For Amanda Vogt, writing has always been a passion. Now, a Penn State graduate with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, minors in Sports Studies and Digital Media Trends and Analytics, and a certificate in Sports Journalism, Vogt looks to take her talents to the next level. 

Vogt, a Wayne, New Jersey native, found her love for writing in seventh grade.

“I was always the girl who loved writing essays,” she said. “I asked my English teacher if she could see me on the news one day, and she said yes, so I kept writing.” 

Through journalism and television production courses, Vogt continued to learn about the journalism process. After taking AP Government, she realized she didn’t want to pursue politics, so she began covering high school sports for her local newspaper and shifted into sports journalism. 

When searching for the right college fit, she wanted to attend a large university with a strong sports atmosphere, particularly football. During admitted students day, the Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) was an organization Vogt was really drawn to.

“After learning about AWSM and seeing the Willard studios, Penn State felt like a place of opportunity I knew I could thrive in,” Vogt shared. 

AWSM has no doubt been a major part of Vogt’s college career. She spent the past four years collaborating, networking, and coordinating with women in sports media in a variety of roles.

Beginning as a member her freshman year, she moved through the roles of director of membership, secretary, and, most recently, president, pouring herself into the organization.

“Being the president of Penn State’s chapter is an honor I will forever be grateful for, she said. “From the beginning, every Tuesday night, I felt at ease, and I’ve worked to create that environment for all the girls.” 

From the start, Vogt took on every opportunity she could. Starting at the Daily Collegian, she spent two years covering women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse as a beat writer. She was also a men’s basketball beat reporter for Penn State Sports Night.

“Being a beat writer forced me to grow fast and taught me how to handle tough moments, but it prepared me for my time in football,” Vogt shared. 

Vogt spent three years with Comm Radio as a football insider, as well as a writer for Penn State on Sports Illustrated.

“The Blue-White Game in 2023 was my first big football moment. I looked at the press box and imagined myself up there, and I made it happen”, she remarked. “Being one of the few women showing up can be daunting, but they are all experiences I will never forget.”

When discussing her writing, Vogt highlighted the unique aspects of her style. From setting the scene to stating the facts to tying in emotion, Vogt prides herself on her ability to get creative.

“I love weaving in extended metaphors throughout my writing. I’ve compared football to coffee, evolution, and even triangles,” she shared. 

Aside from football, Vogt has a love for golf. She started her own golf podcast, called Chipping In. This year, she had the opportunity to attend the US Open in Oakmont with a media credential as the recipient of the Golf Writers Association of America Scholarship.

“Being able to interview golfers whose careers I’ve followed was incredible,” she said. “My boss at the golf course I work at in my hometown even saw me on live television.” 

Vogt shared her advice about not being afraid to open up to people. She emphasized that friends and work don’t need to be separate.

“Be yourself, be you in your work. It enhances you. Don’t be afraid to talk about your concerns and accomplishments; others are going through the same struggles and successes as you. Find your people, don’t make comparisons, celebrate each other’s wins. If I did this alone, I wouldn’t be as happy and proud because I wouldn’t have people to share it with.”

Vogt also highlighted the importance of trying everything. “You don’t know what you like unless you find out what you don’t like, try it all,” she shared. “I explored play-by-play, and it wasn’t for me, but I found myself enjoying other on-air work and writing. Put yourself in a position to try new things, even if you’re worried about the outcome, it’ll lead you down the path to success.”

Freshly on the market, Vogt looks to pursue a writing career in either the NFL or golf.