Sara Brinsfield (BSJ, 2022) is currently a graduate student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She graduated from the College of Media in May 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Sports and Adventure Media. During her time at the College, she worked for WVU Athletics as a video shader and camera operator as well as a camera operator for the West Virginia Black Bears. She hopes to work in live sports production after she graduates.
Hometown: Ridgeley, West Virginia
Why did you choose WVU and specifically the SAM major? I chose WVU because it was a dream of mine to be in the Pride of West Virginia. Working in athletics at a Power 5 school in undergrad was the biggest reason I chose the Reed College and SAM, along with the fact that the SAM major is the only one of its kind in the country.
What was your favorite College of Media/WVU memory? I have a ton, but working on the sidelines as a handheld camera operator for the Virginia Tech game during the 2021 season is one that sticks out the most. That’s the loudest Milan has been since my freshman year in 2018.
How did the College help prepare you for graduate school? Working with WVU Athletics Video greatly prepared me for what I wanted to continue in graduate school at Syracuse. After graduating from WVU, I had the building blocks on the technical side of live sports production that created a solid foundation for me currently.
Why did you want to attend grad school? I really connected with professors Ashton Marra and David Smith in undergrad. I took as many classes as I could with them and both of them inspired me to continue my education in the chance I decide to teach in the future.
What are your career goals? I’m working toward becoming a production truck engineer for live sports production. I want to travel as much as possible while doing what I love while I have the opportunity to do so.
What advice do you have for current students? Don’t forget to stop and take in everything you’re accomplishing. My time at WVU was over before I knew it, and I wish I appreciated it more in those four years. West Virginia is a beautiful state, don’t be afraid to take some time to yourself and your friends to explore everything it has to offer.