Comment: First-time interviews fun for all

As the lone sports writer for the East County Observer, I’m constantly interviewing coaches and players — many of whom I’ve interviewed countless times before.

They’re team captains. They’re quarterbacks, running backs and pitchers. They’re record setters. They’ve become accustomed to being in the spotlight. After all, they’re stars in their own minds and in the eyes of their classmates.

But those occasions when I head out to the field or ballpark to meet with someone I’ve never talked to — someone who’s being interviewed for the first time — are when the fun really begins.

It’s in those moments that I begin to realize just what it means to be on the other side of the pen — to be the one accepting praise and recognition for accomplishments instead of being the one to congratulate the athlete on a job well done.

For some, an interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. For others, it can be the highlight of their young lives.

The latter was the case this past week when I went out to the ballpark to meet with the Miss Manatee Softball 10U Observer team members. Every year, our paper sponsors a team. And every year, I do a little piece on the girls.

But this fall, the girls were particularly ecstatic when I approached their dugout. Within moments I was surrounded by 12 outspoken 9- and 10-year-olds who were all eager to ask me the very same question.

“Can I be interviewed?” they shouted over each other. Of course, I was there to interview all 12 girls, but it wasn’t until I asked them what it meant to be a part of The Observer team, that I realized just how special these girls felt to have their local newspaper name splashed across their jersey fronts.

“It’s huge,” 10-year-old Jessica Harrison said. “I’ve never been interviewed.”

Nine-year-old Sarah Perez agreed.

“I feel special to be on this team,” Sarah said.

With each interview I did, I couldn’t help but smile as the girls looked up at me with a sparkle in their eyes. They were perfectly content enjoying the spotlight for the very first time.