Jason Gonzalez
With each stroke of his pencil an idea grows.
Whether it's a game-tying home run, a buzzer-beating bank shot or a lopsided victory, Biola alum Jason Gonzalez is searching for the perfect story. More often than not the game's result will be average, but no matter the outcome Gonzalez enjoys the challenge.
"I don't remember a time in my life when sports haven't played a major role," Gonzalez said, "and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Since graduating in 2007 with his degree in print journalism, Gonzalez has spent the last three-plus years as the Associate Sports Editor for the Antelope Valley Press in Palmdale, Calif.
During this time he has held multiple roles, the most recent as the beat writer for the Lancaster JetHawks — a professional baseball affiliate of the Houston Astros. Making the most of his opportunities, Gonzalez has since contributed to the Houston Chronicle, The Salt Lake Tribune and nationally published magazine Baseball America.
While growing up baseball was everything to Gonzalez. He played collegiately for Biola while also taking on duties at The Chimes. For three years he devoted himself to both, but when one dream had to end the other was given the opportunity to flourish.
"If I can't play the game, there is no better place to be than reporting on it," he said. "I can't quite pinpoint when it was, but sometime during college telling stories became more important than the sport. Now I live for journalism and the impact it has on so many individuals."
Since he was a freshman in high school Gonzalez knew he wanted to be a sports writer. The day he arrived on Biola's campus he applied for a position with The Chimes and within a week he had written his first story. Two years later he was named the Sports Editor and then completed his tenure as The Staffer of the Year.
"I always knew what I wanted to do and worked hard to make it happen," Gonzalez said. "There is no doubt in my mind the addition of Dr. Tarpley and Dr. Longinow helped revamp the Biola journalism program into a reputable training ground."
Like most newsrooms, a pressbox and locker room can be a challenging place for a Christian. But Gonzalez looks at as an opportunity to show Christ's love.
"As a Christian we are called to be different, to exemplify Jesus in everything we do. God deserves our best."
Everyday Gonzalez is driven by the desire to make a difference and is thankful the gift of journalism makes this possible.
Working in the Los Angeles market has been a dream for Gonzalez. Over the past three years he has covered numerous professional and major college sporting events including Major League Baseball's National League Championship Series, the All-Star Game, the World Baseball Classic and college football's Bowl Championship Series' Rose Bowl.
Some of his interviews have been with New York Yankees stars Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton, Los Angeles Angels' Torii Hunter, Minnesota Timberwolves/UCLA's Kevin Love, Los Angels Dodgers' Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez, and New York Jets Mark Sanchez.
Gonzalez's goal is to one day write for ESPN Magazine or Sports Illustrated.
"I am so blessed to do what I love," Gonzalez said. "If you work hard and challenge yourself goals are achieved."