NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Ashley Michael has been named a sports writer for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention’s official news service, according to Will Hall, executive editor and vice president for news services with the SBC’s Executive Committee.
Michael, 22, graduated from Samford University in May with a major in journalism and minors in English and political science.
Michael will write sports features and cover games for BP Sports, a division of Baptist Press located on the Internet at www.bpsports.net.
She comes to Baptist Press after working for nbcolympics.com during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Michael has held internships with Sports Illustrated, MSNBC Sports and with a professional basketball team during a semester-long study abroad program in London.
At Samford, Michael served as sports editor for the Samford Crimson, the student newspaper. Also during college, she freelanced for the Birmingham News for three years, covering football, basketball and baseball.
In 1999 she was one of eight students nationwide selected for the NCAA & Freedom Forum Sports Writing Award.
A native of Louisville, Ky., Michael is the daughter of Larry and Mary Ann Michael, of Clanton, Ala. Her father is pastor of First Baptist Church, Clanton.
Michael is a born-again believer, having accepted Christ at the age of 8.
“We are excited about adding Ashley to our staff because it affords us the opportunity to expand this unique ministry which presents a Christian witness through athletics,” Hall said.
Todd Starnes, assistant editor of Baptist Press and BP Sports coordinator, said Michael will add depth to the ministry’s sports coverage.
“She has excellent sports credentials and I believe our readers will enjoy her perspective on Baptist sports and athletics,” Starnes said.
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