1776Reporting
Aileen Hnatiuk, the vibrant and rising sports reporter for WFLA News Channel 8, has once again become a viral sensation. Known for her coverage of various sports teams, including the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls and the Tampa Bay Rays, Hnatiuk has recently captured the attention of fans and followers with yet another show-stealing social media post. As the 2024 college football season kicks off, she is ready to bring her dynamic reporting style back to the field, covering USF’s season with enthusiasm.
Hnatiuk first gained widespread attention in early 2023, when a simple selfie outside the New Orleans Saints facility went viral. That single image, which featured her in a candid moment looking confidently into the camera, propelled her into the spotlight and resulted in a significant increase in her social media following. Now, a year later, she’s done it again—this time by sharing a photo of herself at USF’s practice stadium. The image, where Hnatiuk is seen wearing a tank top and gazing directly into the camera, has resonated with fans, racking up over 2 million views.
🏈👀🔜 #cfb #wk1 pic.twitter.com/Ejh4LFRkh1
— Aileen Hnatiuk (@AileenHnatiuk) August 29, 2024
You are doing great Aileen !!! Very proud of you !!
— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) August 29, 2024
my favorite troublemaker!
— John Walton (@John_Walton_) August 29, 2024
— 𝓙𝓸𝓱𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓵𝓲𝓷 (@Bobbing4Tuna) August 29, 2024
Not sure who you are but you got my support
— DylPicksGreens🧪 (@DylPicksGreens) August 29, 2024
The 27-year-old reporter’s rise to fame on social media is remarkable, especially considering that she was relatively unknown before her viral moment last year. After that turning point, Hnatiuk quickly became a favorite among sports fans, not only for her fresh-faced selfies but also for her in-depth sports coverage. She transitioned smoothly into her current role at WFLA, where she reports on Tampa Bay’s sports scene, including the Rays and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Beyond her social media presence, Hnatiuk has a rich background in sports, which has undoubtedly contributed to her success as a reporter. A three-year letterwinner at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, she went on to play college volleyball at East Carolina University (ECU), where she excelled on the court. Her athletic experience gives her a unique perspective in her reporting, allowing her to connect with both athletes and fans alike.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Hnatiuk’s academic and professional journey is just as impressive. After graduating from ECU in 2018, where she completed seven internships, she quickly landed a sports reporter position at NBC29 WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, Virginia. It wasn’t long before her talent was recognized, and she started climbing the ranks in the broadcasting industry. Her next move took her back to her home state of Florida, where she worked as a freelance sports broadcaster across various networks, including CBS Sports Network, where she served as a sideline reporter and host.
Eventually, Hnatiuk made her way to New Orleans, where she continued to build her reputation as a top sports reporter. Her time there culminated in the viral post that changed the trajectory of her career, and now, back in Tampa, she continues to thrive in her role at WFLA.
As the new college football season begins, fans are eager to see more of Hnatiuk’s coverage. Her ability to capture the excitement and energy of the game, combined with her engaging on-camera presence, makes her one of the most promising reporters in sports media today. Whether she’s on the sidelines or sharing a candid moment with her followers, Aileen Hnatiuk continues to prove that she is much more than just a pretty face—she’s a skilled and dedicated journalist with a bright future ahead.
In addition to her work with WFLA, Hnatiuk is expected to cover the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the NFL season kicks off in the coming weeks. Her growing popularity suggests that she will continue to be a significant presence in the sports media landscape, captivating audiences both on and off the field.
As Hnatiuk’s star continues to rise, it’s clear that she has found the perfect balance between social media savvy and professional reporting, making her a standout figure in the world of sports journalism. Fans and followers will undoubtedly keep an eye on her as she covers the highs and lows of Tampa Bay sports, eager to see what she will do next.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings