Kendall Johnson (‘25), a recent graduate of the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program, is already making her mark on some of the biggest stages in professional sports.
As a Broadcast Operator at SportsMEDIA Technology Corp. (SMT) headquartered in Durham, Kendall worked on-site throughout the Carolina Hurricanes’ NHL playoff run and Final, helping deliver real-time graphics powered by puck- and player-tracking data. Her work contributed directly to the fan experience inside the Lenovo Center and at Hurricanes Watch Parties, where SMT’s SPRITES technology projected animated, data-driven visuals onto the ice.
For Kendall, the experience was more than a job. It was personal. “I grew up going to Canes games with my family, so hockey has always been a part of my life,” she said. “Getting to work behind the scenes now is a full-circle moment. If I could tell my younger self that I’d one day be a part of making those game day experiences happen, she would be ecstatic.”
Stanley Cup Final Game 1
Her role with SMT placed her at the center of one of the fastest-moving environments in sports media. On a typical game day, Kendall arrived at Lenovo Center three hours before puck drop to prepare equipment, test graphics and coordinate with engineers and the production team. She also conducted deep research on both teams, exploring player milestones, storylines, and key matchups to anticipate what information would best enhance the fan experience.
“At puck drop, I got to start executing in real time,” she explained. “I would carefully listen to the needs of the live production and quickly provide graphics and information that fit naturally into the live presentation and help tell the story of the game.”
Working with live tracking data during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Final meant every decision had to be fast and precise. Kendall credits SMT’s training and her own commitment to preparation for helping her thrive under pressure. “Playoff games move incredibly fast, so it was important to stay calm, trust my preparation and make quick but thoughtful decisions,” she said. “SMT did an excellent job preparing me for those high-pressure situations. Working games throughout the season gave me the experience to understand the timing, placement and decision-making that goes into real-time graphics.”
Behind the scenes during an NBA on Prime broadcast
The impact of her work was visible every night with nearly 20,000 fans reacting to the visuals she helped create. “Engaging with the fans is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Kendall said. “It’s an incredible feeling to see thousands of people react to the graphics and information that SMT provides and know that I'm the one operating them. As someone who grew up attending Hurricanes games, it's especially meaningful to now play a role in creating that same excitement for other fans.”
The alumna's success is no surprise to those familiar with App State’s Communication Department, which emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world production experience. She said the EM/B program prepared her exceptionally well for the pace and complexity of professional sports media.
“One of the biggest strengths of the program is how hands-on it is,” she said. “We weren’t just learning concepts in a classroom. We were constantly creating and working in environments that reflected what it’s actually like in the media industry. By the time I graduated, stepping into a live sports production felt familiar because I had already been practicing those skills throughout the program.”
Kendall also highlighted the mentorship she received from faculty. “The professors care deeply about their students and are always willing to answer questions, offer guidance and help us grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “They taught us more than just technical skills. They shared real-world experiences, challenged us to think critically and pushed us to become confident professionals.”
a few members of the Carolina Hurricanes production crew
Her early career has already expanded beyond hockey. Kendall joined SMT’s "NBA on Prime" project, traveling to Los Angeles to work on broadcasts she grew up watching. “As a huge NBA fan, getting to contribute to a broadcast I have followed for years has been a really special experience,” she said. “Working on both NHL and NBA broadcasts has strengthened my technical skills, expanded my knowledge and made me a versatile member of the team.”
For current EM/B students hoping to follow a similar path, Kendall’s advice is simple: “Say yes.” “You never know what’s going to spark your interest or where one opportunity might lead,” she said. “Take advantage of everything the EM/B program has to offer. Every experience teaches you something different, and you never know which one will help you discover what you're passionate about.”
Her first year in the industry has reinforced another lesson, as well: Stay curious. “Traveling, meeting new people and experiencing different productions have pushed me to continue learning and growing,” she said. “I’m grateful for every opportunity to be part of these broadcasts, and I’m excited to see where this career continues to take me.”
About SMT
SMT is a leading innovator and supplier of real-time data delivery, graphics solutions and tracking analytics for sports and entertainment. With headquarters in Durham, N.C., and divisions across North America and Europe, SMT provides innovative storytelling tools to enhance live sports and entertainment productions. From scoring and statistics to virtual insertion and messaging, SMT’s technology has been used to enhance some of the world's most prestigious events, earning the company 38 Emmy Awards for excellence in broadcasting.
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the communication industry and beyond. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and minors in Advertising, Communication and Cinematic Production. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Kendall Johnson thumbnail
Kendall Johnson thumbnail