Kendall Smith is already living her dream.

Since graduating in spring of 2023, the SJMC broadcast alumna  has been on the sidelines as a team reporter and host for the Charlotte Knights, the Chicago White Sox AAA affiliate.

“But I do a million other things,” Smith says. She is also hosting and reporting for the Charlotte Checkers, top minor league affiliate of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League, and is a sideline reporter for the CW affiliate and ESPN+.

Smith’s career began by attending SJMC  summer Media Innovation Academy, where she got hands-on experience making broadcast news “packages," learning all things journalism and meeting instructors like Kevin Hull, Ph.D.

“Being in that environment when I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a Gamecock, and this is what I wanted to do,” Smith said. 

Once a Gamecock, she became heavily involved reporting for a variety of school media outlets and served as an ambassador for the CIC, constantly pursuing opportunities with the camera and on the sidelines. She credits her drive to Hull’s support.

Smith has certainly not lost momentum since graduating.

“It’s been nine months now. Feels like longer because I was always working,” she said earlier this year.

Smith experiences exciting sports moments first hand with the “best seat in the house,” she says. She highlights the surreal feeling of holding an actual ESPN+ mic after growing up playing with the toy version and her experience as an alumna coming back and being behind the scenes for Game Day and hosting an event for Gamecock Central.

When asked about her plans for the future, she highlights her aspiration for growth and to be an inspiration for young people.

“The path of success is not linear. You are capable of success at 20 and 75, you just have to be willing to give it your all and work hard,” she says. “I love all the sports that I work in. I’m so thankful to work in the sports that I do. So just continuing to do this and do what I love and I’ll never work a day in my life.”