Christina Napoli '19 was a versatile swimmer throughout her four years at Loyola, competing in the breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle at both the ECAC and Patriot League Championships. She was a team captain for the Greyhounds during her senior year in 2019, as both swimming and diving programs continued their rise up the conference rankings. It was also that year that Napoli became a student worker in Loyola's athletic department as a Video Production Assistant.

That role ultimately led her to a job at ESPN after graduation, where she currently works at the company headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, as a Production Assistant. Learn more below as Christina talks about both her time at Loyola and her position at ESPN in this week's Alum Spotlight presented by Hollenshades Auto Service!


Name: Christina Napoli
Graduation Year: 2019
Major: Communications (specializing in Digital Media)
Minor: Marketing


When did you first realize you wanted to work in sports, and what steps did you take at Loyola to build up your resume and give you the experience needed to work at ESPN?

I have always wanted to work in television, but discovered my potential in sports during my senior year. The summer prior, I was connected with Ryan Eigenbrode, and later took a position as Video Production Assistant for Loyola Athletics. I learned so much, so fast; operating the camera for our broadcasts, working the replay control for Patriot League Network and editing team video for the big screen at games. It was hands-on experience that really allowed me to grow.
 
On top of this, I also worked at and was involved with the Career Center. Their resources and guidance helped me prepare for and navigate the process more confidently.


Tell us more about your current role. What is a typical day like for you?

I am currently a Production Assistant assigned on SportsCenter:AM. Each day, I check our rundown for daily assignments, which vary from highlights and shot sheet writing to different video elements for segments of our show. I also prompt, which is awesome because I love being in the studio with our talent.
 
Every day brings something different. Between overlapping seasons, many sporting events and the potential for breaking news at all times, it's a fast-paced but exciting environment I love being a part of. And no matter how crazy the day can get, being able to look up at the TV and see content I cut air on our show is beyond rewarding. I never thought I would have these opportunities in my first year post-grad.



Do you have any favorite memories from your first year and a half at ESPN?

My favorite memory so far was seeing one of our reporters repost an element I had cut for him the night before (it was a Mini on the Eagles). It aired on our show, and then I later saw him post it on his Instagram. It was humbling knowing he liked it to the point of posting it on his own social media page after it aired on TV, and see my hard work pay off like that.


What are your long-term career goals?

My long-term career goal is to one day make it as a producer. I am still learning so much about the industry and the makings of a show. With my current responsibilities in my Production Assistant role, I'm confident I'm on the right track.



How did you originally get into swimming, and what was it that drew you to Loyola?

I had been swimming competitively since I was 8 years old. I knew I wanted to continue swimming throughout college, but it was a priority of mine to make sure any decisions I made took the school into account first. When I toured Loyola, I had that feeling that everyone talks about (I know, it's cliche but it's true!). When I spoke with Brian Loeffler about swimming, I just knew Loyola was the school for me. 

A close-knit team was important to me, and seeing I would get that combined with a great education at Loyola made the decision easy. Loyola was absolutely everything I was looking for and, as I made it my home through the years, it got better and better. Not to mention, Baltimore exceeded my expectations in a city (I had never really been), and I really do miss it.


What are some of your top highlights (swimming or in general) from your time on campus?

Most of my top highlights at Loyola came from senior year. Swimming my senior year was special, and I owe a lot of that to the fact that our senior class was so close. To this day, I see those people as lifelong friends along with many other teammates through my swim career.
 
Being captain, I could not be prouder of our morale and performance throughout that season. I specifically remember being at Patriot League Championships just so excited for the team. Every Loyola cap I saw in the pool did something amazing, whether it was an individual or team accomplishment. After Championships, not having a postseason was a reality check that I really was a senior, and I tried to take advantage of every opportunity I otherwise would not have had time for during the swim season.


Do you still swim on a regular basis, either competitively or recreationally?

I do not swim on a regular basis, although I would like to start again for recreation. I was looking into places but when COVID hit I decided it was best to wait.


Do you still keep up with Loyola's swimming & diving team? What are your thoughts on the current state of the program?

I do still keep up with the team! Last year I attended our Alumni event which we couldn't have this year with the pandemic. I keep in touch with many people from the team, and that's just part of what makes the program so special. The people and the memories stick with you after you graduate.
 
I have the utmost confidence in the team this year. Coach George Kennedy and Tommy Glenn became a part of our team my junior year, and they were both great additions. Each coach brings their own personality and style to practice, making it an environment other swim and dive programs should strive for. Every swimmer and diver is in good hands with Brian, George, Rob, Tommy and Jay. With the pandemic taking time away from the pool and the boards, I know that the upcoming season will not be taken for granted. And I cannot wait to see what more the team will accomplish this year, and future years to come!