Journalism is cutthroat.
That’s a truth I’ve heard repeatedly, and as any sports journalist will tell you, it’s an undeniable reality.
The Alligator is unfortunately no exception to this truth. And while it took me some time to come to terms with this reality, I ultimately found my place in this world at the perfect time.
From the moment I found this newspaper, I imagined breaking news on Gainesville politics or covering arts and culture. Sports never crossed my mind.
Naturally, when I applied, I focused on the University, Metropolitan and Avenue desks, not even sparing a second glance to Sports.
Unsurprisingly, I was rejected twice.
Little did I know, those rejections were redirections. Two weeks into the Spring semester, after I was all out of hope for a career in one of the biggest student newsrooms, the Sports desk was still hiring. Skeptical but curious, I applied with mid-range writing samples and limited sports knowledge, expecting nothing.
Twenty-four hours later, I received a call offering me the swim and dive beat. I was overjoyed.
If you had told me then sports would become my life and passion, I wouldn’t have believed you for a second. Yet, here I am five semesters later as one of the first women of color to be an Alligator sports editor.
It hasn't been an easy journey, but the encouragement and support from the people around me made all the difference. Their acts of kindness were a constant reminder of why I loved this work.
In my first three semesters I bounced from sport to sport, developing my skills as a reporter and writer. I couldn’t have done it without the editors who taught me all I know – Kyle Bumpers, Jackson Reyes and Topher Adams.
I thank them endlessly for their acts of kindness – Kyle’s patience when I was still learning the ropes, Jackson’s empathy when I showed up to my first football press conference 40 minutes late because I couldn’t find the building, Topher’s relentless re-editing of the same mistakes repeatedly. Their mentorship and friendship were invaluable.
In my last two semesters at The Alligator, I took on the challenging roles of assistant sports editor and sports editor. It’s no easy job, but I was blessed with understanding managing editors, hardworking cos and two talented sports desks.
To my managing editors, Claire Grunewald, Jackson Castellano, Aidan Bush, Valentina Sandoval and Diego Perdomo, thank you for being so compassionate and motivating.
You made my job so easy by always trusting my judgment and having confidence in my abilities, which helped me grow as an editor and leader.
When I was assistant sports editor, I worked alongside the talented Bennett Solomon and one of my all-time best friends Alyssa Britton-Harr. Working with Bennett not only taught me how to be a sports editor, but a far better writer and leader.
Alyssa, your acts of kindness, from walking me to my first sports meeting to helping me find the press box at my first volleyball game, and reviewing my stories before they went to editors, brought me so much joy. Even in this competitive environment, you were always there to help me succeed. If not for your support on day one, I wouldn't have met one of my best friends today.
My final semester, I had the opportunity to be sports editor next to my assistant sports editor, Max Tucker. Max, my partner-in-crime, together we conquered the hardest sports desk feat – summer sports with unresponsive SIDs. It was a grueling task, but we did indeed cook 13 successful prints. Thank you for being such a great assistant sports editor, and I am so excited to see you take this desk to great heights.
Watching my sports writers grow and develop their skills has been one of my most rewarding experiences. Thank you all for your talent and dedication to learning.
To all the friends and co-editors I met (who are not aforementioned): Jiselle Lee, Brandon Hernandez, Hailey Hurst, Jack Meyer, Luke Adragna, Lacey Rogers, Ryan Friedenberg, Max Bernstein, and many more who I am no doubt missing, I am so glad I met you all.
But the truth is I cannot appreciate anyone I met or any memories I made at 2700 SW 13th St., without appreciating the support of those who pushed me to enter the building in the first place: the Honda Posse, my home. Thank you for encouraging me to apply, driving me to the Sunday meetings, and reading my sports stories without a clue of what the words meant.
There are far too many people to thank for the person I am today. I am forever grateful to this paper for shaping me, and I cannot wait to see the future of this sports desk continue to shine.
Krisha Sanghavi was the Summer 2024 sports editor at The Independent Florida Alligator.
Krisha Sanghavi is a third-year public relations and economics major. In her free time, she loves cheering on Miami sports teams and spending time with her friends.
