You know that voice bringing you the Tacoma Rainiers games? That’s Rylee Pay, and her path to the mic is wild, starting not with a bat or ball, but with competitive dance. This isn’t just about calling pitches, folks; it’s about a unique rhythm that’s now the soundtrack to our future Mariners, and nobody saw it coming from the dance floor.
From Pom Teams to Play-by-Play: Finding the Beat
Seriously, Pay has never had trouble finding the beat. She was knee-deep in competitive dance from first grade all the way through college, honing skills that totally translate to the booth. We’re talking four years on the UNLV Pom Team, even captaining it, where she was showcasing rigorous, detail-oriented routines. Talk about a foundation for precision, right? This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life that developed her killer multitasking skills and that undeniable passion for athletics. She actually started out on an accounting path, believe it or not, but that sports scene at UNLV hooked her, and she pivoted straight into the school’s sports media program, building up her resume with the athletic department and student radio.
Taking the Leap Into the Booth
Pay jumped right into the industry, first with the Wisconsin Rapid Rafters in the Northwoods League. She was an on-field MC and an athletic marketing intern, soaking it all in. But the moment she shadowed the team’s radio crew, that was it: she knew her true passion was in the booth. Then, during her senior year, while working as a sideline reporter for the Coutit Ketleers of the Cape Cod League, the team threw her a curveball: they asked her to step into a play-by-play role. No hesitation, she took the job. Pay herself said it, “It terrified me at first because it’s so new, but I always say yes to an opportunity. The challenge of it was something that hooked me really early on.” That brave, adventurous personality completely reshaped her sports career, and it shows in her calls. After college, she pursued a full-time broadcast gig, specifically in minor league baseball, knowing those openings are rare. But she landed an assistant broadcast opportunity with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. She was absolutely ecstatic to work with Emma Tiedemann there, who was one of only a few female broadcasters in baseball at the time. Pay explicitly wanted to learn from Tiedemann because, as she put it, “it was someone who sounded like me.”
So next time you tune into a Rainiers game, listen closer to Rylee Pay’s call. It’s more than just baseball; it’s a meticulously choreographed performance, honed by years of rhythm and a fearless spirit. It’s the sound of someone who knows her beat, and we’re lucky to have her bringing that energy to our Mariners’ future stars.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Lookout Landing.
Leave a Reply