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By: Marni Zinger
Emmy Raine Curtis is redefining what it means to be a woman in sports media. From starting out as a theatre kid in high school to being a role model for every woman in sports, Emmy’s journey from stage to sports is truly inspiring. With a passion for storytelling and an unwavering dedication to amplifying women’s voices, she’s built a platform that resonates with fans across the globe. Whether she’s covering world-class events like the FIFA World Cup or creating engaging TikToks and connecting with audiences, Emmy is taking the world by storm with her reporting and content creation and redefining what it means to be a woman in sports.
Photos provided by Emmy Curtis
You went from a theatre kid in high school to a full-time sports content creator. How did that transition happen, and when did you know sports reporting was “the dream”?
I’ve always had a naturally expressive personality—you can read my emotions right off my face. Recognizing this, my mom enrolled me in theatre, giving me an outlet to channel and embrace that expressiveness. As I got older, my love for basketball took centre stage, and being taller than most of my peers certainly helped me excel on the court.
In grade 10, while watching the Super Bowl with my dad, I saw Erin Andrews delivering a live hit on-screen. It was a lightbulb moment: a career that perfectly combined my love for being on camera with my passion for sports. From then on, the path was clear. I began honing my public speaking skills by creating online content and sharing my enthusiasm for sports and the topics that truly inspire me.
Your idea for “Girls at the Game” has been brewing for a while. What inspired this concept, and how do you see it filling a gap for fans, especially women, who want to connect over sports?
I started Girls at the Game to be a space where women could come together over shared sports passions. Sports fandom often feels male-dominated, and I wanted to bridge that gap by creating a community for women who love sports, and who want to engage, debate, and celebrate their favourite teams in a way that feels inclusive. It’s about building a connection over the love of the game, and for many, the added joy of sharing it with other women.
Leaving TSN to join The GIST feels like a huge move! What drew you to The GIST, and how does this role feel like the perfect fit for you right now?
Leaving TSN was a big step, but moving back home to Canada’s west coast and joining The GIST was a natural next move. The GIST’s commitment to equal coverage of men’s and women’s sports immediately resonated with me; I was drawn to their inclusive approach and the chance to contribute to a platform actively working to reshape sports media. The team’s energy is incredible, and being surrounded by people who prioritize diverse perspectives motivates me every day to create content that’s meaningful and accessible to all fans.
Photos provided by Emmy Curtis
You ended up in Qatar covering the FIFA World Cup at just 19—that’s a huge deal! What was the journey like from volunteering at a team Canada Soccer game to finding yourself on one of the biggest sports stages in the world?
Not a day goes by that I don’t reflect on this story—it’s a defining moment in my journey. In 2021, I moved from a small town outside Vancouver to Toronto, leaving behind a growing network I had built through volunteering with my local CEBL and PJHL teams. When I arrived in Canada’s largest sports hub, I had no network, no job, and no clear path forward.
One day, while scrolling through Instagram, an ad for ticket sales to the World Cup Qualifiers in Hamilton, ON, caught my eye. I didn’t know how to do it, but I needed to be on that pitch—no matter what it took. Determined, I sent countless LinkedIn messages trying to find a way in. I received zero responses. Weeks passed, and desperation set in.
On a whim, I slid into Canada Soccer’s DMs, convinced they wouldn’t reply. But they did.
Before I knew it, I was volunteering in the press box and media zones, surrounded by broadcast and media professionals from some of the biggest networks in the world. It was surreal—and it changed everything. During that experience, I forged three key connections that would shape my career to this day:
The first brought me back to Canada Soccer for the unforgettable qualification match in Toronto, where I got to be on-pitch to watch the CANMNT secure their place in only their second World Cup. The second led to an internship at TSN, which turned into a part-time role where I worked for three years during university. And the third connection? It earned me my first leadership role in sports—and a ticket to the World Cup in Qatar.
You’re known for your fan-focused content, especially on TikTok and Instagram. How did you develop your approach to connecting with fans, and what do you think resonates most with your audience?
