Q & A with Kayla Grey
Kayla Grey is a renowned Canadian sports journalist and television personality, celebrated for her exceptional contributions to the world of sports broadcasting. Born with a passion for sports and an insatiable curiosity, Kayla embarked on her journey in the media industry with a commitment to bring fans closer to their favourite games and athletes.
With a magnetic on-screen presence and a deep understanding of sports, Kayla quickly rose to prominence in the Canadian media landscape. Whether she's reporting from the sidelines of a major sporting event or anchoring a sports news program, Kayla's charisma and knowledge consistently shine through.
Beyond the screen, Kayla is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, using her platform to address important social issues and champion underrepresented voices in the industry. Her work both on and off the air has earned her numerous accolades and recognition for her commitment to making sports more accessible and inclusive for all.
We’re so excited to bring you our Q & A with Kayla Grey!
How did you first become interested in sports journalism and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Not knowingly, I became interested in storytelling around sports because of my grandparents who consistently would watch the Blue Jays broadcast with both the radio and television playing at the same time. This allowed me to become fascinated with how people would paint pictures and create debate with their words. I also played a lot of sports growing up and found the most enjoyment in the moments before the game, after the game and checking midway through the game. That’s where the conversations and debates would happen.
How do you handle the pressure and demands of live broadcasting, especially during high-stakes events like playoffs or championships?
I build my level of comfort heading into each broadcast with research and a lot of dedication to preparing. I like going down rabbit holes and chasing stories to have a real understanding of what is happening. When the game starts and the broadcast begins the way I deal with the level of pressure or nerves is by remaining incredibly present, taking each moment minute by minute and not getting too ahead of myself or getting caught up with what may have went wrong (it’s live T.V., so a lot goes wrong). It allows me to stay with the emotions of the game and story tell through that lens.
In your opinion, what are the most significant changes or developments in the sports journalism industry in recent years, and how have they impacted your work?
The most significant is an expanding level of accessibility for content creation and reach. This now gives a magnitude of platforms and voices the opportunity to join the conversation. In essence this creates a level of agency to dictate how the stories are told. This is what led me to create ‘The Shift’ my show that I ideated and executive produce that is the intersection between sports and culture.
What are some of your career highlights and personal achievements that you're most proud of?
I would say “The Shift” because it is rare that people are able to have an idea in their head and make it come to life and I was able to do that. Not only with a platform for people that can feel heard and seen, but the biggest win was that I was also able to have it exist on a national level. On a personal front, my son is my best piece of work. He is the best thing I have ever had the experience of loving in my life.
How do you unwind and relax after a long day or busy workweek?
I really like to find time to meditate. I have been journaling a lot lately. I really try to get back to the moments with me, which can look introspective or catching up on ratchet mindless T.V shows.
What's your This is J pajama style of choice and when was the last time you stayed in Jammers all day (AKA had the best day ever)?
My favourite This Is J Pajamas are the Henley Harem set. I just love to feel comfortable at all times. The last time I was in jammers all day was yesterday (I showered but put a fresh set of Jammers on right away).
Get unready with us: what's your one tip for feeling confident even when you've undone yourself for the day and are kicking it au naturel?
I think being mindful of how you address yourself at the end of the day. So often you live in things that you should have done or did not do and I think we should reframe those conversations to reflect and celebrate what we did accomplish even if it was something small.
As comfort lovers, we're curious to know: what does comfort mean to you?
Being completely present, seeing through what I need in that moment, and not rushing the moment.
We know that you share our love of Bamboo Jammers! What makes them your go-to PJs?
They are so SOFT! Who wouldn’t love that!
With the festive season upon us, we're curious to know - how do you holiday? Are you a party hopper or a stay home and stay cozy type of person?
When I am not working during the holiday season my go-to is to stay at home and stay cozy!
Finally, what message or piece of advice would you like to share with aspiring sports journalists who look up to you as a role model in a male-dominated field?
Stay confident in your work and what you have to offer. When it feels like there might not be any space or opportunities, remind yourself of the abundance that there are endless opportunities to go around and sometimes the requirement is for you to create that opportunity yourself. Like with what we are seeing with this landscape now, it is totally possible.
