Maria Marino Discusses Leaving SNY For Action Network

After nearly five years as a do-it-all reporter and on-air presence for SNY, Maria Marino is taking her talents to Action Network, she said in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

Marino will be the host of Green Dot Daily every Monday through Friday at Action Network, part of the fledgling outlet’s stable of daily shows, and gets opportunities that include podcasts as well. But there’s a fair amount of unknown involved, which suits Marino fine — that’s how she’s steadily climbed the sports media ladder in the first place.

Marino answered questions on everything from her trajectory to how Tuesday night’s broadcast of Connecticut vs. St. John’s women’s basketball — her last on the network, ahead of starting at Action Network March 1 — will feel. The Q&A has been lightly edited for clarity.

At SNY, you’ve become synonymous with UConn women’s basketball coverage, but you’ve covered everything from the Mets to the Nets to studio work to sports gambling. As you approached your next career move, what were the elements of your success-to-date that you considered most important in your decision?

Throughout my career, I haven’t been afraid to be uncomfortable, and I think that’s ultimately what’s led to a relative amount of success. Before SNY called, I was living paycheck to paycheck, but I was happy. I made decisions based on what I felt would make me better, not what would make my life easier. Sacrifices were not deterrents. I embraced the grind. And that mentality has served me from the time I was a hyperlocal radio reporter making $12 an hour to a personality on TV in New York City five days a week. I’ve lived my dream in both scenarios and everywhere in between. As a dream chaser, I’m undefeated, and I’m not close to done.

In many ways it would be easier for me to remain full-time at SNY, which speaks to exactly why I must not. I have to challenge myself to keep expanding my skill set and becoming proficient in new areas in order to realize my fullest potential in this industry.

I can honestly say I’ve pushed the envelope wherever I’ve been. I’ve pushed for a high standard of production quality, pushed for coverage of the under-covered, and pushed myself to go beyond what was expected or necessary to do stories as much justice as I could. That often meant more work for me, but there was no acceptable alternative.

For example, I created a segment on SNY SportsNite called “Game is Game” featuring key figures in women’s basketball, because I felt they should be a greater part of the overall sports discussion in New York. I conducted interviews with Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Teresa Weatherspoon, Swin Cash, Stefanie Dolson and Val Ackerman. For each installment, I booked the guest, sourced footage and photos, and oversaw the edit and all aspects of executing the package with some help from fantastic colleagues. That series aside, I also made Liberty interviews — and even just stories or highlights — commonplace. I am most proud of the evolution of WNBA coverage at SNY during my time there.

But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

I pride myself on versatility, both in skill and subject matter. I’ve enjoyed being involved in several different roles and programs. I started on SNY as someone who gave opinions, especially about basketball, but I’ve since covered just about every kind of sporting event in the field and regularly talked at length about all the major sports as a studio anchor. I’ve hosted a weekly NFL betting show the last four seasons. And then there’s the UConn beat… To be synonymous with UConn women’s basketball — and associated with SNY’s uniquely comprehensive coverage — is special. The idea of walking away from that gave me a lot of pause in coming to this decision.

That being said, I couldn’t see myself going the next couple years and doing the exact same things I’ve been doing. At this juncture of my career, it feels like change is where the significant growth will happen.

Action Network made it clear they really wanted me. They also don’t mind me pursuing other work-related passions as long as there’s no conflict. That flexibility will be a major key to my development.

Tell me about your new role at Action Network starting March 1 — what is their vision for how you’ll be utilized and what are the most exciting parts of the new gig for you.

One thing I haven’t done yet is be the regular host of a Monday-Friday show, and I’ll get that opportunity with Action Network and one of their signature programs, Green Dot Daily. That consistency is going to strengthen me while still affording variety in discussing all sports. The betting angle is a major component but my goal is to help make it more approachable for the casual sports bettor and general sports fan. Plus there are all kinds of content opportunities the Network hasn’t yet tapped into — I look forward to that mutual discovery for both the company and myself. As a younger media entity, the prospect of helping to shape the future of Action Network and having some editorial influence is certainly appealing as well.

Earlier this month, we watched SNY alum Kevin Burkhardt, another New Jersey native, call a Super Bowl. How important is play-by-play in your vision for how the next decade goes in The Maria Marino Story? And does seeing media stars like Burkhardt and Kerith Burke, now a fixture in Warriors and NBA coverage, inspire you?

Becoming a fixture on multiple platforms is how I’m going to make the biggest impact. That’s why I’m excited that Action Network also produces podcasts. Apart from that, the two main spaces I want to gradually pursue are play-by-play and radio hosting. There’s something so pure about play-by-play and narrating history as it unfolds, and voices will always be in demand. As for radio, that’s where I started my sports media career. I’ve missed long form conversation, and have a lot to say. Frankly I’ve always believed I have the potential to do both of these things and won’t rest until I give them a proper try.

To be included in the roster of past and present SNY talent is an honor. Those who have moved on have done incredible work. Those who are there currently are some of the best in the business. Rock stars both in front of and behind the camera have walked through those doors and it would take a while to acknowledge all of them. But to name a couple… not too long ago I reminded Kevin Burkhardt that he was nice enough to watch one of my very early demo reels. Chris Carlin did the same, and has helped me navigate career decisions at times. What stands out, is not just being elite at a craft, but being willing to help others along the way. So I strive to walk in their footsteps in both respects.

You’ve been part of a tumultuous few years in New York sports and the broader world. What have been the biggest memories from this time for you?

There’s not one person who didn’t lose something as a result of the pandemic. If I focus on what was taken from me, not just professionally but personally, the bitterness will cripple me. I’ve learned instead to focus on what I’ve gained, and how I was able to adapt so I could remain productive.

During your time at SNY, you’ve covered Geno Auriemma regularly. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from Geno about life or work?

With Geno, it’s not just one thing that stands out, it’s a collection of interactions, and I’ve cherished every one. He’s that rare combination of a great storyteller who also has great stories to tell. If you just listen, you will leave enriched. I’ve done my best to absorb every word. What I’ve found is, despite being so in demand, he’s generous with his time, which is the most valuable thing you can give. He cares, he remembers, and he practices humor. He’s just a great example of how to live well and curate a legacy. I respect him immensely.

What will be the hardest part of Tuesday night’s UConn broadcast, knowing it will be your last in your current role?

The hardest part of leaving the UConn sidelines is not seeing the players through on their individual journeys. Getting to know these athletes — to the extent that I can — is a privilege. I witness their hard work, the pressure they’re under, and what they’re able to achieve while also being kind and thoughtful people. To say I’m impressed is an understatement. But I will be following and, I’m sure, covering women’s basketball in some capacity down the road.