Inside ESPN: The Places You’ll Go!
Ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at ESPN? 🚨 Join AAJA NY for an inspiring virtual panel featuring Ricky Lee, Maddie Rundlett, Patrick Truby, and moderator Alex Park, who will share what a day in their lives looks like — from storytelling and content creation to social media strategy.
You’ll hear how they got to where they are, how their identities shaped their paths, and what advice they have for others looking to break into sports media. Whether you're a journalism student, mid-career pivoter, or just a curious sports fan — this conversation is for you.
About the Speakers
Alex Park, Producer – ESPN Marketing Operations, New York, NY
Alex Park is a Producer at ESPN where he has been instrumental in the development and execution of various ad campaigns as well as content pieces throughout his eight years (and counting)! With a multi-faceted background in photography, videography, writing, and editing, his expertise has led to his involvement in key properties like This Is SportsCenter, NBA on ESPN, and award-winning projects such as the Associated Press Sports Editor award for his work on documenting the restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium. Alex is passionate about driving positive development in the youth through sports, especially basketball, and is excited to share their insights and experiences at the AAJA virtual discussion.
His favorite AAJA experience was also his first one -- and hopefully not his last! It was the realization of how important spaces like AAJA are to not only people who are currently in the industry but for those trying to enter it.
Ricky Lee, Associate Producer I, Bristol, CT
Ricky is an Associate Producer at ESPN with three years of experience contributing to flagship programs like SportsCenter and College GameDay. With a strong background in sports news and storytelling production, he specializes in breaking news coverage and producing short-form story pieces that deliver meaningful insight into the games and athletes featured on ESPN. His work has earned industry recognition, including a Telly Award win and an Emmy Award nomination, reflecting a continued commitment to excellence in sports media.
Favorite AAJA Conference Memory: One of my favorite memories from the AAJA conference last year was connecting with fellow AAPI professionals in sports media. What made the experience even more memorable was that two of the individuals I connected with at the conference later joined ESPN and are now my colleagues. It’s incredible how a simple networking conversation has grown into valuable, lasting professional connections. It was a reminder of the importance of community and representation in this industry, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in what I do.
Maddie Rundlett, Associate Producer II, E60 & Original Content, Bristol, CT
Since 2021, Maddie has been a member of the E60 and Original Content team, where she has produced and edited dozens of features for Outside the Lines, The Point, and Game On. She was a co-producer on GR8TNESS, which documented Alex Ovechkin’s chase to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, as well as a co-director on No Place Like Nebraska, which followed the Huskers women’s volleyball team through the 2023 season. Maddie was a member of the January 2020 ESPN Next cohort. Prior to her time with E60, she was a Production Assistant for SC@Night. Maddie has a strong passion for telling diverse stories, with a focus on marginalized groups and women’s sports.
Favorite AAJA Conference Memory: The BBQ dinner with all the new friends and colleagues I met during the conference!
Patrick Truby, Sr. Social Specialist, Portland, OR
Patrick Truby is a Sr. Social Specialist at ESPN, where he is an instrumental part of ESPN’s social media coverage of live sports. His multi-faced background in writing, design, education, and animation combined with his knowledge and love of sports helps him cover baseball, hockey, and other sports in the fast-paced social media environment. He has created custom animations, designs, and more for NBA, NHL, WNBA, and many more sports. Patrick is devoted to the AAJA community and is excited to share his insights and experiences at the AAJA virtual discussion.
Favorite AAJA Conference Memory: The people I’ve met at the AAJA Conferences I’ve attended. Every time I attend AAJA, I just feel so fortunate to not only be part of the growing Asian-American community in the field, but to also be a part of the effort to grow the community, learn from the people I meet, and to help others learn from my experiences energizes me for the future.