Q: First of all, congratulations on your job at ESPN. It has been an exciting past two years for you and Christian and now your daughter. I coached both your brothers, Barron and J.J., in Ramms baseball. Rumor has your were the best athlete in the family. Any truth to that?
Sam: Yes, that is true. Just don’t ask them. Actually, my older sister Jaime was probably the best athlete. She has five kids under six now so she probably has the most use for all her skills. I peaked in RAMMS. Ah, the good ole days.
Q: What were your memories of growing up in Central Phoenix and in your wildest dreams did you every think you would be back in Phoenix with your husband and daughter?
Sam: I always knew I’d want to come back to this neighborhood. There are few places in the world where you can grow up in the middle of the city and still feel like you live in a small town. I loved Simis and Meadows and had an incredible time at Central High. It prepared me for so much that has come my way since then. In terms of moving back, I’m not a big fan of the rocks-in-the-yard desert look, so living in green North Central was a must for me. I always kind of envisioned my daughter riding a horse to school down the bridle path. Not sure if that’s still allowed, but my dream is closer to being a reality! If she can’t ride a horse, she can always rough it on the city bus like I did!
Q: What is it like to work at ESPN and to replace such a well know reporter such as Erin Andrews?
Sam: ESPN has been very good to me. I can say that even more than the job itself, the people I get to work with make it appealing after four years with the company. I work with guys who feel like family. The big brothers I never had, I guess. It’s been an amazing experience.
Q: You and I talked about your crazy traveling schedule the past two years between college football and college basketball games. How many games did you cover last year and what are your current plans with ESPN since you now have your beautiful daughter Scout?
Sam: I lost count of games year ago but I do know that my 10-month-old daughter has been on 85 flights. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s been absolutely insane, and though I don’t recommend that kind of travel to any moms out there, I can say it’s been an incredible adventure. I just resigned with ESPN to continue on College Gameday, but I will be scaling back my workload this year. Now that Scout is mobile, travel is a little more difficult. Only two flights a week this fall!
Q: It has to be exciting for Christian to be closer to his family with his new team, the Oakland Raiders, and also a warmer climate. How did you convince him to choose Phoenix over his home state of Texas?
Sam: I didn’t have to! That’s the great thing about this area… it sells itself. His off season is the perfect time to be in Phoenix, January through May. He loves to golf, fish in the Sedona area and walk to all the great restaurants that have popped up. The perfect weather and a mother-inlaw down the street who likes to cook don’t hurt either.
Q: What advice do you have for men or women who are broadcast majors and would like to make a career in this field?
Sam: I wasn’t a broadcast major so that wasn’t the route I took but I’d say figure out who you are before you put yourself on TV. It’s an industry full of insecurities and pressures to be someone everyone else wants you to be, especially in the social media age. A “glamorous” looking life on TV is miserable if you don’t have your priorities straight. Beyond that, enjoy the process and focus on the relationships along the way. There are lots of lonely “successful” people at the top, fondly remembering coffee-getting intern days.
Q. Can you believe how many new restaurants are sprouting up in the Central Corridor? Do you and Christian have a favorite place to go and relax?
Sam: It’s so exciting. There wasn’t much at all in terms of restaurants when I lived here growing up, so that has been a huge plus since we moved back. We had part of our rehearsal dinner at The Yard and always have a good time there. We also love Federal Pizza, El Bravo and Pane Bianco. Oh, and I just discovered the Nutella, peanut butter and banana sandwich at Zookz! Scout and I are both big fans! I get most of our food at the Uptown Farmer’s Market at North Phoenix Baptist when we are in town. Walking there on Wednesdays and Saturdays has become one of our family traditions. I’m addicted to the Mama’s Cold Brew Coffee, Bistro burritos and cinnamon bread. What can I say, I’m a super healthy eater...
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions..WELCOME BACK TO
THE VALLEY..
Anytime, Bobby. But why are you yelling? :)
Author's note: I am not YELLING at Sam!! I am just a bad typer...
