From the college volleyball court to the control room of Canada’s biggest sports broadcasts, Niagara College Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) alumna Kelsey Scobie (2016) has turned her passion for sports and storytelling into a dynamic career at Sportsnet. Since joining the network in 2016, she has helped shape iconic moments through branded and original content, most recently stepping into a talent partnerships role that blends creativity with strategy.
We caught up with Kelsey to reflect on her career journey, her time at Niagara College, and the lessons that continue to shape her work today.
Current role and career path
I’m a Producer at Sportsnet, specializing in branded and original content. My work involves crafting compelling stories for brands, athletes, and major sports moments, ensuring each piece resonates with audiences in a meaningful way. Since joining Sportsnet in 2016, I’ve worked on some of Canada’s most iconic broadcasts, including Hockey Night in Canada, Rogers Hometown Hockey, and Hockey Day in Canada.
In 2021, I transitioned into Sportsnet’s Branded & Original Content team, where I expanded my expertise in integrating brand storytelling into sports media. In 2024, I took on talent partnerships, working with both internal and external talent to align them with brand initiatives. That same year, our team was named Agency of the Year at the Sponsorship Marketing Awards, an incredible milestone that highlights the impact of creative, strategic storytelling.
Before my full-time role at Sportsnet, I freelanced with CBC, contributing to Olympic and Paralympic Games coverage, the Calgary Stampede, and other major Canadian events.
Influences and inspiration
Sports have always been a passion of mine, but it wasn’t until I discovered the power of storytelling in broadcasting that I knew this was my path. The ability to capture moments, amplify voices, and create emotional connections through media is what drew me in.
I’ve made this career my own by focusing on impact-driven storytelling. Whether that’s producing a branded campaign that resonates with viewers, helping athletes share their personal journeys, or finding innovative ways to integrate brands into sports culture authentically. Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful, and that’s what keeps me excited about this field.
NC Foundation
Niagara College was instrumental in shaping my career. The hands-on learning environment provided me with the skills and confidence I needed to transition into the industry seamlessly. The program’s structure, combined with real-world broadcast experience, gave me a strong foundation in both the creative and technical sides of storytelling.
But what truly set my time at NC apart was the support and advocacy from the faculty. I was incredibly fortunate to have teachers like Dutch Vandenberg, Bruce Gilbert, and David Lastrocco who not only guided me academically but also actively advocated for my success in the industry. They believed in my aspirations, never made me feel like my goals were out of reach, and consistently encouraged me to chase the career I wanted. Their mentorship played a massive role in where I am today, and I will always be grateful for their support.
Graduating in the morning and heading straight to Buffalo in the afternoon for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft was a surreal experience, but it was a testament to how well Niagara College prepared me. I walked across the stage with confidence, knowing I was ready for the challenges ahead as I stepped into my career moments later.
Standout NC experience
One of the things that made the BRTF program so special was how much it mirrored real industry experience. The professors didn’t just teach, they treated us like professionals, giving us real-world responsibilities and expecting us to rise to the challenge. The classroom felt more like a workplace, and that environment helped mature those who were willing to take advantage of it.
For me, balancing college volleyball, school, and a job forced me to develop strong time management skills, which have been invaluable in my career. Being an athlete also gave me a unique perspective on sports storytelling, one that I later applied when I participated as a play-by-play announcer for our NC Volleyball broadcast in my final year. That experience was a perfect blend of my love for the sport and my passion for broadcasting, and it reinforced how important it is to approach storytelling from multiple angles.
Looking back, the structure of the program, combined with the expectation of professionalism from day one, played a massive role in preparing me for the industry. Those who embraced the responsibility were set up for success, and I’m grateful I had that experience at Niagara College.
Words of wisdom
My biggest piece of advice? Believe in yourself, even when others don’t.
In high school, I had a teacher tell me I wasn’t good enough for post-secondary, that I should save my money because I’d fail. That moment could have crushed me, but instead, it became my “why.” I knew I deserved better, and Niagara College proved that I was more than capable. The BRTF program delivered on every hope I had, and then some.
What sets this program apart is how real it feels. The teachers don’t treat you like kids, they treat you like professionals. It’s not just school; it’s a workplace environment where you’re given real-world responsibility and expected to rise to the challenge. That kind of structure helps students mature quickly and prepares them for the pace, pressure, and creativity the broadcasting industry demands.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? Say yes to every opportunity. Even if it’s behind the scenes or not your ideal role, every experience teaches you something valuable. Early in my career, I took on projects that weren’t glamorous, but they gave me skills and connections that helped me get to where I am today. Broadcasting is a competitive industry, and those who are willing to learn, adapt, and work hard will always find a way forward.
Success in this field takes resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and work ethic. But more than that, it takes people around you who believe in you. At Niagara, I found that through the program, the professors, and the experiences that shaped me.
If you’re passionate, willing to learn, and committed to putting in the work, the BRTF program will prepare you for this industry in a way few programs can. I’m living proof of that.
