Daniella Ponticelli is CKRM’s new voice on  Saskatchewan Roughriders game day broadcasts and the new play by play voice of the Regina Rams.

Ponticelli said it’s surreal to be part of a broadcast she’s been listening to since she’s been young.

“it’s just amazing,” she said. “I can’t really put into words, the feeling. There’s obviously a bit of nerves. It’s just such an important broadcast to Regina and to Rider fans.”

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Ponticelli moved to the prairies at the age of ten, and quickly discovered a love of sports, especially football. Most recently, she has been honing her craft during broadcasts for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey, the Regina Pats, and the Saskatchewan Rush.

“Daniella is incredibly talented, and passionate about football” said 620 CKRM Program Director Abbey White, “We can’t wait to see and hear what she brings to our airwaves. It’s a new era for Rider Radio and Rams football”.

Ponticelli said she’s energized and ready for the upcoming season and she’s already looking forward to the Rams season.

“The talent is incredible. We’ve got a new head coach permanently in the job this year, (Mark McConkey), that’s amazing,” she said. “Getting to work with him last year in the interim position and seeing that growth, it’s remarkable.”

Ponticelli is looking forward to bring her own style to the position.

“When you get an opportunity like this, you start to think, ‘oh my gosh, there’s so much I can do’ but there’s also so much growth involved in this and I do want to give a big shout out to the entire broadcast team. Michael Ball and Luc Mullinder, with the Riders, they’re going to be tremendous. I’m so excited to learn from them.”

(With files from Andrew Dawson)