ESPN’s Holly Rowe Inspires Omaha Students with Story of Perseverance and Passion

Imagine getting paid to watch the games you love, standing on the sidelines of history, and overcoming life's toughest challenges. ESPN's Holly Rowe has done all of that and more.

➡️ The news: On Friday, April 11, ESPN reporter Holly Rowe took the stage at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), delivering a motivational keynote address to a room full of Omaha area high school students, from the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM) High School Media Conference, eager to break into the world of sports journalism.

🗯 What we heard: “I get paid to watch sports,” Rowe said, sparking laughter from the audience. Reflecting on her own journey, Rowe highlighted the importance of passion and flexibility. She urged students to “make the big time where you are,” stressing that success comes from taking every opportunity seriously, no matter how small. She shared personal stories from her career, including her battle with cancer and how she continued working through tough times, showing students that determination often leads to unexpected achievements.

💡 Why it matters: Rowe’s 20+ year career with ESPN has seen her cover a variety of high-profile events, including the NCAA Women’s Final Four, the WNBA, and the Women’s World Cup. She’s an Emmy-winning reporter who has made history by becoming the first female color commentator for the Utah Jazz. Rowe’s story resonates with UNO’s core values of perseverance, community, and passion, offering a glimpse into how grit and dedication can lead to success in the competitive world of sports journalism.

🤝 How it connects to UNO: Rowe’s visit aligns with UNO’s mission to foster student growth through real-world learning experiences. Her words emphasized the value of building strong relationships, staying authentic, and doing the “extra work” to stand out, principles that echo UNO’s commitment to preparing students for success both in the classroom and beyond.