Justin Gray
Swainsboro,GA
Summary
Seasoned Sports Writer with background in both print and digital media. Possess strong knowledge of sports industry trends, players, and events. Strengths include ability to meet tight deadlines, creating engaging content, and maintaining professional relationships with athletes and sports professionals. Previous roles involved elevating brand visibility through high-quality articles and reports, contributing significantly to online traffic growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Coach
Swainsboro Middle and High School
Swainsboro, GA
01.2026 - Current
- Mentored players on sportsmanship, teamwork, and strategic play during practices and games.
- Implemented training programs focusing on physical conditioning and skill development for athletes.
- Collaborated with head coach to assess player progress and adapt coaching strategies accordingly.
- Evaluated opposing teams' strategies to inform game plans and improve competitive edge.
Teacher
Emanuel County Schools
Swainsboro, GA
12.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive learning environment to enhance student motivation and participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate technology into classroom instruction effectively.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation methods to tailor instructional strategies.
Sports Writer
The Augusta Press
Augusta, Ga.
02.2024 - 06.2025
- Covering local sports for the newspaper.
- Covering the area’s best high school football game every Friday night.
Host
The Dip Metress Show
Augusta, Ga.
11.2024 - 05.2025
- Hosted the podcast with Augusta University men’s basketball coach Dip Metress.
- Link: https://youtu.be/R7_U1AyNun8?si=G-AmfDfFu5AZwdbC.
Host/Sports Anchor
The Sports Squad (Augusta University Podcast)
Augusta, GA
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Scripted and hosted each and every episode of "The Sports Squad" for a year.
- Interviewed Augusta University athletes and coaches.
- Debated sports topics from high school to the professional level.
Sports Editor
The Bellringer, Augusta University’s Student Newspaper
12.2023 - 05.2025
- Wrote about local sports for the online newspaper.
- Shot photography for this as well.
Creator
Augusta University
Augusta, Ga.
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Produced graphics and videos for the Augusta University men's basketball team's social media.
- (Instagram and X)
- Shot photography and videography as well.
OPS Runner
CBS Sports
Augusta, GA
03.2024 - 04.2025
- Worked both the 2024 and 2025 Masters Tournament.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth service operations throughout shifts.
- Worked behind the scenes with CBS Sports for the Masters Tournament.
- Gained hands-on experience with one of the largest sporting events.
Sports Writer
The Forest Blade
Swainsboro, Ga.
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Covered the biggest high school in the county’s sports
- Covered the University of Georgia’s Football team at the local level
- Covered a state championship football game.
News Intern
WJBF
Augusta, Ga.
12.2022 - 11.2023
- Shot video at local high school football games
- Produced on-air packages for the football games
- Learned Premiere Pro
- Shot live footage for the News Station.
Sports writer
The Crossroads Chronicle
Swainsboro, Ga.
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Covered all three high schools in the county
- Wrote 5-7 articles weekly
- Covered collegiate and professional sports at the local level
- Covered a state championship football game.
Community Coach
Jenkins County School System
Millen, Ga.
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Coached both middle school football and baseball
- Coached students aged 12-15 years old.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia05-2025
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
East Georgia State College
Swainsboro, GA05-2023
Skills
- Deadline management
- Group leadership
- Effective communication
- Building relationships
- Sports reporting
- Interview trained
- Feature article writing
- Adobe Creative Cloud Experience
- Technical Writing
- Content Creating
- Social media management
Accomplishments
-Third place in the Georgia Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest for coverage of high school football in the CSRA
-As the Sports Editor at Augusta University, our Sports department won the Georgia College Press Association Better Newspaper Award for Sports Community Service.
Languages
English
Professional
Timeline
Coach
Swainsboro Middle and High School
01.2026 - Current
Teacher
Emanuel County Schools
12.2025 - Current
Host
The Dip Metress Show
11.2024 - 05.2025
Host/Sports Anchor
The Sports Squad (Augusta University Podcast)
05.2024 - 05.2025
OPS Runner
CBS Sports
03.2024 - 04.2025
Sports Writer
The Augusta Press
02.2024 - 06.2025
Sports Editor
The Bellringer, Augusta University’s Student Newspaper
12.2023 - 05.2025
Creator
Augusta University
10.2023 - 05.2025
Sports Writer
The Forest Blade
05.2023 - 11.2023
News Intern
WJBF
12.2022 - 11.2023
Sports writer
The Crossroads Chronicle
05.2022 - 05.2023
Community Coach
Jenkins County School System
07.2021 - 04.2022
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
East Georgia State College
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Augusta University
Writing Samples
- https://theaugustapress.com/football-preview-mason-shorts-time-at-evans-all-about-family-black-and-gold-pride/
- https://theaugustapress.com/heres-how-lakeside-football-is-preparing-to-play-its-third-game-in-eight-days/
- https://theaugustapress.com/midland-valley-footballs-tough-times-have-made-them-better-prepped-for-postseason-run/
References
Dr. David Bulla
Communication Department Chair
Augusta University
706-993-0054
dbulla@augusta.edu
Kadija Dickens
Director of Athletic Media Relations
Augusta University
706-731-7925
kdickens@augusta.edu
Charles McNeil
Senior Account Manager
Advertising Solutions
706-294-0957
Charles@youradvertisingsolution.com
Awards
-Third place in the Georgia Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest for coverage of high school football in the CSRA
-As the Sports Editor at Augusta University, our Sports department won the Georgia College Press Association Better
Newspaper Award for Sports Community Service.