When the e-mail arrived from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism about a contest looking for a Nike field reporter, Allie LaForce put on her Nikes and 'just did it.'

Nike was looking for female sports enthusiasts interested in working in sports media. The contest required interested people to submit a video explaining why they would be the best person for the job. LaForce spent years playing all kinds of sports in her hometown of Vermillion, Ohio, and played Women's basketball her first two years at OU. As a junior majoring in Broadcast Journalism the contest sounded like the perfect opportunity.

LaForce was picked as one of the top five finalists for the contest earlier this year from more than 200 applicants. While she didn't come up with the top prize of Nike field reporter, as a correspondent she will spend the next year traveling around the country interviewing sports figures and blogging regularly for nikewomen.com.

As a correspondent she participates in Nike corporate events and had the opportunity to interview Shelly-Ann Fraser, the Jamaican sprinter who is current Olympic and World champion. 

"I've enjoyed blogging monthly for Nike about different topics that are important to women in sports," said LaForce. "I didn't do much blogging before so it is something new for me."

LaForce gave up her basketball career at OU for the opportunity to gain broadcast experience. "I was a walk-on for the basketball program so I wasn't getting a scholarship and I felt like my time would be better spent gaining experience in the media field," said LaForce. 

While she isn't a member of the basketball team this year, she will travel to all games this winter as commentator for the team. "It's really cool to still be able to remain active with the team. I'm really looking forward to it," said LaForce. 

LaForce is co-producer for WOUB's "Bobcat Blitz" that airs during the fall and reporter for "Gridiron Glory," the student-produced high school football program. She also anchors news and sports for "Newswatch," WOUB's daily news show that airs at 6:30 p.m.

How does she feel about all the traveling? Well, it's really nothing new to LaForce, who was crowned Miss Teen USA in 2005. During her time as Miss Teen USA she lived between New York City and Ohio to enable her to finish high school.

During the year as Miss Teen USA she went to red carpet events and premieres promoting the pageant. She also spent the year traveling to promote various charities such as Sparrow Clubs and Best Buddies. 

"It was an incredible experience for a teenager," said LaForce. "It is certainly a year I will never forget."