The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Catching up with: Angela Akins Hamann
01.26.2015 | Women's Golf, Student Services
Former Texas Women's Golfer starts new job with Golf Channel
Former Texas Women's Golfer Angela Akins Hamann recently started a new job with the Golf Channel as a host and reporter. After graduating from Texas with a journalism degree, Hamann went to work in the Dallas area as a reporter and host.
The Marble Falls, Texas native transferred to the Forty Acres in 2006 from TCU. She earned an Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection in the 2007-08 season.
TexasSports.Com recently caught up with the former Longhorn to talk about her new job at the Golf Channel and what she has been doing since she graduated:
What does your job with the Golf Channel entail?
I'm a reporter and host for Golf Channel. I will be doing in-studio work as well as traveling to PGA Tour and collegiate tournaments to report on stories there. I'm so excited to be a part of the Golf Channel family and as a golfer I was drawn to the opportunity to cover golf on television full-time.
How did you get into sports journalism?
I received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Texas and this is what I knew I wanted to do. I grew up watching and studying sports and I love to write and tell people's stories. Golf is such a unique sport and I believe the stories that go with it are unique as well. Something just pulled me toward sports early on.
How did UT help you get where you are today?
I've always loved The University of Texas. My father, Marty Akins, was an All-American quarterback at Texas so I grew up going to the football games. He instilled in me the love that I have for the Longhorns at a very young age. And I believe Texas has the best School of Journalism in the country. Not only was I competing on the golf course every day, I was also competing in the classroom. The School of Journalism was such a competitive program to get into and even more competitive to be at the top of the class. Our professors taught us how to be the best journalists, how to report objectively and with integrity and how to represent The University of Texas when we ventured into the world. Without the support I received from my family, professors, coaches, the academic staffs in the athletics and communications departments and my teammates, I would not be where I am today.
Do you keep in touch with your teammates?
Absolutely! Several of my teammates were in my wedding and they were all in attendance. We share such a special bond after playing together and spending all that time together. We created some lasting memories when we were at Texas. We worked very hard every day practicing and staying in shape, but we were always having fun. I love those girls!
Now that you are based in Florida with Golf Channel, what do you miss the most about living in Texas?
Texas is the greatest state and I truly miss it. I miss my family, friends, Mexican food, BBQ, the crazy Texas weather and I just miss being in Texas. But Florida is a very beautiful state and everyone I've met at Golf Channel has been amazing. They've helped make the process of moving a lot easier and I'm excited to explore Florida and enjoy the sunshine!
What do you miss most about UT/Austin?
Everything! In my opinion, Austin is the greatest city in the world. We have the best food and music and there's so much to do. I miss running around Lady Bird Lake, playing golf on all the great courses and all the amazing outdoor activities the city has to offer. Every year I try to make it back to several UT football games and support the Longhorns. And I watch a ton of Texas sports on television. I keep up with how the golf teams are doing and I hope to see both the men and women's teams at the NCAA championships in Florida in May and June. Golf Channel will have live coverage from both events and I will be there to cover everything.
Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
Golf Channel is growing on a record pace and I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to help grow the network and the sport of golf. In five years I hope I'm still covering amazing stories about golf and the people who play it, and I hope I've become an even better journalist. We can always learn and grow and improve and I plan on doing that forever. I think I was taught that at Texas! Hook 'em Horns!