by James Dodd
AS we continue the theme of ‘Breaking Barriers’, this week’s spotlight is on second year student Hayley Mooney.
Hayley, who has been studying sports journalism as USW since September 2019, believes women are not credited enough in the industry.
“I feel as though I have so much to prove being in the minority. As a female sports journalist, I feel as though I’m never taken seriously,” she said.
“I know just as much as a male would, but it feels as if it’s not good enough.”
Despite this, she’s very happy to see some female professionals get the top job.
“Females breaking in the industry such as Kelly Cates and Alex Scott are doing amazing things.
“Hopefully by the time I start my professional career the opportunities will be equally shared between males and females.”
Hayley also hopes that her and other female students can help young girls hoping to get into sports journalism.
“I’ve always loved sport but never thought I’d be able to study sports journalism. When I found the course, I was ecstatic.
“Hopefully, with myself and the other females on the course, we can inspire and encourage more females to get involved.
“Females struggle to be taken seriously, in all aspects of sport. The negativity behind it only pushes females to achieve greatness.
“Nevertheless, over the years females in the sporting industry have done amazing things and any negativity that has arose from that has typically just came from narrow minded people.
“You get that whether you’re a male or a female.”