Rising Stars: Meet Rachel Santschi of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Santschi

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I earned my degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, where I was an active member of the OU Rowing Team, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and deeply involved at Gaylord College. I had the opportunity to travel abroad and serve as an anchor for the student-run broadcast. After graduation, I applied for countless reporting jobs before landing a role with the Kansas City Chiefs.

For three seasons, I worked as the team reporter, providing sideline coverage for Chiefs preseason games on CBS, hosting the TV series Chiefs Red and Gold, and co-hosting the pregame show Hy-Vee Chiefs Insider. I also wrote daily content for chiefs.com, emceed events, and covered the team’s community activities. It was during this time that I met my husband!

In March 2015, I transitioned from the NFL to become the first full-time reporter for Spurs Sports & Entertainment and Fox Sports Southwest. This role allowed me to go live on-air frequently while covering the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, WNBA’s Stars, AHL’s Rampage, and NBA G-League’s Austin Spurs. I also served as the team’s spokesperson for local news stations and commercials, and emceed various sponsorship events and community outreach initiatives.

After two seasons in San Antonio, I made a career shift to morning news and spent four years as a morning anchor and reporter for an ABC affiliate in Kansas City, MO. From 4:30 to 9:00 AM every weekday, I reported on local stories, breaking news, and hosted live interviews, both in-studio and via satellite. I was also the station’s reporter for special assignments like the Country Music Association Awards, the CW Press Junket, and Kansas City Chiefs home and away games.

When the pandemic hit, it coincided with the arrival of our first child, making it the perfect moment to transition to a role with a better schedule and more family time. I took on the position of PR Director for Chicken N Pickle for two years, an organization full of wonderful people. It was a tough decision to leave, but after our second baby arrived, I knew I wanted to prioritize time with my boys and step away from corporate America for the time.

We have three boys now—ages 4.5, 3, and 1.5. Needless to say, I stay very busy!

My husband still works for the Chiefs and just completed his 14th season! It’s a lot of fun to remain connected to the team that brought us together and helped launch my broadcasting career, especially during such an exciting and historic time. Through his role, I also have the privilege of volunteering with the Chiefs Women’s Organization, where I get the chance to serve the KC area once a month during the season.

Currently, I’m a stay-at-home mom while also staying involved in the community by emceeing charity functions and local events. Additionally, I work as a content creator and influencer, collaborating with both local and national brands on Instagram and TikTok.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have certainly been many struggles and bumps along the way so I’ll keep it high level. Starting my career in a male-dominated field taught me valuable lessons and helped me build some thick skin. Transitioning into the world of news came with its own unique set of challenges, which ultimately taught me resilience. Then, when I began to consider stepping away from it all for the sake of my family, I found myself questioning what others might think. I wrestled with the idea of how much effort it took to get to where I was and wondered if I should really give it all up. It wasn’t an easy decision. But once I made it, I felt an immense weight lift off my shoulders. Choosing this path has truly been the best decision for our family and for my boys.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a content creator sharing authentic and humorous moments of motherhood, along with tips and activities designed to help toddler parents thrive.

With eight years of experience as a broadcaster, I continue to work on camera with both local and national companies for commercials, voiceovers, and social media collaborations. I also emcee charity and community events throughout Kansas City.

Looking back on my broadcasting career, I’m incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to cover and interview some of the most amazing and influential people in the industry.

But, without a doubt, my greatest accomplishment today is raising my boys. Too often, the role of “stay-at-home mom” is undervalued or dismissed. When I first took on this role, I would feel nervous and even ashamed to answer honestly when people asked, “What do you do?” But now, I am proud. As parents, we are shaping the future. I get the opportunity to teach three boys how to be good people—how to be kind, responsible men, good husbands, and hopefully, fathers and grandfathers one day. What I do today, and the lessons I impart to them now, will impact their future and everyone they encounter. That’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it feels incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rachelsantschi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsantschi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelsantschi
• Twitter: https://x.com/RachelSantschi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rachelsantschi