Matthew Mangam has recently joined The Dallas Morning News as a sports intern for the fall semester. A New Jersey native, Mangam is eager to dive into the world of sports journalism during his time in Texas.
Originally from Old Bridge, New Jersey, Mangam graduated from Rutgers University in May 2023. He commuted daily from his hometown to the university, where he developed a passion for writing, particularly in sports journalism. “I didn’t play sports growing up, but I always loved writing. In high school, I realized I could write about sports and immediately signed up for journalism class,” he explained. This led him to become the head sports editor of The Daily Targum, Rutgers’ student newspaper.
Mangam has honed his skills covering various sports, including lacrosse, wrestling, football, and basketball. He has also reported on soccer for the New York Soccer Journal, where he followed New York City FC and even covered the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Soccer stands out as Mangam’s favorite sport, a passion ignited by his father during the 2014 World Cup. “I’ve spent my Saturday mornings watching Newcastle United, which will never change no matter what happens in my life,” he stated. His enthusiasm for the sport was fostered by the vibrant culture surrounding soccer fans, which he found captivating from an early age.
Reflecting on his experiences, Mangam cited covering ten games at the recent World Cup as a standout moment. “It was a fever dream for me and something I never thought would be possible, especially at age 22,” he recalled. He also cherished the opportunity to attend a game with his brother, creating lasting memories together.
In interviews, Mangam has conversed with notable athletes including Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande from Real Madrid. However, his most memorable interview was with Matt Freese, the New York City FC goalkeeper who played for the United States men’s soccer team during the World Cup. “I’ve been following Freese ever since he joined NYCFC back in 2023, so to see his growth is pretty cool,” he shared.
Young journalists like Mangam continue to shape the future of sports media. His dedication and experiences promise an engaging contribution to The Dallas Morning News and the broader sports journalism landscape.
