If she realizes her dream and makes it to ESPN as a game analyst or sideline reporter, Taylor Castro should start the thank yous with her grandparents, Illinois alum Richard and Adrienne Kolak.
They are her biggest fans.
"They've always encouraged me," Castro said.
The 18-year-old Illinois freshman, part of BTN's Student U program, remembers visiting her grandparents' house at age 10 and turning it into a studio.
The Kolak home had an opening above the kitchen sink that looked into the dining room. Castro made it her stage.
"I would wake up in the morning, read the newspaper, take notes and write a little news report," Castro said.