by Mariana Zardetto Alves

The Ryan Center did not have far to look for a sports media reporter and stage host this past year. Nicole Lattarulo, a Harrington School senior journalism major and communication studies minor was perfect for the job. 

Lattarulo went to the Ryan Center with extensive experience. In past semesters she interned for WPRI/ Fox Providence, WJAR/ NBC10, and WABC-NY and URI Athletics. Those opportunities developed her journalistic skills and work ethic, and helped prepare her for the sports broadcasting field. Her work with URI Athletics also has helped her feel more comfortable covering URI basketball games and other sporting events.

Lattarulo’s career path can be traced back to when she was only 5, after she saw Kim Jones, the Yankees’ reporter, being honored with a champagne bath in the locker-room after the Yankees won the league game. She immediately thought, “I need to do this. I will do this.”

Lattarulo started her “broadcasting” career narrating games in front of the TV. Today, she broadcasts in front of thousands of sports fans as the Ryan Center’s reporter. In this position, she simultaneously gathers information, records, edits, selects highlights and posts. Her main focus is always on delivering an accurate news report, ensuring her information matches the real story.

“This is a one-person job. You do it all by yourself these days,” said  Lattarulo.

Lattarulo added that critics are everywhere, but when “studying in a school like this, where everyone is so nice, you aren’t afraid of the learning process.”

Lattarulo believed her position with the URI Athletics was a way to further improve her skills and become more employable. After graduation, she hopes to work as sports sideline reporter, covering sports teams and sporting events.

Lattarulo is quick to offer advice to students who also want to pursue a career in sports media.

“Take every opportunity that you can,” Lattarulo said.“Don’t burn bridges with people you know because connections are everything in this field. Everyone can be bad at first, but keep working. Don’t be afraid and don’t let what people say bother you. There is always room for improvement, and, especially at URI, everyone is there to help you. Use all the resources URI gives you.”

“If I didn’t work as hard as I did,” Lattarulo said. “ I wouldn’t be where I am today.”