The Power of Positivity and a Mighty Pen
Award-winning Niner Times reporter and editor Bryson Foster ’23 is writing his way to sports journalism success
By: Susan Messina
Main Photo: Ryan Honeyman
Bryson Foster ’23 can pinpoint the moment he became a lifelong sports fan. Summer 2009, Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark, Reds vs. Nationals. Outfielder Jonny Gomes whacked three home runs, a thrill that cemented for 9-year-old Bryson a decision to cheer for the Reds forever. His first major league ball game ignited a passion that continues to grow.
The backdrop for the trip Foster and his parents made from their home in Concord, North Carolina, to Ohio’s “Queen City”— and another the following year that included a Bengals football game — was an extended visit to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. A national leader in neuromuscular diseases and treatment, the acclaimed medical center offered high-level testing and care for Foster, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease that affects all of his body’s muscles.
By middle school, these seemingly incongruous factors — one Bryson chose and one that found its way to him — collided to present opportunities that led to an interest in, and the discovery of a gift for, broadcasting. And an inkling about a future career.
DOORS OPEN
First, Foster was selected as the national ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Over two years that he describes as a “whirlwind,” Foster and his parents traveled around the United States sharing their story and learning about others in similar circumstances, raising awareness for the 43 types of muscular dystrophy and funds for research that will hopefully lead to a cure.
“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined hosting a national telethon,” Foster said of the annual MDA event founded by the late actor and humanitarian Jerry Lewis. “A big takeaway from the ambassadorship for me was interviewing skills — and having conversations with people. It’s there that my interest in broadcasting started.”
At about the same time, his school’s basketball coach, who knew Foster was both a sports nut and an accomplished public speaker, encouraged him to announce middle school basketball games. From there, he became the voice for baseball, wrestling, track and field, and pep rallies.
“I was immersed in sports,” Foster recalled. “Although I’d lost the ability to walk, there were ways to be involved.” In high school, announcing continued for wrestling, lacrosse, soccer — and even robotics competitions. “These were definitely niche sports and I fell in love with them, too,” he said.
IN THE ZONE
When it was time for college, for a lot of reasons, Foster chose UNC Charlotte. Proximity was a bonus as he is able to live at home and commute to campus.
“I looked at other schools but Charlotte offered everything I needed — academically and in terms of accessibility. I can use the front door for every building, which isn’t the case at some other universities. Although they technically comply with ADA regulations, you sometimes have to use a back or side door; here I can always enter and exit with everyone else.”
- Bryson Foster '23
Majoring in communication studies with a journalism minor, Foster joined the sports staff of Niner Times, the student-led campus newspaper. After winning the publication’s Writer of the Year award, he progressed through its ranks, first as the sports department’s assistant editor and, then, its editor.
As the Niner Times’ outreach coordinator, Foster manages staff, directs training and mentors undergraduates, including sophomore Jordyn Phillips. He attributes much of his journalistic success to former Niner Times editor-in-chief, Sunnya Hadavi ‘24, and former sports editor, Bradley Cole ‘22.
“I have Brad Cole, my first sports editor who taught me everything, to thank,” Foster said. “I credit him with modeling the skills and habits I needed to develop into a good sports editor.”
Cole, who graduated in 2022, is now a content coordinator for WSOC-TV News in Charlotte.
“Bryson’s progress as a writer and student has been inspiring to watch,” Cole said. “He is someone who could make a lot of excuses, but doesn’t; every day he strives to be the best journalist and student he can be. In turn, he touches everyone around him. These traits make him the perfect leader, which he has become at the Niner Times. Bryson’s enthusiasm and professionalism will lead him into a great career in the future.”
At regular content meetings, Foster and the Niner Times team plan upcoming issues of Charlotte’s long standing student-run newspaper.
At the Niner Times, Foster grew the sports staff from 12 to 25, completed a stint as summer editor-in-chief and brought home two major awards. In 2023, he placed second at the North Carolina College Media Association Awards in sports journalism. He also earned the College Media Association Pinnacle Award for the nation’s best college sports feature.
“As a journalist, Bryson is unparalleled; when he has feedback, you need to listen and take it because he's looking out for you as an individual,” said Sunnya Hadavi ‘24, the Niner Times’ former editor-in-chief. “His communication style and the way he works with other people undoubtedly will set him up for success. His colleagues will be lucky to have him. Not only will Bryson get the job done, but he will support and uplift them.”
Bryson's award-winning story, "The Man Who Motivated Michael Jordan," profiles Niner alum Leroy Smith '85, who as a high school sophomore in Wilmington earned a spot on Laney High School's varsity basketball team over then-future NBA superstar Michael Jordan.
CAREER READY
Now a graduate student in communication studies, Foster serves Niner Times as outreach coordinator, overseeing recruitment and training, managing staff and advising section editors.
His achievements and recent experiences, including a summer 2024 internship with Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Public Relations Department, are revealing to Foster an emerging preference for traditional sports journalism, with broadcasting a close second. Turning press releases and media advisories on short deadlines during the Coca Cola 600 and the speedway’s Summer Shootout — at one point working 40 hours in three days — proved to Foster that he has what it takes to take on any type of writing assignment in a fast-paced environment.
A demanding summer internship in 2024 with Charlotte Motor Speedway led to meeting racing legends Richard and Kyle Petty.
“Having a disability instilled in me a work ethic to do what is necessary to excel — and show that muscular dystrophy is just one thing about me,” Foster said. “Between sports being such a big part of my life – and natural positivity fueling me, I know when I graduate next year I will land right where I should to make a valuable impact.”
Produced by University Communications: Susan Messina, director of strategic content; Ryan Honeyman and Kat Lawrence, photography; Harrison Hieb, videography; Whitney Wilson, video production. Additional photos courtesy of Bryson Foster.
MORE ABOUT BRYSON
“My parents have been with me every step of the way, assuring me that I can do anything in life that I want, and encouraging me to pursue something greater than myself.”
Video produced by Industrial Battery & Chargers Inc., which promotes research for a cure for Muscular Dystrophy, and sponsors Bryson’s Racers at the Charlotte Motor Speedway among other endeavors.