Jessica “Noonie” Noble: From Gamer to Game Changer in Sports Journalism

Photo of Jessica 'Nooni' Noble, Editor-in-Chief of Sports and More Sports, wearing glasses and a vibrant patterned shirt, smiling against a textured white wall with red and pink flowers in the foreground. Photo featured in the Sports And More Sports article, "Jessica “Nooni” Noble: From Gamer to Game Changer in Sports Journalism."
Sports And More Sports Editor-in-chief Jessica "Nooni" Noble

As the Editor-in-Chief of Sports and More Sports and Soccer 4 Us, Jessica “Noonie” Noble has quickly become a respected voice in the world of sports journalism. With a background as a semi-professional gamer and a knack for calling games on platforms like NBA 2K and Xbox, Jessica brings a unique perspective to the field. In this exclusive interview, we dive into her journey, insights, and aspirations.

Q: Jessica, thank you for joining us. Let’s start from the beginning—how did your gaming journey begin?

A: It started as a hobby during high school. I grew up watching my brother play, and one day, I decided to grab the controller. I instantly fell in love with the strategy and competition. What began as fun quickly became a passion, and four years later, I found myself competing as a semi-professional.

Q: Semi-professional gaming is no small feat. What lessons did that experience teach you that you now bring into journalism?

A: Discipline and adaptability. In gaming, you have to think quickly, strategize, and stay calm under pressure. Those same skills apply in journalism, whether it’s meeting tight deadlines or adapting to changing storylines. Gaming also taught me the importance of connecting with an audience, which is essential when telling compelling stories in sports.

Q: What drew you to sports journalism?

A: It was a natural transition. I’ve always been a storyteller at heart, and as someone who loves sports and competition, I wanted to merge those two passions. Writing and reporting about sports, especially gaming-related ones, felt like the perfect fit. It allows me to bring unique perspectives and amplify voices in the sports world.

Q: You currently juggle roles as Editor-in-Chief for Sports and More Sports and Soccer 4 Us. How do you manage it all?

A: It’s all about prioritization and having a great team. I focus on maintaining a balance between the two roles by delegating when necessary and staying organized. Both publications have distinct audiences, so my approach to each is tailored to their needs. It’s challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.

Q: You’ve called games on platforms like NBA 2K and Xbox. Can you share a memorable moment from that experience?

A: One standout moment was during a high-stakes NBA 2K tournament. I was commentating on a game where an underdog team made an incredible comeback in the final seconds. The energy was electric, and being part of the moment, even virtually, was unforgettable. It reminded me of why I love this industry—the thrill of the unexpected.

Q: Jessica, your YouTube channel Ms. Leo {Sweet’s} has been gaining traction as a hub for sports talk, gaming, and music. What inspired you to start the channel, and how has it evolved over time?

A: Thank you! The idea for Ms. Leo {Sweet’s} came from my passion for sports and storytelling. I wanted to create a space where I could break down games, share predictions, and highlight cultural moments in sports and gaming. Over time, the channel has become more interactive, with fans engaging in the comment section and requesting specific topics. It’s been incredible to build a community of like-minded sports and gaming enthusiasts.

Q: In one of your videos, you delved into the Clippers’ collapse during the playoffs and pointed out Doc Rivers’ history of blown 3-1 leads. What led you to such a detailed analysis, and how did your predictions about his future pan out?

A: That video, which focused on Game 7 of the 2020 Western Conference Semifinals between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets, was a culmination of frustration and observation. Watching the Clippers blow a 3-1 series lead to the Nuggets was mind-boggling, especially since it marked the third time Doc Rivers’ teams had done so in the playoffs. I analyzed the situation from all angles—the load management with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George’s inconsistency, and the Nuggets’ resilience and execution. My goal wasn’t to bash Doc but to examine the larger patterns and dynamics that contributed to such a monumental collapse by the Clippers.

When I said in the video that the Clippers’ management might give Doc one more chance, I wasn’t sure if it would actually happen. Turns out, they didn’t wait long; they parted ways with him shortly after. To see that prediction materialize shows how important it is to call things out with honesty and evidence. It wasn’t about being negative—it was about accountability and highlighting areas for improvement.

Q: You mentioned Kawhi Leonard’s load management as a potential issue. Can you elaborate on why you felt it was problematic, and do you think it’s a sustainable strategy for teams?

A: Load management sounds great on paper, but in practice, it creates gaps in chemistry and rhythm. Kawhi played every other game during the season, and while it may have helped him physically, it didn’t prepare the team mentally for high-pressure situations. Basketball is as much about teamwork and flow as it is about individual performance.

For the Clippers, that lack of cohesion showed in the bubble. Players didn’t seem in sync, and when crunch time came, they couldn’t execute as a unit. Load management might work for an individual’s health, but for a team sport, I think it’s more of a gamble than a guaranteed strategy.

Q: You talked about frustrations as a fan watching the Clippers underperform. How do you balance being a passionate fan and an analytical commentator on your channel?

A: It’s tricky but necessary. I always remind myself that my audience comes for both the passion and the insight. As a fan, I’ll express my emotions—whether it’s frustration, joy, or shock—but as an analyst, I have to back those emotions with facts and breakdowns.

For example, in that Clippers video, my passion came through in how shocked I was about their performance, but I didn’t stop there. I provided stats, play-by-play analysis, and historical context to make my point. That balance is what keeps the channel authentic and informative.

Q: You cover a mix of sports, gaming, and music on your channel. How do you manage to keep all these interests cohesive for your audience?

A: I think it all comes down to passion. Sports, gaming, and music intersect more than people realize—whether it’s athletes streaming on Twitch, gaming soundtracks featuring big-name artists, or sports culture influencing music videos. My goal is to highlight these connections and show how they shape the broader culture. It keeps the content fresh and allows me to cater to a diverse audience.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of Sports and More Sports?

A: My goal is to make Sports and More Sports a go-to destination for not just sports news, but also deeper storytelling. I want to explore the human side of sports—highlighting players, fans, and even the unsung heroes behind the scenes. With the rise of eSports and digital platforms, I also see an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional sports and gaming.

Q: Lastly, any advice for aspiring journalists or gamers looking to break into the industry?

A: Never stop learning and building your network. Whether you’re gaming or writing, it’s all about staying curious and open to feedback. For gamers, focus on your craft and stay consistent. For journalists, find your unique voice and don’t be afraid to pitch ideas. Most importantly, enjoy the process—it’s a journey worth taking.

Closing Thoughts
Jessica Noble’s journey from gamer to Editor-in-Chief is nothing short of inspiring. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine sports journalism, she remains a shining example of how passion and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities.

For more insights and stories, stay tuned to Sports and More Sports!