STEVE WILSON Q&A: Meet U.S. Navy Veteran and Community Advocate Dr. Terry Spain, Founder of Sports First Media

Continues to make a positive impact in the community

United States Navy Veteran Dr. Terry Spain is the founder of Terry Spain Consulting and Sports First Media. According to Spain, his newly founded company, Sports First Media, was created with the goal of “turning a personal dream into reality. It has always been a passion of mine to start my own media company, providing fans with insider stories and perspectives that go beyond the game.”

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – I first met Dr. Terry Spain about two years ago. He and his fraternity brothers were volunteering their time to help clean J.N. Tucker Memorial Cemetery in Melbourne, where quite a few Veterans are buried. That, alone, told me a lot about Spain.

After my initial conversation with Spain, I learned he was retired from the United States Navy. Not only did he serve his country, but he has continued giving back by serving his community.

Ever since our initial meeting, Spain and I have become friends. We have broadcast multiple events together through the Friday Night Locker Room and Space Coast Daily. He recently founded his own media company, Sports First Media.

I had a chance to catch up with Spain and talk with him about his military career, his post-military career, Sports First Media, and much more.

Question: Where did you grow up?

Answer: I had a unique childhood. My father was in the Marines, so while I’m originally from Conway, SC, I grew up in Naples, Italy.

Question: How did you wind up in Florida?

Answer: I ended up in Florida through my service in the Navy. I was stationed at Patrick Space Force Base, which brought me to the area, and I’ve been here ever since.

Question: You retired from the US Navy. Did you grow up wanting to be in the service?

Answer: I initially dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player, but growing up in a military family, the idea of serving was always in my mind. With my father’s 30-year career in the Marines, the sense of duty and service was ingrained in me, eventually leading me to the Navy.

Question: What did you learn most from your 21 years in the Navy?

Answer: The most valuable lesson I learned from my 21 years in the Navy was the importance of leadership and teamwork. Serving as a Chief Petty Officer, I learned that success is built on the strength of those around you and the ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability is crucial. The Navy taught me resilience, discipline, and how to adapt to any situation, which has been invaluable in my personal and professional life.

Question: What would you tell someone that is thinking about joining the military?

Answer: I would tell someone thinking about joining the military that it’s one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. The military will challenge you in ways you never imagined, but it will also help you grow as a person, teach you invaluable life skills, and give you a strong sense of purpose. You’ll build lifelong friendships, gain leadership experience, and develop a deep sense of pride in serving your country. If you’re willing to commit, it can open doors and opportunities that will last a lifetime.

Question: How difficult was the transition from military life to civilian life and what would you tell someone that is about to leave after a career in the military?

Answer: The transition from military life to civilian life can be challenging, but preparation makes all the difference. I was fortunate because I started preparing for my transition years before I retired, so I felt extremely ready when the time came. However, one of the toughest parts for me was missing the camaraderie I had with my fellow servicemembers—the sense of teamwork and shared mission is something you don’t easily find in civilian life. Also, adjusting to the freedom of not having to report to anyone was a bit of a change. It took me some time to get used to having complete control over my schedule. For someone about to leave after a career in the military, I’d say start planning early, build a support network, and give yourself time to adapt to the new pace of civilian life.

Question: You have been involved with sports media coverage for quite some time. How did this all come about?

Answer: My involvement in sports media coverage came naturally from my experience as a Chief Mass Communication Specialist in the Navy. In that role, we handled all aspects of mass communication, including broadcasting, so I was well-versed in media from the start. My big break in sports media came when I covered the Senior Bowl in 2000. From that moment on, I was hooked and locked into the sports world. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to cover several major sporting events, and it’s been an incredible journey blending my communication expertise with my passion for sports.

Question: Do you have a favorite sport to cover?

Answer: While I enjoy covering a variety of sports, I prefer basketball and football. These two sports have always been my favorites, both to watch and to commentate on. The fast pace of basketball and the strategy in football make them exciting to cover, and I enjoy the energy and dynamics involved in both.

Question: You recently founded Sports First Media. Tell me about it.

Answer: Sports First Media was founded with the goal of turning a personal dream into reality. It has always been a passion of mine to start my own media company, providing fans with insider stories and perspectives that go beyond the game. I wanted to create a platform where sports coverage isn’t just about the scores but the more profound stories behind the athletes, teams, and events. Additionally, I wanted to use this venture to inspire other veterans, showing them that there is life after the military and that it’s possible to pursue your passions and achieve success in new fields. It’s about making an impact in sports media and encouraging others to follow their dreams.

Question: Where would you like to see Sports First Media in five years?

Answer: In five years, I would love to see Sports First Media not only as one of the top media companies in the sports industry but also as a key platform for empowering the next generation of sports journalists and media professionals. A major goal of mine is to provide students who are passionate about sports media with real-world experience through internships, giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry. By doing so, I hope to create a legacy of mentorship and support for those who aspire to build careers in sports media, while also expanding our presence as a leading source of innovative and engaging sports coverage.

Question: Do you hope to continue working with the Friday Night Locker Room and Space Coast Daily?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. I hope to continue working with both the Friday Night Locker Room and Space Coast Daily. They provide meaningful and impactful sports coverage, and the work we do together helps highlight the athletes, teams, and stories that truly matter in our community. I value the partnership and the opportunity to contribute to such a reputable platform, and I look forward to more collaborations in the future.

Question: We all need time to get away and relax. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Answer: In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places, which allows me to unwind and get a fresh perspective. I also love spending quality time with my family and friends, as they are a big part of my support system. Volunteering is something I’m passionate about, as it gives me the chance to give back and make a positive impact. Of course, I always make time to watch sports—it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.  Additionally, I’m an author, so writing is another way I enjoy spending my time, whether it’s working on my current projects or exploring new ideas.

Question: Give me one of your favorite quotes.

Answer: “Don’t fear failure, fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today”

I feel fortunate to call Dr. Terry Spain a friend. He has been successful in every endeavor he has undertaken and has already accomplished a great deal. I, for one, can’t wait to follow his next chapter and see where life takes him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia.  He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018,  Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.

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