What is your background?: I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, where I went to and graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School. During my time at Wash, I saw multiple leadership positions. I spent two years as the Orchestra President, and I was also the co-founder and co-president of the Chess Club. I played baseball for five years, two of which I spent on varsity. Without the support from my parents, Matt and Sheila Stevens, I would have never been inspired to chase after my passions and strive for something bigger at all times.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: After high school I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my future, but I knew I wanted an education. After weighing my options, I decided to stay in town and attend Kirkwood. The affordability and the opportunities that Kirkwood presented was too intriguing to turn down during my college search.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: My program of study is journalism. I believe that journalists have a unique way of adding their touch to the world. To be able to take an idea, put words to it and present the thought to an audience is very captivating to me. The media dictates so much of society and its trends, so by taking that idea and making a positive impact from it really inspires me.
Are you involved in anything on campus?: I am a part of the Communiqué, Kirkwood’s student newspaper. There I am the sports editor and help run the social media sites. My responsibilities include writing articles, creating the layout of the sports section and managing the social media presence. I created, and oversee, Eagles Weekly, a weekly athletics recap covering every Kirkwood sport.
Are you involved in anything off campus?: I am the Head of Writing Department for Blake Street Banter (BSB), an independent website that covers the Colorado Rockies and their minor league affiliates. 2026 will be my third year with BSB. I originally started as a writer and a general contributor. I now help lead a talented group of writers from across the nation with brainstorming, deadlines and advocating for a consistent schedule. BSB is the second highest rated Rockies podcast, and I am a cohost for one of its show segments – Road to Blake Street.
What do you do for fun?: I am an avid baseball fan, and I spend multiple hours every day expanding my knowledge on the sport. Whether it is advanced statistics, player development or simply writing about baseball, I am instilled by it all. When I am not doing anything writing- or baseball-related, I spend a lot of time hanging out with friends and family. Playing music has also been a hobby of mine for a long time now. 2026 will be my ninth year playing cello, while I have just recently started playing guitar.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: When I close my eyes and think about this question, I can see myself doing two things. The first being a sports reporter in some capacity, whether that is for a big media outlet or something more local. The second and more fun vision is me working for a baseball team. My passion for baseball has always made it a dream for me to do so. Whatever that entails I am not so sure, but I would absolutely love doing it.