In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, alumni host Alex Cocoros sits down with SBC Instructor and credentialed NBA journalist Katie Heindl, whose work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, SLAM, The Athletic, and more. She is also the creator of Basketball Feelings, a Substack where she explores the human side of basketball through creative and thought-provoking storytelling.
Beyond her impressive writing career, Katie is a dedicated SBC Instructor, mentoring hundreds of students each summer at the SBC Immersive experience in Las Vegas. Through her guidance, she helps aspiring sports professionals develop their storytelling skills and navigate the evolving landscape of sports media.
During the episode, Katie discusses:
- How the Toronto Raptors sparked her love for basketball and shaped her journey into sports journalism.
- The inspiration behind Basketball Feelings, her approach to storytelling, and how she overcomes writer’s block.
- Her experience as an SBC Instructor, the impact of mentorship, and her advice for breaking into the sports industry.
Katie’s career is a testament to the power of creativity, connection, and staying true to your craft. Tune in to hear her insights and experiences in the world of sports media!
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SHOW NOTES
- What is the SBC Immersive experience like? (2:15)
- What do you enjoy most about SBC Immersive and mentoring the next generation of sports media professionals? (4:15)
- Why should a student attend SBC Immersive in Las Vegas? (6:20)
- How did your love for basketball begin when Toronto got a team, and how did that shape your connection to the sport? (8:47)
- When did you realize journalism and writing could be a career path? (11:45)
- Have you always explored different fields to help shape your career? (16:55)
- Did it take time to get comfortable interviewing people and writing about them? (19:46)
- What inspired Basketball Feelings? (21:50)
- What was your thought process behind developing NBA fan fiction? (29:55)
- When watching a basketball game, is your mind always framing it as a story? (32:25)
- How do you overcome writer’s block? (37:08)
- Do you strictly write digitally, or do you prefer pen and paper? (41:01)
- With Basketball Feelings, do you have more creative freedom in your writing? (42:17)
- What was your experience like freelancing for The New York Times? (44:39)
- Were there any writers or journalists who influenced your storytelling style? (49:13)
- Have you ever mentored a student who later pursued a career in sports media? (52:30)
- What are some professional goals you have for 2025? (58:47)
- What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the sports industry? (1:02:30)
