A Peak Behind the Mic: Getting to Know Broadcast Star Camryn Irwin
Upbeat sports broadcaster shares her journey to covering pickleball and football
Mary Brascia, professional pickleball player and host of The MaryGoAround podcast, sat down with super-star sports broadcaster Camryn Irwin for a lively discussion giving listeners an inside look at Irwin's blossoming career.
0:22 - PPA Las Vegas
The interview kicks off with Brascia reminiscing about competing at the PPA Las Vegas Open, one of her first professional pickleball tournaments back in 2020. She recalls staying at the JW Marriott right by the venue and getting coffee with NFL friend Shay, showing how pickleball connects people from all backgrounds. Brascia also shares about playing mixed doubles with her friend Moo, who brings infectious energy to the court. She and her sister Maggie won gold in the women's doubles division, where they met fellow up-and-comer Meghan Dezon. Brascia notes how cool it's been to see the growth and change in pickleball over the past 3 years, especially with Hayden Patriquin and Maggie now tearing it up on the pro tour. She was pumped to be back in Vegas for the upcoming tournament.
02:09 - Camryn Irwin Intro
Brascia introduces her podcast guest, on-field host for the LA Rams Camryn Irwin. Irwin does play-by-play and commentary for the PPA tour and Major League Pickleball, along with covering volleyball. Brascia describes Irwin as a super sweet, genuine human and very good pickleball player herself.
"She's so good at what she does," Brascia says.
03:27 - A week in the life of Camryn
When asked about a typical week in her life, Irwin shares that she's home for 24-72 hours maximum before hitting the road again. Her home is her "little sanctuary" where she can decompress and prep between trips. She's spent an unbelievable amount of hours broadcasting and traveling over the past year.
"I live more so on airplanes than I do in my own home," Irwin explains, while surrounded by plants in her house.
04:29 - How did you get into broadcasting?
Irwin shares she was a lifelong athlete who always loved sports growing up as the youngest of four kids. After playing volleyball through college and a couple professional seasons, she realized the incredible life lessons sports can teach you. She knew she wanted to continue sharing inspirational stories even after retiring as an athlete. Irwin says covering sports has always been deeply tied to her heart and soul.
"I learned to lead and to build camaraderie and to serve others...there were so many lessons to be taken from sport," she states.
06:21 - Challenge differentiating sports
When asked about the challenge of covering so many different sports, Irwin says each one presents unique challenges in the sport itself or her role. She enjoys the versatility and getting to be challenged in new ways. This past year, she's learned she needs help to be able to cover as much as she does. Irwin brought on an assistant, Krissy Hetherington, who's a college volleyball player passionate about research and broadcasting.
"It's been really fun this year to be able to cover so many different sports and to have help," Irwin remarks. She notes it's no longer just her, and having support is key.
08:57 - Getting into pickleball
Like many players, Irwin first tried pickleball when a friend invited her to play. She didn't know the rules but was immediately hooked by the fun competition that filled a void after retiring from volleyball. With her tennis and ping pong background, Irwin quickly picked up skills and believed she could get decent at this new sport.
"I quickly became addicted," she admits.
10:52 - What Camryn has been working on in Pickleball
When asked what she's been working on in her own pickleball game, Irwin identifies developing a reliable single-handed backhand as a key focus area for female players. She loves her two-handed backhand, so mastering touch and feel with one hand was challenging. Given her love of fast-paced play, Irwin is also working on precision driving and hitting sharp angles. She recently fell in love with singles as great fitness, noting you can get a tremendous workout in a short period of time.
"If you want a quick workout in 30 minutes, go play some single pickleball," Irwin suggests.
12:32 - Singles talk
Brascia and Irwin bond over their shared enjoyment of competing in singles pickleball for the intense fitness it provides. Brascia says she tells her friends it's the best workout. Irwin agrees it helps her perspective in broadcasting to get out on the court and feel that high level of exhaustion pros face playing multiple matches a day. Irwin remarks on her respect for players competing in grueling temperatures, while she prefers more mild conditions.
"It's always humbling to me to get back out on the court and realize the things I'm talking about and how challenging they are," Irwin states.
13:54 - Pickleball Slam
When asked about favorite pickleball tournaments, Irwin first recalls majestic locations like Salt Lake City with its gorgeous mountain backdrop. However, she names the 2021 Pickleball Slam at the Hard Rock as a true highlight. Getting to work with tennis greats like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and broadcasting icons like Chris Fowler was a monumental moment in her career. Irwin says meeting those athletes and seeing their genuine, regular-person personalities off-court was incredibly heartwarming.
"It filled this space in my heart where I was like this is the coolest thing ever," she gushes.
