Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jillian Carroll Letrinko. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jillian, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I quit my job.

I was well into my career as a 3rd grade teacher and more than 3/4 of the way to receiving my Master’s of Educational Administration when my Dad, my hero, lost his battle with cancer.
He was a 26 year US Navy Veteran, and took his last breath on Veteran’s Day, Nov 11th. I muscled through the remainder of the school year and then once summer hit, stepped back and re-evaluated life.

It was only when I experienced a devastating loss that I stopped to think about what I wanted out of life. I wanted more.
That same summer there was a buzz quickly growing in the soccer community in Kansas City and I knew if there was ever a time to dive into the industry I always silently wanted to be in – it was then.
You see, soccer was my life. I played every sport under the sun, but soccer was my first true love. After a very successful club career, multiple State Championship Titles in high school, and even being inducted into my high school soccer hall of fame, I achieved a childhood dream of playing NCAA D1 soccer on scholarship, I lived and breathed the game. I loved the game so much, the minute my playing career ‘ended’ I started coaching young girls so they would maybe share the love and passion I had for the beautiful game.
This summer, the one that changed my life, KC had just been deemed the “Soccer Capitol of America” after the MLS, MASL, and NWSL teams all won their respective championships, KC was host to the Big 12 Conference Championship and the USWNT was going to be in KC playing games and training. I knew it was now or never.

I knew I wanted to break into broadcast, I wanted to share the stories of KC soccer and the evolution of the Soccer Capitol of America. I approached the ownership group who owned both the KC Comets (MASL) and FCKC (NWSL) and convinced them that they needed a media department and that I was the girl for the job. They admitted they had no budget to hire me but if shared that I wanted to help out, they would welcome me.

So that summer I attended every training session, team meeting, community appearance, photoshoot, etc. for both teams … you name it was I was there. Shooting interviews, capturing content, writing feature stories, absolutely any and all things KC Comets Soccer, FCKC Soccer and USWNT soccer I could possibly do. I worked countless hours by myself, played every possible role imaginable from helping with equipment to in-game Hosting/Emceeing to social media, and even helping transport players get to community events. I was everywhere, doing everything all while an active member of the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleading Squad and Head Coach of two youth soccer teams in the FCKC youth program.

As summer came to an end I committed to not returning to teaching. I had never quit anything in my life. I walked away from a tenured teacher’s salary (not really anything to call home about) and health insurance, took a major risk financially and I knew that if I made this leap – it better be worth it.
There were many nights I questioned my decision, doubted myself second guessed everything and feared the worst. No regular paychecks, lack of normal work hours, etc was definitely stressful, to say the least.
I took every freelance job possible. Radio, high school games, private coaching sessions, you name it I was working it. I asked questions, hung out around the right people, and really dove into the industry. I put my head down, believed in myself, and got to work.
I saw my hard work paying off. I felt the development and my skills sharpening but wasn’t sure anyone else did. I had amazing mentors and a fantastic support system around me that constantly cheered me on – if it weren’t for them I don’t know that I would’ve continued.
The more growth meant the more exposure and soon others recognized it. I was grinding and hustling and gaining credibility and trust. My come up had commenced.
A major opportunity was earned with the Kansas City Chiefs organization, for 3 years I had proven my on-air ability in numerous media appearances/interviews and earned the chance to help out when they were in need. I saw a door left slightly open – and I ran through it.
I prepared and executed …. and the rest is history. I landed the role as Pre Season Sideline Reporter for the Chiefs, I was named Chiefs Community Reporter and Digital Host, I hosted numerous community events and won my first Emmy while Hosting a Special Program produced with the Chiefs Production team, 65 TPT.
I soon earned the opportunity to appear on a local news station weekly on behalf of the Chiefs. This soon grew to a regular reoccurring role.
I was then named the Broadcast Host and Sideline Reporter for Sporting KC on Fox Sports Midwest – an absolute dream job. Next, I moved to sports radio and joined 610am Sports Radio to bring the female perspective and shine a light on the growth of soccer in KC.
Then (thus far) the pinnacle of my career. I was named the Host of Good Day Kansas on KSN on NBC. I launched the very first lifestyle/entertainment television show in the Wichita market. A project I am incredibly proud of. In three years we won three 1st place KAB awards and increased ratings quarter after quarter. We soon grew to a dual host show and displayed all the signs of longevity. This was an incredible accomplishment I am so proud of and so grateful for.
An Emmy Award, NFL pres season sideline reporting on CBS/NFL Network, covering my hometown MLS team on Fox Sports Midwest, my own lifestyle/entertainment television show supporting and celebrating the community — none of this would’ve happened if I didn’t have the courage to bet on myself.
My work ethic, dedication, resiliency, and skills are forever evolving thanks to the people around me. My Dad always taught me to be the hardest worker in the room. I will always bet on myself. It was the biggest risk I have ever taken, it wasn’t easy, it was grueling. emotional, taxing, but 10 out of 10 times I will bet on myself. I wouldn’t change any of the failures along the way.
I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, friends, teammates, mentors and support system and I’m forever grateful for them all.
Sure there are tangible rewards, but hopefully you can see the value I place in the journey. The failures, the unknown the grind – that is where I found myself and if there is anything I learned from losing someone so important to me is that the journey is the reward. My Dad always talked about ‘enjoying the ride’ and I’m indescribably grateful for the bumpy ride I’m on.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a Lifestyle/Entertainment Television Show Host with experience in Sports Reporting. I focus on supporting small businesses and celebrating the movers and the shakers across the community. I have appeared on NBC, CBS, NFL Network, and Fox Sports Midwest (Bally Sports) I am also the in-game Host/Emcee for the Wichita State Shockers in the Athletics American Conference and the Wichita Wind Surge, the MiLB Minnesota Twins affiliate. Previously I have contributed to the KC Mavericks game day experience as the In-Game Host and held the same role for the KC Comets as well.

