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Where Grit Meets Glamour: Telling Stories That Deserve the Spotlight
- Allison Cho
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
by Allison Cho
Alana Morgan Perkins is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’s using it to illuminate the stories that often go untold. From anchoring broadcasts at Beverly Hills High School to running collegiate track, Alana’s journey is the definition of passion meeting purpose. Her experience as an athlete gave her a unique lens into the world of sports, especially a lens that now fuels her work as a sports journalist, sideline reporter, and creator of Undeniable, giving her a platform that gives athletes the space to share the grit, resilience, and heart behind their journeys. Through it all, she stays grounded by one mission: to tell stories that matter.
How did your time as a Beverly Hills High School news anchor shape your passion for journalism?
My time at Beverly Hills High School was truly pivotal in shaping my passion for journalism. Like many freshmen, I came in trying to find my place, but one thing I always knew was that I loved being in front of the camera. I’m an actress, so that part came naturally to me. My mom, who used to be a celebrity stylist for NFL players and other well-known athletes—she now works as a realtor in Beverly Hills—also encouraged me to explore sports journalism because she saw how my love for media and sports could come together. She was one of my biggest inspirations early on.
That’s when I found KBEV6, our school’s broadcast network that streamed to over 100,000 homes in Beverly Hills. It was run by our incredible professor, Romeo Carey, who played a huge role in helping me turn my passion into purpose. I joined his class as a freshman and was placed in the advanced broadcasting course right away. I started as a lead anchor for my first two years and became the head anchor during my junior and senior years. Every Wednesday, we ran full productions in a newsroom environment that taught me so much, from reading a teleprompter to understanding the technical side of broadcasts. I even got to create my own show and explore topics I was passionate about, including weather segments at one point.
At the same time, I ran track and became captain of the track and field team in my senior year, and I was also a varsity cheerleader during my time in high school. Living in both worlds, as an athlete and a journalist, showed me how powerful storytelling could be. I realized I could use journalism to shine a light on the grit, determination, and resilience behind the scenes—stories that don’t always get told.
How did running track in high school and college influence your approach to sports journalism?
Running track had a huge impact on the way I approach sports journalism. As an athlete, I experienced firsthand the grit, discipline, and perseverance it takes to achieve a personal record or bounce back from a setback. A lot of people only see the finish line—they see the celebration, not the sacrifice. I wanted to change that. My experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for the mental and physical hurdles athletes face, and it sparked my desire to tell those stories. I knew I wanted to be the one to shed light on what happens behind the scenes—the emotional highs and lows that shape an athlete’s journey. It gave me the perspective and empathy to tell these stories with authenticity.
What inspired you to create your podcast show, Undeniable, to tell athletes’ untold stories, and what’s your vision for its future?
Being an athlete myself—running track in high school and college, and being a varsity cheerleader- showed me how important it is for athletes to have a space to share their journeys. That’s why I created Undeniable. I wanted to build a platform where athletes could speak openly about the obstacles they’ve faced, how they overcame them, and what being “undeniable” truly
means. My vision is to make Undeniable a space where athletes can connect with fans on a deeper, more personal level—one that goes beyond stats and game highlights. It’s about authenticity, perseverance, and celebrating the full story behind the athlete.
If you could interview any athlete for Undeniable, who would it be and why?
There are so many athletes I dream of interviewing for Undeniable. But if I had to choose, it would be Steph Curry or LeBron James. Steph & LeBron’s journey, leadership, and consistency are just as inspiring. Both of them reflect everything the show stands for: overcoming adversity, resilience, and building an incredible legacy
What are some of the biggest challenges athletes face that don’t always get highlighted in traditional sports media?
One of the biggest challenges athletes face that often goes unspoken is the mental toll of their journey. Sure, injuries are shown, and we hear about “the road to recovery,” but we rarely see what it truly takes—mentally and emotionally—to become yourself again after a setback. There's also the pressure of performance. One day, an athlete might have a standout game, and the next day they may struggle—and that inconsistency can weigh heavily on their mental health. Fans sometimes forget that athletes are human. Traditional media often focuses on performance stats but skips the internal battles—like self-doubt, dealing with negativity on social media, or maintaining motivation through recovery. Those personal struggles deserve just as much attention as the wins.
As a sideline reporter at LMU and an intern at Fox Sports, what lessons did you learn early in your career?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is the power of following up. In journalism—and any career, really—it's easy to feel discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. But persistence is key. Following up consistently, staying professional, sharing your reel, and reminding people who you are—that’s how I landed some of the opportunities I’ve had at LMU and FOX Sports. It taught me that you can’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
How do you approach interviews to ensure athletes feel comfortable sharing their authentic stories?
