One young woman is pursuing her dream job as a sports reporter and becoming the first student with a disability to earn a media literacy and journalism certificate from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Lily Goodfellow was born with Down syndrome, but hasn’t let the condition stand in her way. Active herself in the Special Olympics since she was four years old, she’s now pursuing her dream of becoming a sports reporter.
In an interview with WGN9, Lily’s mother said she got Lily involved in sports at a young age in order to help squash the stigma of Down syndrome — especially as many parents are constantly told what they’re child with Down syndrome won’t be able to do. As Lily grew, so did her collection of Special Olympics awards and achievements. When she was in high school, she set her sights on becoming a sports reporter and was given that chance by the school, interviewing athletes for her own special segment.
Lily’s interviews grew, and she also began writing as a weekly sports columnist. Now in college, she’s honing her skills.
“She’s all in,” said Mark Reinhiller, Sports Information Coordinator at College of DuPage. “She’s taken the ball and run with it.” Reinhiller praised Lily for coming to each interview prepared and professional. “She cares about her craft,” he said.
Lily’s mom explained that many in the sports community have been supportive of Lily and her goals.
“Once they heard this was her dream, they’re doing everything they can to support it,” she explained. “It’s made a huge difference to her confidence.”
Lily has emceed Chicago’s Duck Derby, anchored Gaming for Inclusion, and even interviews athletes on her YouTube channel, Lily’s Sports Beat. One day, she hopes to work as a sports reporter for ESPN.
“I love inspiring other people with disabilities to achieve their goals and also to learn more about their dreams,” Lily told WGN9. “I feel really awesome about myself.”
