From the flag football field at Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) to the press box at the University of Florida (UF), Amanda Roman explains how she never imagined herself writing sports stories for thousands of readers.
After graduating from PPCHS in 2023, Roman is in her final year of college, working for The Alligator, UF’s independent student newspaper, and serving as assistant sports editor.
Roman’s love for writing initially began when she took Mr. Fagen’s Introduction to Journalism class and realized she truly had a passion for storytelling.
Although she had been interested in joining the newspaper, Roman conflicted instead with taking AICE classes for her diploma and filled her schedule with AICE and AP courses that sharpened her skills.
“Doing AICE and AP classes helped me with my study habits a lot,” she explains.
PPCHS played a significant role in preparing Roman for college; she expressed her gratitude for the support she received from teachers and staff along the way.
Dr. Philips guided her through her college essay, Mr. Schwartz helped with applications, and her counselor, Mrs. Plaskett, always looked out for her, even writing one of her recommendations to help her stand out.
Roman had always put her utmost effort into academics since her first year.
She recalls, “starting my freshman year, I immediately [jumped into] taking challenging classes to get into a competitive college.” She notes that she served as president of Helping Hands Union (HHU) and was a member of multiple honors societies.
Roman grew up adoring sports, eventually becoming the captain of the flag football team for two years, under Coach Willis, and picking up tennis under Coach Gustavo.
“Just being on a sports team at PPCHS was the best thing I could’ve done,” she says. To Roman, athletics not only taught her leadership, but it also gave her a unique perspective when writing about athletes today.
Arriving at UF, Roman quickly adjusted to college, expressing how it helped her step out of her comfort zone. She began her career as the copy desk editor for The Alligator, where she reviewed articles for adherence to AP style writing and ensured each story was at its best.
However, starting her second year of college, she covered soccer, landed an internship with Fort Lauderdale United FC, and eventually earned a spot as assistant sports editor. As an editor, Roman helps mentor newer reporters.
“We’re just trying to help these writers improve their work,” she says.
Despite her individual work as an editor, Roman also has a purpose to uplift the women in her field; as she serves as vice president of UF’s Women in Sports Media club.
In this role, she mentors girls who are just starting sports journalism. She states, “I would not be where I am today if there weren’t editors who helped me.”
Accurate journalism holds a significant importance to Roman, especially in sports, where information can change drastically. She argues that people shouldn’t be deterred from pursuing journalism solely because of global events.
Working in a male-dominated industry hasn’t brought down her confidence in continuing to pursue what she’s passionate about.
Roman expresses, “My parents always taught me that it doesn’t matter; rules are rules, games are games, and anyone can watch sports.”
She describes herself as hard-working and school-oriented. She looks up to multiple sports journalists, such as Laura Rutledge and Michelle Kaufman, and is pursuing a certificate in sports management alongside her journalism degree.
To look back, Roman feels grateful for the foundation PPCHS gave her. She still keeps in touch with multiple high school friends and couches. Her biggest advice to current students is simple: “Enjoy your youth—time really does go by fast.”
