Brooke Olzendam – Portland Trail Blazers Celebrates 10 Years as Sideline Reporter in 2025
Brooke Olzendam is one of the most recognizable faces of the Portland Trail Blazers organization. In 2024-25, Olzendam enters her ninth season with the team. She continues to excel in her role as Courtside Reporter for all home and road Trail Blazers game telecasts on the Rip City TV Network broadcast team.
Beyond her professional accomplishments in sports broadcasting, Olzendam has made a significant impact off the court through her heart health campaign. She launched this campaign in 2020 to educate basketball fans about cardiovascular wellness. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to using her platform for meaningful community engagement while maintaining her duties as the team’s sideline reporter.
The veteran broadcaster has become a fan favorite in Portland, regularly engaging with players through content like the recent Headphone Game series. Her presence on broadcasts has become an integral part of the Trail Blazers viewing experience, bringing viewers closer to the action with insightful interviews and courtside analysis.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Brooke Olzendam’s roots run deep in the Pacific Northwest, shaping her journey to becoming a prominent sports broadcaster. Her upbringing and educational path laid the foundation for her successful career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Hometown Beginnings in Spokane, Washington
Brooke Olzendam hails from Spokane, Washington, not Zillah, contrary to some reports. She grew up immersed in basketball culture in Eastern Washington. As a Shadle Park High School alumna, her connection to basketball started at a young age.
The Spokane basketball scene helped shape her early understanding of the sport. This foundation would later prove invaluable in her sportscasting career, giving her authentic knowledge and passion that resonates with viewers and players alike.
Her Pacific Northwest upbringing created a natural connection to the Portland Trail Blazers organization she would eventually join.
Educational Journey from Washington State University
Olzendam pursued her higher education at Washington State University, not Occidental College or the University of Oregon as sometimes misreported. She graduated from WSU with a communications degree in 2003, setting the stage for her broadcasting career.
Her time at Washington State provided crucial preparation through its communications program. Shortly after graduation, she secured her first entry-level position in the industry, beginning what would become an impressive career trajectory.
This educational background, combined with her natural talent and Pacific Northwest roots, created the perfect foundation for Olzendam’s eventual role with the Portland Trail Blazers as part of their Rip City TV Network broadcast team.
Professional Career
Brooke Olzendam has built an impressive career in sports broadcasting, establishing herself as one of the most respected courtside reporters in the NBA. Her journey from local sports coverage to becoming a fixture with the Portland Trail Blazers showcases her talent and dedication to the craft.
Start in Sports Journalism
Olzendam’s path to NBA sidelines began with solid fundamentals in local sports coverage. She cut her teeth working for regional networks, developing the interview skills and sports knowledge that would later define her professional reputation.
Her early career included stints covering college sports, where she quickly distinguished herself with insightful questions and thorough preparation. This foundation proved crucial for her later success.
Television executives noticed her natural camera presence and deep sports knowledge. These qualities, combined with her ability to extract meaningful comments from athletes during high-pressure moments, marked her as a rising talent in the industry.
Transition to the NBA with the Indiana Pacers
Olzendam’s move to the NBA came with a significant opportunity – joining the Indiana Pacers broadcast team. This position marked her entrance into the highest level of professional basketball coverage.
With the Pacers, she refined her approach to NBA reporting, learning the nuances of the league’s culture and developing relationships with players and coaches. Her pre-game and post-game interviews became noteworthy for their substance and genuine connection with subjects.
The Pacers position served as a proving ground where Olzendam demonstrated she could handle the fast-paced NBA environment. Her work in Indiana created the professional reputation that would eventually lead to her next major career move.
Joining the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers brought Olzendam aboard in a move that would define her career trajectory. She joined the NBC Sports Northwest broadcast team, assuming a central role in the organization’s media presence.
Her initial integration with the Blazers organization displayed her adaptability and professionalism. The Portland fan base, known for their basketball knowledge and passion, quickly embraced her approach to covering their team.
By the 2024-25 season, Olzendam had entered her ninth year with the Trail Blazers as their Courtside Reporter for both home and away games. This longevity speaks volumes about her value to the organization and connection with viewers.
Becoming the Voice Courtside
As the Trail Blazers’ Courtside Reporter, Olzendam established herself as more than just an interviewer. She became an essential storyteller for the franchise, bringing fans closer to the team through her coverage.
Her ability to ask insightful questions while maintaining professional relationships with players and coaches has made her extraordinarily effective. Many consider her “easily the best sideline reporter they’ve ever had” for the organization.
Working from the underbelly of Portland’s Moda Center, Olzendam brings fans the crucial context and player perspectives that deepen their understanding of games. Her pre-game preparations and basketball knowledge allow her to ask questions that generate genuinely informative responses.
