PRESTON PALM
CURRENT POSITION:
Carolina Panthers Writer - Sports Illustrated ON SI
Growing up in North Carolina, sports were always a part of my life, whether it was soccer or basketball, I always had an obsession with competition. What always intrigued me the most was seeing how the best teams and athletes operate. Naturally, this curiosity led me to pursue sports writing for my career after receiving my bachelor's degree in communications.
EDUCATION
Bachelors Degree | Communication
Emphasis: Journalism
University of Science and Arts Oklahoma
Chickasha, Oklahoma
Graduated
Spring 2025
SPECIAL SKILLS
Canon XA50
Final Cut Pro (Version 10)
Mavic #3 Classic Drone
WORK EXPERIENCE
2026-Present | Sports Illustrated ON SI
Carolina Panthers Writer
2026-Present | The Big Lead
Sports Writer
2024-2025 | USAO Sports Information Office (OK)
Camera/Broadcast Operator
AWARDS
Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association
1st Place in Sports Columns (2025)
Journalistic Experience + Portfolio • USAO
2021-2025
The Trend (Student-Produced Newspaper | Sports Reporter (Paid Staff)
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Tasked to write Professional Sports columns and reviews.
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Comprehensive USAO Athletics game recaps, season previews, and end-of-season recaps for Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and Soccer.
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Interviewed coaches and players both on and off camera.
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Gained experience in meeting deadlines and critically thinking while analyzing gameplay. Learned to develop thoughtful questions for coaches and athletes that brought informative and personable answers.
Drover Talk (Student-Produced Podcast | Host and Producer
2023 - Present
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Booked and scheduled the guest appearance
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Developed preparation skills by researching the guest and developing questions
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Showed the ability to conduct a quality interview when given a time limit prior to recording
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Gained hands-on experience in production by providing the host with real-time cues about time management and selecting camera angles in post-production to create engagement in both the host and the guest.
Self-Produced Content
2024 - Present
The Combat Corner (Self-Produced YouTube Channel/Podcast)
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Self-produced content in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Predicting fight cards and reacting to them after they conclude. Breaking down announcements and big-picture news of the sport.
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Enhanced communication and elaboration skills as each episode is recorded
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Provide detailed arguments for each topic discussed
Internship Experience
2024
USAO Sports Information/Digital Media (Camera/Broadcast Operatior)
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Tasked to film live Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, and Softball games, operated both Main and Alternate cameras.
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Consistently excelled at capturing dynamic on-court and on-field camera shots, demonstrating strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and an ability to anticipate key moments in high-pressure environments.