Derek Volner
Derek Volner
Being named after Derek Sanderson of the Boston Bruins, it was inevitable my career path and sports would intersect. Combing a love for the game with my dorky interest in sports media has led me to a career in communications and at ESPN. My journey began in Western Massachusetts continued in South Florida and then out to Los Angeles before I ended up back where I belong – the Northeast.
Currently, I’m a publicist for ESPNU and work on both college and high school sports. I graduated from the University of Massachusetts and then Florida Atlantic University’s MBA Sport Management program. I think everything about Boston is wicked awesome.
ESPN Goes to Disneyland Resort for Super Bowl LVI
Behind The Scenes
February 10, 2022
ESPN Goes to Disneyland Resort for Super Bowl LVI
Several ESPN shows are originating from Disneyland Resort in California this week as the lead-up to Super Bowl LVI continues…
Celebrating Lisa Salters’ 10 Seasons on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football”
NFL
December 13, 2021
Celebrating Lisa Salters’ 10 Seasons on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football”
ESPN's Lisa Salters is the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history with more than 150 assignments. She talks…
Wind And Snow Patrol: How ESPN’s “MNF” Production Teams Delivered Patriots-Bills Between 40 MPH Gusts
NFL
December 13, 2021
Wind And Snow Patrol: How ESPN’s “MNF” Production Teams Delivered Patriots-Bills Between 40 MPH Gusts
Analyst Brian Griese: "I am so proud of this crew and what they accomplished on Monday night. Their effort was…
ESPN’s MNF Production Team Introduces Innovative Line-to-Gain Virtual Plane At Key Moment In Bills-Titans Thriller
NFL
October 19, 2021
ESPN’s MNF Production Team Introduces Innovative Line-to-Gain Virtual Plane At Key Moment In Bills-Titans Thriller
Josh Allen's high-flying third-down scramble provided perfect circumstances: “We had a clear view, the first down spot was critical, and…
On the Road with Monday Night Football
NFL
October 4, 2021
On the Road with Monday Night Football
What fans see on Monday Night Football (8 p.m. ET on ESPN) is the culmination of a week of intense preparation for…
As The NFL Draft Rocks Cleveland This Week, ESPN, ABC Provide Fans All-Access Passes
Behind The Scenes
April 29, 2021
As The NFL Draft Rocks Cleveland This Week, ESPN, ABC Provide Fans All-Access Passes
Mike Greenberg talks about his debut as ESPN's NFL Draft coverage host as our production, platforms provide blanket coverage Thursday-Saturday
Very Special Team: Meet Some Of The Magnificent People Who Bring You Monday Night Football
NFL
January 8, 2021
Very Special Team: Meet Some Of The Magnificent People Who Bring You Monday Night Football
Review @ESPNPR's profiles of the teammates who will help present ESPN's Ravens-Titans MegaCast on Sunday
ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ Crew Celebrates Golden Anniversary In (Retro) Style
Behind The Scenes
September 21, 2020
ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ Crew Celebrates Golden Anniversary In (Retro) Style
ESPN’s Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry paid homage to the original Monday Night Football…
FWAA presents first annual “Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award” in memory of ESPN CFB reporter
Announcements
August 24, 2020
FWAA presents first annual “Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award” in memory of ESPN CFB reporter
Today, the first annual "Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award" was awarded to The Athletic's David Ubben.
Tom Rinaldi 1, Jet Lag 0: Reporter logs 6K miles in 27 hours for Belichick, CFP assignments
Behind The Scenes
January 7, 2019
Tom Rinaldi 1, Jet Lag 0: Reporter logs 6K miles in 27 hours for Belichick, CFP assignments
Here's how reporter Tom Rinaldi - with help from producer Kris Schwartz - went the distance for a Championship Drive…
CFP MegaCast: “It’s become a staple of the National Championship fan experience.”
Innovation
January 3, 2019
CFP MegaCast: “It’s become a staple of the National Championship fan experience.”
ESPN’s innovative idea originated several years ago, with Ed Placey leading the way. Learn more about the #MegaCast and watch…
Fifth Edition of College Football Playoff on ESPN Prompts Fond Memories of Prior Four
Behind The Scenes
December 28, 2018
Fifth Edition of College Football Playoff on ESPN Prompts Fond Memories of Prior Four
The five ESPN commentators who have worked every CFP so far share their top memories of the College Football Playoffs.
CFP Semifinals provide backdrop for several must-read features on ESPN
ESPN
December 28, 2018
CFP Semifinals provide backdrop for several must-read features on ESPN
Several features have been written about ESPN employees working the College Football Playoff Semifinals' this weekend.
Victory Formation: Go Inside The Pages Of ESPN’s CFB 150 Playbook
NCAAF
December 5, 2018
Victory Formation: Go Inside The Pages Of ESPN’s CFB 150 Playbook
John Dahl explains how the celebration of college football's 150-year evolution came about; Desmond Howard shares the story of his…
Gallagher Returns to Boston College In Different Role With Same Passion
College GameDay
November 9, 2018
Gallagher Returns to Boston College In Different Role With Same Passion
Drew Gallagher, Coordinating Producer of College GameDay Built by The Home Depot, returns to his alma mater Boston College this…