Megan Eugenio on Sports, Style, and Owning the Digital Age

She may have started courtside, but Megan Eugenio is now everywhere. Known to millions as OVERTIMEMEGAN, the Emmy-winning host and digital creator has redefined what it means to be a woman in sports media — seamlessly straddling the arenas of athletics, fashion, and lifestyle. With 2.6 million TikTok followers, a podcast of her own, and partnerships that span from Gatorade to EA Sports, Megan has become a face of Gen Z’s cultural shift: unafraid to talk touchdowns and mascara in the same breath. Whether she’s covering the NFL Draft, training in the gym, or turning out a beauty look for a night in New York, Megan embodies the modern woman who refuses to be one thing.

You’ve carved out a space in sports media where women are not just welcome, but essential. What was the turning point for you when you realised you could change the game?

I realised early on that there was something lacking in the sports space: the perspective of sports from a fan who embraces her femininity and whimsicality without taking the culture too seriously. These things are not mutually exclusive: both can be true at the same time and are not to be shamed, but celebrated. This archetype describes the group of women who love the space, grew up having their favourite sports teams, and are happy to participate. I realised if I wanted to fit in, I had to stand out and trailblaze the path of this type of reporter. Growing up, if you were a woman in sports media, you had to fit a certain standard. The ideal female reporter was to be direct and informative and deliver pre-set questions, and focus on the subject. All of these things are great, but I did not want to silence my personality to fit in somewhere that I loved. I wanted reporting to be a part of my content and allure. My company, Overtime, has allowed me the opportunity to do this with their talent model while taking on interviews and hosting. This is where I realised I could show girls you can be whimsical, feminine, and outspoken and still be taken seriously!

Sports culture and fashion haven’t always spoken the same language, but you merge them with ease. How do you see style influencing the sports world right now?

Sports culture and fashion used to be very simple- as an athlete, you’d wear your suit to the game, a jersey to play in, and a suit to leave. Draft days and interviews were clear, cut, and dry in terms of style. For fans, you wear a jersey to a game and maybe some face paint and a fun hat- but this isn’t the early 2000s anymore. People are finding ways to rebuild their pride in their sport and career. I see style now as a form of messaging- how do you want to be viewed? What pieces of information do you want people to know about you? What I mean by this is we all see that athletes play, and fans cheer. Now, athletes rock custom jewellery, designers they’ve partnered with, specialty sneakers, their favourite colours and prints. They represent their culture, their hometown, their family, and their significant others. Fans rock custom pieces of their favorite teams, showcasing vintage styles- maybe you’re in your dad’s vintage jacket from the 90’s and he’s been a Patriots fan for his whole life, or you rock a branded puffer jacket at a Buffalo Bills game during the height of winter and you still want to represent your team, despite the city’s unforgiving conditions every football season. Personally, I like to rock my teams with purses, belt bags, or varsity jackets. I see style continuing to send messages about what type of fan you are, with everyone having a way to express themselves in the same area. The possibilities are endless!

Your career is wonderfully multifaceted. What does a “typical day” look like for OVERTIMEMEGAN?

A typical day for me when I am at work is anywhere but home! I wake up in a new city- let’s say I am there for a big event or game. I travel with my team from Overtime: usually a few producers, other talent, and videographers. We have our schedules set and questions ready for the respective event, and we know where to go and when. You get a credential, charge your mics and cameras, and memorise multiple scenarios with whoever you’re going to be working with. The catch with content is that you’re usually with a decorated athlete, and you don’t always know each personally. The goal is to be comfortable yourself, and then your subject is also comfortable! Making interviews look congenial is part of the game, so viewers don’t sense that it’s an interview — just two people having a conversation. Flow is important. After our events, we edit the clips and post right away in real time any content we have. Often, I am posting live from events I am at in order to get the content in the best position to do well!

“Style has become a form of messaging in sports — athletes and fans alike are telling stories about their culture, their pride, and who they are, all through what they wear.”

Strength training, skincare, Knicks games, red carpets — your platform feels like a celebration of balance. How do you define wellness for yourself?

Wellness is about the basics for me: eat well, exercise, and treat yourself when you feel like it. Working out at home or on the road is a non-negotiable for me. Not only does exercise make you look your best, but it also releases hormones that balance your mental health. I don’t believe in being in any one extreme or the other- balance is doing what feels good to you while also disciplining yourself. I enjoy wine and pizza, and run 5km in the same day! You also have to know yourself- this life can be pretty hectic, and it seems everyone has more time than you. Prioritise your sleep, manage your activities, and be selective about where you put your energy.

You’ve spoken about empowering women to feel confident in the gym. What advice would you give to someone walking into the weight room for the first time?

The same advice I use for my job was the same I used for the weight room my first time: nobody is going to know if you mess up, besides yourself. We are all so deeply in our own heads on how we are being perceived, especially in a place where vanity thrives like the gym and on camera. When you realise nobody is watching your squat to see if you have perfect form, you free yourself from the boundaries of social anxiety. Everyone is just trying to better themselves and attempting new routines; all you can do is mind your business, and others will do the same. However, there are kind people who did show me how to use certain equipment the first few times. Lots of people are happy to help, so you’re never truly alone if you don’t want to be!

