Alumni Check in: Gregg Doyel, IndyStar Sports Columnist

1992 Journalism graduate Gregg Doyel is currently a sports columnist for the Indianapolis Star. Gregg’s position involves writing four sports columns a week. He also makes regular speaking appearances at local schools and social clubs in the Indianapolis area.

Below are a list of questions we asked Gregg to answer.

What has been the most exciting or rewarding moment(s) of your career so far?

Coming to the IndyStar on 10–20–14 and having a community to write for and a state to learn. Winning first place in the 2014 APSE column-writing after 2 months on the job here was the greatest thrill. I wanted that so badly for the paper, to thank them for hiring me, if that makes sense.

What are your hopes and aims for your future?

Retiring from the IndyStar in about 20 years.

What aspects of your UF experience best prepared you for what you do now?

Being able to cover so many sports stories for so many state newspapers as a college kid.

What is the best part about your job?

Writing about whatever the heck topic I want, and thinking those stories might actually make a difference to someone every now and then.

What advice would you give any incoming freshmen?

Read as much as you can, write as much as you can, and stay humble. I DON’T CARE HOW GOOD YOU THINK YOU ARE.

What advice would you give any graduating seniors?

Be calm, be patient, and be willing to start at a humble spot and work your way up - if you’re interested working your way up. Or stay in the humble spot. Be happy.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?

Almost every college writer I’ve ever known, me included back in the day, thought they were better than they were. And every single one of those writers, me included, were wrong. Be humble and hungry. The world likes people like that, and rewards them.