Former World Team member, Trina Catterson from New York, is a new Level II Judge AND is now in the broadcast business! Inside Loop caught up with Catterson and asked her about her new life outside of twirling. Here's what she had to say…
Inside Loop: Trina, congratulations on your recent job in the news media. Please tell us more about that!
Catterson: Thank you! I recently accepted a job at WETM 18News in Elmira, New York. During my time in college, I got heavily involved in the student-run news station, WTOP10 Oswego. I was a news anchor, sports reporter, and floor manager. Luckily, my experience at WTOP10 paid off and I was offered my dream position. I am a reporter at 18 News where I go out into the field and cover local, regional, national, and even international stories. I am also the weekend news anchor where I am responsible for producing my own shows as well as reading the news live on television for the 6 PM and 11 PM shows. I am also a multimedia journalist meaning I write stories for the digital aspect of the news station that is posted on our website daily.
Inside Loop: How has baton twirling prepared you for securing such a prestigious job as a TV reporter?
Catterson: Baton twirling played a big role in determining my major in college. At USTA Nationals in 2017, I went live on the New York Twirling Council Facebook page and interviewed athletes after they competed. I realized how much I enjoyed interviewing people and that I felt extremely comfortable being in front of the camera. By being a member of Team USA from such a young age, I learned the importance of professionalism early on in my life. From competing in Freestyle at all levels of competition, I became used to being on the floor alone meaning all eyes were on me. It has trained me to feel comfortable in the limelight as a news reporter and news anchor often is. I also understand how to deal with my nerves from competing in baton twirling which has transferred over into my career. Being in front of the camera during live shots can bring on nerves like those I experienced while competing, but I've fortunately learned tricks on how to calm myself down. I find myself tapping into my sense of humor to make myself laugh and remind myself that a lot of what we do in life should be fun. On top of handling my own nerves, I understand that interviewees may get nervous in front of the camera as well. I always make it my goal to not only produce a great story, but to make sure anyone who is a part of it feels comfortable as well. Baton twirling taught me how to always be prepared, polished, and adjust to changes quickly which was extremely helpful when entering the job interview process to begin my career after college.
Inside Loop: Tell us three things that the baton world doesn't know about you.
Catterson:
- I recently became a cat mom to two orange cats, Ferris and Kevin who I adore!
- I am an avid New York Rangers fan and cannot wait for the upcoming hockey season.
- If I could move anywhere in the country, I would choose Savannah, Georgia. I was nine years old when USTA Nationals were held there and have not stopped dreaming about living there since!