The Star Reporter

Jenny Chiu covers some of the biggest soccer games on TV.

September 2025

by Alex Lim-Chua Wee

Shutterstock.com

Jenny Chiu always dreamed of being a soccer star. Growing up in Texas, she practiced whenever she wasn’t at school. In college, she played at the University of North Carolina. But a bad injury from her high school days often held her back. She started to wonder what her life would look like if she didn’t go pro.

That’s when Jenny found sports journalism. Today she’s a soccer star—just in a different way. She covers Champions League games on TV. She also travels the world to report on events like the FIFA Club World Cup. We asked her about her exciting job.

What is a typical day like for you?

It depends! Some days, I’m hosting a broadcast of a game or reporting from the sidelines. Other days, I’m researching the teams, going to their practices, and doing a lot of interviews. If there’s a big game coming up, I can spend anywhere from a week to a month preparing for it.

You’re on TV a lot! Do you ever get nervous?

Absolutely. When I was starting out, I actually hated being on camera. I always worried about saying the wrong thing. I used to speak so quickly because I was nervous.

Courtesy of Jenny Chiu

Jenny spent many summers at soccer camp as a kid.

How did you overcome that fear?

Often I’d rewatch a recording of myself afterward. This reminded me that even if I did make a mistake, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. The more I realized that, the more I was able to build confidence.

What do you love most about your job?

Sometimes I work in the TV studio. But my favorite part is working as a sideline reporter. I love being at the game, feeling the energy, and hearing all the fans! There’s nothing greater than being a part of a sports moment that some people will never forget.

What advice do you have for kids who want to do what you do?

Be willing to ask questions. I have a five-second rule. Say I see a legendary head coach but I’m nervous to talk to them. I tell myself to do it before I can count to five. If I wait too long, there’s a good chance I’ll talk myself out of it. Remember: You’ll never know what you can do if you’re not willing to try.