Puyallup’s Danny DeBock making strides in sports broadcasting

PUYALLUP, Wash. — Danny DeBock, a local broadcaster from Puyallup, is quickly ascending the broadcasting ladder. He can often be heard calling local college broadcasts and high school sports games throughout the South Sound region.

“Every game is its own story,” DeBock said. “Being on the call for a game is an avenue of showcasing the journeys the players and teams took to reach that game. It is a pleasure to watch players and teams at their very best when the lights shine brighter.”

For DeBock, broadcasting was a career that found him — and once it did, he made it his mission to say yes to every opportunity that came his way.

“I got my start in broadcasting at Central Washington University through their college radio station, 88.1 The ‘Burg KCWU-FM,” DeBock said. “I served as the play-by-play voice for CWU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams during the 2019–20 and 2021–22 seasons. With me on track to graduate in the spring of 2022, and not knowing where to go after college, I made the choice to stay in school to call CWU basketball for another season.”

Another opportunity arrived in the summer of 2022, when he was called into the office at KCWU and informed of an opening for a public address announcer at the university.

“I jumped on the offer and became the PA voice for women’s soccer, volleyball and football,” he said. “Through that work, I met Will Gaethle, a member of the SWX broadcast team covering CWU games on TV. He got me in touch with Paul Beattie of the Eli Sports Network (ESN), who had me broadcast 24 volleyball matches during the WIAA 2A–4A tournament that weekend.”

From there, DeBock wrapped up his time at CWU as their basketball voice in February 2023.

That fall, he had a short stint broadcasting games for the North American Hockey League before returning to the South Sound, where he continued working with the Eli Sports Network.

“South Sound games are special since it’s the area I grew up in. Although I have no preference for who wins these days, the South Sound has welcomed me with open arms,” DeBock said. “Regardless of where my broadcast journey takes me, I will always remember how well I was treated in my original stomping grounds.”

Since then, DeBock has become a play-by-play announcer for the University of Puget Sound, calling men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball and lacrosse. He also calls basketball, baseball and softball games for Saint Martin’s University.

Though DeBock is known for his versatility, he does have a few favorites.

“There is not a doubt in my mind — my favorite sport to work is hockey,” he said. “The pace and energy level of a game can captivate an audience regardless of the score. Football is a close second.”

As for the future, DeBock’s plan is to stay flexible and enjoy the ride.

“I look forward to exploring my options for my next journey regardless of location,” he said.

His advice for aspiring broadcasters: never forget to pay it forward.

“Many individuals have invested time, guidance and support into my career,” DeBock said. “The best way to honor that is by giving back—by helping those who follow in your footsteps.”