The New Sports Brat

Where. To. Begin?!

It’s the end of an era but the start of something new and there’s nothing I love more than a fresh start.  I’m not sure how much you guys know but I started this thing back in 2008.  I say “thing” because I wasn’t sure what it would be but I had this idea and this desire to share content with the world.

Since I was completely lacking in experience (both in work and in life) in 2008 it took me until 2013 to officially publish TheSportsBrat.com.  I remember the day vividly.  I was in Park City, UT visiting my boyfriend at the time (that didn’t last – see the fumbles tab).  Anyways, I was so nervous but I hit publish and my first post went live.

Nothing happened really, except I got a little braver.  And with each post, each piece of content, each event, I did the same.

In 2016, I was approached about doing a Podcast.  I’d always dreamed of having my own show so in August of 2016, I launched “The Sports Brat with Jess Ceresino.”  I’ve had amazing guests, some epic mishaps and the best memories so far.  I rebranded the show to “Just Jess” early in 2018 so that I could cover more topics.

Why am I telling you this? Well its to get us to today.  Today is my LAST day.  I’ve had MANY last days at work but this one is the most bitter sweet.  The Sports Brat has been my baby, my first dream I made a reality, and my identity.  I am so proud of it and so proud of how much I’ve grown since this little idea started 10 years ago.

As some of you may know I’m about to start a big new chapter as a wife…who would have ever thought that was going to happen?! (Again, see the fumble section.). And for the last few months I’ve felt uninspired, a bit burnt out and just ready for something new.  This blogger life looks real easy but there is so much work that goes into it and so much anxiety if you’re me.  Bottom line: I’m ready for a digital break.  And to take it even further, my love for sports has even changed.  I enjoy watching them from the couch or a bar instead of traveling around the country anymore.

I guess people grow and with that, change.

When I was thinking about shutting down the site it just didn’t feel right.  I am completely irrational and 100% impulsive so I did the opposite of what I wanted to do and I slept on it.  For weeks.

Then, one day while scrolling on IG, it hit me.  What if I passed it on to someone else?  There are more and more female voices in the sports and game day space than ever, so , I thought, maybe someone will want to take this over.

I reached out to one person.  I promise, just one person.  I had followed her for a while and we’d DM’d a bit but I did zero research and just went with my gut.  I slid into @thegamedaysylist’s DMs and asked if she wanted to take over TheSportsBrat.com and the social channels.

I felt a little fear after I sent the message.  Was she going to think I was nuts? Would she even want it? Was I dumb for doing that?

A little while later she responded with a sweet message that essentially said “I’m interested, let’s talk.”

After talking for a while on the phone, I knew.  I knew with total certainty that this was the right choice.  It was kind of a sisterhood of the traveling blog.  She’ll take over and it will be the same topics but from her voice and her style.  I loved the idea.

So last weekend Danielle came to Dallas and we threw a little retirement/passing of the torch party at the Rangers game.

Huge shout out to my gals for coming out and to Maribel Morales for the photos!  And Alex, you’re a dream for making these homemade Cracker Jacks!

OK friends.  This is it…well it for me.  I cannot wait for you to get to know Danielle.  She’s AMAZING and we have so many similarities I think you’ll get why this divine fate worked out the way it has.  Support her.  Love her.  Follow her.  You have been the freaking best buddies and I’m beyond grateful for the last 5 years.  Thank you for letting me grow and learn with you.  Here’s to Dani! Here’s to the new Sports Brat and here’s to the next chapter!

xx

Jess

PS I will be keeping the podcast separately because I need to still gab somehow! JustJessPodcast.com is coming soon but all the episodes are still here for now!