Meet the N&O’s new NC State beat writer Jadyn Watson-Fisher
Hello, readers! As some of you may know, I’ve officially started as the News & Observer’s new NC State athletics beat writer.
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little about what I hope to bring to this position.
First, I want to be honest and say that I’m a little scared. I’m trying to catch up on decades worth of institutional knowledge in just a short amount of time at a major institution. I’m also doing it while my family acclimates to an unfamiliar area. We’re originally from Oklahoma but called Colorado home for nearly four years. I covered Northern Colorado, whose programs primarily compete in the Big Sky on the FCS level.
That transition is not easy, so please bear with me.
That said, I’m excited about this new opportunity. I believe I can bring strong coverage to State supporters.
As a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, I know the passion that comes with collegiate athletics. My mom once told me she wouldn’t pay for any of my college if I went to Oklahoma State. She might have been joking, but I didn’t test it. I’m hoping my personal and professional experience helps capture that here.
I told my now-superiors during the interview process that I want to tell meaningful stories. I’ll do the day-to-day stuff and attend normal events, but I think the best sports coverage goes beyond the box score or the depth chart.
The most impactful reporting, in my opinion, gives readers insight into the lives and relationships of people in the program. It brings humanity to the players and coaches everyone sees on the field or on TV.
Even game stories can focus on the bigger picture or notable plays that impacted the outcome. I want my reporting to feel special to those reading it, not a near-replica of the stuff you’ll see from everyone covering college football.
To that end, I’m not afraid to hold people accountable, either.
Some people will get mad and disagree with me while I’m here. I’ll make mistakes — I made one in an email, actually — but I’ll be upfront about it when I do. I just ask everyone to extend grace and respect.
This is just as much my home now as it is yours, so I care deeply about doing things ethically and with the utmost care. It might be different from northern Colorado — and I keep typing that instead of North Carolina — but I’m all in.
I look forward to this year, hoping to tell as many stories as possible. My job focuses on football and basketball, but I’m open to everything. The N&O hopes to expand coverage on women in athletics around the Triangle, and I’m your girl for that, too.
Give me ideas, tell me who to talk to, and share what matters to you. (I will also accept advice for North Carolina living, recommendations and photos of your pets.)
Thank you, friends. I can’t wait to see what we can do together.
