Communiqué
WOUB Senior Spotlight: Hailey Hollinger
< < Back to woubBy: Sofia Osio
ATHENS, OH – Hailey Hollinger, a journalism news and information student with a sports management minor from Canton, Ohio, is excited to discover what’s next as she plans to pursue a career in sports journalism upon her graduation this May.
“I always had a passion for writing and making videos,” Hollinger said. “For a while, I wanted to be an architect, but then I realized that was a lot of math, and I’m not a big fan of math. My dad suggested broadcasting, and after some research, I found that Ohio University had a great journalism school. Talking to my guidance counselor, who was an OU alum and part of WOUB, really sealed the deal for me.”
Once on campus, Hollinger quickly found WOUB and started volunteering with Gridiron Glory during her freshman year. She learned just how much she loved reporting during her first time covering a football game.
“When I stepped onto that football field at Liberty Union, I realized there was nothing that could ever stop the feeling of covering Friday night football,” Hollinger said. “Hooked is an understatement.”
Throughout her time at WOUB, Hollinger has worked in various roles such as NewsWatch anchor, Hardwood Heroes host, Gridiron Glory host and reporter and even WOUB News summer intern. It was during her time as a summer intern in 2023 that she discovered an interest in investigative reporting. That interest led her to create a four-episode podcast and a 30-minute news special about Nelsonville’s local government with fellow students Jack Greene and Caleb McCleskey.
Hollinger thinks the relationships she has built during her time at WOUB have been just as meaningful as the reporting itself.
“Everyone says WOUB is a big family, and we really are. That kind of environment helps to encourage learning and unique personalities,” Hollinger said. “There is nowhere else I would rather be. This organization allows people to grow throughout the years while also being involved in the community. I have loved connecting with the community and getting to tell their stories–It is really special.”
Hollinger enjoys playing club basketball, playing cards with friends, attending Ohio University sporting events and exploring the outdoors. However, WOUB has been at the center of her favorite experiences.
“There are so many memories I hold dear—my first time covering high school football, high school basketball playoffs, every single day in the summer internship and of course this last season of Gridiron,” Hollinger said.
As she looks forward to the next chapter of her life, Hollinger wants to remind freshmen to be aware of the responsibilities they take on when first starting out.
“My best advice would be to be mindful of how much you’re taking on. There is a lot to get involved in, and while it is all amazing, sometimes it is more beneficial to do one or two things really well than four different things,” Hollinger said.