Kelly Saco – Miami Heat Reporter Celebrates Three Years Covering South Florida Basketball
Kelly Saco has become a familiar face for Miami Heat fans. She brings energy and insight to every broadcast. As a host and courtside reporter for FanDuel Sports Network, Saco joined the Heat broadcast team for the 2022-23 season, adding to her impressive sports media portfolio. Her experience covering both the Miami Heat and the Miami Marlins makes her one of the most versatile sports personalities in South Florida media.
Before focusing on basketball, Saco built her reputation covering Miami Marlins baseball. She entered her third season with Fox Sports Florida when she made the transition. Her background as a former Syracuse University softball player gives her a unique athletic perspective when interviewing players and coaches. This combination of playing experience and broadcasting talent allows her to ask questions that casual observers might miss.
Beyond her on-camera work, Saco also works behind the scenes as a producer. Her social media presence reflects her diverse role, where she identifies herself as a “Reporter | Host | Producer” covering both the Heat and Marlins. Her Syracuse education with the prestigious “#NewhouseMafia” journalism program provided the foundation for her successful broadcast career.
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Early Life and Education
Kelly Saco’s journey began in Palmetto Bay, Florida, where she developed a passion for sports and broadcasting. Her educational path led her through local schools before advancing to collegiate studies where she would build the foundation for her future career.
University of Miami
While there isn’t specific information about Kelly Saco attending the University of Miami in the search results, it’s worth noting her strong connection to the Miami area. She grew up in Palmetto Bay and attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School before continuing her education.
During her high school years, Kelly demonstrated impressive athletic versatility. She participated in multiple sports including:
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Taekwondo
- Swimming
This diverse athletic background showcased her competitive spirit and dedication to sports from an early age, elements that would later serve her well in her broadcasting career covering athletics.
Syracuse University
Kelly Saco attended Syracuse University on a full athletic scholarship, where she established herself as a standout softball player. As a 5’7″ first baseman, she represented the Orange with distinction.
Her collegiate athletic achievements include:
- Four-year letter winner
- Two-time Big East champion
- Senior team member
While at Syracuse, Kelly balanced her athletic commitments with academic pursuits in broadcast journalism. This combination provided the perfect foundation for her future career. Her time at Syracuse wasn’t just about athletic performance—it was where she developed the communications skills and sports knowledge that would later prove valuable in her media career.
After graduating, Kelly secured her first television job as a production assistant with Fox Sports Florida, marking the beginning of her broadcasting journey.
Broadcasting Career
Kelly Saco has built an impressive broadcasting career covering Miami sports teams, particularly the Heat and Marlins. Her versatile skills as a host, reporter, and producer have made her a familiar face to South Florida sports fans.
Early Roles
Kelly Saco began her broadcasting journey with solid foundational experience. Before becoming a familiar face on major networks, she cut her teeth covering the University of Miami athletics. This early work helped her develop the interviewing skills and sports knowledge that would serve her throughout her career.
She worked as a production assistant behind the scenes, learning the technical aspects of sports broadcasting. These early roles were crucial in understanding both sides of the camera.
Saco’s work ethic caught attention as she balanced multiple responsibilities while building her portfolio and network of contacts in the Miami sports scene.
Fox Sports
Saco joined Fox Sports Florida (now FanDuel Sports Network Sun) as a sideline reporter, producer, and host. Her role covering Miami Marlins baseball became her first major breakthrough in sports broadcasting.
By the 2022-23 season, she expanded her portfolio to join the Miami Heat broadcast team as a host and courtside reporter. This dual-team coverage established her as a versatile talent in South Florida sports media.
Her reporting style blends in-depth knowledge with relatable delivery, making complex sports situations accessible to casual viewers. Saco’s ability to produce content while also serving as on-air talent demonstrates her comprehensive understanding of sports broadcasting.
Marlins Vision
Saco’s work with the Miami Marlins extended beyond traditional broadcast roles. As part of the Marlins Vision team, she created specialized content highlighting player profiles, team milestones, and behind-the-scenes features.
Her background as both a former athlete (Syracuse softball player) and journalism professional (Newhouse School graduate) gave her unique perspective when crafting Marlins content. This combination allowed her to connect with players while maintaining journalistic standards.
Saco’s contribution to Marlins Vision helped modernize the team’s media approach. Her content strategy embraced both traditional media values and newer digital formats to reach diverse fan demographics.
Digital Reporting
Saco embraced digital platforms to extend her reach beyond traditional broadcasts. She maintains active profiles on social media where she describes herself as a “Reporter | Host | Producer covering the Marlins & the Heat” on FanDuel Sports Network Florida.
Her digital presence includes both professional reporting and personality-driven content. This approach has helped her build a following that transcends casual viewership.
Saco’s digital reporting incorporates multimedia elements including video interviews, graphics, and interactive content. She has adapted traditional sports reporting techniques to fit modern consumption habits.
Her work represents the evolution of sports journalism in an increasingly digital landscape while maintaining the core values of accurate, insightful reporting.
Miami Heat Involvement
Kelly Saco brings energy and insight to the Miami Heat broadcasts as a host and courtside reporter. She joined the Heat broadcast team for the 2022-23 season on FanDuel Sports Network – Sun.
Game Day Experience
As a TV host and courtside reporter for the Miami Heat, Kelly Saco delivers pre-game analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Her work begins hours before tipoff, gathering information from shootarounds and coach interviews.
Saco’s preparation is evident in her comprehensive coverage. She studies team statistics, recent performances, and injury updates to provide viewers with relevant context. Her sideline position gives her unique access to capture the emotions and intensity of live games.
During timeouts and quarter breaks, she often reports on adjustments teams are making. Her background as a former athlete gives her a unique perspective on player mentality and game strategy.