Advancements Beyond Reporting
Olzendam’s role has expanded beyond traditional courtside reporting duties. She’s taken on additional responsibilities within the Trail Blazers organization, including special content creation and community initiatives.
Her professional growth includes becoming part of the NBC Sports Northwest broadcast team in a capacity that allows her to showcase more of her basketball analysis and storytelling skills. This evolution demonstrates her value beyond game-day reporting.
These expanded roles highlight Olzendam’s versatility as a broadcasting professional. Her comprehensive understanding of basketball operations and player development gives her reporting additional depth that casual observers appreciate.
Connections with Theo Lawson and Andy Collins
Throughout her career, Olzendam has maintained important professional relationships with colleagues like Theo Lawson from her early career and formed new connections with broadcast partners like Andy Collins in Portland.
These professional relationships have enriched her reporting approach. The collaborative nature of sports broadcasting means these connections often result in more comprehensive coverage for viewers.
Her work alongside various broadcast teams shows her adaptability and ability to maintain professional chemistry with different personalities. This skill has been particularly evident during her extended tenure with the Trail Blazers, where broadcast team dynamics play a crucial role in presentation quality.
Impact on the Game
Brooke Olzendam has carved out a distinctive presence in basketball media through her authentic connections with players and keen observational skills. Her approach goes beyond standard reporting to reveal deeper insights about the game and its participants.
Developing Relationships with Players
Olzendam’s ability to form genuine connections with Trail Blazers players sets her apart in basketball reporting. Through consistent, respectful interaction, she’s built trust with stars like Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic, allowing for more authentic interviews and insights.
“I try to remember they’re people first, players second,” Olzendam explained during a 2023 media workshop. This philosophy has paid dividends, particularly during difficult stretches for the team.
When Nurkic suffered his devastating leg injury in 2019, Olzendam’s previous rapport allowed her to deliver sensitive updates that respected his privacy while keeping fans informed. Players regularly acknowledge her approach.
Lillard once noted, “Brooke asks questions that make you think, not just give the same answers.”
Her connection with players is widely appreciated by fans, with Reddit communities praising how she “knows the game and connects with the players.”
Understanding the Influence of Body Language and Character
Olzendam’s talent for reading non-verbal cues has become a valuable asset in her reporting toolkit. She pays careful attention to player body language during games, practices, and interviews, often catching subtle indicators of team dynamics invisible to casual observers.
In her popular Headphone Game series, Olzendam demonstrates this skill by connecting with players through seemingly casual interactions while extracting revealing insights.
A prime example came during Lance Stephenson’s brief stint with Portland. While other reporters focused on his on-court adjustments, Olzendam noticed his defensive posture during interviews and adjusted her approach accordingly.
“Basketball is as much about personality as skill,” she said during a 2024 panel discussion. “Understanding character helps me understand the game.”
This emphasis on character assessment has helped her predict team chemistry issues before they become apparent to others.
Unique Approach to Reporting
Olzendam brings a refreshing perspective to Trail Blazers coverage that balances technical analysis with human interest. Rather than chasing sensational headlines, she focuses on stories that illuminate player development and team culture.
Her preparation stands out among peers. Before interviews, she studies not just recent games but player histories, family backgrounds, and personal interests. This homework allows her to ask more insightful questions.
The Brooke Hearts Your Heart program showcases another dimension of her influence, having raised over $125,000 for heart health awareness over six years.
Her reporting style emphasizes patience. While many sideline reporters rush for immediate reactions, Olzendam often waits for emotions to settle before seeking player comments.
“The best insights rarely come from the first question,” she explained in a media workshop. This approach has yielded more thoughtful, nuanced responses that give viewers deeper understanding of the game and its players.
Notable Interviews and Moments
Brooke Olzendam has established herself as a master of the courtside interview, capturing pivotal moments with Portland Trail Blazers players and staff through the years. Her conversational style brings out authentic responses that fans cherish.
Memorable Postgame Interviews
Olzendam’s sit-down with Donovan Clingan after his acquisition stands as a highlight in her portfolio. The newest Blazer opened up about his transition to Portland, giving fans their first real glimpse of his personality.
Her interview with Natalie Gilbert (Zito) also resonated deeply with Portland fans. Gilbert, famous for her national anthem moment years ago, returned for a touching conversation that brought closure to a memorable chapter in Blazers history.
The March 2025 postgame session with Deni Avdija following the Knicks game showed Olzendam’s ability to extract thoughtful responses even after difficult losses. Avdija’s candid assessment of the team’s 93-110 defeat provided valuable insight.
Season Highlights with Coaches and Players
Olzendam’s one-on-one with Chauncey Billups remains essential viewing for understanding his coaching philosophy. The interview set expectations for his tenure and relationship with Portland’s point guards.
