John Freeman Leaves Nashville SC Radio, Belmont Broadcast For University Of Virginia

John Freeman. Photo: Sam Simpkins

Broadcaster John Freeman is leaving his posts at Nashville SC and the Belmont Bruins to take the role as Director of Broadcasting at the University of Virginia.

Freeman has served as the radio play-by-play voice for NSC for two years and started out as the TV voice of the club in its final two seasons in the USL. This past summer, he was named the new lead broadcaster of the Belmont Bruins, taking over men’s basketball play-by-play from Kevin Ingram.

“I have cherished every moment broadcasting games for this club,” says Freeman in a statement to NSC fans via Twitter. “I won’t look back at calling NSC games as a part of my career. This has been part of my life. This club brings me so much joy, purpose, and room to grow. Most importantly, it has brought me so many wonderful people.”

Belmont University Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Corley also released a statement regarding Freeman’s announcement to leave Belmont.

“As someone who has worked closely with John for four years, I can speak firsthand to his passion for telling Nashville SC’s story,” says Wes Boling who serves as NSC’s radio color commentator. “We all heard his memorable calls, but few saw the rigorous preparation John poured into every match, from a midweek USL match against a reserve squad to the club’s long-awaited MLS debut.”

Boling continues: “He cared deeply about capturing every moment perfectly, and he cared even more about his colleagues in the booth and behind the scenes. I’ll miss working with John, who has been an integral part of my NSC experience. But I couldn’t be happier to see him seize an opportunity he richly deserves.”

A 2009 graduate of UVA, Freeman has called Virginia basketball games in the past, including men’s basketball games during the NCAA Tournament in 2019.

He has been honored four times for Best Sports Coverage in the State of Virginia by the Associated Press. He was also named top sports broadcaster by the Charlottesville Daily Progress.

Steven Boero