For this senior from the Bay Area, the speed and pressure of live sports production play right into her strengthsIn 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's 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.
Arya Taymuree
College: University of Washington
Academic Year: Senior
Hometown: Saratoga, CA
Roles: Producer, Director, Technical Director, Replay Operator, Graphics Operator, Camera Operator
What drew you to live sports production, and how did you get started?
Growing up, I was always drawn to media arts, taking elective courses throughout middle and high school. I've also loved sports, both playing and watching them, yet somehow I never considered live sports production as a potential career. In the first half of my college career, I focused on film production, but I often felt discouraged by the lack of hands-on learning opportunities at the University of Washington.
Then, I received an email from my department about a new sports-production program launching as part of our school joining the Big Ten Conference. The description was brief, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but the promise of hands-on experience intrigued me enough to apply.
Looking back, I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. After my first show, I was hooked. I was drawn to the pace, the pressure, and the collaborative energy of live sports. Knowing that no two shows will ever be the same excited me. Having worked on over 90 broadcasts, my passion for this work has only grown, and I am certain that this is the career path I want to pursue.
Are there any aha moments when you realized you loved a particular role?
After my first time producing, something clicked. It was overwhelming at the start, with so many moving parts and so many decisions happening all at once, but, as the show went on, I felt myself settle into a kind of flow. The chaos around me went from anxiety-inducing to exciting. Having a hand in every role, tracking countless elements at once, and anticipating what needed to happen next felt strangely natural. Even though my first show was far from perfect, I found myself extremely motivated to produce again and improve my producing skills.
In addition to excelling at the front bench, Taymuree has grown her skills as a replay and (here) graphics operator during her time with the B1G Production Crew at the University of Washington.I have ADHD, and I've come to see it as a kind of superpower when it comes to producing. My mind is already moving a mile a minute, juggling ideas, details, and possibilities simultaneously. Producing asks you to do exactly that for the entire show. Instead of trying to quiet that energy, I got to channel it. What can sometimes feel overwhelming in other contexts became an asset in the control room and an outlet for me.
What has been your favorite project or game that you've worked on, and why?
My favorite show I worked on was producing the Washington Women's Soccer game during the NCAA tournament. It aired on ESPN , which immediately raised the stakes and the energy in the control room. We were working with a new set of replay wipes, different graphics packages, and different break formats, so it felt like we were operating at a higher level across the board. We even put together a halftime segment, which made the broadcast feel bigger than just a game.
The game itself matched that intensity, high stakes, and nonstop energy, and a goal in the 90th minute made for a picture-perfect finish. When we won, the celebration was electric. It was one of those nights when everything came together, and I felt fully in my element.
What's the most challenging aspect of working in live sports production as a student?
Balancing being a full-time student while working in live sports production has been one of the most challenging and defining parts of my college experience. For a producer, there is a lot of preparation that needs to go into each show. Having to balance classes, homework, and studying while also making time for preproduction research and planning can be very difficult.
Sometimes, there are stretches when multiple broadcasts are clustered close together, and it can feel nonstop. With such little time between broadcasts, I'll be preparing for the shows between classes or finishing assignments after getting home late from a show. It's demanding, but it has also taught me discipline and adaptability. Live sports doesn't wait for you to feel ready; you simply have to push on and do the best you can.
Although it has been challenging, it has made me very excited for the future. Once I graduate, I will be able to dedicate more time to improving my skills and putting on better shows without also handling the responsibilities of being a student.
Taymuree has emerged as one of the University of Washington's leading live-sports producers.What are your career aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I want to keep working in live sports production. A huge part of my goals is to travel. I would love to be part of productions all over the world, adapting to different crews, cultures, and scales of events. Sports are global, and I love the idea of telling stories that connect people across countries and time zones.
My ultimate dream would be to produce an NBA Finals game. I have loved watching NBA games my whole life, and being trusted with a championship broadcas
