The Freshman With a Microphone
Alumnus Matt George might describe himself as someone with an athletic brain trapped in an unathletic, uncooperative body and a big mouth, but most Sacramento sports fans are happy about that. Currently, George is known by many sports fans as their favorite sports anchor/reporter for ABC10 News, in addition to being the host of the Sacramento Kings podcast, “Locked on Kings.”
George was fresh out of high school and hungry for direction when he stumbled upon what God had in store for him at Jessup. “I walked off campus at Woodcreek High School in Roseville with my diploma, and a passion for sports media/broadcasting, and that’s it,” he recalled. Just days away from fully committing to be a student at Sacramento State, George received a call from Jessup’s former Sports Information Director, Jeff Bussell. “He showed me the brand new gym, the new broadcast booth and even offered me the opportunity to broadcast Warrior sports programs. It was incredible, especially when you consider handing a microphone to a freshman…now that’s just insanity!”
During his four years at Jessup, the growing University encouraged him to pursue and explore his passion for sports media, walking alongside and supporting his journey. “I just remember so many people dreaming big with me and asking, ‘“How can we make it happen?”’ At Jessup, I had the opportunity to broadcast volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, as well as men’s and women’s basketball. “They also allowed me to create a weekly sports show for the University known as “Warrior Nation,” produced and created by a team of media students.”
“Jessup didn’t put me in a box,” George said. “They didn’t tell me to pick from a list of majors, or put me on a path, and have me as part of the roster. They asked me what position I wanted to play, and then gave me the ball and told me to score. And they taught me that when you do score, you give the credit to God.”
While attending Jessup, he also met his wife Brittany LaMar who was the inaugural NAIA All-American in school history and the record holder in softball for home runs, until just last season. He credits her for keeping him humble in an industry known to sport a big ego. “She is as unimpressed by what I do as possible,” he joked. “I connect with and interview people who are at the top of their game either athletically or financially. So, it’s easy to forget where you come from and believe me, I’ve been humbled many, many times.”
His faith and family help keep him grounded. The couple have a two-year old son and enjoy raising him together. “When you think about it, sports happen when most people are off work which means I’m at work when most people are home. Brittany supports me wholeheartedly in what I do, so I’m extremely grateful.
Graduating in 2016 with his bachelor’s degree in English with emphasis in journalism and professional writing, George already had an impressive resume. He’d acquired four years of broadcasting experience, developed confidence in his craft, and landed an internship in Sacramento sports radio KHTK, an affiliate of the Infinity Sports Network.
During the past nine years, George has worked professionally in the Sacramento sports media scene. Moving from radio producer, to host, to production director, and now into television at ABC10 News.
As a proud graduate of Jessup University, George reflects on his journey from the classroom to the broadcast booth, to the television anchor desk where he is living his dream in a profession he loves. With each game he covers and every athlete’s story he tells, George carries the lessons learned and the unwavering support received from his alma mater. Thankful for the foundation laid during his undergraduate days, George is inspiring the next generation of broadcasters, proving that with faith, hard work, and the right education, dreams can come true.
