MY STORY. 

What's yours? 

Growing Up

Niki, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, was destined to talk for a living from an early age. As an only child, she mostly talked to herself—good practice for later, right? Born into a “loud and louder” extended Italian family, being heard was never optional, and the gift of gab came naturally. Her fourth-grade teacher (hi, Mrs. G!) even awarded her the superlative “Most Likely to Have Her Own Talk Show.” How prophetic!

Niki’s love for sports also started young. She was a fierce right fielder and a reliable wall for grounders with the Hoover A’s.

Believe it or not, Niki’s love of sports was shaped early by her grandmothers—and her dad—constantly quizzing her on the Braves lineup. Big shoutout to the ’95 team and to Auttie and GaGa for fueling that early passion.

Professionally

Niki talked her way into the Broadcast Journalism class as a sophomore in high school—a course normally reserved for upper-level students. Those three years laid the foundation for the career she had always dreamed of. Determined to make it happen, Niki worked multiple (often unpaid) jobs while attending the University of Alabama (class of ’09) to turn her passion into reality.

Since then, Niki has built a versatile career as a TV host, reporter, anchor, and emcee. She has covered sporting events nationwide and represented major networks and organizations including ESPN, SEC Network, HLN, Atlanta Falcons, Bally’s, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Atlanta’s CW69, NCAA, PGA.com, and more.

Niki has also appeared in commercials and promotional videos for brands such as Disney and Moe’s Southwest Grill. As an event host and moderator, she has energized audiences for the Atlanta Falcons, Chick-fil-A, Birmingham Fashion Week, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She brings enthusiasm to everything—from renewing unofficial vows on Valentine’s Day at the Botanical Gardens (true story!) to Christmas tree lightings, parades, NASCAR invocations, and Italian festivals.

Her work and career have been featured in publications including the University of Alabama’s Communicator Magazine(as a featured alumna), Birmingham Family Christian Magazine, Men’s Health, and JEZEBEL.

Personally

Niki resides in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband, Michael, their three kids, and their pup, Dottie. She is a W.I.S.E. (Women in Sports and Events) member and currently participates in their Wise Within mentor/mentee program. This year, Niki will serve as a mentor for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta’s Youth of the Year program.

Passionate about high school athletes, Niki also sits on Atlanta’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes board. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing golf and tennis, cooking “sauce” on Sundays, being a room mom, and navigating Delta Sky priority lanes.

Moving Forward

After years of practice, Niki has learned to focus on the present while appreciating her personal and professional blessings. She continues to pursue them with tenacity and integrity—and is always open to professional opportunities or collaborations. She looks forward to using this space to connect and get to know each other!