Summary
Overview
Websites
News Articles
Reels
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Portfolio
Hobbies and Interests
Sample Writings
3c
DALLAS DARDEN

DALLAS DARDEN

Multimedia Journalist and Producer
Greenville,SC

Summary

Aspiring journalist with a background in daily news, sports reporting, and video editing. Seeking a position in journalism communication with the opportunity for on-camera experience. Excellent communication and written skills, ability to ad-lib, and meet tight deadlines. Enthusiastic, creative, quick learner, multi-tasker, team player, and collaborative work ethic. Aspiring for an entry-level position that focuses on communication and media, at a company looking to broaden their team with a very energized, savvy, and determined journalism graduate.

Driven and articulate communicator with a passion for uncovering stories and engagingly presenting them. Possesses strong research and writing skills, paired with a solid understanding of journalistic ethics and multimedia reporting. Aims to contribute impactful stories that inform and inspire the community. Developed extensive communication and investigative skills in a fast-paced news environment, seeking to transition into a new field. Expertise in research, writing, and presenting information clearly, ensuring accuracy and engagement. Ready to apply and expand these skills in a dynamic and collaborative setting.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1

National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

1
1

Society of Professional Journalists

News Articles

https://mainstreetmediatn.com/author/By+Dallas+Darden/

Reels

Dallas Darden Initial Reels

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVr_sQw9h1o
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atg7DfDmZBc
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAA3FYcCAdg
  • https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QXwl4q_XgSqnbcTH3l2hKkJX82QX9IAl/view?usp=gmail

Work History

Freelance Reporter

Main Street Media of Tennessee
12.2024 - Current
  • Company Overview: https://mainstreetmediatn.com/author/By+Dallas+Darden/

Responsibilities included covering 20 high school team sports activities within the Nashville, Tennessee area.

  • -Researched and wrote four current sports news pieces per week.
  • -Conducted post-game interviews with winning coaches and team players after each sporting event.
  • -Collaborated with the editor 1 time a week to proofread and finalize each byline before going to press.
  • -Interviewed five players at the end of each game, who performed at a high level during the contest.
  • -Obtained the box scores after each game and reported the high scores and the most intriguing player.
  • -Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories.
  • -Collaborated with other journalists to produce well-rounded and comprehensive news coverage.
  • -Developed expertise in covering various beats, demonstrating versatility and adaptability as a reporter.
  • -Exceeded deadlines consistently, producing accurate and well-written news stories under tight time constraints.
  • -Attended press conferences and special events to stay conversant with current news.
  • -Researched and produced daily news reports.
  • -Edited stories for accuracy and clarity.
  • -Built strong relationships with sources to gain access to exclusive information.
  • -Adapted writing style for various formats, including print, online publications, and broadcast scripts.
  • -Maintained ethical journalism standards, ensuring fairness and objectivity in all reports.
  • -Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.

Color Commentator and Play-by-Play - Sumner County High School Sports

WHIN Radio
08.2024 - 07.2025
  • Team: Pope John Paul II High School Football
  • Play-by-Play Announcer, Color Commentator, and Analyst for
  • WHIN Radio Station covers high school sports.
  • -Built rapport with athletes and coaches through consistent interaction, leading to exclusive interviews and insights.
  • -Developed a strong on-air presence and contributed to the overall success of the broadcast through practical communication skills.
  • -Conducted thorough research on 100's of athletes, 11 teams, and four leagues for accurate and relevant commentary during broadcasts.
  • -Analyzed game strategies and provided expert opinions on player performances, helping fans better understand the intricacies of their favorite sport.
  • -Conducted comprehensive research and developed targeted questions for use in guest interviews.
  • -Built broadcast storylines to interest listeners and grow the station audience by 20%.
  • -Read prepared scripts for radio shows.
  • -Implemented constructive feedback from producers to improve on-air delivery style and technique continuously.
  • -Received recognition from industry professionals for exceptional performance in high-pressure environments during live broadcasts.
  • -Delivered real-time updates on scores, standings, and statistics to keep viewers informed throughout broadcasts.
  • -Collaborated with production team members to create engaging multimedia content for various platforms.
  • -Leveraged social media platforms to engage with fans directly, increasing visibility for the network's coverage of sporting events.
  • -Assisted in the scriptwriting process by contributing ideas for segment topics and storylines that resonated with target audience demographics.
  • -Researched subject matter and conveyed stories on-air.

Head Coach - Lacrosse – Pope John Paul II Preparatory Middle School Camp Coordinator Proctor

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School
01.2024 - 07.2025
  • Responsibilities include coaching and providing direction to student-athletes to help them achieve a high level of skill, as well as develop an appreciation for discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork in lacrosse.
  • -Instructs and demonstrates skill sets and techniques necessary for individual and team achievement in the sport.
  • -Always maintains a safe environment and facilities for student athletes.
  • -Supervises 30 students in locker rooms, home and away games, and ensures appropriate behaviors.
  • -Interacts with parents, students, staff, opponents, officials, and resolves conflict professionally.
  • -Is punctual to all practices, games, and athletic functions.
  • -Travels with student athletes on the team to away games.
  • -Supervised eight final exams for approximately 300 students after each semester.
  • -Proctored AP Exams for up to 40 students at a time.
  • -Handled administrative and business management needs as the Middle School Head Lacrosse coach, with as many as 30 children in attendance each season.
  • -Supervised 30 middle school lacrosse athletes, travelling to games and events throughout the season.

