After college, how tough was it to achieve your dream of being a sports news reporter?

The best way to land a foot in the door at a newspaper in the sports department is to start as a stringer. Contact the sports editor of every paper in your area and offer yourself as a stringer. Newspapers use a lot of stringers because the pay is less, and there are no benefits. However, you can get many writing assignments if you are willing to do high school sports.

If you meet your deadlines with sharp, interesting stories, when an opportunity arises for permanent employment, then you will be considered. I know several people who now work full time who began as stringers.
Also, look for sports features that will be of interest to the readers of that publication. You are showing you can find your own stories.
Be aware that stringers do not make that much money, so the more stories you accept, the more money you will make.
You can work for more than one paper. However, do not cover the same story for two different publications.

It's tough, but like all things in life....what you put into it, is what you get out of it. What is essential is that you plan your path to your goal early and always reevaluate it along the way. Networking is also critical for the news industry. Remember, it's not what you know but who you know. Put yourself in those places and spaces where the industry people will be and where they look for talent.