The power of sports—the craft, the opportunity, and the storytelling—has taken Tina Nguyen from championship arenas to the White House, where her work resonates far beyond the scoreboard.

Nguyen has covered major events like the NFL Draft, Formula 1, the Stanley Cup Finals, WNBA Finals, NBA Finals, and the College Football Playoff National Championships.

In January 2024, she joined FOX 32 Chicago as a sports anchor and reporter after two years in Las Vegas, covering the Raiders, Golden Knights, Aces, and UNLV.

Known for her grace, grit, compassion, and intentionality, Nguyen transforms interviews into meaningful conversations, connecting audiences to the humanity behind the stories.

“My philosophy is simple: I’d rather die being kind. No one regrets kindness, and people only remember how you made them feel,” she recently shared.

The Daily Coach spoke with Nguyen about adapting to change, building confidence as a public speaker, and fostering genuine connections in a world increasingly dominated by instant gratification and transactional relationships.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

…

Tina, we're grateful for you doing this. Tell us about your childhood and some key lessons from it.

I’m originally from Texas, from a super small town. If you’ve ever watched Friday Night Lights, the movie or the series, that’s exactly what my hometown felt like. Every Friday night in the fall, it was all about football. If you wanted to find the entire town, you just followed the stadium lights.

Instead of pursuing track and field or distance running, I decided to become a twirler. Every Friday night, I was at the football games, twirling on the field, but what really caught my eye were the local media people and journalists on the sidelines with their cameras. I remember thinking, 'What are they doing?' I became completely intrigued by it.

The town I grew up in wasn’t so small that we only had one red light, but it was small enough that everyone knew what others were up to. My parents are immigrants from Vietnam, and to this day, they still don’t fully understand what I do. My dad, in particular, probably thinks my career is more of a hobby. It’s so different from what they imagined for me, which I find funny and endearing.

My dad came to the United States because of the Vietnam War. Both of my parents escaped for a better life, but the war was the main reason for my dad. He arrived here before he was seventeen, went to school, and started working as soon as possible to make money to send back to his family in Vietnam. It’s the classic American Dream story, but sports were never part of their world. They only recently set foot in a college football stadium for the first time, and they were blown away by the size of it.

Growing up, their approach was straightforward: you work hard, you work on holidays and weekends, you take care of your family, and you send money back home. Their focus was always on building a better life for us and for the family back in Vietnam.

That upbringing shaped the way I see the world and opportunities. It’s given me a deep appreciation for hard work and a unique perspective on life and what’s possible.

…

What drew you to Texas A&M, and how did your time there shape your passion for sports journalism and storytelling?

A big reason I chose to attend Texas A&M was the excitement and buzz around the football program and athletic department, driven by student-athletes like Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans, who were there right before I arrived. It reminded me of my own high school experience, watching my high school compete for state championships and twirling at Friday Night Light games—it was incredible to witness the sense of unity sports can inspire.

During my four years at Texas A&M, I worked for the athletic department through 12th Man Productions. I gained a ton of on-camera experience, working my way up to feature reporting on student-athletes. Some of my work even aired on SEC Network Plus and Fox Sports Southwest. It was an amazing opportunity to develop my skills while contributing to the stories of the athletes and the program.

As I got older, I started to appreciate the deeper aspects of sports—how they foster a sense of community, camaraderie, and connection that people crave in their lives. Seeing the impact a team or a player can have not just on their community but on the world was truly fascinating. It made me realize that beyond the games and the stats, sports are about people—their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. It’s a powerful reminder of our fundamental need for connection and belonging.

What have you learned about adaptability and yourself through moving around for career opportunities in sports and television?

My first gig out of college in 2018 was with the NBA in Secaucus, New Jersey. While I was there, I realized I really wanted to pursue an on-camera career, and the best way to get those reps was to go local. So, I moved to Tyler, Texas, as my first market, then later to Vegas, where I stayed until January 2024. Now, I’m here in Chicago.

It’s funny—when I talk to people who aren’t familiar with careers in sports or TV, they’re often surprised. I was catching up with someone from my hometown recently, and they said, 'In five years, you’ve moved three or four times!' The reality is, when opportunity comes calling, you’ve just got to go sometimes.

On a personal level, one of the biggest things this journey has taught me is that I have myself—and that’s the most powerful thing. Knowing you are safe within yourself is transformative. It’s something I’ve been processing and learning to put into words. When you look at it on paper, it’s a lot—moving, rebuilding, investing time, energy, and money. But understanding that you have yourself, that you have belief and confidence, makes it possible to get through anything.

Whether it’s handling a tough boss, a bad day, or an unexpected life challenge, when you have to move so much, rebuild your life, and create new friends, family, and community, you realize the importance of adaptability. It doesn’t work for everyone, and that’s okay. But for me, the lesson is this: when you know you are safe within yourself, you can handle whatever life throws at you. That’s where it all starts.

…

What advice would you give to someone looking to build confidence in public speaking, especially when dealing with fear or nerves?

Confidence in public speaking is all about repetition and embracing imperfection. For me, the key is to keep doing it, even when fear creeps in. I’ve had moments, even here in Chicago, where I’ve felt nervous about taking on something new. But my approach has always been, 'Do it even if you're afraid.' Every experience, whether it feels like success or failure in the moment, adds value.

