Bryson Foster ’23 Shows the Power of Positivity and a Mighty Pen

Award-winning Communications major follows his passion for sports journalism

Bryson Foster ’23 became a lifelong sports fan in 2009 when he witnessed outfielder Jonny Gomes hit three home runs while attending his first-ever major league baseball game. Foster’s family took him to the Cincinnati Reds home game during a stay for some medical appointments at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, related to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy he lives with.

Today, Foster is working towards a career in sports journalism and pursuing a master’s degree in communication studies while continuing his work as outreach coordinator at the Niner Times, the UNC Charlotte student-run newspaper.

At the Niner Times, Foster doubled the sports staff to 25, served as summer editor-in-chief and brought home major awards. In 2023, he placed second at the North Carolina College Media Association Awards in sports journalism. Foster then won the Pinnacle Award, for the nation’s best college sports feature from the College Media Association, for his story “The man who motivated Michael Jordan.”

“As a journalist, Bryson is unparalleled; when he has feedback, you need to listen and take it because he’s looking out for you as an individual,” said Sunnya Hadavi ‘24, the Niner Times’ former editor-in-chief. “His communication style and the way he works with other people undoubtedly will set him up for success. His colleagues will be lucky to have him. Not only will Bryson get the job done, but he will support and uplift them.”

As the Niner Times’ outreach coordinator, Foster manages staff, directs training and mentors undergraduates, including sophomore Jordyn Phillips.

Read Bryson Foster’s full feature story.