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For many Americans, the letters ESPN represent a fantasy island of endless games, highlight shows and entertainment. For Ashley Smith, ESPN represents the latest step in a vibrant career. Since 2001, the 32-year-old Bristol Virginia native has worked in marketing for the sports giant.
"My friends think it’s a hoot that I work at ESPN. Those are four letters everyone knows and wants to talk about," said Smith, daughter of former John Battle cross country coach Randy Smith.
Like most sports fans, Smith grew up watching ESPN staples such as SportsCenter, Big Monday and College Gameday. After graduating from the University of Alabama, Smith eventually earned her big opportunity in New York City.
"I worked in the music business for a label that represented a variety of artists like Motley Crue, Blondie and Meat Loaf," Smith said. "I was pitching some of our clients to ESPN when I was asked if I would be interested in interviewing at ESPN."
Relying on her dynamic personality and blend of talents, Smith was hired as a marketing manager at ESPN before moving into her current position as director of local marketing and publicity nearly two years ago.
Various exciting chapters have unfolded for Smith, who developed her interest in sports journalism while working at Abingdon radio station WBBI. Sarah Smith, Ashley’s sister, works as a print journalist.
"I have had two highlights where I thought: ‘Man, I am lucky,’" Smith said. "The first was when the X Games landed in Los Angeles in 2003. I was raised on college sports, but watching the Moto X event take over the historic Coliseum in Los Angeles was truly a monumental moment for action sports.
"The other highlight was shooting Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for a SportsCenter ad a few years ago, and spending the day at his garage and home in North Carolina. Dale Jr. was great to work with. Having grown up in Bristol, it meant a lot to feature a NASCAR driver."
ESPN is famous for its creative and award-winning ad campaigns featuring athletes, mascots and network anchors. Smith plays a pivotal role behind the scenes.
"We go to the ESPN campus in Bristol, Conn. for a 48-hour period and shoot 6-8 commercials," Smith said. "It’s always hectic, but the end-product garners tons of laughs.
"This past fall, we had characters from the Stars Wars trilogy along with Andy Roddick and Lennox Lewis all in the same day. You have to pinch yourself when you’re talking with C3PO, Darth Vader and a top-ranked tennis player, and it’s considered work."
Smith was heavily involved in the promotion of the recent ESPN original movie "3," which was based on the late NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt. Her latest project is the new network ESPNU, which debuted on March 4.
"ESPNU is a brand that is 100 percent devoted to college sports," Smith said. "It’s for those people who love, honor and respect the college game and everything it stands for."
Smith loves the college game, but the simple thrill of working in the world’s media center generates ample thrills.
"I’ve lived in New York and Los Angeles, and New York wins hands down," Smith said. "New York is just electric. Once you get used to not having a car, having to pull for the Yankees and dealing with honking horns - you just love it.’’
The pace at ESPN is fast and fluid. For Smith, the occasional 18-hour photo shoots with world-famous athletes is just another step in a life-long adventure.
"My sister and I are fortunate in that our parents encouraged us to follow our dream at a young age," said Smith, who once dreamed of replacing Jane Pauley or Katie Couric on the Today Show. "I’m sure they weren’t thrilled to know I was on a bus with Motley Crue, but they have always encouraged us to do our best.
"Each experience is an opportunity to learn, and I thrive on learning each day. No day is ever the same."