About Ty Gilstrap

I am a sports journalist who graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Political Science in 2025. A San Diego native, I graduated from Vista High School in 2021.

It was far from a linear path into journalism, as I initially spent time as a Field Outreach Coordinator for the Mike Levin for Congress campaign and as a student manager with the University of Washington women's basketball team. But the most impactful opportunity of my professional career was my time with The Daily, the University of Washington student newspaper. After getting my start as a contributing writer for the men's golf beat, I was promoted to Sports Editor less than a year into my tenure. 

In the spring of 2023, I placed fifth in the Sports Story category for the Associated Collegiate Press' Clips & Clicks contest with my piece "That was Nico looking over me: In first collegiate win, Petr Hruby finds greater perspective." I placed third in the same competition in the fall of 2024 for "Washington's Windermere Cup sweep of Italy serves as tribute to 1936." I finished tied for 16th nationally in the Hearst Award's Sports Writing competition for my article "Jedd Fisch brings all the right traits."

Additionally, I spearheaded coverage of some of the biggest moments in collegiate sports, including the Washington softball team's trip to the Women's College World Series in 2023 and the UW football team's run in the 2024 College Football Playoff. During a week-long stint in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl and Houston for the National Championship, I helped The Daily publish 36 articles.

Storytelling is my passion, and I enjoy finding and sharing stories away from the spotlight. Versatility is my strong suit, and I'm eager to help a newsroom in any capacity.