Point Park University's Taylor Spirito '21 Becomes First Female Play-by-Play Broadcaster in Johnstown Tomahawks History Thursday, February 11, 2021

Pictured is Taylor Spirito. Submitted photo

Broadcast reporting major Taylor Spirito '21 was the first female play-by-play broadcaster in Johnstown Tomahawks history. Spirito is a graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School in Erie, Pa.

"I would not have been able to feel confident taking this role if it weren’t for the experiences Point Park has provided me. From learning the ins-and-outs of play-by-play and color commentary, from working with the Point Park Sports Network, to hosting and reporting for sports shows at U-View, I took every single skill I’ve learned throughout my time at Point Park and applied them to calling the game."

Taylor Spirito

You recently made history serving as the first female play-by-play announcer for the Johnstown Tomahawks. Tell us how you landed this opportunity.

One of my best friends and Point Park multimedia major Caitlin Stoner works in the front office for the Johnstown Tomahawks. When this game was announced, since it was a quick turnaround, both of the team’s play-by-play announcers were unavailable. Since Caitlin knows that I want to get into hockey broadcasting and play-by-play as a career, she texted me to ask if I was in town. A few days later, she was picking me up to call the game.

In what ways did your Point Park experience prepare you for this role?

I would not have been able to feel confident taking this role if it weren’t for the experiences Point Park has provided me. From learning the ins-and-outs of play-by-play and color commentary, from working with the Point Park Sports Network, to hosting and reporting for sports shows at U-View, I took every single skill I’ve learned throughout my time at Point Park and applied them to calling the game.

What did you enjoy most and why?

I enjoyed the fact that I was actually able to do hockey play-by-play for the first time. With the Point Park Sports Network, I’ve done play-by-play or color commentary with baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and volleyball, but I’ve never done hockey since we don’t have a hockey team. The fact that I was actually able to broadcast a hockey game for the first time was amazing and a ton of fun!

What are your goals for the spring semester at Point Park?

My goals for the spring semester include passing all of my classes so I can graduate in the spring and having a great last semester of college in general, especially having one last hoorah with U-View. I want to make this semester the best one yet for the station and as someone in a leadership position who is incredibly sad to be leaving it, I owe it to the people and shows I love.