For a lot of people, football is all-consuming. Whether it’s engaging in discourse with others or using the sport to connect to friends and family, being a football fan is one of the most passionate roles in the world.
For Ava Lumbatis, loving football is what sparked her pursuit of sports journalism.
“I wanted to learn everything about football,” Lumbatis said. “My family is diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fans.”
Her brother, Devon, in particular pushed her towards a love of football and sports.
“He (Devon) played football,” she said. “I always kind of idolized him, so as he played football, I just wanted to learn more about it.”
The transition from being a sports fan to a sports journalist is one that most sports journalists cross at one point. Lumbatis knew early on in her life that she wanted to be a sports journalist.
She grew up around sports, even competing in horse riding for 14 years. A traditional nine-to-five office job didn’t fit her.
“I didn’t want that business route,” she said. “I couldn’t have a desk job.”
While she was picking a university, one of the most vital steps for a young adult looking to start their ideal career, Arizona State immediately stood out.
There were a couple of reasons Lumbatis felt connected to ASU. Growing up and living her whole life in Dallas, Texas, she just wanted to get out of Texas.
“It would’ve just felt like an extension of high school,” she said. “I couldn’t stay there.”
She was also enthralled by the sports journalism program at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Her lifelong dream has always been to work as a sideline reporter for a major network or team. The Cronkite School would put her in a position to be one step closer to that dream.
However, she learned something very important in her time at the school. During an internship she earned through the Cronkite School, she worked for the Varsity Sports Show. She learned that her career path might not be exactly what she thought.
“I realized while I’ve been here (Cronkite) that being a sideline reporter might not be for me,” Lumbatis said. “I’ve really enjoyed all the writing I’ve done here. I love writing.”
Despite all the positive experiences she’s gained while at Cronkite, for Lumbatis, ASU isn’t just about education. Her social life is very important to her, which is part of why the school is such a good fit.
She’s a member of the sorority Kappa Delta, and although she was initially hesitant to rush a sorority, she found the group of people that are a good fit for her.
“I saw my sister rush at TCU (Texas Christian University) and realized I needed to be more open-minded,” Lumbatis said. “I only rushed Kappa Delta, but I found a group of people that connect with me.
Now, Lumbatis is a senior who graduates in May. She’ll pursue a career in sports journalism and get one step closer to living out the goal she’s set for herself for years; when she was just a little girl watching her brother put on the pads.
