Florida reporter Talia Baia has apparently become an internet sensation during this year’s NCAA Tournament.
The University of Florida student reporter for ESPN Gainesville is seizing the moment after her locker room interview with Gators guard Bennett Andersen went viral following Florida’s 87-71 Sweet 16 win over Maryland last Thursday in the NCAA Tournament.
On the heels of No. 1 seed Florida’s 87-71 win over No. 4 Maryland in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, Baia and Andersen shared an eye-catching moment that’s since taken social media by storm.
Following the contest, Baia asked Andersen what it felt like to score during March Madness. “Yeah, it felt amazing,” he replied. “I just ran after the rebound. There’s no reason for me to get back on defense at that point in the game, so I’m just trying to get the rebound.
“I thought that dude was going to jump to try to block it, but he didn’t really jump, so I just laid it in. It was crazy.”
Almost nine million users on X have seen Talia Baia’s video of the interview.
Since her explosion, she is now speaking out about her sudden rise to fame.
After going viral over the exchange with Andersen, Baia took to X, posted several articles about the interview, and wrote on X: ‘This is absolute madness’ along with a laughing emoji.
This is absolute madness
pic.twitter.com/mRLJE3cUdd
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) March 31, 2025
Talia Baia Is Growing An Incredible Fan Base
Following Florida’s 87-71 Sweet 16 win over Maryland on Thursday, a quick one-minute interview has propelled Talia Baia into the spotlight.
Baia is a student reporter for the station, studying in Florida’s journalism and communication program.
She also works as a student reporter for ESPN Gainesville and has 31,000 followers on Instagram and X.
Her followers continue to grow with each passing day. The senior at Florida can easily capitalize on this as she gets closer to the end of her college career.