TikTok started as a fun outlet for me—a way to document my experiences and career moments in the sports industry. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much my content would resonate with young women who felt unsure about breaking into a male-dominated field or didn’t even know where to start. As my content started gaining traction, I noticed a growing community of girls looking for guidance, and I felt a responsibility to step up.
Over time, as my platform has grown and become more professional, so has my approach. Early on, I sometimes doubted whether I was qualified to share advice while still navigating the industry myself. Now, I see the value in leading by example and creating a space where women can feel inspired, supported, and connected. My page has become a safe place for asking questions, learning, and celebrating women in sports.
I’ve gone from being a regular university student to fully embracing the “girlboss” mindset, and I think that evolution is what resonates most with my audience. It’s about showing that you can take your seat at the table, own your journey, and lift others as you rise. That message, paired with relatable and empowering content, is what truly connects with my followers.
Photos provided by Emmy Curtis
You've been on some awesome podcasts like Behind the Girlboss and Undress the Jersey, plus you even had a podcast with a friend. How did being part of these conversations shape your perspective on sports, and what do you love most about podcasting?
Podcasting is such an incredible way to learn and grow. You get to hear first-hand from people who’ve found success or faced struggles and are willing to share those experiences with listeners. These conversations have given me a broader perspective on sports—not just the games themselves but the stories, challenges, and triumphs happening behind the scenes. Hearing from athletes, industry professionals, and fellow fans has deepened my understanding of how sports impact individuals and entire communities.
What I love most about podcasting is the connection. It’s such an authentic platform for storytelling and meaningful conversations. There’s something really special about sitting down with someone, hearing their journey, and finding ways to relate it to your own. Plus, podcasting is a space where I can share my own thoughts and experiences in a way that feels personal yet accessible to listeners. Whether we’re talking about a pivotal game, career advice, or navigating life as a woman in sports, podcasting creates a sense of community—and that’s what keeps me coming back to it.
You’ve mentioned that growing up in Vancouver and hiking through the mountains became a big part of your life, especially during COVID. How does that background influence the content you create and the stories you tell?
Growing up in Vancouver, hiking is practically a rite of passage. My mom, one of the most active people I know, was always trying to get my sister and me into the mountains. But I never saw the appeal—why get out of breath, tired, and cold just to see the same mountains I could already see from my bedroom window?
When COVID lockdowns hit, I couldn’t handle being cooped up indoors anymore. My mom suggested we go for a hike.. I’ll never forget reaching the peak of that first hike—standing there, turning 360 degrees, and realizing I was surrounded by mountains from every angle. It completely changed my perspective, and I fell in love with hiking.
One thing my mom said during that time really stuck with me: “There are people who live in BC their whole lives, see these mountains every day, and never experience this view.” That thought has stayed with me and shaped how I approach my career and content creation. To me, it’s the same idea—some people wake up every day, go through the motions, and just do the job. But I’d rather put in the extra effort, even if it leaves me a little out of breath, tired, or uncomfortable. Because that’s what it takes to reach the next level and see the kind of “view” most people miss.
Photos provided by Emmy Curtis
Working with big names like FIFA and Lululemon is no small feat. How did those partnerships come about, and is there one that stands out as particularly memorable for you?
The most memorable partnership I’ve had was with FIFA and TikTok during the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia—a moment that completely changed how I view my platform. It all happened so suddenly. I was in my third year of university and had gone for a run down to the lake in downtown Toronto. It was a sunny day, so I stopped at a picnic table to take a break and check my emails. That’s when I saw it: “CONFIDENTIAL - Time Sensitive Opportunity: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 x TikTok.” I mean, what do you even think when you see a subject line like that?
Two weeks later, I was on a plane to Australia. At the time, I had around 25,000 followers—not even close to the following of the other two creators I was working alongside, both of whom I’d always looked up to. Touring TikTok headquarters and being featured as a key creator on their platforms, despite having a fraction of the audience, was surreal.
That experience made me realize the true power of my platform and the message I share. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about authenticity, connection, and the value of having a voice that resonates with people. It was a moment that reaffirmed my purpose and motivated me to keep growing, both as a creator and as someone championing women in sports.
