SVG Students To Watch: Frankie Patton, University of Colorado

The 2025 grad is hitting the ground running as a PA on national broadcasts

In the live-sports-video industry, the future is bright. Our new series, SVG Students To Watch, highlights the next generation of live–sports–production professionals. Across campuses nationwide, students are playing a pivotal role in bringing their schools’ games to fans — from running cameras and graphics to sitting in the producer’s or director’s chair and everything in between. This series shines a light on the young talent making an impact today and preparing to shape the future of sports video production.

Frankie Patton

College: University of Colorado Boulder
Academic Year: 2025 Graduate
Hometown: Marietta, GA
Roles: Utility, Technical Director, Camera Operator

What drew you to live sports production, and how did you get started?
I always enjoyed sports, particularly hockey, and grew up going to various games and always found the environment of live sports exciting. I have also always been interested in cameras and production but never considered combining the two. Feeling a little lost my junior year of college, I had a conversation with my mom, and she suggested sports media to me. After that, I got a gig with FOX Sports, who was coming to town for Big Noon, and I just fell in love with it. I met someone there who told me about the sports-broadcasting team, BuffVision, at my school, and, from there on out, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team.

Patton, a 2025 CU Boulder graduate, worked as a production assistant and a utility on football games for FOX Sports this fall. (Photos: Francesca Patton)

Are there any “aha moments” when you realized you really loved a particular role?
I remember watching someone TD and thinking it looked crazy complicated but super cool. Once I got a chance to try, I loved it. I love the technical side of it and watching your actions/clicks turn into what the broadcast becomes.

What has been your favorite project or game that you’ve worked on, and why?
Honestly, my favorite part of every game is working with my team. Everyone is always so willing to teach more about their roles and what goes into each broadcast. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone and learn as much as I can about each position. Learning about each role helps to understand the full picture of a broadcast.

What are your career aspirations after graduation?
I knew I wanted to continue to work with the BuffVision team after graduation. I had shadowed them for about two years and eventually was asked to work a game. I have been working with them consistently for the last few months, and I can’t wait to keep it up. I would love to eventually start working with Ball Arena on some other sports, too.

Patton worked in numerous roles during her time at University of Colorado’s BuffVision, including as a technical director.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I think I would say to learn as much as you can and don’t be afraid to ask. Put yourself out there because people are busy but, if you reach out with an eagerness to learn, someone will teach you. Work hard and always show up early and, of course, show up with a smile.

If you run video production at a college athletic department and would like to recommend a standout student from your crew to be featured in SVG Students To Watch, please email SVG Director of Digital Brandon Costa at brandon@sportsvideo.org.