I am so proud of winning an Emmy and three 1st place KAB awards for my work Hosting. I am also very proud of the 6 years I spent teaching 3rd grade in a Title 1 Charter School in KCMO.

I hold my USSF D Coaching License and as a former NCAA D1 soccer player, I aim to share my love of the game with youth female players.

I spent 6 years as a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader and utilized that platform to support our community, support our US military nationally and internationally and share the love of football faith, and family across Chiefs Kingdom. I am still very active within the organization, helping with Chiefs’ Cheerleading events.

As a community member and micro-influencer, I collaborate with local brands to help share their mission and also be a resource to our community. You can find me on Instagram: @msjillinann Twitter: @JillianThomas22 FB: @JillianCarrollTV
I am passionate about supporting local in any way possible. Many of the brands I collaborate with/support pertain to fitness, fashion, sports, women-owned businesses, and really just anything to do with Kansas City! I am passionate about our city and its continued growth! I aim to connect and collaborate, please reach out!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The mission of my television show and the majority of the content I produce on my personal social media channels is to help others. My focus is local small businesses and the community at large. From my first breath, I have been part of a team and I thrive while feeling part of something larger than myself. Providing a platform to share the story of how a local business was built to help provide exposure for a new small business, or initiative or share the story of a business that has been in the family for generations, etc. is my passion. Every business, every employee, every athlete, every coach – everyone has a story. I’m passionate about learning them and sharing and celebrating them. There is no greater joy for me than hearing firsthand what someone is passionate about and helping them share their passion with the world.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Everyone has heard “Your network is your net worth” before. This rings true and in today’s social media-driven world it is easier than ever to connect with others. I would recommend proactively engaging and connecting via social media with mentors, co-workers, and groups that inspire you. I think it is also important to expose yourself to groups/people with opinions that may differ from your own.

I can’t boast a massive following, however, I can say I genuinely and transparently represent myself in an honest way on social media and that has grown my network. I engage with others, I steer clear of comparing and I celebrate others. If I see a post I think is great, I like it, I’ll share it, I’ll comment on it, etc. even if I know don’t that person. I aim to spread positive engagement and that goes for me as well. I consciously engage in a positive way and although it is difficult I try to avoid that comparing game – it’s a dark one.

I recommend avoiding manufactured follower counts and fake forced content, follower count. Instead, be a consistent and genuine version of yourself. If used in a positive way social media can do a beautiful job of connecting people across the world and has a tremendous impact on small businesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/@jillianthomas5439/videos
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjillianann/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillianOnAir/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-carroll-59044817/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianThomas22
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jillianthomas5439/videos