Student broadcaster Lee determined to carry skills to the highest level possible

During senior rhetoric major Chandler Lee’s senior year in high school, he was already commentating college games. His parents excelled in teaching their son an independent determination and composure for surpassing his desire—sports broadcasting. Seven years of on-air experience have shaped the Macon local into a professional 22-year-old broadcaster who provides coverage of Georgia College basketball, soccer and softball.

His outstanding broadcasts landed him the roll of calling all Peach Belt Conference match ups for basketball, softball and soccer, meaning that whenever Georgia College plays a conference game, his broadcasts air to all of the teams. His main campus fame comes from sitting courtside for the women’s and men’s basketball games, headset tight and tie worn flawlessly while speaking to the masses. You can hear him for home games on the radio alongside Georgia College broadcasting veteran and “Voice of the Bobcats” Scott MacLeod.

Lee says MacLeod is, “like a second father” and has cherished the countless games sat behind the sports information desk in the Centennial Center.

“He’s going to be one of the next good announcers. No, not good, great announcers,” MacLeod said.

Macleod has watched Lee come from a driven but inexperienced broadcaster, to someone whose, “ability to extrapolate the information he gets and use it in a broadcast.”

Knowing he wanted a future in broadcasting, Lee may not have been the best person to watch a Hawks game or Braves game with. A reoccurring theme was muting the television and providing his own criticisms and praises of Chipper Jones’ slump or the Hawks’ early glimpses of becoming a threat.

“I have always been fascinated with sports—the fundamentals, the players, coaches, how to play, how to conduct yourself while playing the game,” Lee said.

Lee spent time of his own playing sports, undoubtedly at 6’7” playing basketball, but recognized his love for all sports in general and wanted to be the connection between the game and the public.

“I’m part of the teams. I know I don’t play, but I am part of the link from the players to the fans and that is gratifying,” Lee said. “Without the players and the fans I’m nothing, so a lot of thanks goes to them for their support.”

His support from campus and the athletic programs is beyond deserved.

Lee travels to every home and away basketball game and soccer game, riding the buses with the teams. “ountless stories” have risen to say the least Lee says.

“Confidence comes with preparation,” Lee said.

Printing the team roster and looking up their major is not pre-game preparation to Lee.

He deeply cares for his broadcasts and his players by finding personal stats or recent accolades.

Lee attends team practices to see what players are working on to produce a more cohesive and precise production of the game.

“I get to form relationships with players and coaches, but not only that, I get to know other players. They know me and I know them,” Lee said. Traveling to so many events has built friendships that “last forever in this industry” he states.

In high school, his aunt found a local broadcast camp at the Suwanee Sports Academy under the advisement of long time Atlanta Hawk announcer Bob Rathbun.

Lee was one of three participants in the entire program which allowed one-on-one development from Rathbun.

Today, Lee considers Rathbun a close friend and looks forward to maintaining their connection upon his entry into his career.

The dream for Lee is to be in Atlanta one day commentating for the Hawks or Braves.

His identified reachable goal is to be somewhere within Major League Baseball or the National Basketball Association.

With a goal that would seem out of sight for most, to be so closely related to his dream shows Lee’s work ethic and potential.

If he is playing his beloved golf, eating at local hot-spots, or playing with his new puppy Murphy, Chandler Lee will greet with the courtesy and care that he truly believes.