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In July 2022 I moved to Bainbridge and became the Sports Reporter for The Post-Searchlight, freshly off of earning my bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from The University of Tampa in May. 

Coming from living in big cities like Philadelphia, Houston and Tampa I had no idea what to expect when I moved to Bainbridge. However, the one thing I noticed about Bainbridge from the start is that what Bainbridge lacks in size, they make up for in community.  I have never seen a community as tight as Bainbridge. From filling the stands at Centennial Field every Friday night to lining the streets for the annual Christmas parade, seeing the way that the Bainbridge community supported each other was truly special and one of a kind. 

This next week will be my last at The Post-Searchlight as I have decided to accept a position with The Perfect Game USA Baseball as the media relations coordinator and assistant tournament director at the Philadelphia and South Jersey campus. Although accepting this role is bittersweet knowing that I have to leave Bainbridge, I truly believe that this will further help me in the future of my career. Without Bainbridge and John Wells, Jill Holloway, and Ethan Reddish taking me under their wing and giving me my first opportunity with The Post-Searchlight, none of this would be possible. 

I would also like to thank so many great people who I have met while in Bainbridge that not only made my job easier, but made Bainbridge feel like home. BHS Athletic Director Chris Bryant was the first person that I met and my first story in Bainbridge and the first thing that he told me was that if I ever needed anything, give him a call. Coach Bryant always delivered on that sentiment and helped me in any way possible. 

Another person I would like to thank is Meagan Bridges. Mrs. Bridges was constantly looking after me, making sure that I had everything I needed not only for work but outside of work as well. She became someone that I could always count on and turn to and I thank her for being so welcoming to me. 

Something I especially enjoyed while covering sports at The PSL was covering BHS football and building a relationship with Bearcats Head Coach Jeff Littleton. Coach Littleton always made time for me answering all of my complex questions no matter win or lose. Seeing first hand the program that he has been able to build at BHS was extremely impressive and I’m excited to follow the success that is to come. 

I would also like to recognize and thank Grace Christian Academy and Kellie Dollar. Although it’s a smaller school, GCA reminds me a lot of the Bainbridge community in the way that they rally for each other and support each other. It has been a joy shedding light on their school and getting to know guys like Kevin Brooks, CoCo McKay and Jafus Ferguson throughout the past year. 

This could go on forever but other people that deserve to be recognized are Kathryn Crockett, Chip Arial, Coach Danny Evans, Coach Kelvin Cochran, Amy Thomas and Coach Rex Wade for not only making an impact on my time in Bainbridge, but the entire community. 

While my time was short as the Sports Reporter at The PSL, we were able to do many great things and reach new heights. In the past year, sports content has nearly doubled. We have been able to generate more sports content than previous years and give readers an in-depth insight into sports. My favorite piece I had the opportunity to write at The PSL was being able to have a one-on-one interview with Houston Texans running back and Bainbridge native Dameon Pierce. Talking to Pierce felt like I was talking to a friend. He gave me over an hour of his time and really gave me insight into how special of a football program BHS has. 

I also had the opportunity to cover UGA football games which was something that felt like a dream. I have been to some cool sporting events, but UGA football games are up at the top with the pageantry, atmosphere and experience. 

Although it was a short time in Bainbridge, I am truly grateful for the experiences I was provided with and the people I met who helped me along the way. Without my first opportunity with The Post-Searchlight, I wouldn’t have been able to take a job like Perfect Game. I am excited for the next chapter but will always keep my eyes on Bainbridge and will definitely be keeping up with Maxpreps come football season.