ABOUT ME
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Hi! My name is Kendall Smith and I am the Team Reporter and Host for the Charlotte Knights (White Sox AAA affiliate) and the Charlotte Checkers (Florida Panthers AHL affiliate). My journey in sports broadcasting began when I was fifteen years old, and as I sit here about a decade later, I am genuinely grateful for the path that has led me to this point in my career.
Outside of my work in hockey and baseball, I work as a sideline reporter on ESPN+ and the SEC Network+, and I have spent time with a number of organizations, teams, and networks over the years. It all began when I volunteered to be the PA announcer for my high school baseball team my freshman year. Since then, my career has evolved and allowed me so many opportunities I would have never imagined possible as a teenager.
This past year in 2025 was special. I made my national television debut as a rinkside reporter for the 2025 Calder Cup Finals on the NHL Network. I also had the tremendous honor of being recognized as the Minor League Baseball Rising Star Award recipient for the International League. Working in Charlotte after graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2023 has been nothing short of an unbelievable opportunity. Spending each day engaged in such a high-level sports market has provided fantastic experience that has given me a chance to grow a lot over the last (nearly) three years. I truly love the Queen City!
Outside of work, I enjoy figure skating in my free time. I grew up as a competitive figure skater, so when I get to lace up my skates and prove I can still do a few tricks, it's pretty fun. Not to mention, I get to do on ice interviews and content with the Checkers, which has been a great chance for me to do my job and tell stories from a unique perspective. Being a former figure skater (who has worked with several hockey coaches over the years), I certainly watch the game of hockey through a different lens. I bet you don't think too often whether an athlete is on their inside or outside edge during a play, but that's what I see.
Besides skating, I love to teach hot yoga and dance classes. I absolutely adore my family and love to spend time with them. I also volunteer at my church which always is a highlight of my week. I have a super cute one year old golden retriever who keeps me on my toes, and my favorite thing to do is visit new places. Next stop on my list within the USA is hopefully Boston. Outside of the states, my dream is to visit Australia.
I'll leave you with this. I have been fortunate to have many mentors and supporters in my short career. People have provided me with opportunities beyond my wildest dreams, so I'd like to take a brief moment here to just say "thank you" to all of those great people. They know who they are, and they know I am better off because of their kindness and guidance. I hope to provide that same helping hand to the next generation.
-Kendall
Outside of my work in hockey and baseball, I work as a sideline reporter on ESPN+ and the SEC Network+, and I have spent time with a number of organizations, teams, and networks over the years. It all began when I volunteered to be the PA announcer for my high school baseball team my freshman year. Since then, my career has evolved and allowed me so many opportunities I would have never imagined possible as a teenager.
This past year in 2025 was special. I made my national television debut as a rinkside reporter for the 2025 Calder Cup Finals on the NHL Network. I also had the tremendous honor of being recognized as the Minor League Baseball Rising Star Award recipient for the International League. Working in Charlotte after graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2023 has been nothing short of an unbelievable opportunity. Spending each day engaged in such a high-level sports market has provided fantastic experience that has given me a chance to grow a lot over the last (nearly) three years. I truly love the Queen City!
Outside of work, I enjoy figure skating in my free time. I grew up as a competitive figure skater, so when I get to lace up my skates and prove I can still do a few tricks, it's pretty fun. Not to mention, I get to do on ice interviews and content with the Checkers, which has been a great chance for me to do my job and tell stories from a unique perspective. Being a former figure skater (who has worked with several hockey coaches over the years), I certainly watch the game of hockey through a different lens. I bet you don't think too often whether an athlete is on their inside or outside edge during a play, but that's what I see.
Besides skating, I love to teach hot yoga and dance classes. I absolutely adore my family and love to spend time with them. I also volunteer at my church which always is a highlight of my week. I have a super cute one year old golden retriever who keeps me on my toes, and my favorite thing to do is visit new places. Next stop on my list within the USA is hopefully Boston. Outside of the states, my dream is to visit Australia.
I'll leave you with this. I have been fortunate to have many mentors and supporters in my short career. People have provided me with opportunities beyond my wildest dreams, so I'd like to take a brief moment here to just say "thank you" to all of those great people. They know who they are, and they know I am better off because of their kindness and guidance. I hope to provide that same helping hand to the next generation.
-Kendall
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