Immersed Into Sports Media

Sprinter and middle-distance runner Ariana Wright participated in the CBS Sports Immersion Program, where she attended the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament from March 13-16.  

For the third consecutive year, CBS Sports and the Big Ten teamed up to provide 12 current Big Ten student-athletes with an experiential program to expose them to the inner workings of sports journalism, media and broadcasting careers during the women’s and men’s basketball tournaments. Student-athletes gained knowledge and learned from CBS Sports producers, directors, on-air talent, operation leads and Big Ten Conference staff.

Wright, among other things, enhanced and explored careers in media, was added to diverse pipelines for CBS Sports and Paramount Global, and developed relationships with the CBS Sports staff. 

The senior studying communication is a Clinton native and a graduate of Bullis School. She was even Miss Maryland International’s runner-up. 

Wright shared her experience at the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis as part of the CBS Sports Immersion Program and how she became interested in a career in sports media. 

What motivated you to apply for the sports journalism, media and broadcasting program with CBS Sports and the Big Ten?

Storytelling has always been at the heart of who I am. From a young age, I understood the power of representation, how one story can elevate someone’s life and how one’s experience can shift perspectives. This is especially true in sports, where narratives go beyond the scoreboard, shaping identities, communities and cultures.  

I was drawn to this program because it embodies the values I hold close: amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering inclusion and using media to connect people. The sports industry is a family that thrives on shared passion and collective experiences. Walking into this program, I immediately felt that sense of belonging. I wasn’t just an outsider looking in. I was stepping into a space that embraced my love and drive to make an impact.  

How did this experience impact your future career goals? 

Coming into this program, I was set on social media and graphic design. I loved the creative side of sports media, but I hadn’t yet found the exact space where I felt I belonged. That changed over the course of this experience. Being immersed in the fast-paced world of sports journalism, engaging with industry professionals and stepping into roles that challenged me in real time. I discovered a newfound passion for sports public relations and marketing.

This program didn’t just introduce me to different aspects of the industry. It gave me the confidence to see myself in spaces I hadn’t previously considered. From asking bold questions in press conferences to capturing dynamic moments on the court, I learned that my voice matters. Now, I leave with a clear vision for my future: I want to be a part of the stories that shape the sports world, whether through PR, branding or behind-the-scenes storytelling.  

What knowledge or insights did you gain from interacting with the CBS Sports staff and Big Ten executives?

One of the most striking takeaways from this experience was realizing how many of the CBS Sports staff and Big Ten executives were once athletes themselves. There’s a strong sense of community in this industry. It’s built on shared experiences, an understanding of the grind and a deep love for the game. A common concern for athletes is feeling like they don’t have enough experience by the time they graduate. However, multiple industry executives and staff reassured us this isn’t a make-or-break factor. You have time, and your experience as an athlete will be recognized and valued, not held against you.

What stood out most was the diversity in career paths. I met people working on everything from administrative logistics to on-court interviews with rising basketball stars. Seeing that range made me appreciate how interconnected the sports world truly is. Every role plays a part in bringing the game to life. More importantly, I felt like I belonged in that space. The energy, the camaraderie and the shared vision solidified my desire to pursue a career in sports media.  

What does being part of a program designed to bring more diverse voices into sports journalism and media mean to you?

It means everything. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in certain sports spaces. When I ran cross country in my younger days, I was one of the few Black girls on the team. I’ll never forget when a teammate asked me if I ever felt out of place. The question itself wasn’t harmful, but the way it was asked made me pause — why should I feel out of place? Shouldn’t I belong here just like anyone else?  

That moment made me hyperaware of inclusion, or the lack thereof, in certain areas of sports. Now, being part of a program that actively seeks to change that narrative is both empowering and personal. Representation isn’t just about visibility. It’s about making sure diverse voices are heard, valued and given space to thrive. This program reinforced that I have a place in this industry, and I plan to use my platform to ensure others feel the same.

How did your Miss Maryland pageant Experience inspire a career in sports broadcast journalism? 

Surprisingly, they go hand in hand. At Miss Maryland International, I dedicated my platform to advocating for domestic violence victims — amplifying voices that often go unheard and shedding light on issues people tend to overlook. The same passion drives me in sports journalism.  

Too often, the focus in sports is solely on the biggest stars and the buzziest moments. But what about the underdogs? The ones grinding behind the scenes, fighting for a chance? Just like advocacy, sports journalism is about telling stories that matter and bringing attention to narratives that might otherwise go unnoticed.  

This experience showed me that I don’t just want to report on the game. I want to tell the stories that define it. Whether it’s an athlete overcoming adversity, a coach reshaping a program or a community rallying around a team, those moments inspire change. And that’s exactly where I want to be.