I always prioritize the comfort and boundaries of the athlete. I only share what they’re willing and ready to talk about. Before interviews, I do my research—looking into what they’ve opened up about publicly so I can gently build on those topics. I never go in just scratching the surface; my goal is to respectfully dive deeper into their story and help them reflect in a meaningful way. As a journalist, it’s all about listening, reading the room, and knowing when someone is opening up or pulling back. That’s how I create a space for authenticity.
What’s the most memorable interview you’ve conducted so far?
One standout interview was during a women's empowerment event a few years back, where I had the chance to interview Sabrina Carpenter on the red carpet. It was such a cool moment, especially now watching how much she’s grown in her career. Another unforgettable experience was hosting the ESPYS gifting lounge red carpet, where I interviewed NFL stars, former NBA players, and even Olympians. I even got to hold a Super Bowl ring mid-interview! Those are the kinds of surreal moments that make me realize how far I’ve come & continue to go.
Competing in Miss Teen Universe USA Dubai must have been an incredible experience. What did you take away from it?
Competing in Dubai was truly surreal—I was only 18, representing my country on an international stage. It was my first time out of the country, and I met incredible girls from all over the world. We built lasting friendships, and it inspired me deeply to continue in pageantry. I was juggling school work while competing, and when I returned home, I dove straight into track meets, journalism projects, and presentations. But in that moment in Dubai, I fully embraced the experience. It taught me how to share my story on a global platform and how to balance pressure.
How did pageantry prepare you for a career in journalism and sideline reporting?
Pageantry often gets misunderstood as just “sashes and crowns,” but it’s so much more. It taught me how to carry myself with confidence, speak publicly, and think on my feet. Since competing in my first pageant in 2015, I’ve grown tremendously. Pageants involve intense
interview rounds, on-stage questions, and representing causes that matter. That directly prepared me for the unpredictability of sideline reporting—where anything can happen. It sharpened my speaking skills, deepened my self-awareness, and gave me the confidence to speak with passion and authenticity, whether I’m reporting or hosting on camera.
What role has social media, especially platforms like TikTok and vlogging, played in shaping your voice and audience as a journalist?
Social media has completely shifted how journalists can connect with audiences—especially with Gen Z. TikTok, vlogging, and even Instagram Stories have allowed me to show more of who I am behind the mic. I get to share not just interviews or reports, but also behind-the-scenes moments, personal takes on trending topics, and even funny day-in-the-life content. It’s helped me grow a loyal audience that trusts my voice—not just as a journalist, but as someone who’s relatable. That connection is powerful, and it’s something traditional news platforms don’t always offer. Social media is where I’ve really found and built my community.
What advice would you give to young women looking to merge their passions for sports and fashion?
My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you’re well-versed in both areas. Yes, it’s great to show up on the sidelines in a great outfit—but what really sets you apart is being able to back that look with knowledge. That’s something I really focus on. I don’t just show up styled—I show up prepared, informed, and ready to ask the right questions. Sports journalism and fashion can absolutely go hand-in-hand, but the foundation must always be built on substance.
What’s your approach to balancing social media with your professional journalism work?
I rely heavily on my planner—it’s how I stay organized and on track. I’m a visual and hands-on learner, so writing everything down, color-coding, and using icons to mark priorities helps me stay balanced. It lets me plan ahead, manage deadlines, and make time for both social content and journalism without feeling overwhelmed. It’s my number-one tool to stay focused and efficient.
You’ve built an impressive career across multiple industries—how do you stay motivated and avoid burnout?
I stay motivated by challenging myself and setting personal goals. When I try new things and step out of my comfort zone, it keeps things exciting. To avoid burnout, I prioritize rest—I carve out time to do things I love, whether that’s watching vlogs on YouTube, decorating my space, or spending time with family and friends. Those breaks help me reset. It’s really about remembering why I started and making space to recharge when I need to.
What impact do you hope to make through your work in journalism and storytelling?
I want to create a space where people feel safe to share their authentic selves—where they can be vulnerable, honest, and real. I hope that anyone who comes on my show or speaks with me feels seen and heard. I want to be known as the journalist who asks the right questions, follows through, and makes her guests feel valued. That’s the impact I aim to make—telling stories that matter and giving others the space to tell theirs.
Alana Morgan Perkins is redefining what it means to be a woman in sports media. With every sideline report, podcast episode, and social post, she’s carving out a space where authenticity and ambition coexist. Her voice is confident, her vision is clear, and her drive is undeniable. Whether she's balancing content creation or spotlighting the untold stories of athletes, Alana continues to pave the way. Her journey is just getting started—but she’s already inspiring a generation of storytellers to show up fully, speak up boldly, and never dim their light.
Disclaimer: The thoughts, experiences, and opinions shared in this article are solely those of Alana Morgan and are based on her personal journey. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations, sponsors, or institutions that Laur may be associated with. To ensure accuracy and maintain context, Alana Morgan reviewed this article before publication. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited. For any inquiries or concerns regarding this article, please contact info@hazzemedia.com.
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