Ever heard of Taylor Mathis? If not, you’re in for a treat. She’s the rising star in sports reporting and content creation whose story is equal parts inspiring and relatable. From scoring Cubs games with her grandpa to producing “Walking Bets” content for DraftKings, her journey is a masterclass in passion, persistence, and knowing when to bet on yourself. Let’s dive into her story, packed with lessons for future journalists, sports fans, and content creators alike.
Growing Up in the Stands—Passion for Sports Ignited Early
Taylor’s love for sports began in the stands of Wrigley Field. Growing up in Sandwich, Illinois, she went to her first Cubs game at five with her grandpa. He taught her how to keep a baseball scorecard—a small act that sparked her lifelong love for the game.
Later, she channeled that passion into academics and performance. In high school, she excelled academically (she graduated as valedictorian) and explored her flair for performing through musical theatre. Her grandpa’s words—that she’d make a great sports reporter—left a lasting impression that shaped her future career path.
Building a Foundation—University of Iowa & Early Reporting Gigs
In 2015, Taylor graduated from the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Sports Studies. While there, she gained practical experience across multiple platforms—shooting, writing, editing, and anchoring for Daily Iowan TV, covering football games and traveling with the men’s basketball team.
Fresh out of university, she landed her first professional gig in Kearney, Nebraska, working as a sports reporter and anchor for the ABC affiliate KHGI/NTV. She regularly produced two sports stories a day and anchored nightly segments, often covering Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics.
Digital Pivot—From Local News to Online Sports Coverage
After honing her skills in local TV, Taylor made a bold digital pivot. She moved from traditional reporting to digital-first roles:
- She joined Bet Karma as a digital and social media reporter focused on player props and sports betting content.
- Her move into the expanding sports betting sphere marked a major shift—combining her love for sports with analytical, numeric storytelling.
Facing Setbacks—When a Classroom Visit Made Headlines
Not everything was smooth sailing. In March 2023, Taylor visited her sister’s second-grade class in Illinois to teach students about brackets as a fun March Madness math activity. She shared a photo of the activity on social media, intending it as an educational moment—not gambling promotion.
However, a gambling reform group flagged the incident, leading to serious misinterpretations. She was accused of promoting gambling to children, forced to apologize publicly, and was eventually let go from her position at SuperBook despite no wrongdoing. It was a harsh reminder of how quickly intentions can be misjudged online, especially in sensitive industries—but Taylor has continued pushing forward.
Going Solo and Betting on Herself
Taylor didn’t let that setback define her. She doubled down on building her personal brand—creating content across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond. Her unique series like “Walking Bets” and “White Board Wins” gained real traction, showcasing her expertise and personality in the sportsbook arena.
By 2024, her efforts paid off big time: she partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook as a commentator and content creator. Her growth wasn’t just viral—it was rooted in years of dedication, storytelling, and sports knowledge. Taylor’s launch of her own creative content—including fun series like “Taylor Made Sandwiches” for Monday Night Football—highlights her creativity and brand savvy.
What We Can Learn from Taylor Mathis
1. Leverage Your Foundations
Starting with internships and local TV may not seem glamorous, but it builds real skills—shooting, editing, storytelling. That’s how Taylor laid her groundwork.
2. Embrace New Platforms
When local TV fell short during the COVID era, Taylor pivoted into digital sports media and betting. That’s adaptability.
3. Be Resilient Through Controversy
That classroom visit misfire could have derailed her. Instead, Taylor leaned in, refined her brand, and kept creating.
4. Know When to ‘Bet on Yourself’
Taylor’s partnership with DraftKings didn’t happen by accident—it came from years of consistent, high-quality content and showing her passion.
Real-Life Example: Everyday Lessons, Career Moves
Let’s put this into real-life action:
- You’re a journalism student: Do more than write. Shoot video. Edit. Anchor. Become multi-skilled like Taylor did at Iowa’s Daily Iowan TV.
- Job market stalled? Look beyond traditional roles. Social media, content for brands, niche industries—these can become your fast track.
- Facing backlash? Stay calm, explain clearly, learn quickly. Taylor responded thoughtfully and kept going.
- Brand building? Use your platform for creative projects. Just like Taylor’s “sandwich” content for MNF, find your quirky angle.
Conclusion: A Final Word on Taylor Mathis’s Rise
Taylor Mathis’s journey is a powerful example of how early passion, grit, adaptability, and strategic self-investment pay off. From the baseball diamonds in Illinois to nearly being out of the game—and then emerging as a sports betting content star—her path is real, relevant, and full of teachable moments.
Whether you’re an aspiring reporter, a sports fan who loves analytics, or someone looking to build a personal brand—you can take cues from Taylor’s story. Keep honing your craft, embrace new media, stand firm in adversity, and sometimes, most importantly—bet on yourself.