In her new role, the Kent State graduate leads a team of more than 60 students, ensuring high-quality live sports broadcasts of university contests and hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring broadcast professionals.
In the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting, it can be difficult for young professionals to make an immediate impact. Yet, Annika Cronin, Elon Sports Vision’s new coordinating producer, has done just that, and she brings a variety of experiences to her new role leading the School of Communications student organization that live streams university sporting events.
For the 2023 Kent State University graduate, sports have always been a calling – not on the field, but behind the scenes, shaping the way fans experience the game.
Having studied digital media production at Kent State, Cronin honed her skills in technical directing, production and editing, while actively involved in student organizations like the Female Filmmakers Initiative, Black Squirrel Radio, Kent Stater, Tv2, and the Kent State University Independent Films organization. Following graduation, she delved more deeply into sports broadcasting, gaining valuable work experience with the Cleveland Guardians (MLB), Cavaliers (NBA), and Monsters (AHL). At each stop, she played a key role in high-quality in-house and broadcast productions.
Now, Cronin steps into a leadership role with Elon Sports Vision, which provides students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, content creation, sports marketing, and in-venue productions for Elon’s NCAA Division I Athletic Department. As coordinating producer, she oversees a team of more than 60 student employees, ensuring seamless execution of broadcasts – from camera work and live commentary to audio, graphics and sideline reporting.
In her education and career Cronin said she has tried to approach challenges as opportunities, and it has helped lead to some great experiences. She said she hopes to instill that mindset in her Elon Sports Vision students.
“Getting involved as much as you can and testing to find out what it is you really like and want to pursue, regardless of if it intimidates you,” Cronin said.
The move to Elon was not just a career decision, but a personal one. While she enjoyed her personal and professional growth in Ohio, Cronin is excited for Elon’s close-knit academic and athletic environment.
“I chose Elon because it offered a refreshing new challenge – something different from what I had been doing, yet still rooted in the industry I love,” she said.
Since joining the Elon staff in December, Cronin has seamlessly transitioned into her role, bringing enthusiasm, innovation and leadership to the team, explained Bryan Baker, the school’s director of technology, operations and multimedia projects. Cronin’s presence is already making a difference for the students she mentors, instilling in them confidence and strengthening their skills.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Annika to our team,” Baker said. “We are looking forward to her continued successes at Elon.”
Launched in 2017, Elon Sports Vision works hand in hand with Elon Athletics to bring live university sporting events straight to fans with ESPN-level quality.