In-Game Features
Saco’s in-game reporting focuses on delivering timely updates and exclusive insights from the Heat bench. She conducts brief interviews with assistant coaches during appropriate breaks, offering viewers tactical explanations that enhance their understanding.
Her sideline reporter role includes tracking key developments like injury updates, coaching decisions, and momentum shifts. These real-time reports add significant value to broadcasts.
Saco also hosts special segments highlighting community initiatives, fan experiences, and team milestones. Her natural interviewing style helps players and coaches communicate effectively with the audience.
The production team frequently incorporates her analysis into broadcasts through graphic overlays and statistical breakdowns, creating a more dynamic viewing experience for Heat fans.
Involvement with Miami Marlins
Kelly Saco has built an impressive career with the Miami Marlins organization, serving in multiple on-camera roles that showcase her versatility and baseball knowledge. Her work spans from in-game hosting to producing specialized content that highlights the team’s future stars.
Marlins Clubhouse Host
Saco initially joined the Marlins as their in-game host before expanding her role within the organization. In 2019, she stepped into a sideline reporter position, covering 50 games for the team. This opportunity proved to be a launching pad for her career with the franchise.
Her bilingual skills have been particularly valuable in Miami’s diverse market. Saco seamlessly transitions between English and Spanish during interviews, creating an inclusive experience for the Marlins’ multicultural fanbase.
As host, she conducts pre-game and post-game interviews with players and coaching staff. These segments provide fans with insider perspective on team dynamics and game strategies.
Marlins Prospect Spotlight
Saco later became a producer and host for her own Marlins-focused programming. One of her most significant contributions has been the “Marlins Prospect Spotlight” segments, where she highlights rising talent in the organization’s farm system.
These magazine-style features give fans early looks at tomorrow’s potential stars. Saco travels to minor league affiliates, conducting in-depth interviews with prospects and development coaches to provide comprehensive player profiles.
Her reporting style combines statistical analysis with personal narratives, creating engaging content that resonates with both casual and hardcore baseball fans. The segments typically include performance metrics alongside human interest elements about players’ journeys to professional baseball.
The “Prospect Spotlight” has become an Emmy-winning fixture in Marlins coverage, demonstrating Saco’s talent for both on-camera presentation and behind-the-scenes production work.
Contribution to Sports Journalism
Kelly Saco has made significant contributions to sports journalism through her work with both the Miami Heat and Miami Marlins organizations. Her distinctive reporting style and production skills have elevated sports coverage in South Florida across multiple platforms.
Magazine-Style Production
Saco has revolutionized the way basketball stories are told through her magazine-style production approach at FanDuel Sports Network – Sun (formerly Fox Sports Florida). Her production techniques bring a polished, in-depth look at player stories that go beyond typical game coverage.
As a producer, Saco creates segments that blend personal narratives with athletic achievements. She carefully crafts features that maintain high production values while keeping content accessible to casual fans.
Her production work often incorporates creative camera angles, thoughtful musical selections, and seamless transitions that have become hallmarks of Heat television broadcasts. The quality of these productions has raised the standard for regional sports networks across the league.
Feature Stories and Interviews
Saco’s feature stories and interviews have broken new ground in basketball and baseball coverage. Her courtside reporting for the Heat has provided fans with insider perspectives that enrich the viewing experience.
Her interview style – direct yet conversational – has helped athletes open up in ways they might not with other reporters. This approach has resulted in memorable segments that reveal the personalities behind the players.
Saco made history as the first woman on a Marlins radio broadcast, breaking barriers in what had traditionally been a male-dominated space. This pioneering moment represented an important step for gender diversity in broadcast journalism.
During her time covering the Marlins, she has produced and hosted episodes that provide greater context to baseball storylines. Her work demonstrates how specialized sports knowledge can be communicated clearly to audiences of varying familiarity with the game.
Personal Interests
Kelly Saco has maintained a deep connection to sports throughout her life, with softball playing a particularly significant role in her athletic journey.
Love for Softball
Softball has always been more than just a sport for Kelly Saco. She developed her skills at Miami Palmetto Senior High, where she stood out as a standout softball player. Her talent and dedication to the game earned her the opportunity to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level.
Saco went on to play softball at Syracuse University, where she also pursued her broadcast journalism degree. This combination allowed her to blend her passion for sports with her professional aspirations in media.
Her softball background gives her a unique perspective in her current role. When covering professional athletes, she brings firsthand understanding of the dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit required at high levels of sport.
Beyond softball, Saco’s athletic background is diverse. She also participated in volleyball, taekwondo, and swimming during her youth in Palmetto Bay, showcasing her well-rounded athletic abilities.
Achievements and Recognitions
Kelly Saco has built an impressive career in sports broadcasting. She has received numerous accolades for her work with the Miami Heat. Her talent has earned her multiple prestigious awards in the industry.
Saco is an Emmy-nominated, bilingual host, reporter and producer who brings versatility and expertise to her role with the Heat. Her professional accomplishments speak to her skill and dedication.
In a remarkable achievement, Kelly won a Suncoast Emmy Award for her work with the Heat. Even more impressive, she accomplished this for the second time in just two seasons as a host and reporter with the organization.
Before her broadcasting career, Saco excelled as an athlete. She was named 2007 South Dade News Leader MVP of the Year and earned the Miami Herald Pitcher of the Year distinction in both 2006 and 2008.
Her collegiate career was equally noteworthy. At Syracuse University, where she attended on a full athletic scholarship, Saco was a four-year letter winner and two-time Big East champion with the softball team.
Kelly Saco’s Broadcasting Honors:
| Award | Organization | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Suncoast Emmy | Sports Reporting | Multiple |
| Emmy Nomination | Broadcast Excellence | – |
