Two UFCJC sports journalists honored in 2025-26 Hearst Journalism Awards Sports Writing competition
Jessica Garcete, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Journalism senior, and Journalism junior Noah White received third and 11th place, respectively, in the 2025-26 Hearst Journalism Awards Sports Writing competition. The winners were selected from a record 150 entries from 83 schools submitted in the second writing competition of the year.
Garcete’s entry, “Racing’s Virtual Revolution” focused on the popularity of “simulated racing.” More than a video game, sim racing has become a legitimate proving ground for aspiring race-car drivers. She will receive a $1,500 award for third place.
According to Sports Lecturer Ryan Hunt, “I couldn’t be more proud of — and happy for — Jessica. One year ago, Jessica came to my office. She was passionate about motorsports and storytelling … but had never written a sports story. Everyone has to start somewhere, I told her. Two months later, she covered the Daytona 500 as part of the NASCAR College Program.”
He adds, “It was in that post-race press conference where Jessica fought through her nerves and asked William Byron a question about his beginnings in sim racing. That was the catalyst for the story, one that became one of her centerpiece projects for Grandstand. I’m thrilled it got the recognition it richly deserved. That story meant a lot to her; and it showed in the final product.”
White’s entry, “Why We Jump: How Diving onto Tables at Bills Games Became a Thing that Even Taylor Swift Talks About,” published in the Buffalo News. The story focuses on the tradition of Buffalo Bills fans jumping on tables at football games.
CJC is currently in second place in the 2025-2026 Intercollegiate Writing Competition based on accumulated student points.
The Journalism Awards Program, now in its 66th year, added broadcast journalism competitions in 1988. In addition to the broadcast competitions, the awards program includes four writing, two photojournalism and four multimedia contests. The program offers up to $700,000 in scholarships, matching grants and stipends and is open to accredited undergraduate journalism programs from 104 within the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Category: College News, Student News
Tagged: 2025-26 Hearst Journalism Awards Sports Writing Competition Grandstand Jessica Garcete Ryan Hunt
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