The reps are critical—just doing it over and over again. Even if you stumble, keep going. Personally, I prefer live segments over pre-recorded ones. There’s a mental hurdle with pre-recording, where the expectation of perfection can feel overwhelming. Live segments and speaking, on the other hand, forces you to push through, no matter what happens. That real-time experience is invaluable.

Building confidence also means finding your voice and style. It’s important to approach public speaking in a way that feels authentic to you—one that aligns with your personality and delivery preferences. I feel confidence comes from lived experiences and the repetition of those moments. They teach us resilience and prepare us for future challenges and opportunties, both professionally and personally.

I find value even in bad experiences. They’re like teachers. Some people avoid them at all costs, but I believe they help you grow. Whether the lessons are professional or personal, they add tools to our toolbox. In a world dominated by social media, where perfection is often portrayed as the standard, I think there’s so much power in embracing the ups and downs of life. Those moments shape you and give you the confidence to become the person you’re meant to be, both in your career and beyond.

How do you approach building authentic relationships in your work, especially when balancing the demands of your industry?

I probably take a different approach compared to a lot of people. For me, it’s more about the friendships and connections. I’m not big on breaking news—I don’t care to be the first, I just want to be correct. Working in media, people often focus on getting the scoop, which is fine, but I love adding context and color to stories—finding the truth and humanizing lived experiences.

At the end of the day, people want to feel cared for, connected, and valued. The people we remember most are the ones who made us feel important and seen. Growing up in a small Texas town, I often felt like the odd one out. Dealing with bullying as a kid taught me that I never want anyone to feel lesser or excluded. That perspective has shaped how I approach relationships and storytelling, both personally and professionally.

In journalism, integrity and context are critical. Early in the Chicago Bears’ season, I told defensive end Daniel Hardy I wanted to share his story about his dad’s passing and its impact on his football career. Before the interview, I made it clear that if he wasn’t ready to talk about it, we wouldn’t go there. Grief is deeply personal, especially when it involves a parental figure. Respecting those boundaries is key to earning trust and telling stories with integrity.

In a world obsessed with clicks and viral content, I don’t care about clickbait. The stories that matter most are the ones that resonate on a deeper level. I covered a 27-year-old fan with stage-four colon cancer who, along with his dad and family, shares a deep love for the Chicago Bears. That story touched people so much that strangers reached out to help.

Those moments stick because they speak to the human soul. My philosophy is simple: I’d rather die being kind. No one regrets kindness, and people only remember how you made them feel. In a world full of instant gratification, the meaningful connections we build, the stories we tell and the kindness we show leave a lasting impact.

You regularly engage with high-performing athletes, coaches, and executives. In your experience, what leadership quality consistently sets them apart, and how does it manifest in their actions?

The leadership quality that consistently stands out is authenticity. When you spend significant time around athletes, coaches and executives, you start to see them as people, not just as public figures. For example, being around legends like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Russell Westbrook, you realize they’re just people—parents trying to manage family life while excelling in their careers.

What really stands out is their ability to connect on a personal level. Coaches who remember your name, ask about your family, or show genuine interest beyond your professional role leave a lasting impact. It highlights a fundamental truth: everyone wants to be known and seen.

Authenticity doesn’t mean they disregard the professional side of things. They understand the job—whether it’s addressing an injury update or providing a statement on a big event. But their care extends beyond transactions. They value people for who they are, not just for the roles they play. That’s what sets these great leaders and high performers apart: they make you feel seen, heard, and valued as a person.

…

Looking back on your journey from the Friday Night Lights of your Texas hometown to reporting live from the White House, what gentle reminders would you give your younger self?

If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be to believe in yourself. I’ve grown in finding my own voice and standing up for myself, which hasn’t always been easy. It can be challenging, but knowing your worth and value—both personally and professionally—is your birthright.

If I ever have children and a daughter, the best thing I could do is raise her to have confidence and truly believe in herself.

Growing up in a traditional Asian household, I was taught to keep my head down, work hard, and wait for good things to come. While I value hard work, I now understand that it’s okay to challenge the norm, to rock the boat when necessary. As women, we can be stern and confident while still showing compassion and grace. These qualities aren’t mutually exclusive, even though society sometimes tries to box us in.

You don’t have to choose between being a strong career woman and having a family—you can be both. You can be a wife, a mother, and a powerhouse in your profession, making an impact on the world. Life isn’t about walking a tightrope and always making the “right” decision. It’s about embracing experiences, good or bad, with an open mind because every moment shapes who we are meant to become.

If you feel strongly about something in your heart— effing fight for it. Be open to saying yes to opportunities, even if they scare you or seem uncertain. Sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from taking risks, learning through challenges and simply saying yes to life.

At the end of the day, life and leadership is about trusting yourself, knowing your worth, and having the courage to walk your own path.

Q&A Resources

Tina Nguyen ―  Instagram | X | Vimeo | FOX 32 Chicago

Let us know what you think...

Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe for free here and get daily emails like this directly in your inbox.

Is there a story or theme you'd like to see The Daily Coach dive into this year? We'd love to hear your ideas here.