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Mallory James Mahoney may be best known to audiences as the quick-witted and lovable Destiny on Disney Channel’s “Bunk’d,” but these days, she’s stepping into an entirely new role—college student with a clear vision for her future.
When we sat down with Mallory for a recent interview, it quickly became clear that while acting helped shape her early career, her ambitions now stretch far beyond the screen. Currently attending Texas Christian University, Mallory is pursuing a degree in sports journalism, a path that reflects both her curiosity and her drive to tell meaningful stories. She spoke candidly about the transition from working on a hit television series to navigating campus life, describing it as both grounding and energizing. There’s a sense that she’s not leaving entertainment behind so much as expanding her voice within it.
Throughout our conversation, Mallory came across as thoughtful, focused, and refreshingly down-to-earth. Whether reflecting on her time on “Bunk’d,” co-starring in numerous feature films or discussing her future in media, she carries a perspective shaped by early success but guided by long-term purpose—one that suggests her next chapter may be just as compelling as the last.
Finding Common Ground Between Entertainment and Sports
Transitioning from the world of Disney Channel to college athletics might sound like a major adjustment, but for Mallory, the shift has been more seamless than expected. In fact, she’s discovered that acting and sports broadcasting have more in common than people might assume.
“Making the jump from Disney Channel sets to college athletics might seem like a dramatic shift, but surprisingly, the transition to life at Texas Christian University has felt more natural than expected,” says Mallory. “What stood out most is just how much acting and sports broadcasting overlap. Skills developed on set—being comfortable on camera, thinking quickly under pressure, understanding storytelling, and connecting with an audience—have translated directly into sports media. Rather than starting over completely, it felt more like applying years of entertainment experience in a totally new environment.”
That overlap naturally led into a deeper appreciation for storytelling, something Mallory says connects both industries at their core.
“Growing up in film and television created a real appreciation for storytelling at its core, and sports are full of stories. Every athlete, team, and season has something deeper behind it, whether it’s adversity, chemistry, ambition, or resilience. Covering sports is about bringing those moments to life in a meaningful way. Acting taught the importance of emotion and authenticity too, which feels especially relevant because fans connect most strongly with the human side of sports.”
Why TCU Felt Like the Right Fit
When discussing what drew her to TCU specifically, Mallory points to the balance the university offers between community and opportunity.
“Part of what made TCU so appealing was the balance it offers. The school has the close-knit atmosphere of a smaller university while still providing the opportunities and excitement of a major Division I athletic program. Smaller class sizes have made it possible to build genuine relationships with professors and classmates, while the athletics side has opened doors to hands-on broadcasting experience around high-level sports. It’s been the best of both worlds and has already created so many opportunities to learn and grow.”
Reflecting on her acting career now from the perspective of a college student also brings an interesting sense of perspective.
“Looking back on past acting roles, there’s one character that feels especially relatable now as a college student–Destiny from “Bunk’d.” Most of the characters portrayed over the years were much younger, so they don’t necessarily feel connected to this current stage of life. But toward the end of the series, Destiny was beginning to think about college and what came next, which feels very familiar now.”
Balancing Hockey Fandom With Sports Broadcasting
Outside of school and broadcasting, Mallory’s passion for hockey continues to play a major role in her life—and it’s something she fully embraces.
“Being a dedicated fan of the Dallas Stars means my schedule often revolves around games, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. At the same time, working in college athletics at TCU has created a whole new appreciation for sports from a different perspective.
“There have also been opportunities to work with the Stars, other sports organizations, and the streaming platform Victory+, which has made balancing both passions feel exciting rather than overwhelming.”
Memorable Moments in Broadcasting
As she continues building experience in sports media, a few standout moments have already defined her time at TCU.
“One of the biggest highlights so far was working Big 12 Media Days. The experience provided the chance to learn directly from industry professionals while covering such a large-scale event. Interviewing athletes and creating content in that environment made it especially memorable.”
Another unforgettable experience came when she worked with ESPN during College GameDay at a TCU women’s basketball game. The energy across campus and the excitement surrounding the event made it feel like a defining moment for Horned Frogs athletics.
Life as a Student, Broadcaster, and Actress
Of course, balancing acting, broadcasting, and college life comes with its challenges, and Mallory admits there’s rarely such a thing as a “typical” day.
“Right now, no two days ever really look the same. Both acting and sports broadcasting are fast-paced and unpredictable industries, so schedules can shift constantly depending on auditions, projects, games, or events. Classes are usually the one thing providing structure in the middle of everything else.
“College life adds its own layer of chaos, too. There are definitely weeks where tests, presentations, papers, auditions, and broadcasting commitments all seem to land at the exact same time. Midterms and finals combined with sports events and acting opportunities can make things hectic, but staying busy has actually been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Being able to pursue multiple passions at once feels incredibly fulfilling.”
Creativity Beyond the Camera
Even with such a packed schedule, creativity still remains at the center of everything she does.
“While many childhood creative hobbies have stayed with me over the years, college has also introduced entirely new outlets. Minoring in studio art has become a particularly rewarding balance alongside sports media and acting.
“Photography classes, sculpture projects, and newer media-based art forms like robotics, video, and sound work have all become part of that creative exploration. Finding different ways to express creativity continues to be both exciting and inspiring.”
Looking Ahead
As for what comes next, Mallory embraces the uncertainty that often comes with college and early career experiences.
“Right now, the focus is simply on learning as much as possible and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes along. Whether the future ends up leaning more toward acting, sports media, or some blend of both worlds, there’s genuine excitement about wherever the path leads next.”
More than anything, Mallory says college has given her the opportunity to grow outside of the entertainment industry and discover entirely new passions. Acting will always remain an important part of her life, but getting involved in sports broadcasting at TCU and joining Kappa Alpha Theta has opened countless creative and professional doors.
Looking ahead a few years, her goal is simple: continue doing meaningful work, keep telling stories, and stay surrounded by people who inspire creativity and growth.
Mallory James Mahoney’s Social Media
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Cover Photo Courtesy Mallory James Mahoney
Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.
