Photographers often go unnoticed, yet their role in storytelling is just as important as the writer's. Reading about a game-winning touchdown is one thing, but seeing the moment frozen in time brings the story to life.  

Freshman Isabella Bravo has been doing just that for UT Permian Basin Athletics since she was a junior at Midland Legacy High School. 

"I started becoming interested in photography at the beginning of high school. I took a photo class my freshman year then decided to join yearbook during my sophomore year," said Bravo. "With yearbook, I mainly gravitated towards covering sports because it was what I had known as I was a soccer player from the ages of 4-16. It allowed me to stay in the world of sports while not being entirely involved." 

Eager to expand her experience, Bravo reached out to UTPB Athletics' student media specialist, Arath Brito, an Odessa High School graduate, to see if there were any opportunities. That conversation led her to former Sports Information Director Tom Perpetua and the rest is history. 

Since then, Bravo has shot a variety of different sports; football, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. While she enjoys the action, what she likes the most about being a sports photographer at UTPB is capturing the raw emotion. 

"I enjoy being able to capture emotional moments and providing athletes with something they can keep forever," said Bravo. "They are always excited and grateful when they see the camera and I love knowing that they appreciate the photos." 

Bravo's photos can be found on the UT Permian Basin athletics Flickr account and on her personal photography Instagram and X (formally Twitter) under the handle @shotwithbravo.  

While Bravo gets to shoot many sports, she says she doesn't have a favorite.  

"I wouldn't say I have a sport that beats all the others, but the most fun sport to shoot as of recently is football," said Bravo. "It is a crazy environment, and I can find so many different opportunities to shoot within one game." 

While graduation is still a few years away, Bravo already knows what she would like to do for a career once the time comes. 

"I would love to be a part of a professional team or sports media outlet as their photographer. Staying somehow involved in sports would be something I strive for."  

With six to seven years of experience in sports photography by the time she graduates, Bravo will be a strong candidate for a job in the competitive world of sports media.