Sports Media Intern

Pellissippi State Community College
08.2023 - 12.2023
  • Responsibilities included covering volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s golf. Knowledgeable about football and lacrosse.
  • -Created, shot, and reported sports stories for television broadcast
  • -Conducted and arranged interviews with athletic staff
  • -Wrote and edited 30 game recaps and videos
  • -Researched, gathered, and analyzed background facts and information
  • -Pitched and developed story ideas
  • -Set up, composed, and executed video shots
  • -Ensured content met standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
  • -Wrote stories and content to distribute across all media platforms
  • -Interacted with viewers and users on social media sites
  • -Maintained video equipment
  • -Engaged in photography, graphic design, and video content creation.
  • -Assisted in organizing photoshoots, coordinating talent schedules, location scouting, and managing equipment logistics.
  • -Maintained updated media contact lists, fostering strong relationships with industry professionals and influencers.
  • -Assisted in video production tasks to create visually appealing content for promotional purposes.
  • -Proofread copy materials before publication or distribution, ensuring accurate messaging across various channels.

Education

Master of Arts - Journalism & Strategic Media

University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
12.2026

Bachelor of Science - Communication in Journalism And Electronic Media

University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
12-2023

Skills

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • I-Movie
  • Teleprompter
  • Microsoft Office
  • Sony XDCAM PXW-Z90V
  • Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X(Twitter)
  • Google Platform
  • Storytelling,
  • Research and Analysis,
  • Editing,
  • Interviewing skills,
  • Collaborative, Strategic Planning,
  • Podcast and Freelancing
  • Video editing
  • Gathering information
  • Conducting interviews
  • Breaking news expertise
  • Building professional relationships
  • On-scene reporting
  • Breaking news coverage
  • Live reporting
  • Fact-checking

Accomplishments

  • Conducted research and interviews for a groundbreaking report on social justice, which led to policy changes and community impact
  • Produced and edited video and audio content to complement written reports, expanding the reach of their work across multiple platforms.
  • Built a strong following on social media, using creative content and strategic hashtags to promote their stories and interact with viewers.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key sports personalities and industry insiders, resulting in exclusive interviews and breaking news.

Affiliations

  • Pope John Paul II Prep
  • Middle Tennessee Middle School Division D2
  • Lacrosse Champions as 1st year Head Coach at Pope John Paul II Prep
  • Lacrosse Champions as U13 Head Coach
  • WHIN Radio Producer Saturday Morning Analysis
  • Health and Safety Summit and Officer Training
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
  • Keeper of Record and Seal
  • Vice-Basileus
  • University of Tennessee
  • College Football Player 2019 -2020
  • College Lacrosse Player 2019-2020
  • Lacrosse Defense Player of the Year 2019.

Languages

French
Elementary

Timeline

Freelance Reporter

Main Street Media of Tennessee
12.2024 - Current

Color Commentator and Play-by-Play - Sumner County High School Sports

WHIN Radio
08.2024 - 07.2025

Head Coach - Lacrosse – Pope John Paul II Preparatory Middle School Camp Coordinator Proctor

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School
01.2024 - 07.2025

Sports Media Intern

Pellissippi State Community College
08.2023 - 12.2023

Master of Arts - Journalism & Strategic Media

University of Memphis

Bachelor of Science - Communication in Journalism And Electronic Media

University of Tennessee

Portfolio

Featured Picture
Play by Play

Hobbies and Interests

  • Storytelling
  • Investigative Reporting
  • Digital Media
  • Sports Writing
  • Interviewing
  • Debating
  • Team Sports I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles.
  • Gym Workouts
  • Swimming
  • Music
  • Creative Writing

