Kickin’ It With FilAm soccer host Meg Reyes
The Filipino Women’s National Team competing in the 2023 FIFA World Cup has been celebrated by the entire world, especially sealing their first win against New Zealand. While their journey ended a little earlier than we all hoped for, it was a huge win for Team Pilipinas. But that isn’t the only Filipino victory to celebrate for Women’s Soccer this summer. We actually have a new soccer digital host on the rise who has been involved in multiple sports but has really found her stride with Women’s Professional Soccer. Lucky for us, we were fortunate enough to secure an interview with this rising star, so without further ado, let’s take a minute to sit down and kick it with Meg Reyes.
1. Hi Meg, I'm so excited to interview you and cover all the amazing things you have accomplished in your career so far. I am very big into sports, so seeing your name pop up everywhere brings my heart so much joy to see representation in a field where Filipinos aren't typically showcased. However, I don't want to spoil or give anything away too fast, so for anyone reading who is new in discovering 'Megan Reyes', in your own words, can you explain exactly what you do and can you explain how you found this calling?
How I describe my job to my Filipino parents who are still understanding what I do is “soccer digital host and content creator”. I host episodic serieses on digital channels like social media and YouTube, create social media content, and am also an influencer for brands all with the goal of growing soccer – especially women’s soccer – particularly in the U.S.!
People assumed I played soccer growing up but I did not and no one would ever want to see that! I found my way into the soccer space a few years ago when it was apparent the sport was on an upwards trajectory and needed more coverage. And I haven’t looked back since!
2. Was there any specific event or maybe a specific person that inspired you to pursue sports hosting and athletic marketing?
The funny thing is I would’ve never in a zillion years imagined myself as a sports host. I dropped out of my sports broadcasting class in college because speaking on camera terrified me. I eventually found my (literal) voice and confidence and now have so much fun interviewing and being live on camera. It’s my favorite rush of adrenaline!
3. What was one of the biggest obstacles you faced along the way and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I still face is this idea of opportunity hoarding. When you’re self-employed, you’re always thinking about how you’re going to make ends meet so it’s easy to say yes to everything out of fear that opportunities (and money) won’t come again. But then I find myself overwhelmed and burnt out. Being intentional with my projects, time, and peace has been my biggest learning lesson.
4. In moments of self-doubt, what do you do to build yourself back up?
I love this question. I keep a folder on my laptop filled with screenshots of encouraging or complimentary texts, emails, social media comments, etc. I call it my “smile file”. I read through all of them anytime my imposter syndrome creeps in and it helps ground me.
Making it in the sports industry is such a difficult process whether you're an athlete, coach, journalist, etc., knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently to help you achieve success quicker in your field? I'm sure future sports hosts reading this would love to learn what you might have done differently.
I wish I had known that being me – authentically me – is what would get me to where I am today. Sometimes when I’m interviewing or am on-camera I get caught up in mirroring qualities of other hosts whom I admire. I forget I was hired for jobs to be myself – and only myself!
5. Fast forward to 5 years in the future, where do you see yourself? Or to go even deeper, what is the ultimate goal for you to achieve? Maybe hopefully more projects with the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
I definitely would love to be involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I’m so confident soccer will really boom (more than it has) in 3 years and I hope to be heavily involved in covering it. My ultimate goal is to become a full-time studio host covering women’s soccer. I appreciate this interview because you’re providing me the space to manifest these goals!
6. Any last few words of advice to anyone else considering pursuing a career in sports?
Learn boundaries! This field will easily test your boundaries when it comes to protecting your time and peace. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in a sports career, make sure that place aligns with your boundaries.
7. Lastly, any announcements or inside scoop for projects, podcasts, your own TV show? that you'd want people to keep an eye out for?
I recently released an audio project called Between Two Worlds, which tells the story of the Philippine women’s national team’s journey to the 2023 FIFA World Cup in parallel with the Filipino-American experience. I found so much joy and healing in creating that project. I would love to continue that work in some way, whether through continued coverage of the PWNT or also covering other women’s sports in the Philippines. I think that may be my true calling!
Fun quickfire questions:
Favorite memory as a host or public speaker?
Either interviewing Sam Kerr on live television or having a sit-down interview with Christen Press.
Most embarrassing / funny memory as a host or public speaker?
I was in L.A. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup brand reveal as digital host for FIFA. Halfway through the event my heel broke!
Who is your basketball GOAT?
A lot of people won’t like this one. I spent 3.5 years working for the Warriors so mine is Stephen Curry.
Which Soccer player (male of female) would you want to spend a day with?
I absolutely adore Heung-min Son so it would have to be him.
Who is your favorite female athlete (any sport)?
I don’t have a specific favorite. Anyone who has made a positive impact in the world!
What sport have you not experienced live but would want to watch ASAP?
I recently learned that professional darts is huge in the U.K. and is a massive party. I have to see this for myself!
If you could only watch one sport for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Easy. Women’s soccer :)
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