WHO IS ISRAEL SCHILL?
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WHO IS ISRAEL SCHILL? -
I’m a Sports Journalism student at the University of Kentucky earning a certificate in Sport Communication, Media, and Promotion as well as a minor in Jewish Studies. Originally from Goffstown, NH, I’ve always been drawn to sports, not just as a fan, but as a storyteller. From playing on local teams to covering college events, sports have always been the way I connect with people and bring meaningful stories to life.
I currently serve as a Lead Intern with the UK Sports Network, where I help produce coaches’ shows and pregame/postgame coverage for Kentucky Football and Men’s Basketball. My responsibilities include running cameras and audio, assisting with live production, coordinating with producers, directors, and on-air talent and supporting content creation with athletes and coaches. I also mentor newer interns, ensuring smooth operations and consistent, high-quality broadcasts.
In addition, I cover Kentucky Wildcats athletics for KY Insider, reporting breaking news, conducting player interviews and providing in-depth, behind-the-scenes coverage for Big Blue Nation. Before that, I worked as the Senior Sports Reporter for the Kentucky Kernel, producing award-winning coverage recognized twice with KPA General Excellence Awards.
I’ve also gained hands-on production experience with the SEC Network, working as a utility assistant, camera operator, replay operator, AD and more for live broadcasts. These roles have strengthened my technical understanding of sports media and the collaboration it takes to deliver high-level coverage.
Alongside reporting and production, I’ve developed a passion for play-by-play broadcasting, currently serving as the voice of UK Men’s Lacrosse and Tate’s Creek High School basketball. Calling live games has sharpened my ability to communicate clearly, think quickly and create a compelling narrative in real time. These experiences have fueled my long-term aspiration to work as a full-time play-by-play commentator or studio host.
I also host and produce two podcasts, The Bluegrass Breakdown, a weekly show covering what’s trending in Kentucky athletics. The second is The Rupp Report, a Field of 68 podcast focused on Kentucky basketball. I manage everything from editing and graphics to short-form content and promotion, while building on-air chemistry and delivering engaging analysis.
Outside of media, I’ve served as the Communications Chair for UK Hillel and am a proud member of Zeta Beta Tau. As a Jewish Heritage Fund Scholar, I’ve had opportunities to lead, build community and grow both personally and professionally.
At the core of everything I do is a commitment to telling authentic stories, elevating athletes’ voices, and contributing to the evolving world of sports media, both on-camera and behind the scenes.