1. If you weren’t on-air for a living, what would you be doing?

I would be working towards being on-air for a living. I was told once when I was younger that having a plan-B only gives you an excuse to fail. I never forgot it.

2. Do you have any unusual talents?

I don’t think I have an unusual talent, but a lot of people find it unusual that I can’t whistle. It’s so hard and so frustrating that I can’t do it especially when I see children just whistling away!

3. What is something you can tell us that no one else knows about you?

Well, I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but when I was a kid I wanted to be a pop star and I actually wrote and recorded my own song. It was called “Makin Me Dance.” Unfortunately, you actually have to have a good voice to be a singer! So embarrassing and my close family and friends don’t let me live it down either!

4. How did you get into sports and on-air broadcasting?

I got into sports at a very young age because of my father. He’s an obsessive hockey and baseball fan. I mean he had me listening to baseball on the radio when I was like 9 – him with his beer, me with an apple juice! I grew up in a very sports centered environment so it was inevitable that I’d end up passionate about it.

As for the broadcasting part of the question, aside from school, I just worked really, really hard and still am. I know it sounds cliché, but its true! Before theScore and before getting a job in radio I worked for free A LOT. I spent two years with RogersTV in London – behind the scenes at first and then as an un-paid reporter. People used to ask me all the time how I could possibly work for free so much, but I look at where I am now and it’s because of the valuable experience I gained that I was prepared for when opportunity knocked. I don’t know if I would’ve had the skills necessary to win Gillette Drafted 3 without the experience I gained from places like RogersTV.

5. What sports did you play growing up?

Baseball, hockey, dabbled in basketball. Figure skating was the first sport I was ever involved in. My mom cried when I quit to play hockey, but don’t tell her I told you that.

6. If you could interview anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Tiger Woods for so many reasons. I grew up watching him dominate the sport with my dad, the guy made golf so cool!!! There are few sports memories more exciting than those Sundays growing up. Then you throw in the scandal, his “fall from grace,” and now his return to the top, what a story! Getting a candid Oprah style tell-all with him is at the top of my interview wish list for sure.

7. Do you have any rituals before you go on-air?

I don’t know about rituals per se, but I do make a conscious effort to remind myself every day before Live@theScore that you’re only as good as your last show, to be real and enjoy it.

8. What is your most memorable accomplishment?

I’d have to say winning Gillette Drafted. It was the start of it all for me in terms of working in sports. That experience was unforgettable. It was the most amazingly fun and stressful challenge and it changed my life forever!

9. What does a typical work-day look like for you?
Right now, a typical workday for me begins at home actually. I watch the highlights to make sure I’m up to date on everything that’s happened over the last 24 hours. I usually get to work for 10am to research the NHL board and make my “Pick/Pooch of the Night” – a daily segment I do on Live@theScore. At noon we have our story meeting and decide what we want to talk about on the show. From there I spend a couple of hours deciding how I feel about the topics, where I stand, find points to back up my argument and try and come up with questions that I know will get my co-host Cam Stewart fired up! After that, it’s hair and makeup time (the most relaxing part of my day actually!) By the time I’m done all that it’s show time!

After the show, I either work on side projects OR I watch the show back and try and figure out ways to make it better and make notes on how I can be better. I’m always trying to grow in my job and improve!

Oh, and if any news breaks before 6pm we go back on the air live to talk about it.

Wow, that was a novel of a response.

10. What is the one thing you wished your followers knew about you?

I guess that I try to respond to as many tweets as I can! J

11. Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter?

Right now it’s Roberto Luongo. He is so funny and I love the self-deprecation.

12. Are you team Jen or Angelina?

Rachel Gr… erm, I mean Jen all the way!

13. If you could trade places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?

Britney Spears in her prime before she went crazy. See question 3 haha

14.There are a ton of inspirational sports quotes out there. What is your favorite one and is there a motto you live by?

“Perfection is unattainable, but if you chase perfection long enough you may catch excellence” – Vince Lombardi

“Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder and give more than anyone else.” – Vince Lombardi

As for a motto, I don’t remember where I heard this or who said it, but I remind myself of the following every single day. “It’s never who you ARE that gets in the way. It’s who you THINK you’re NOT” – Anonymous

15. If we looked in your fridge right now, what would we find?

Haha, not a whole lot. I’m always on the go, but right now I’ve got some wine, cheese, lots of vegetables and apple juice – always.

16. What advice would you give to girls trying to make it in the sports broadcasting world?

It’s cliché, but be genuine and be yourself. I think people in this industry get too caught up trying to be what they think a sportscaster is “supposed” to be especially in on-air roles when really it’s just about being comfortable in front of the camera. That advice goes for everyone. For girls, be ready to prove yourself. Unfortunately, there are stereotypes that come along with being a female in the sports industry. Make sure you’re ready to handle that.

17. Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?

My parents. I’m so lucky that I was fortunate enough to be raised by parents that encouraged me to pursue my dreams no matter how “unrealistic” society might say they are. My dad is the reason I am passionate about sports and I’ve learned more from my mother’s work ethic than anything. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I hadn’t been shown and taught how important it is to work hard for what you want and always try to be better.

18. You have had quite a career, what else do you wish to accomplish in your career?

Hopefully I can continue to host a daily sports talk show for a long time, but I want to do it all! I have dreams of covering the Olympics. I’d also love to host a late-night sports show with different athletes as guests every night. Think Letterman, but an all sports angle. So cool!

19. A lot of our followers have crushes on you so they are dying to know if you are single, taken, or locked down?

I am happily single and focused on my career J

20. How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as a genuine and spontaneous girl who was passionate about life and good to people.

21. Who would you like to see featured on Sports Star Spotlight?

Victor Cruz! He’s a looker and obviously he knows how to dance! I also love how much he gives back, cool dude.

Thank you, Jackie Redmond for the interview and go follow this babe on Twitter @Jackie_Redmond !

(Photos courtesy of Jackie Redmond)