Emily Jones McCoy- Field Reporter
If you know the Texas Rangers organization, than you should definitely be familiar with the name Emily Jones McCoy. After graduation in 1998 from Texas Tech University with a bachelor degree in broadcast journalism, McCoy has worked doing live pre-game and post-game interviews and segments for the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers (which is where I am most familiar with her). In 2013, McCoy left Fox Sports to devote more time to her family, but made a return soon after and has been the sideline field reporter for the Rangers since 2014. I had the absolute privilege of interviewing Mrs. McCoy recently, and here is a transcription of that interview!
A: How did you get started in the beginning? What inspired you to do what you do?
E: I was raised by my dad so we spent a lot of family time watching sports and all that kinda stuff, so I grew up interested in it. I knew I wanted to be in TV so basically combined the two. Started in news as a reporter, and transitioned to sports after 2 years.
A: What advice do you have for a woman trying to get into the industry?
E: It's more common nowadays, when promoted to sports director at Lubbock NBC affiliate, I was only the 2nd female to hold the job at a major network affiliate. Only local affiliate, regional network, national network. Teams now have own reporters and digital stuff, so much easier. Still hard but easier than 25 yeas ago. Other than that, just know your stuff because scrutiny is greater as far as knowledge. Know how to handle criticism and how to handle not knowing something. Easier now for women but it's still hard.
A: What does a typical day look like on the job?
E: For a 7 pm rangers game- get there between 2-230ish, clubhouse interviews, meet with manager, watch batting practice and get notes together, pregame bit, 630 in well for in-game stuff shortly after. After game if win- walk off interview on field, if lose- manager press conference. then locker room for post game interviews.
A: What is your favorite part of the job?
E: Relationships. getting to know people. Players, coaches, staff, families. And it's always something new and different every day
A: What is the biggest challenge you have found doing the job?
E: Juggling logistics. Schedule is daunting at times and with family it can be more challenging.
A: What is the biggest lesson you had to learn when starting out?
E: I don't really know honestly. Its been so long since I started. Probably not trying to hard. I think there's a tendency to do that in the beginning, especially as a woman in sports trying to prove so much, and you cant do that. You cant force it. It takes time. I liken it to minor leagues, you have to earn your stripes. My job now I cant force relationships and stuff like that. They have to develop over time and some guys aren't interested in developing a relationship which is also fine. You just have to respect boundaries and feel situations and people out. Early on I probably tried too hard just because I wanted so badly to be successful. But you cant rush that process.
A: Are there any interviews you’ve done that stand out significantly in your mind whether for a good reason or a bad reason?
E: Adrian after 3000 hit. That was really cool. (Beltre notches his 3,000th career hit)
Or Adolis the other day doing his first live interview in English was really awesome. The relationships I have with the guys makes moments like this so much more special. (Adolis Garcia: "Right now we're having fun")
After my final question, Emily asked about me and when I told her that I work for the minor league team in Nashville, she said it sounded like I was on a good start and taking advantage of the sources minor league teams have now that weren’t around 25 years ago, and that she can’t wait to see where my career ends up. Mrs. McCoy was such a pleasure to talk to and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.
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