Alex Farmartino’s Journey from UVA to ACC Network’s “ACC Huddle”

Stepping away from the medical path he initially envisioned, Alex Farmartino has carved out an unexpected career in sports television. The University of Virginia alumnus returns to his alma mater this week with the “ACC Huddle,” the traveling live college football show of the ACC Network, marking a full-circle moment from his humble beginnings behind the camera.

The “ACC Huddle” will air live from 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday at the base of Observatory Hill, setting the stage for UVA’s season opener against North Carolina State University. Following the broadcast, students will be treated to a concert by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, performing under his DJ moniker, DJ Diesel, at 1 p.m.

Now serving as ESPN’s vice president of production for ACC Network, Farmartino has been instrumental in evolving “ACC Huddle” into a program that travels to showcase the most compelling stories of Atlantic Coast Conference football each week. This time, Charlottesville is in the spotlight.

Farmartino’s journey into sports television was serendipitous. Arriving at UVA from Cape Henry Collegiate in Virginia Beach, his initial focus was on medical school, completing many of the necessary science courses. However, a shift in interests led him to graduate with a degree in religious studies, after exploring fields like religion, philosophy, and anthropology.

During his third year, an encounter with Todd Goodale, then creative director for Cavalier Sports Marketing, directed Farmartino towards a newfound passion. Despite lacking experience, his enthusiasm for sports was evident.

“I love sports. I don’t know how to do anything, but I’ll work for free,” Farmartino recalled expressing to Goodale.

Goodale handed him his first task: “Here’s a camera. There’s a field hockey game tonight. They’re expecting about an inch of rain. Have at it,” Farmartino remembered being told.

This rainy assignment marked the beginning of his career in television. By his final year at UVA, Farmartino was capturing football highlights and traveling with the men’s basketball team. During an NIT game against Villanova University, a basketball hit his camera, damaging the viewfinder. His quick repair with gaffer tape became a memorable anecdote for job interviews, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.

After graduation, his UVA experience paved the way for an entry-level video editing position in Charlotte. “I got a degree, I got a job out of it, and it’s been one heck of a ride since,” he said.

Farmartino cherishes the vibrant atmosphere of UVA’s football Saturdays, citing it as a key reason for choosing the university. Living in Tuttle House, part of the Alderman Road dorms near Scott Stadium, he fondly remembers the game-day energy.

“The buzz around those football Saturdays, I mean, it’s part of the reason I wanted to come to UVA,” Farmartino shared.

One memorable game was in 2003, during his fourth year, when Goodale allowed him to watch the Virginia vs. Virginia Tech game from the stands. The Cavaliers’ 35-21 victory was their last win over the Hokies until 2019.

Over the years, Farmartino has established a career centered on college sports, spending over 25 years in the ACC environment. His tenure at ESPN began as a line producer, working inside production trucks and coordinating broadcasts, a role that laid the foundation for his extensive experience in sports production.