17:34 - Everyone talking pickleball
Irwin shares a funny story from attending the NFL draft with the LA Rams staff. While waiting for picks to be announced, she overheard people in the background talking about their recent pickleball games. It showed her the full reach of pickleball across different sports worlds.
"It really is reaching every inch of the sports world," Irwin marvels.
18:46 - Nerves on camera
When asked if she ever gets nervous, Irwin offers sage advice. She says any professional endeavor you care about should provoke some nerves - otherwise, you may not be passionate enough. She chooses to reframe nerves as excitement and care. Irwin recalls intense anxiety before her first LA Rams game hosting the stadium show. Despite extensive preparation, she didn't sleep at all the night before.
"If you're joyful and know what you're talking about, people will feel your joy and presence," she counsels.
25:10 - Advice for future annalists
Offering guidance for aspiring broadcasters, Irwin stresses the importance of remembering the stage belongs to the athletes. She aims to represent players in the best possible light and showcase their skills versus making it about herself. Irwin says future broadcasters must realize their role is to bring attention to the players.
"That stage is the athletes," she asserts.
27:03 - What’s next for Camryn
Looking ahead, Irwin will continue covering lots of football, pickleball, volleyball and more. She details an insane weekend where she's working the PPA Las Vegas Open Saturday then flying back to cover Rams vs Eagles on Sunday morning. Irwin plans to enjoy some Las Vegas shows during her limited downtime there.
"It's gonna be a little insane this weekend," she notes with excitement.
28:47 - Future Shows for Camryn
Still choosing which shows to attend, Irwin is deciding between a Cirque du Soleil production and a magic show by a popular America's Got Talent magician. She'll have to balance catching some zzz's before broadcasting pickleball tournaments and shows.
"I have to go to the 9;30 show...we finish broadcasting at like seven or eight o'clock," explains Irwin.
Overall, Irwin's passion for sports broadcasting shines through as she gives listeners a glimpse into her busy, fun-filled world covering everything from pickleball to football. Brascia does a stellar job drawing out Irwin's story and identifying topics most interesting to sports fans. The two have an effortless rapport and camaraderie as fellow athletes. Irwin comes across as highly genuine, humorous and insightful. Her advice for performing under pressure relates seamlessly to both broadcasting and professional pickleball.
Summary:
In an upbeat interview on The MaryGoAround podcast, sports broadcaster Camryn Irwin opens up about her journey covering pickleball, football and more. She offers an inside look at her hectic travel schedule, path to broadcasting, and keys to overcoming nerves on camera. Irwin also shares funny stories, broadcasting advice, and passion for bringing out players' talents. Her genuine personality and connection with host Mary Brascia makes for an engaging, entertaining discussion.
NOTE: If you are interested in hearing more about Camryn's story, check out this 58 minute June 2023 "Bet on Her" podcast episode:
- 0:26 Intro - Camryn Irwin PPA/MLP Commentator
- 1:46 International
- 2:25 What was the inspiration behind getting into this profession? The journey
- 4:34 Spinal injury
- 6:30 Things happen for a reason
- 7:35 What was your first gig as a broadcaster?
- 9:10 You don't get somebody to hand you all that data and that information? Oh, no! No, No, No
- 10:36 2019 Repost
- 10:54 Doug Strauss (BBB Info) Stats - I live and die by that stuff.
- 12:11 Intense process. You just gotta keep your nose down and keep grinding
- 13:24 AVP Broadcasting - Your First Years
- 17:07 Pressure - I had fun
- 17:55 Unbiased. Fair Coverage
- 21:39 The Art Of Broadcasting
- 24:04 Criticism
- 26:55 The face of the LA Rams - The journey and obstacles
- 29:13 On/Off Script - I love to dance
- 31:50 You probably have secrets about everybody
- 32:18 Paving the way for a lot of women in football
- 34:58 I was quite the talker as a child
- 35:22 What are some of the trends or changes that have happened in sports broadcasting? Technology and Sport
- 38:04 Showcasing Athletes Authenticity. Influencers. Targeted Marketing Works
- 40:03 I am an arm to the athletes
- 42:49 Something cool about my job
- 44:11 Pickleball
- 46:24 Are you a visual learner?
- 47:39 What is the future of Pickleball?
- 49:07 MLP San Clemente - I step on the court with 10 year olds and they crush me and it is demoralizing. SMU Frat Party Bus
- 50:05 Do you trash talk?
- 51:32 It has been fun with Pickleball because they are still learning about their own sport
- 52:00 Aggressive steps towards the kitchen - a distraction or a hindrance
- 53:31 Learning to play with wind - I love the variables
- 56:08 How have you taken a bet on yourself?
- 57:20 Thank you
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