People-focused journalist. Sharing stories that inspire. Emily Elaborates.
EMILY ELABORATES: A DEEPER LOOK
My Professional Journalist Portfolio
MY STORY
A Passion for Meaningful Writing, Understanding Humans, and Deep Thinking
Hey! My name is Emily Solomon, and I am a freelance writer, editor, and sports information director. I graduated in 2021 from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, where I studied psychology and sociology.
I earned my master's degree in June 2023 at the University of Washington (UW) in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL). I aspire to become a sports information professional and continue to spark my passion for sports and freelance writing.
I work as the sports information director (SID) for the UW gymnastics and women's tennis teams. I also serve as an athletic communications assistant in the UW athletic department, where I assist the SID for men's soccer and women's and men's basketball.
During undergrad at Whitman, I really grew my love for writing. I'm a psychologist to learn more about why we as humans think and do the weird things we do - I'm a journalist to portray that weirdness through my writing.
Learning more about humans has inspired me to dive deeper into the topics I'm writing about, which is why I value people-oriented journalism.
Topics that easily spark my inner story-teller:
Mental Health
Sports
Psychology & Sociology
News & Government
Healthcare
Women's Issues
Features
MARCH MADNESS 2023
My written work for ballislife.com on the women's March Madness tournament at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
SEATTLE REGIONAL ELITE EIGHT GAME 1 - NO. 2 IOWA VS. NO. 5 LOUISVILLE
March 2023
Sunday night’s Elite Eight matchup in Seattle can be summed up in three words: Caitlin. Freaking. Clark.
Or, just as accurately: Triple. Double. Machine. Your pick.
NO. 2 OHIO STATE OVERPOWER NO. 3 UCONN TO HAULT HUSKIES’ 16-YEAR ELITE EIGHT STREAK
March 2023
If you had asked anyone in the vicinity of Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena who they thought would be winning Saturday’s first regional semifinal game, you likely would have received overwhelming support of the Connecticut Huskies.
SPORTS FEATURES
This is the beginning of a series of senior spotlights, to tell the stories of each of the seven seniors on the Washington Huskies' gymnastics squad that have helped shape the program into what it is today.
WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING
Below is more on my most recent journalism and communications experience
in news, education, government, and sports.
Please reach out if you'd like to know more!
Present
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
I serve as the primary media contact for the University of Washington (UW) gymnastics and women's tennis teams, which includes writing sport-specific articles, creating social media content, and coordinating media coverage for the team.
I also serve as the communications assistant for the UW athletic department. I create written content for the UW sports teams, manage stats and help run social media accounts.
Present
FREELANCE WRITER & GHOSTWRITER
The tough thing about being a ghostwriter is that I can't put any of my work on here. All I can do is say that I have written for some online healthcare platforms and other sites. I love the freedom and flexibility that freelance ghostwriting brings!
I am also a freelance sports writer for the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.
January 2022 - May 2022
WHITMAN ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT & VIDEO PRODUCER
I supervised a team of stats and camera workers to ensure proper live streaming of Whitman varsity athletic events.
I also managed in-game social media posts, technological set-ups and break-downs, and handled troubleshooting.
NEWS AND FEATURES PROJECTS
I've included a variety of some of my favorite topics covered across my journalism career thus far,
and why they were my favorite to write about!
November 2021
A new mental health program working to help offenders get connected with the psychological resources they need to stay out of jail.
Why I loved it: Learning about the mental health resources for those struggling to stay out of the criminal justice system was amazing - we need more!
November 2021
COVID-conscious people travelled from all over Washington State to attend Walla Walla's first vaccine clinic for kids ages 5-11.
Why I loved it: Seeing the excitement about kids getting vaccinated! I was able to chat with parents and kids, most of which were so excited to take a step closer to returning to "normalcy."
April 2021
A Whitman alum (Class of 2000) sat down with me to discuss his path after college - salmon genetics!
Why I loved it: Getting to connect with fellow Whitties is such a rewarding experience. We got to share why Whitman was incredible for both of us and how it helped us grow.
August 2020
The Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Department did so many amazing things to ensure that residents could safely have a fun outlet during a peak of the pandemic last spring and summer.
Why I loved it: This article sparked my interest in learning more about what I can do to improve my own mental health. More time in nature!
July 2020
Whitman psychology professor guided a student through her senior project that focused on how attention and human memory are connected.
Why I loved it: I got to talk with one of my favorite psychology professors about his specialty, and got a deeper look into what a senior thesis study looks like before I did mine the following year!
August 2019
Whitman student dove into research on how to use technology to help empower women to express more confidence in emails.
Why I loved it: Empowering women! A female student conducting research under a female professor on how to help empower other women? Sign me up, always!
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ATHLETICS
Here is some of my work for UW, including previews, recaps, and features.
January 2023
December 2022
October 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
August 2022
August 2022
SPORTS STORIES
And now, over to sports!
WHITMAN WOMEN'S LACROSSE WRAPS SEASON WITH FOUR ON ALL-NWC TEAMS IN HEIDI COLFORD'S FIRST YEAR AS HEAD COACH
May 2022
Whitman's lacrosse team faced its challenges this season, but also saw a ton of personal and team growth.
Why I loved it: I got to connect with fellow Whitman athletes and hear why they love their sport, and Whitman.
May 2022
A track athlete from the Walla Walla Special Olympics team competing at the national level.
Why I loved it: To shed light on the local Special Olympics team and its impact on the community.
April 2022
I talk about the newly-founded local rodeo club and their first annual Walla Walla event.
Why I loved it: I spoke about the power of sport -- to inspire, motivate, and connect people in so many ways.
April 2022
Here, I talk about how Olympic athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics) and Mikaela Shiffrin (skiing) have opened up the conversation about mental health and are working to reduce the stigma that athletes face when it comes to talking about feelings.
Why I loved it: I got the chance to connect professional and Olympic level sports to youth level athletics. Mental health as an athlete is so important no matter how old you are.
November 2019
Whitman student athletes partnered up with various organizations and individuals in the Walla Walla area to help give back to the community.
Why I loved it: I was one of those student athletes, so I loved getting to brag about my peers and all the great work they do.
April 2019
A student section at a college basketball game can have an incredible impact. Especially when it's filled with loud, passionate fans to yell at the refs.
Why I loved it: It's hilarious. Such funny interviews helped mold this into a story riddled with sarcastic humor.
November 2018, Hosakawa Journalism Award Winner
An imperative reminder for college athletes to take time to prioritize mental health, especially when the pressure is upped on the field/court.
Why I loved it: Everything I wrote resonated greatly with me, as a college athlete. Also, it inspired me to take more time to focus on taking care of my mind.
MENTAL TOUGHNESS:
A GAME CHANGER
A memoir on the essential skill of mental toughness - through sports and in life.
2019
I’ve been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. Fourth grade YMCA basketball was where it all began for me, on a team where I was the only girl on the court and touched the ball a whopping three times the whole season. For some reason, I stuck it out. I tried volleyball and track, but only basketball stuck. Basketball soon became my outlet when school was rough, when friends got annoying, or I just wanted to be out of the house. Basketball became my home. Read more...
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SENIOR PSYCHOLOGY THESIS
A GRAND FINALE: DIARY OF A THESIS
"Don't forget - no one else sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell."
Charles de Lint
CONTACT/FREELANCE INQUIRIES
Thank you for taking time to check out my portfolio!
Please get in touch to find out more about me and my work! I'm seeking freelance opportunities and am very flexible with my time and type of writing, so reach out and let's chat!