You’ve got big goals, like partnering with Nike someday. What is it about Nike that resonates with you, and what would that dream collaboration look like?
Nike has always been a brand that stands for empowerment, performance, and breaking boundaries—values that deeply resonate with me. They’re a company that’s not afraid to take risks and push the limits, whether that’s in their commitment to supporting women’s sports or their focus on creating innovative products for athletes of all levels. What I love most is how Nike champions inclusivity and celebrates athletes of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, which aligns perfectly with my vision of creating a welcoming and supportive community for women in sports.
A dream collaboration with Nike would be all about celebrating and amplifying the voices of women in sports. I’d love to partner with them to create content that highlights the stories of women athletes, both the trailblazers and those still fighting for recognition, while also empowering young girls to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Photos provided by Emmy Curtis
You’ve shared that sports reporting combines both the drama of theatre and the thrill of athletics. How do you see that mix playing out in the way you approach sports storytelling?
Sports reporting is such a unique intersection of theatre and athletics. Like theatre, sports are full of narratives, highs and lows, unexpected twists, and an opportunity to share your public speaking and performance skills—and that’s what I love capturing. I realized I could channel those same values into storytelling and reporting, building sports stories that capture fans’ emotions and give them a behind-the-scenes look into their favourite sports moments.
You’re part of a team of 50+ women at The GIST, which is such a unique setup in the industry. How has being in this space shaped your approach to sports content, and what’s one thing you’ve learned from your team?
Being part of a team of 50+ women at The GIST has been an incredibly empowering and eye-opening experience. In an industry that’s still largely male-dominated, working alongside so many talented women has redefined how I approach sports content. It’s a reminder that there’s strength in diverse perspectives, and it’s motivated me to focus on creating content that’s inclusive, relatable, and unapologetically supportive of women in sports and women’s sports.
One thing I’ve learned from my team is the power of collaboration. Everyone brings their own expertise and unique viewpoint to the table, and it’s amazing to see how those ideas come together to create content that resonates. It’s taught me that you don’t have to do it all alone—leaning on your team, sharing ideas, and building off one another’s strengths can lead to something truly impactful. That’s a lesson I carry into everything I do, both in my career and beyond.
Photos provided by Emmy Curtis
From TikTok to in-person gatherings, you’ve created a real sense of community for women in sports. How do you see that community growing, and what’s been the most rewarding part of connecting with other women in sports?
Implementing Girls at the Games feels like the natural next step in building this incredible community. While it started as a way to bring together women in sports from the Vancouver area, it’s already resonating beyond that—I've had women from cities across North America reach out, eager to create something similar in their own communities.
I love the connections we’ve built online, but I see this community evolving into something even more impactful through in-person collaboration and events. My vision for Girls at the Games is to grow it into a thriving business and network—a space where women can put a face to the names and profiles they see online, coming together to share their passion for sports in real life.
You’ve already done so much, from content creation to reporting on the biggest sports stages. What’s next for you? Any projects or goals you’re excited about?
There’s always something exciting on the horizon! One project I’m really looking forward to being an ambassador for the 2025 Invictus Games, which will be held in Vancouver and Whistler. The Games bring together wounded, injured, and sick service members from around the world to compete in adaptive sports, celebrating their strength, resilience, and determination. Being involved in such a powerful event is especially meaningful to me, as it highlights not just athletic ability but also the mental and emotional journey of overcoming adversity.
Vancouver and Whistler are the perfect locations for the Games, with their spirit of community and strength. As an ambassador, I’m excited to raise awareness, amplify the athletes’ stories, and help create a supportive, inspiring atmosphere around the Games. The 2025 Invictus Games are going to be an unforgettable celebration of triumph, and I’m proud to be part of it.
As Emmy Raine continues to break barriers, her future is very bright and her message is loud and clear: women rule the sports world. Through her work with Girls at the Game and The GIST, Emmy is inspiring a new generation of women to break into sports with her amazing work in her field. Emmy is changing the game and proving that women belong in male-dominated fields.
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