SVG Students To Watch: Philip Doherty, Elon University

The senior from Georgia has found his calling as a technical director and video engineer

In the live-sports-video industry, the future is bright. Our series SVG Students To Watch highlights the next generation of live-sports-production professionals. Across campuses nationwide, students are playing a pivotal role in bringing their schools' games to fans - from running cameras and graphics to sitting in the producer or director's chair and everything in between. This series shines a light on the young talent making an impact today and preparing to shape the future of sports-video production.

Philip Doherty

College: Elon University

Academic Year: Senior

Hometown: Athens, GA

Roles: Technical Director, V1

What drew you to live sports production, and how did you get started?

I have always had a strong interest in technology. Ever since I was young, I have been involved with tech, mainly with videogames and computers. However, when I got to high school, that interest was combined with sports.

I was offered opportunities at my high school to participate in the media-production team, where I was able to combine my love of tech and sports. I knew I wanted to learn more about the field and continue in the direction of sports TV, so I decided to go to Elon.

Elon is well-known for having a very strong sports-production program, Elon Sports Vision. ESV is a primarily student-driven program that allows students to run the broadcasts for all our home-team athletic events, where I really got to learn.

Starting my first year, I had opportunities directing, running replay, TDing, among other roles. Ultimately, I learned the Ross Carbonite inside and out, leading to me to feeling comfortable enough to start freelancing and furthering my career.

Doherty excels as a technical director at the University of Elon. Here, he serves as a TD during a special remote episode of Barstool College Football Show.What has been your favorite project or game that you've worked on, and why?

There are two large things I have gotten to work on this fall that have been super-exciting. The first big series of shows I got to be a part of was the 2025 run of the Barstool College Football Show. With this series of shows, I got multiple opportunities to work on the Grass Valley K-Frame, which is very beneficial to progress my knowledge.

In addition, I got to TD the Duke at Clemson game, which turned out to be a nailbiter. It was a very close game, and I was honored to be a part of the crew. One additional notable thing from that game was that I got to meet [ESPN/ACC Network sportscaster] Wes Durham, an Elon alum, who was calling the game.

What's the most challenging aspect of working in live sports production as a student?

Getting your foot in the door. It takes a lot of knowledge to get to be a professional in the industry, and I am super-lucky to have gotten to where I am today. If I hadn't reached out to people and networked heavily, I wouldn't have gotten any opportunities that I have.

It is extremely important to build connections with people and build a group of people willing to help you. I wouldn't be here without my connections within the industry.

Doherty (right) with Wes Durham, a play-by-play commentator for ESPN and ACC NetworkWhat are your career aspirations after graduation?

I hope to continue in the sports-production industry, specifically as either a technical director or an engineer. I have thoroughly enjoyed both roles and am confident that I will continue in one of those two directions.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Network, network, network. Building a group of people that know you are willing to help you is massively helpful. Build those connections and take those opportunities that are offered to you. You never know where it might lead.

If you run video production at a college athletic department and would like to recommend a standout student from your crew to be featured in SVG Students To Watch, please email SVG Director of Digital Brandon Costaat [email protected].

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/02/19/svg-students-to-watch-philip-do...
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