As the final whistle sounds, ending a hockey game, teammates congratulate each other as they line up to shake hands with the opponent. Members of the Sports Media Group capture the moment and post it on BB&N Athletics’ Instagram story.

 Launched by Director of Sports Media and Information and Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach Taylor Clancy, the novel Sports Media   Group gives students a front-row seat to athletic competitions even if they are not the ones playing. From filming game-winning goals to posting live updates and hyping up classmates online, the new program is a part of the school’s efforts to transform how the school experiences sports. Seven sophomores and juniors were selected during this winter’s application process.

 The program’s main goal is to increase visibility surrounding sports, Coach Clancy said. It is also an opportunity to fulfill a season’s sports requirement.

 “It’s great for our presence, for athletes wanting to come here, wanting to play for us, wanting to see what the school is like and what our teams are like.”

 Coach Clancy founded the Sports Media Group with an inclusive mission.

 “The goal is just another way to get kids involved in sports here,” she said. “This gives kids who are either super serious athletes the chance to get a feel for other sports, or they’re not athletes but want to still see the competitive side of varsity and be involved in that way.”

 The Sports Media Group creates a student-led approach to sharing athletic information, Coach Clancy said.

 “It can be capturing a game-winning goal or posting updates at every quarter or half and celebrating the athletes who are playing. … Why not have that be in the hands of their peers and students who are super engaged and interested in it?”

 With content online, spectators can now access key moments and results from a variety of sports.

 “Maybe not everyone’s getting to crew because it’s across the street over on the river, and you don’t see them the whole time,” she said. “Or track and field: We don’t have a home track and field. The Sports Media Program is giving every team the recognition it deserves.”

 Ella Harlev ’27 is one of the first members of the Sports Media Group.

 “I wanted to get more experience with sports photography. I also take a film class in school, so it was interesting for me to build on these skills.”

 The program’s structure enables contributors like Ella to be creative.

 “A typical assignment would be to go to your assigned game, watch and take photos of it,” she said. “Then, with those photos, keep the Instagram users up to date with how the game is going. There are no guidelines other than posting at least two stories per game. This leaves us all with a lot of creative freedom.”

“The goal is just another way to get kids involved in sports.”

 The Sports Media Group’s work revolves around covering games on social media.

 “Social media is a great way to stay connected with the whole community. It’s a way to highlight all the hard work that these athletes put in.”

 For Katy Varadi ’27, the program worked with her athletic schedule.

 “I applied to the Sports Media Program because it seemed like a good fit for me, according to my schedule,” she said. “During the winter, I did club volleyball outside of school, so I knew I would not be able to play a sport in school as well as my club team.”

 The Sports Media Group builds a stronger school community, Katy said.

 “Social media allows for students to connect and relate to their fellow peers in and outside of school.”

 Varsity Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Lacrosse player Carter Williams ’25 said the school’s account is timely and informative.

 “I think the role should be … informative, fun and create hype around the sport. I like that the individual teams have pages to post their team psyches and get a view into what it is like on that team, and the main page has all the important information about game times and locations.”

 Carter values easily accessible game scores.

 “Coach Clancy does a good job with the account. It’s super helpful, quick and easy to be able to see scores, and I definitely rely on it to see updates on other teams.”