Off Camera with . . . Jane Slater
EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to “Off Camera with. . .,” a Front Row series that introduces you to some of the studio anchors who have recently joined ESPN. Today we meet Jane Slater, who joined ESPN in September 2014 as a studio host and reporter for the Longhorn Network.
Something you might not know: I’m from Rowlett, Texas, and am one of those annoyingly proud Texans that the rest of the country loathes. I am a die-hard Cowboys fan who believes every year is our year. For the record, it was a catch…
What makes ESPN a good fit for me: The emphasis on storytelling and investigative journalism. Local sports has so many good stories but not enough resources are dedicated to telling them. That’s why I left Dallas and local news. I wanted to do more and share more. ESPN gives me that platform.
Person I most admire: My grandfather, Ray Shockley. Both of his parents were deaf but he helped raise two incredibly successful siblings. He never received a college degree but managed to become president of Wolf Brand Chili and later made it the official bowl of Texas. He was insistent that I pursue a college education and helped support me both emotionally and financially with receiving one at Texas. He taught me the importance of chasing your dreams and never taking “no” for an answer.
Favorite book: “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant.
Best business/career advice ever received: You haven’t truly made it until you have been fired! I wasn’t exactly fired but my radio show in Dallas on CBS’ 105.3 The Fan, “Elf & Slater”, was cancelled. It was embarrassing, humbling but incredibly fulfilling. I challenged myself more in one year of doing sports talk than I had in my eight years of covering news. It didn’t discourage me but it did make me work even harder and eventually opened the door for the position here at Longhorn Network.
Favorite hobby: I discovered the power of yoga this year and attend power vinyasa classes 4-5 times week. After falling on my face for several weeks in a row, I can proudly say I am getting the hang of crow pose and inversions. If you haven’t tried it, I recommend it. It’s a reminder to check in with yourself, your intentions and it can be incredibly challenging mentally and physically.
