Since graduating from the University of Florida in December of 2023, a lot has changed. As I hit the seven-month mark in my new role as a multimedia journalist in Oklahoma, I’ve started to reflect on the journey and everything that’s led me here. Aka some "letters from the road" for you and yours to enjoy:
Launching the Journalism Hustle: From ESPN Intern to Freelance Wins
Right after graduation in Gainesville, I moved to Charlotte, NC. This is where I interned with ESPN in the SEC Network department. I worked on digital content -- for both the SEC Network and the ESPN site. I wrote mini headlines and captions for video clips, and even pitched-in with launching the new SEC website. By the way, special shout out to Flower Child for being my go-to spot for quick and healthy bites while covering back-to-back SEC tournaments all day and night.
Photo of me on my last day at the SEC network desk
Freelance Flash: CBS Sports & That Trevor Lawrence Moment
After that, I headed back to Florida and took on some freelance work, including a fun assignment with CBS Sports covering the Jaguars. Fun fact: I was the one who got Trevor Lawrence’s birthday cupcake—the one he ate on TV! It was a moment.
Trevor was obviously a huge fan of the cupcake
Eventually, after months of job hunting, I flew to San Antonio and met with my amazing, Emmy-winning mentor, Yamilet Virgen. She helped me tighten up my reel, polish my on-air presence, and prepare for a meeting with Blaise Labbe: the group news director at Sinclair Broadcast Group. That meeting changed everything—he offered me a position in Tulsa. I said yes within seconds.
With about two months before my start date in December, I took time to travel: first to NYC for a couple of weeks, then to Boston where I had the incredible experience of attending the Boston Celtics Gala (and even did the Gator chomp with Gator great Al Horford!). I wrapped it up with some much-needed time in Florida with friends and family before the big move.
With the one and only Gator and Celtics Great, Al Horford: A True Champion
Covering the NBA Finals for OKC Thunder
Once I arrived in Oklahoma, it was straight into the newsroom madness. I reported outside in –4° weather, and covered a wide range of stories—from Indigenous communities and Oklahoma politics to tornado coverage (a big change from the hurricanes I’m used to!). First week felt like an intense journalism bootcamp, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. All about the continued learning.
Reporting in the midst of a snowstorm
In the midst of it all, I’ve met some incredible people and have the best coworkers ever. I’ve explored Tulsa and even a bit of Texas, and I’ve truly grown to enjoy Oklahoma. It’s seriously underrated. The food, the music scene, the people—there’s so much more here than I expected.
One thing I never expected? Covering the NBA Finals so soon after graduation. The Oklahoma City Thunder are iconic, and being part of this coverage team has truly been a dream come true. It’s surreal to witness history up close—Thunder fans chasing their first championship since 2008, and Pacers fans holding onto hope after waiting over five decades.
Hearing directly from the players about what this moment means—not just for them, but for their fans, cities, and even countries—adds a whole new layer. This is especially true with so many international stars competing for the title. This series is already shaping up to be a legendary one, and I’ve been on my toes every second ... with plenty of pinch-me moments along the way.
First day of NBA Finals Coverage
More to come soon in an in-depth blog with all the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to cover the Finals. Thank you for reading and stay tuned!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cristina Santiago Espinet graduated from the University of Florida's Journalism School — where she was a fixture with Gator sports media. The Sarasota, Florida native with NBA lineage has dedicated roles as a news journalist with both Newschannel 8 in Tulsa and Fox 25 in Oklahoma City