Millions of football fans tune in to NFL Studio Shows on ESPN every week, but few
ever think about the dedicated team members working behind the cameras to bring the
show to life. Steph Jannetta '15 is one of those hardworking members.
As a Production Coordinator for ESPN's “Sunday NFL Countdown,” “Monday Night Countdown,”
and “NFL Live,” Jannetta helps orchestrate everything from travel logistics and production
staffing to edit schedules and talent operations. This work has contributed to two
Emmy Awards and helped power ESPN's first-ever Super Bowl broadcast. It's a career
she once dreamed about as a sports-loving kid growing up, and one that first started
to take shape at Florida Southern.
“Our job is essentially a ‘jack of all trades.’ We are the glue that keeps our shows
together,” Jannetta said. “Some highlights are travel logistics, hotels, hiring staff
for our show needs, making sure our shows have the proper edit times so you can see
the highlights you see on screen and, of course, making sure our talent are happy!”
However, long before the bright lights of ESPN, Jannetta was just a young student
searching for sunshine.
Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, she knew she wanted to attend college somewhere
warmer, and Florida Southern’s campus first caught her attention as it featured beautiful
sunny skies through admissions brochures. Once she arrived, however, it was the campus
community that made the greatest impression.
“Everyone knew each other on campus, and everyone was kind to one another. We all
didn’t necessarily hang out with each other all the time, but I know that if I was
in a pinch, I could reach out to just about anyone and they would help.” Jannetta
said.
As a student, Jannetta immersed herself in campus life. She worked in the Athletics
Department with Associate Athletic Director Al Green, gaining an early appreciation
for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into sporting events, while her involvement
in Alpha Chi Omega helped build the confidence and communication skills she still
relies on to this day.
After graduating in 2015, Jannetta began her career at Walt Disney World, working
in attractions at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, before making a move that would ultimately
change the trajectory of her entire career.
“Moving from Florida to California in 2017 was the best move and decision I made,”
Jannetta said. “The opportunities I’ve had all stem from switching things up and taking
a risk.”
While working in California within Disneyland’s VIP program, that risk paid off in
an unexpected way. During the Super Bowl in Los Angeles, ESPN broadcast from Disneyland
and Jannetta was assigned to assist the network’s VIP guests. There, she met a woman
whose own career path closely mirrored the one Jannetta hoped to follow.
“I mentioned how I always wanted to work at ESPN, and she gave me her card,” Jannetta
said. “Fast forward six months, and I was hired at the network.”
Looking back, Jannetta credits much of her success to the relationships she built
throughout her career and encourages current Florida Southern students to approach
every conversation with intention.
“Every interaction is a networking opportunity,” Jannetta said. “I treat every interaction
as a networking opportunity and it truly has helped me with the opportunities I’ve
had.”
Today, Jannetta’s behind-the-scenes work has helped earn two Emmy Awards, including
one for the category of Outstanding Studio Show - Daily.
Winning an Emmy came as a surprise, even for someone who understands just how much
goes into each broadcast.
“I was shocked,” Jannetta said, recalling when she learned the show had won. “That
category is really, really tough, and when we won, I just couldn’t believe it. No
one expected it to happen.”
The recognition reflects years of hard work on a show that demands a high level of
dedication every weekday.
“It’s a lot of work,” Janetta said. “Since the show is on Monday through Friday, it
is a lot of moving parts, ideas and executions daily. There’s usually little time
to prep, but that’s what makes it fun.”
The Emmy awards are among Jannetta’s proudest accomplishments, but they represent
just one chapter of a career built on relationships, taking risks, and embracing new
opportunities. Most recently, she also helped ESPN produce its first-ever Super Bowl
broadcast, adding another milestone to an already impressive resume.
For students hoping to break into sports media, she offers one final piece of advice
that has guided her own career from Florida Southern to one of the biggest stages
in sports broadcasting.
“Knock on every door. Exhaust every connection you have. Even if it is working at
your local school or little league, you can build up those connections and your skillset
to the large networks or teams. And of course, always be yourself.”
