Henry Dryden: A Rising Star in Sports Broadcasting

At just 17, Henry Dryden ‘26 has already begun carving out his path to a promising career in sports broadcasting. A junior at Cannon School, Henry excels not only as a student but as an athlete and now, as a budding podcaster. Originally from the UK, he and his family relocated to North Carolina, where Henry has found a new home on the varsity baseball and soccer teams. His passion, however, lies beyond just playing sports—he has an incredible knack for narrating them. 

As a true lover of all things sports, Henry’s interest in broadcasting began early. What started as a casual interest has grown into something much bigger. When he's not on the field or court himself, you’ll likely find him calling the action at Cannon School’s football, JV basketball, and softball games. His detailed commentary has impressed many, and his energy for the game is palpable. 

But Henry didn’t stop there. To take his talents even further, he launched his own podcast this winter, titled Beyond the Game. Available on SoundCloud, the podcast delves deep into the stories of athletes who have overcome adversity to achieve success, both within and beyond Cannon School. 

Henry has already recorded three episodes and has a growing list of 24 athletes (and counting!) whom he hopes to interview in the coming months. His guests so far include his sister, Bella Dryden ‘29 (softball), Delaney Bruderek ‘26 (volleyball), and Lauren Benz ‘26 (cheer), all of whom have shared inspiring insights about their journeys in sports. Henry’s podcast aims to highlight the personal stories behind the performances, celebrating not just athletic ability, but the resilience and determination that athletes show off the field. 

Of course, it’s not always easy. “The hardest part of interviews is finding the rhythm of the conversation and waiting for the right moment when people are ready to open up,” Henry admits. But despite the challenge, he loves connecting with his classmates and getting to know them on a deeper level. It’s clear that Henry has a genuine interest in showcasing the uniqueness of the athletes he interviews, hoping to inspire his listeners and build a community of sports enthusiasts. 

But Henry’s ambitions go far beyond just creating great content. He dreams of majoring in journalism and sports commentary when he heads to college. “I want to be able to reach a larger audience and make a name for myself in the industry,” he says. He believes that Beyond the Game will help him gain valuable experience, build his fanbase, and, most importantly, sharpen his skills as a broadcaster. 

An exciting opportunity for Henry is on the horizon, as he prepares for a special experience with two sports legends: Rodney Monroe and Chris Corchiani. Both former NC State basketball stars and NBA players, Monroe and Corchiani co-host the ESPN podcast The Pearl Report. They’ve invited Henry to join them at a few of their recording sessions, where he may even have the chance to contribute to an episode. For Henry, this is an incredible opportunity to learn firsthand from professionals in the field and take another step closer to achieving his dreams. 

With his impressive work ethic, a passion for sports storytelling, and a clear vision for his future, Henry Dryden is undoubtedly someone to watch in the world of sports broadcasting. His journey is just beginning, but if his trajectory is any indication, he’s well on his way to achieving greatness. 

Stream Beyond the Game on SoundCloud here.