The energy was high and the inspiration was real when students in Newman University’s Sports Media and Promotion program got the chance to hear from Asia Smith—a sports anchor, mentor, and passionate advocate for women in sports media. Smith, who works as a sports reporter in Wichita, visited campus to speak about her career, the challenges she’s faced, and her drive to open doors for the next generation of women in the industry. Her visit was part of her ongoing work with Girls Talk Game, a mentorship program she founded to uplift women pursuing careers in sports broadcasting.
One student in the crowd, first-year student, Avery Grunert, left the event feeling both encouraged and excited about what lies ahead. “She’s doing something I’m really interested in,” said Grunert, a Sports Media and Promotion major. “I just wanted to learn what her daily life is like and how she got to where she is.” Grunert appreciated Smith’s honest look at the industry, including the demanding schedule and the commitment it takes to succeed. “I kind of already knew that sports reporters work on weekends and holidays—but hearing her say it made it really sink in. I’m not sure if I want to do that part!” she laughed.
Still, the positives outweighed the challenges. Smith’s message of empowerment and authenticity resonated. She started off by telling her story, talking about her mentorship program, and what her day-to-day looks like. “Each day is a little different for her, but she really loves what she does,” Grunert said. What stood out most for Grunert was realizing the strong support system the Newman program is already providing. “I’ve made a lot of connections here, and I’ve learned so many different writing styles and ways to approach reporting. It’s really set me up well.”
Smith’s passion for mentoring the next generation of women in the sports media was clear throughout her talk. Through her program, Girls Talk Game, she creates space for women to grow their skills, build confidence, and see themselves in careers where female voices are still too rare. “You belong in the room,” she told students. “Your voice matters in sports.” Her message struck a chord with students like Grunert, who left the event feeling inspired and empowered. As Smith reminded the room, “It’s not just about reporting scores—it’s about telling stories that deserve to be heard.”
