Fowler Alumna Scores an Anchor Role at ESPN’s “SportsCenter”
San Diego State University alumna Keiana Martin has reached one of the most recognizable stages in sports broadcasting, making her debut as an anchor on ESPN’s flagship program SportsCenter on June 2.
“Walking onto the ‘SportsCenter’ set for the first time honestly felt surreal.” recalled Martin. Then you walk into the studio and see the desk you’ve watched for years. It was definitely a pinch-me moment.”
Martin, who earned her integrated marketing communication degree from SDSU’s Fowler College of Business in 2010, said that she always knew she wanted a career in sports, but she “just didn’t know what that career would look like.” She credits the program with helping her recognize how the skills she was developing could translate into a career she hadn’t yet imagined.
“Through the integrated marketing communications program, I started to see how storytelling, branding and media all intersected,” she said. “I focused on networking, took every opportunity I could find, and eventually that path led me in front of the camera. What started as an interest became a career I genuinely love.”
Martin, a native of Los Angeles, chose SDSU for the same reason as many other Aztec alumni.
“The Fowler College of Business had a strong reputation, and I was able to stay relatively close to home,” she said. “Add in perfect weather and one of the best college towns in the country, and it wasn’t a difficult decision. SDSU checked every box and then some.”
“SportsCenter” was a part of my daily routine long before I ever imagined working there. Growing up, my dad and I would watch highlights after the biggest games on a nightly basis. Even a decade later once I got to SDSU, I remember having the morning SportsCenter on while I was getting ready for class in my dorm at Cuicacalli. Sports was a bonding opportunity for my dad and I. It’s how we stayed close despite being 120 miles apart.”
While still an SDSU student, Martin began building her network of colleagues, professors and professional contacts as a student and soon, new opportunities started coming her way.
“I didn’t necessarily choose being on camera, but shortly after graduation, on-camera opportunities started presenting themselves,” said Martin. “I realized that this was where I felt most at home since I love telling stories, connecting with athletes and fans, and bringing new energy to live television. Once I experienced that, there was no turning back.”
Like many broadcasters, Martin spent years building her résumé in smaller markets before earning opportunities with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Nuggets and the San Francisco 49ers. In 2022, she got her big break as an on-air host with the MLB Network whose studios are located near New York City.
Her job at MLB Network, in addition to a freelance position with Madison Square Garden Entertainment — and eventually CBS Sports — helped pave the way to the offer from ESPN to host their flagship program.
“If you had told me as a student at SDSU that I’d one day be anchoring “SportsCenter”, I absolutely would not have believed you,” said Martin. “My goal is to become someone viewers trust and recognize across all of ESPN’s biggest platforms.”
For today’s SDSU students hoping to follow Martin’s journey into their dream jobs, she offers this advice:
“Start building your network long before graduation and don’t be afraid to raise your hand for opportunities that feel a little intimidating. Growth usually starts on the other side of discomfort, so take advantage of every opportunity that’s in front of you.
And one more thing: Say ‘yes’ more than you say ‘no.’ Your career starts long before your first full-time job.”