What was the moment you realised your voice could shift the conversation in sports media?

I realised my voice held power when I started garnering attention to things I personally paid attention to. The more I posted about my life, preferences, opinions, and more was the I realised I was starting to resonate with others online and in real life. People found community in the spaces I was participating in and showcasing throughout my career, and at the same time, I was also finding community and going through the motions for the first time. People could feel my excitement every step of the way. Everyone seems to have everything figured out, but I think I give off an air of “we’re in this together”. Figuring life out at the same time when I started my career at 18, being in school and finishing throughout, while showcasing my travels and work ethic, unveiled a realistic side to life- it made me relatable. I was a college kid with an opportunity to create room for women, no matter how outspoken, opinionated, silly, or girly I was, and that’s always what I tried to show, which is why I am here today!

“I realised if I wanted to fit in, I had to stand out — to trailblaze a path where women can be whimsical, feminine, and outspoken, and still be taken seriously.”

Looking back, what is the single decision or leap that has defined your career path the most?

Asking for a job at my company, Overtime, was the leap that changed my career and life overall. I was 18 years old and had just settled for good in New York City. I loved the NBA, and knew Overtime from high school. They were a sports page posting reels and edits of young athletes, which was popular with people in my grade who played basketball. I met someone who worked for the company by happenstance within the first month of being a freshman at Pace University, and I decided that closed mouths don’t get fed. You just have to ask. Once I did, I got a job within 2 weeks at the Brooklyn-based digital media start-up and began doing small office tasks for the company part-time. A year into the job, in 2019, I was 19 years old, and TikTok became an app from its predecessor. Without the push from Dan Porter (CEO) and Tom Weingarten (Head of Social), I never would’ve joined the app and created content. They told me to sign up and how to use it, and from there, I gained a following that changed my trajectory with the company and my life.

You’ve been called both a sports commentator and a cultural curator. Where do you see your career evolving in the next five years — more courtside, or more cover shoots?

I see my career maturing with me. I am 25 now, and I started when I was 18. I am realising there are many more thirsts I want to quench and accomplish that I did not have five years ago. As I’ve grown, there have been more opportunities to branch out and touch base with other communities and brands that I never thought I’d connect with. I went from only liking basketball to not being avid in the NFL and NHL space. I went from only sports to now connecting with lifestyle and beauty as well. I hope to continue to work on my digital content, but I do have a few dreams I want to put out into the universe. I would love to be on TV in some form- whether that is traditional desk sports talk on a sports network, or acting in a commercial, show, or film, I see myself on the big screen one day. As for modelling, I would love to do something empowering like Sports Illustrated Swim. It’s a dream I’ve had since 2018, when I begged my mom to take me to an open casting call. We flew to Miami from Boston for the weekend to attend. Needless to say, it didn’t work out then, but life sometimes works in full-circle moments, and I am manifesting that one to come to completion. As for sports, I hope to continue to interview all these decorated athletes and figures in the space and curate content for sports fans alike to digest and expose a different side to what we see! Stay tuned!

Megan’s Holiday Rules

When she’s not calling the plays or curating culture, Megan is exploring the world on her own terms. We asked her to reveal the travel tips that keep her adventures seamless, chic, and unforgettable

Carry-on essentials you never skip?

A book! I need a book to avoid doomscrolling. I believe plane rides have to be productive, so if I’m not working on my phone or laptop, I have to be reading (or snoozing!)

In-flight beauty must?

A good lip balm and electrolytes. I get so dehydrated on planes, and my lips need moisture quite often on the outside, but from the inside, I always spike my water bottles with a little extra razzle-dazzle in the form of electrolyte packets to help my body retain and replenish.

Holiday destination you love most?

Jackson Hole, Wyoming! I love to ski and snowboard. I am a winter girl through and through. Mountains over the beach any day!

Go-to airport outfit?

I need to be comfortable and cute! I love Lululemon, and so I am normally rocking a scuba hoodie and a pair of their scuba joggers! As for shoes, sneakers, always. Pro tip: compression socks.

Most memorable holiday trip?

I did my first European tour last year, and it was the best experience ever. We did Greece, Italy, and Portugal. It was two weeks of living a slow lifestyle — lots of nature, dinners, and a lack of Wi-Fi is my speed. It was so grounding to be in countries that still appreciate life the way it is meant to be lived!

Dream destination this season?

I really want to visit Copenhagen and Germany this year. Germany for the food (I love comfort food, and German cuisine is part of that love) and Copenhagen for the style and vibes. Hoping to book those soon!

What’s always on your holiday playlist?

I love The Neighbourhood and Noah Kahan for the winter. For the summer, it’s all Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae. Green Day, however, is for every season, but especially for my workouts!

Photography by Derek Kettela
Styling by Margot Zamet