Maxwell Tucker
Gainesville
Summary
It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in sports journalism. I’ve had a strong passion for UF’s athletic and academic programs for as long as I can remember. I take great pride in seeking to further my career opportunities in the field of sports journalism, sports information, or media relations upon graduation.
My hard work and dedication at UF has given me the opportunity to create multimedia content for ESPN Gainesville, become the sports editor for The Alligator, obtain media credentials through UF’s University Athletic Association and anchor television segments for WUFT (PBS).
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Sports Anchor
WUFT-FM, WUFT.org, Local NPR Station
01.2024 - Current
- Anchored and produced the 60-second sports segment televised on WUFT’s PBS channel in the local Gainesville area.
- Anchored and produced 30-minute sports talk show.
- Wrote sports news scripts using the KLZ Newsroom template inside WUFT's newsroom at UF's College of Journalism and Communications.
- Used Adobe Premiere Pro to cut and edit video footage of sporting events to create highlight reels and B-role for anchoring segments.
- Ran teleprompter during segments from the production inside the newsroom.
- Developed confident and strong on-camera TV skills in a professional setting.
- Produced special features and documentaries showcasing different aspects of the sports world beyond standard event coverage.
Florida Gators Beat Writer
The Independent Florida Alligator
08.2023 - Current
- Credentialed media member through the UAA (University Athletic Association).
- Wrote game previews, game recaps, and breaking news for Gators football, men's basketball, baseball and golf.
- Wrote feature stories for print and web at alligator.org.
- Provided engaging content on social media through Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
- Attended every home game (and numerous away games) for every beat covered in 2024 while seated in the press box.
- Attended media availability and press conferences offered for every beat covered inside practice facilities, stadiums, and arenas, while asking engaging questions to coaches and players.
- Worked diligently with UF’s sports information directors to set up interviews with athletes and coaches for feature stories.
Multimedia Reporter
ESPN Gainesville
07.2023 - Current
- Wrote web articles and recorded sports radio segments for WRUF in the multi-platform newsroom and studios of ESPN Gainesville inside UF’s College of Journalism and Communications.
- Covered Florida Gators football, baseball, and local professional sports, while editing soundbite and video from players and coaches interviews that would later be used for written stories or radio.
- Went live on set for Steve Russell's radio show to give live trending sports segments.
- Consistently met tight deadlines while simultaneously juggling multiple assignments at once, demonstrating strong time management skills.
Server
Outback Steakhouse
08.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
Sports Editor
The Independent Florida Alligator
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Delivered authoritative sports coverage with careful attention to game facts, stats and predictions.
- Managed online sports columns, blogs and video pieces.
- Communicated directly with writers to collaboratively assess work, guide editorial improvements and meet deadlines.
- Edited more than 100 stories in the Fall 2024 semester, carefully checking content wording and facts.
- Covered the Florida Gators football beat personally, traveling to away games across the SEC to create buzz and offer expert coverage.
- Collaborated with every Sports Information Director at UF to facilitate our reporter's stories getting published.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports Journalism
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL12-2025
Skills
- Exceptional writing, editing, communication
- Live TV and radio experience
- Working with UF Sports Information Directors
- Strong knowledge of football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf
- Blue-collar work ethic / takes pride in doing their job
- Ability to conduct interviews with high-profile athletes and coaches
- Works well under pressure with experience to work on deadline
- Develop strong relationships with coworkers and works well in team atmosphere
- Ability to provide content on social media platforms
- Website management
- Interviewing techniques
Timeline
Sports Editor
The Independent Florida Alligator
08.2024 - 12.2024
Sports Anchor
WUFT-FM, WUFT.org, Local NPR Station
01.2024 - Current
Florida Gators Beat Writer
The Independent Florida Alligator
08.2023 - Current
Multimedia Reporter
ESPN Gainesville
07.2023 - Current
Server
Outback Steakhouse
08.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Sports Journalism
University of Florida
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