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.
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Society of Professional Journalists
https://mainstreetmediatn.com/author/By+Dallas+Darden/
Dallas Darden Initial Reels
Responsibilities included covering 20 high school team sports activities within the Nashville, Tennessee area.
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.