know what will happen in your life,” Rowe advised. Her most potent message resonated with the audience: “Make the big time where you are.”

Forging Opportunities

Rowe’s passion for sports ignited at a young age. While studying at the University of Utah, she seized every internship opportunity that came her way. She recalled moments of excitement, like covering Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls for a mere $25, and even financing her own radio broadcasts for the Utah women’s basketball team. Rowe’s drive was particularly notable during a time when female sports broadcasters had significantly fewer opportunities.

Eventually, her tenacity paid off, landing her a coveted position at ESPN, where she began covering the Division III College Football National Championship. “I just thought I hit the jackpot,” Rowe reflected on that moment, recounting her encounter with legendary coach Frosty Westering, who echoed the same sentiment of making the big time where you are.

Building Relationships

Throughout her career, Rowe has emphasized the importance of relationships in sports journalism. “Building and maintaining strong relationships is what has made me successful,” she explained. These connections have allowed her to relate to athletes during their most vulnerable moments, whether celebrating a victory or grappling with a loss.

One poignant example she shared involved Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham, who opened up to her during an emotional interview following the Utes’ first-ever Pac-12 Championship—a moment made possible by the trust they had built over the years.

A Community of Support

Rowe’s resilience has been tested in recent years as she battled a rare form of melanoma. Reflecting on this challenging period, she expressed immense gratitude for the support she received from the sports community, which rallied around her during her time of need. “The relationships I built were there for me when it mattered most,” she said.

Embracing Possibilities

In closing her lecture, Rowe inspired her audience to remain open to life’s possibilities and to believe in themselves. “I’m just a normal kid from Bountiful, Utah,” she reminded them. “If you work hard with great passion and are intentional about your pursuits, you never know what incredible opportunities may arise.”

Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for KSL Sports and hosts the Crimson Corner Podcast and The Saturday Show on KSL Sports Zone.