Chicago Tribune Journalists Earn Top APSE Honors

Julia Poe and Armando L. Sanchez recognized as among the nation's best in annual sports media contest

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Two Chicago Tribune journalists, Julia Poe and Armando L. Sanchez, were named among the top 10 in their respective categories in the annual Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) contest, one of the most prestigious awards in sports media.

Why it matters

The APSE awards are highly competitive, with entries from top sports journalists across the country. Poe and Sanchez's recognition highlights the Tribune's commitment to excellence in sports coverage and its ability to attract and develop top talent.

The details

Julia Poe was named one of the nation's 10 best beat writers for her coverage of the Chicago Sky, including exclusive reporting on star player Angel Reese's discontent and the team's partnership to address online harassment. Armando L. Sanchez won top-10 honors in action photos for his shot of New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso falling over the wall while trying to catch a foul ball.

  • The winning entries were submitted in APSE's largest circulation category, competing with journalists from other top media outlets in the country.
  • Contest judging took place this week in Las Vegas.

The players

Julia Poe

A USC graduate who joined the Chicago Tribune in November 2021, Poe covers the Chicago Sky and the Chicago Bulls.

Armando L. Sanchez

A Tribune photojournalist since 2014, two years after graduating from Western Kentucky University.

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The takeaway

The Chicago Tribune's success in the APSE contest demonstrates the publication's dedication to producing high-quality sports journalism and its ability to cultivate talented reporters and photographers who can compete at the national level.