While studying journalism at Colorado State University, Taylor Vincek was told by a professor that having a sports-related broadcast career was “nearly impossible.”
“I took that as a challenge,” said Vincek, who was born and raised in Anchorage and graduated from South High.
LOS ANGLES, CA – MAY 22: VIncek (left) and Nuggets broadcaster Katy Winge pose with the Western Conference trophy after the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to win the series. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Vincek sure proved that teacher and other doubters wrong. And at age 30, she has reached hoops heaven and will be courtside today at Ball Arena for Game 1 of the NBA Finals as a videographer for Altitude Sports, the official television network of the Denver Nuggets.
“I’m really lucky,” Vincek said by cell phone Wednesday while walking her dog after wrapping up responsibilities at media day previewing the finals between the Nuggets and Miami Heat.
Vincek may feel fortunate, but hard work is what got her embedded with the team starting in 2018.
Vincek’s interest in journalism was piqued as the yearbook editor at South High, where teacher John Lynn provided influential mentorship. Though she initially declared chemistry as her college major, after 1 ½ years Vincek switched to journalism, thinking maybe she’d be a crime reporter. Once she discovered video editing and paired that with her love of basketball “the rest is history,” she said.
Now she travels on the team charter and is on a first-name basis with stars such as Jamal Murray and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic.
“I’m pretty much covering the Nuggets 24/7,” she said.
DENVER, CO – MARCH 12: Vincek captures action in the huddle .The Brooklyn Nets versus the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Vincek films, edits and produces a behind-the-scenes show about the Nuggets, conducts post-game interviews (she’s easy to find on Altitude Sports’ website) and contributes to in-depth pieces — such as being the lead photographer for the documentary 83 Days about the Nuggets’ 2020 experience inside the NBA Bubble.
The trailer for the documentary on the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Bubble. Vincek was the lead photographer on the ground inside the Bubble in Orlando, Florida. Her footage and game edits are seen throughut this trailer and the rest of the 4-part series.
But some of her favorite assignments are off the court, where she can show the tender side of professional sports life, such as the team’s visit to a children’s hospital.
“These huge, big guys, you think they’re untouchable. It just reminds you that they’re human,” Vincek said. “Just the way these guys treat people, it’s really cool to see.”
Vincek (lower right) fights the media scrum to get footage of the Denver Nuggets Western Conference Finals championship celebration.
And that extends to how the Nuggets’ players and coaches relate to her in a profession with few young female broadcast videographers.
“I get treated so well. Nobody’s too big, nobody’s too famous,” Vincek said. “Nikola asks me how my day is going or if I’m doing OK. From top to bottom, it’s a great organization.”
The job has its perks, but it also can be all-consuming and means Vincek has to sacrifice time with family and friends.
“I’m missing Thanksgiving, missing Christmas, I miss birthday parties, bachelorette parties, weddings. My family is really understanding,” Vincek said, adding that tries to get back to Alaska once a year.
To say that Vincek appreciates the opportunity to witness and document the Nuggets’ first-ever trip to the NBA Finals is an understatement.
“I didn’t get here on my own,” she said. “My parents put me through college, my college mentors took a chance on me. … I have a lot of gratitude for those who helped get me here.”
Bringing you inside media day with @katywinge! #MileHighBasketball #BringItIn #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/Xjeng86VO4
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) June 1, 2023
What Vincek was working on today in preparation for Game 1.
And if the Nuggets win the title, will she get a ring?
“I would like to think so, maybe some sort of replica (of what the players get),” she said.