Sample Writings

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Lady Vols soccer bests Radford 3-1 on Thursday making the record 4-1-1 on the year. Radford struck almost immediately with a goal by Alexeis Kirnos under a minute giving Radford a 1-0 lead. Shortly after it was all Lady Vols with a goal by Maria Nelson in the 16th minute tying the game 1-1 scoring her second goal of the season. In the 28th minute Kameron Simmonds scored a stunning goal dicing through the defense to give Tennessee the lead 2-1. She makes a total of six goals on the season. Sizzy Lawton in the 48th minute makes it 3-1 to tally her second of the season and would be the final score. Tennessee had far more possession than Radford. Kameron Simmonds and Jordan Fusco also tallied assists during the game. Tennessee also led in shots 26-2, but only eight were on target to Radford’s one on target. Radford’s goalkeeper Lexi Radvanyi had four saves and one that was cleared off the line in the sixth minute. The Lady Vols applied pressure throughout the entire match. University of Tennessee student Megan Kurtz said that the Lady Vols,” had a poor start to the game but they made up for it in the end and won 3-1” Tennessee showed their dominance after allowing an early goal. Tennessee had seven corner kicks compared to Radford having none. Tennessee student Chris Barbee had this to say about the game,” the first minute looked rough but after that Tennessee looked like the far superior team and had the ball far more than Radford.” After the Radford goal it seemed like they barely ever had possession of the ball. Tennessee was the dominating team by holding possession and having more shots. The crowd was very energetic and into the game. Tennessee with only eight shots on target could have made the lead larger if not for the ball being cleared off the line, and the four saves from the Radford keeper. Tennessee played all three keepers in the game giving all of them in game experience. The Highlanders were overwhelmed by the UT offense that mustered 25 shots and had Radford on their heels for most of the game. Constant ball movement and pressure allowed Tennessee to get back into the game after Radford’s fast start. After the goal that was under a minute, Radford only had one more shot for the entire game showing the defense locked it down for the rest of the game. When Tennessee did lose the ball, they would quickly win it back and go back on the attack. Although Tennessee had 26 shots only eight of them however were on target. There were many positives to the match, all the opportunities to score, to the defense shutting out the Highlanders after the first minute there is plenty to look forward to for the rest of the season. Tennessee’s next match is Sunday Sept. 10th in Boca Raton against Florida Atlantic who is 3-3-2 out of the American Conference.

The Atlanta Braves had a special year with many records and a lot of wins during the 2023 season, but one stood out was Ronald Acuna Jr. He put together an MVP caliber season by being the only person a part of the 40 home run and 70 stolen base club. To emphasize this no one has done this in MLB history. That is how special his season was.

Ronald Acuna Jr. has been with the Braves organization for his entire major league career and continues to be the star of the show. In the 2023 season he posted the best batting average of his career so far along with the most RBIs in a season that he has had. He has been named one of three MVP candidates of the National League. His historic season was cut short by the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series. Despite all of that it was still a special season for the Braves and Acuna Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. has become a household name among baseball fans for his tape measure home runs to his crazy defensive plays. He was born in La Guaira, Venezuela and he lets it be known in his wardrobe when he plays by wearing yellow with his uniform. Justin Toscano who is a beat writer for the Braves said that “it was hard to find things to write about for Acuna.” He went on to mention that it was hard to find the words for all the records that he was breaking. “It was something new with him almost all the time.” This shows the type of year that Acuna had for himself. Stealing bases and hitting home runs was the big one passing Ricky Henderson for the most home runs in a 70 base stealing season. It could be easy to run out of words to describe what Acuna did this year.

Although the Braves season did not end in the way the organization wanted there was plenty to be proud about what happened during the season. From the home run record to Matt Olsen’s record, none can top what Ronald Acuna has done this year putting up a year where he can win the MVP award. Acuna is under contract with the Braves until 2027 where he can be a free agent. Expect to see him and the Braves back in this position soon and often.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Dark Mode uniforms make a return on Saturday night in Neyland Stadium against South Carolina (2-2,1-1 SEC). No. 19/21 Tennessee (3-1,0-1) looks for revenge against the Gamecocks after the disastrous game a year ago where the Vols saw their playoff chances diminish.

Neyland at night makes a return for the first time this season with the second conference game

on the schedule. For the third time in school history Tennessee will wear black and for the second time will be against South Carolina. Expect Neyland to be rocking and full of energy Saturday night for the game and as well as the 25th anniversary of the 1998 National Champions. Head Coach Josh Heupel said that “we need a great environment on Saturday night.” Big orange nation will be black come Saturday in Neyland.

Tennessee looks to contain Spencer Rattler who carved the Vols last year. Rattler threw for 438 yards along with six touchdowns. This season, Rattler ranks in the top ten in passing yards per game along with in the top 15 for completion percentage. He will be without his star receiver Juice Wells, who is still dealing with a foot injury suffered against Georgia. Wells last season had 11 receptions for 177 yards against the Vols. Heupel had this to say about the game from last year, “Last year has nothing to do with this week. Last week has nothing to do with this week. The previous play has nothing to do with the next one. We have to focus on our preparation and be ready to have a great competitive spirit for four quarters.”  The Vols look to provide a pass rush to disrupt South Carolina’s offense led by Tyler Baron who is tied for second in the SEC with four sacks.

The defense looks to avenge last season after allowing 63 points and 606 total yards. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner praised Rattler, “Well obviously he's able to extend plays with his legs, so that's really stressful on the defense, especially the defensive line… What he did last year against us, we just have to make sure that we're disciplined in everything that we do. We have to make sure that we try and restrict it and keep him in the pocket.” Rattler has received a lot of praise throughout the season. It will take a team effort for the Vols to shut him down.

Tennessee’s offense had its best game of the season against UTSA putting up 512 yards, 303 rushing. Dylan Sampson led the charge with 139 yards on the ground. When asked about Sampson, Heupel had this to say, “He wanted more touches for sure the previous week. For whatever reason we just didn't get that done, but he is the same guy inside of the building. He is competitive and cares and embraces every role that we put him in. He competes for those roles too.” Look for Sampson to be a part of the offense on Saturday night.

DALLAS DARDENMultimedia Journalist and Producer
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