Tom Willms used broadcasting as a “fun diversion from life,” but eventually turned that hobby into his dream job by taking a chance.
“Sometimes you need to take an exit ramp and see where it goes,” he says, describing his journey as a leap of faith.
Now he is the assistant athletic communications coordinator at Neumann University responsible for broadcasting all varsity home games.
He was jumping from job to job, volunteering and calling games wherever he could.
“Some fool decided I was good enough to be paid for it,” Willms joked.
Subsequently, Willms saw stints at Drexel University, West Chester University, University of Pennsylvania, Stony Brook University, and the University of Virginia. He was a freelancer, taking it all game by game.
Last year, Neumann became his new home. He started off part-time and soon a full-time position was offered.
“At that time of my life, it offered me stability and an opportunity to settle down,” he said. “My kids, my wife, and that. That’s what keeps me going.”
Being at one school rather than freelancing has its advantages. Now Willms can get to know the student athletes instead of being in and out the door.
Getting to know the athletes has helped his ability to be a storyteller, something that Willms is very passionate about.
A broadcaster may not know everything about every sport, but “you’ve got to find the awe. If you’re a good storyteller, you’ll find what pops for you,” he said.
The job of being a broadcaster is important to Willms. To connect the game to the viewer is something he takes seriously.
Willms takes his job as an honor. He can be the one announcing a child’s name for their parents to hear.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the athletes,” he said.
After finding a home at Neumann, he hopes to train the next generation of sports broadcasters. He may not be broadcasting pro sports, but it is his dream for a Neumann graduate to see the big stage. Willms doesn’t even want any credit if that were to happen.
“Great things are accomplished if you don’t care who gets credit,” he explains.
To the future broadcasters, Willms says to get your degree, don’t be nervous, and embrace the process, because there is no shortcut.