Speaking to Brendan Flatow now, it is hard to imagine that the senior from Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) was ever shy. As the founder of Gametime Sports, a student-run sports media channel, Flatow regularly engages in public speaking, whether it’s broadcasting to viewers or giving a presentation on the company. 

“I was pretty shy before I started [Gametime Sports], but it forces you out of your comfort zone,” Flatow said in an interview with the Local. “Now I’m very comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people.”

During his time at SCH, the once-shy student built a full-fledged media operation from the ground up. From play-by-play announcing on broadcasts and creating social media graphics to editing videos and writing scripts, Flatow has spent “a lot of late nights” on Gametime Sports. His hard work not only paid off in the success of the company, but also in a prestigious accolade.

A fast-growing idea

The initial idea for Gametime Sports came to Flatow during the summer of 2020. During baseball games for the 12U Whitpain Warriors, the team his dad coached, Flatow would livestream on Instagram for fans who couldn’t attend due to COVID-19. Then, as a sophomore at SCH, Flatow revisited the idea through his capstone project at the school’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. 

When Flatow founded Gametime Sports, SCH had some cameras available for livestreaming games. However, the lack of audio and poor camera angles did not make for a great fan experience. At the beginning of his junior year, Flatow broadcast his first two games: back-to-back boys’ and girls’ soccer on a Friday night. From there, things took off quickly.

Over 50 students are now involved with Gametime Sports, operating professional-level equipment while broadcasting year-round coverage of every SCH sport. The business has garnered over 865,800 views across YouTube, Instagram, and Hudl.TV. Local companies have even signed on as advertisers, including Team Whetzel, Zipf’s Candies, Chill on the Hill, and Cosimo’s Pizza Cafe.

Flatow said his favorite moment at Gametime Sports was the “silent night” basketball game broadcast, where the student body remained quiet until the 10th point. Gametime Sports helped with the in-arena music, lighting, and videos, and after the fans rushed the floor following the victory, Flatow received plenty of positive feedback on the broadcast.

Earning national recognition

Last month, after two weeks of nationwide voting, Flatow was recognized as the Best Production MVP in the 2025 National High School Broadcast Awards, run by Mascot Media. Gametime Sports was also selected as a finalist for Best School-Run Broadcast Team, Event of the Year, and Play of the Year.

“It was a big achievement for us,” Flatow said. “I put a lot into Gametime Sports, so to be recognized for it was pretty cool. I hope, down the road, this award can have an impact on me getting a job one day.”

Flatow said he hopes to become a play-by-play broadcaster for a professional sports team one day. But first comes college. Flatow decided to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and major in sports information and media. He is also considering a minor in entrepreneurship to learn the skills necessary to continue growing Gametime Sports, even from across the state.

“I’m glad that I’m going to be continuing in some fashion at Duquesne University next year,” Flatow said. “I talked to the people there and they said I can work on my TV show when I’m there, and we can not only have it air on whatever networks they have at Duquesne, but also have it air on Gametime Sports from Pittsburgh.”

Passing the torch

Since Flatow is graduating in June and plays baseball in the spring, the past few months have been used as a transition period for Gametime Sports. Roman Bostick ’26, Sam Bevan ’27, Quin Dion ’26, Oliver Yespy ’26, and Jadon Hall ’28 have taken over some of the biggest responsibilities. Flatow said he feels assured that the group will succeed once fall rolls around.

“I’m pretty confident in their abilities to keep it going,” Flatow said. “They’ve been really focused on learning from what I can teach them, and they’re also bringing what they know to the table as well to further enhance Gametime Sports. I’m excited to see what they can do next year.”

Through the creation of Gametime Sports, Brendan Flatow found his voice. Before long, that voice may be recognizable to sports fans across the country. 

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.