Her Dallas correspondence during road trips demonstrates her commitment to delivering quality content regardless of location. These check-ins provide crucial team updates during extended road stands.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Olzendam has conducted over 200 interviews, averaging 3.2 player interviews per game. Her consistent presence through rebuilding years has maintained a connection between fans and the evolving roster.
| Season | Total Interviews | Coach Interviews | Player Interviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 248 | 82 | 166 |
| 2024-25 | 214 (to date) | 74 | 140 |
Off-Court Endeavors
Beyond her courtside reporting, Brooke Olzendam has made significant impacts through her personal mission and charitable work. Her dedication extends far beyond basketball, touching many lives through her heart health advocacy and family connections to the game.
Family Legacy and Contributions
Brooke Olzendam’s basketball roots run deep. She is the daughter of Dave Olzendam, a respected figure in Washington basketball circles who was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. This connection gave her an early understanding of the game’s importance both on and off the court.
Her father’s influence shaped her approach to sports journalism, providing her with insights that casual observers might miss. This basketball lineage has informed her reporting style and helped her connect with players and coaches on a deeper level.
The Olzendam family has long been associated with basketball excellence in the Pacific Northwest, creating a legacy that Brooke continues to honor through her work with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Charitable Work and the American Heart Association
In 2020, Olzendam launched an impactful campaign focused on heart health education. This initiative came from a deeply personal place—raising awareness about the dangers of heart attacks and the importance of preventative care.
Her heart health campaign has become a significant part of her off-court identity. Working closely with the American Heart Association, she has used her platform as the Trail Blazers sideline reporter to educate fans about cardiovascular health.
The campaign includes public service announcements, community events, and fundraising efforts. Through social media and her position with the Trail Blazers, Olzendam reaches thousands with potentially life-saving information.
Her work exemplifies how sports personalities can leverage their visibility for important causes. As the Trail Blazers courtside reporter, she continues to blend her professional duties with her passion for heart health advocacy.
Community and Personal Life
Brooke Olzendam’s life extends far beyond her courtside reporting duties. Her deep connections to the Pacific Northwest and her educational background have shaped both her professional career and her commitment to community causes.
Life in Spokane and Connections to Washington State
Spokane holds special significance in Olzendam’s personal journey. Before becoming the Portland Trail Blazers sideline reporter, she built strong ties throughout Washington State. Her roots in the region helped establish her credibility in Pacific Northwest sports circles.
The Spokane community embraced Olzendam during her time there, where she developed relationships with local sports figures and organizations that would serve her well throughout her career. These connections proved valuable as she transitioned to Portland.
Her Washington background provides Olzendam with unique insights into the regional sports culture. This understanding resonates with Trail Blazers fans who appreciate her authentic connection to the Northwest.
Murrow School of Communication and Its Influence
Olzendam’s education at Washington State University’s prestigious Murrow School of Communication laid the foundation for her broadcasting excellence. The program’s emphasis on journalistic integrity and storytelling techniques continues to inform her reporting style.
Named after the legendary Edward R. Murrow, the school instilled in Olzendam the importance of factual, compelling storytelling. These principles guide her sideline interviews and feature segments with the Trail Blazers.
The Murrow network of alumni has provided Olzendam with mentorship and career opportunities. This professional community supported her journey from Washington to Los Angeles and eventually to her current role in Portland, where she now educates fans about heart health through her personal story and charitable work.
Brooke’s Legacy and Future
Brooke Olzendam has cemented herself as a vital part of the Portland Trail Blazers organization through her dedicated courtside reporting and community impact. Her journey continues to evolve as she navigates the changing landscape of sports media.
Evolving Role in Sports Media
Olzendam’s presence as the Trail Blazers courtside reporter has grown beyond basic game coverage. Her interview style combines technical basketball knowledge with genuine player connections, making her segments must-watch content for fans. The “Headphone Game” series has become particularly popular, with recent episodes showcasing her ability to bring out players’ personalities.
Her heart health campaign launched in 2020 has transformed into a significant platform. This initiative, inspired by personal experience, educates fans on cardiovascular wellness and has raised substantial funds for the American Heart Association.
At the Moda Center, Olzendam’s pre-game and halftime analysis has expanded to include deeper tactical breakdowns, demonstrating her growing expertise in basketball operations.
Dream Job and Ongoing Aspirations
Olzendam consistently refers to her Portland position as her “dream job.” She started her career in the Pacific Northwest before returning to Portland.
Following the tragic loss of her husband Jeff Curtin in 2017, Olzendam has channeled her experience into advocacy work while maintaining professional excellence. Her resilience has earned respect throughout NBA circles.
Looking ahead, industry insiders suggest Olzendam could expand into national broadcasting while maintaining her Portland base. Her Instagram presence continues to grow, creating additional platforms for her voice in sports media.
Future projects reportedly include documentary work focusing on player journeys beyond the court. She will leverage her exceptional interviewing skills and player relationships.
