Five Questions with Youth Inc.'s Shelby Bumgarner

Shelby Bumgarner is a former Duke University student-athlete and broadcast journalist from Pasadena, Maryland. She brings a strong passion for amplifying athlete voices through storytelling and digital media. Shelby has served as a creator and on-air talent for Duke Athletics and the Blue Devil Network, hosting the True Blue Podcast and producing original digital series including Top Plays of the Month. She was Duke Athletics’ first intern dedicated to digital storytelling, sideline reporting, and content creation.

Shelby’s experience includes internships with ESPN, selection to ESPN’s prestigious NEXT Program, coverage at the 2025 ESPYS, and contributions to ACC Network coverage. She is a recipient of Duke’s True Award and the ACC Top Six for Service Award for her leadership and community impact. At Youth Inc., Shelby is excited to help educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of athletes and families through meaningful, inclusive content.

We asked her five questions about her youth sports journey:

1. What is your favorite youth sports memory?

Scoring seven points in seven seconds in AAU hoops during middle school. I eventually realized I couldn’t dribble and treated the ball like a hot potato, but the high was unforgettable. LOL

2. Who has been the most influential person or coach in your life?

My high school coach, Leslee Brady, taught me the power of team culture. Although we were not the most talented team, we were the most connected because of the work we put in off the field. From team traditions and pregame rituals to bonding exercises and team retreats, Coach Brady made it a priority to love one another and play for each other.

3. What is one lesson you've learned through sports that has shaped your life?

You won’t remember the wins or the losses. You’ll remember the grind—and the teammates you shared it with. Whether you're rooting for a team or playing on one, sports have a special way of bringing people together.

4. What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?

Don’t stress about specializing in one sport. Playing multiple sports is a superpower and helps improve both your game and your overall athleticism.

5. What is a belief or motto you live by?

Make athletes feel important. My purpose in life is to tell stories and shine a light on athletes and coaches every day. Getting the opportunity to inspire the audience at Youth Inc. is a dream come true.