From chasing down whispered rumors in high school hallways to orchestrating live broadcasts for major collegiate events, ESPN associate producer Bayley Zarrehparvar has built a career defined by fearless storytelling. Her journey began in The Sidekick and KCBY-TV, where from 2008-10 she immersed herself in the world of high school journalism.
Even as a student, Zarrehparvar knew that journalism is more than just reporting facts–it is about capturing the human element behind every story. Specifically drawn to the excitement of sports, she was captivated by the dual challenge of writing compelling narratives while embracing the visual storytelling that would later become her trademark in television production.
“I loved the idea of sports being equal parts heroic stories and challenges to overcome,” Zarrehparvar said. “I believed that being a better print writer would make me a better producer in TV, and that mix of skills really set my path.”
One unforgettable moment from her high school days stands out: a hushed rumor about Coppell football coach Bob Shipley’s sudden departure, causing an immediate newsroom frenzy. Zarrehparvar and her peers took action, determined to chase down every detail before receiving any sort of confirmation–even if it meant skipping their classes.
“We heard this rumor in the hallway, and I grabbed a friend and went straight to our athletic director’s office for a comment,” Zarrehparvar said. “When he wouldn’t speak, we knew no comment could be as powerful as a comment. We wrote the story, published it and even scooped The Dallas Morning News.”
That experience, with countless other moments of journalistic discovery, built her passion and honed her instinct to trust her gut. Now, nearly 15 years later at ESPN, where she’s risen from a production assistant in 2014 to an associate producer, Zarrehparvar carries that same pioneering spirit into every live event she produces.
“If I could go back, I’d tell my Sidekick self to try everything without fear,” Zarrehparvar said. “That time in your life is unique. Embrace the risk, trust your gut and keep chasing every lead.”
Now at ESPN, Zarrehparvar utilizes her experiences from The Sidekick to expand her skillset in a fast-paced, ever-evolving media landscape. She credits her Sidekick years with instilling a relentless drive and an appreciation for every aspect of journalism. Her advice to budding reporters is as clear as it is compelling.
“You will never have this chance again,” Zarrehparvar said. “Take every opportunity to try new things while the risk is minimal, and always trust your instinct.”
Follow Rhea (@rhea_choud) and @CHSCampusNews on X.
