The Overhead Compartment with Ashley Brewer

Shining a highlight on celebrities and athletes who like to journey.

Oh, these faculty athletes. It takes fairly a dedication to play a sport in faculty between the lessons, exercises and video games. Think about including the potential of going to the Olympics  now that may be a entire different degree. Meet Ashley Brewer, ESPN host extraordinaire who was not solely a swimmer at USC however made it to the Olympic trials! Brewer can discuss sports activities with the perfect of them, and provides the perception of getting been an athlete herself. The Overhead Compartment was excited to take a dip with Ashley Brewer and uncover what life was like for an Olympic hopeful turned broadcaster after touchdown one of the vital coveted jobs in sports activities.

The Overhead Compartment with Ashley Brewer begins now&&

OC: You latterly moved again to LA to co-host SportsCenter, how do you put together for the present?

AB: From the minute I get up on days I’ve a present, I get into prep-mode. After I stroll my canine within the mornings, Im listening to a sports activities podcast or ESPN Radio. I then spend the day watching no matter exhibits are on ESPN, studying articles on-line and watching video games. I do my very own hair and make-up, so I prepare whereas we do a pre-show assembly name to speak about what the present will appear to be. I get to our studio approach too early as a result of I wish to overprepare and take my time. I sitdown with our producers for about an hour and discuss in regards to the present, watch video games collectively and give you speaking factors for interviews. Its an enormous collaborative effort and I really like working with such artistic individuals who assist make me look good on TV.

OC: What’s the greatest distinction doing the present out of Los Angeles vs Bristol?

AB: Not having to tread by snow strolling to the studio! Simply kidding. However apart from the apparent of not engaged on a large campus in Bristol, your complete vibe of the present is completely completely different. I believe theres a west coast, laid again really feel to our content material and supply. We have now segments in our present which are private to expertise and our crew, heck, we had a section with Frank the safety guard! I really like the tight-knit household we have now right here as a result of our workplace is so small.


OC: You have been a critical and completed swimmer in highschool and faculty and even competed within the 2012 US Olympic trials for the 100m backstroke. How does that have inform the way in which you cowl sports activities now?

AB: Thanks, it looks like a lifetime in the past as a result of a lot has occurred since then. I at all times wish to assume I get it, as in the way in which I interview athletes or react to sure matters or conditions. I perceive the life-style, dedication, sacrifice and so on, as a result of I lived it for nearly 20 years. I even have discovered empathy from it- I by no means get offended when a man in a locker room doesnt really feel like speaking or has a foul day. Ive been there, and mightt think about the strain and points fame, cash and social media now carry to in the present days athletes in 2021.

OC: You additionally come from a household of significant athletes with a brother who was a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, a USC Volleyball taking part in sister and one other brother who performed QB for the College of Virginia. How aggressive with one another have been you all rising up?

AB: Day-after-day was like a WWE match rising up, within the BEST approach. 5 children, all athletes- I dont understand how my dad and mom did it. Day-after-day was spent open air, taking part in video games and sports activities in our large yard. We have been always in competitors with one another, whereas additionally cheering one another on. I just about grew up at baseball fields, watching my brothers and Dad, who was the coach. Seeing them accomplish nice issues of their sports activities careers are my favourite recollections of my life to this point.

OC: Your mother was a information anchor, did she affect your curiosity to be on the air?

AB: My mother has at all times been my hero, however I by no means needed or deliberate to get into TV till my senior 12 months of faculty at USC. I had solely dreamed of being an Olympic swimmer my total life. So when swimming was ending (I had by no means had a job as a result of I skilled 8 hours a day, all 12 months) my mother referred to as in a favor to get me an internship at ABC-LA. Thats the place my profession was born! My mother has been my greatest champion and mentor my total profession, I name her after each present even nonetheless in the present day. She has led me by each excessive and low, been very sincere and important once I wanted it, and has at all times been my primary fan.

OC: What’s the finest recommendation she provided you?

AB: To be affected person. I keep in mind sitting within the parking zone at my internship, crying as a result of all the different seniors have been so forward of me. That they had wonderful reels and expertise, and I had no concept what I used to be doing. She advised me to remain centered by myself path, proceed outworking them, and my profession would deal with itself in time. But once more, mother is at all times proper!

OC: Whats one piece of recommendation you’d provide somebody attempting to interrupt into the enterprise?

AB: Be your self. It sounds tacky, however I consider staying true to my character and distinctive humorousness separated me from the group of others attempting to make it. I at all times inform younger journalists to play up your strengths and what makes you- you, whereas additionally pushing your self to do stuff youre not nice at so as to enhance. Ive at all times been vocal about my love for baseball, hockey, and MMA, which might be a novel combo. I believe its allowed me to attraction to a special crowd, whereas being real to who I’m and what I’m good at.

OC: To this point, whats probably the most thrilling interview you may have achieved?

AB: My first ever interview with Kobe Bryant in 2018. I used
to be so nervous and speaking one million miles per hour, as a result of like so many 90s children rising up out west, he was our hero. I used to be blown away by how type, heat and affected person he was. He spent quarter-hour after the interview asking me about my life, household and profession, when he had a handful different folks ready to speak to him. That day, he gave me an unimaginable piece of recommendation Ill always remember& at all times be curious. And that was a problem to at all times query issues, be taught new topics, ask questions and develop each day. Ill always remember it.

AB: You lived in LA for a few years, prime three favourite eating places?

OC: I really like consuming out, particularly in LA and New York Metropolis.
1. Izakaya by Katsuya in Manhattan Seaside, finest sushi on earth
2. Mastros, due to one thing- butter cake!
3. Malibu Farm, a brilliant wholesome breakfast and lunch spot proper on the water.

OC: Favourite place to trip?

AB: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso in Cabo San Lucas. Probably the most fabulous lodge Ive ever stayed at. The meals, swimming pools, and repair make it really feel like heaven on earth.

OC: High three wish-list locations to go to?

AB: I may identify twenty! However mostly- Greece, Paris and Switzerland.

Ashley BrewerOC: Inform us about Hank?

AB: My dad and mom stunned me with Hank for my birthday in December, and he immediately crammed an enormous a part of my coronary heart and introduced me firm whereas residing alone in Connecticut. He’s so candy and loving, but in addition is usually a big ache within the butt! I really feel like I raised a toddler as a single mother, he was a ton of labor however Ive beloved having him. He has gotten so large now, I joke that he now walks me as a substitute of the opposite approach round.

OC: Very first thing you do when arriving at a lodge in your room?

AB: I take a look at the bathtub tub state of affairs, I take one each single evening! After that- I verify for a gown. If a room has each, weve received a winner!

OC: Full the next sentence: I by no means depart residence with out:

AB: A cellphone charger. Im not happy with it, however I spend approach an excessive amount of time on my telephones. Sure- I mentioned telephones as a result of I’ve two, haha! I really like holding in contact with my family and friends since Im so distant, and have additionally gotten hooked on Tik Tok. So my cellphone is at all times dying!

Ashley Brewer, please use care upon departure as gadgets might have shifted in The Overhead Compartment throughout our journey. Thanks for selecting us on your journey ideas! Have a beautiful day!