Women of color may not be accustomed to feeling “other” in primarily white environments. There will always be something uncomfortable about entering a room full of individuals who don’t look like you. Although you’d think the experience would be obsolete by now, it’s nevertheless common in almost all corporate jobs in America. Black female sports writers can relate to this emotion more than anybody else. They go into a far bigger space than a typical conference room—a stadium or arena with tens of thousands of spectators. They come into contact with actual light that has a considerably greater wattage.
Despite this, black female sports reporters went on to become well-known figures. It’s difficult to avoid wondering how they manage to succeed in a field when there are so few others like them. Here are 15 black female sports reporters that are admired not just for their good looks but also for their enthusiasm for and expertise in sports.
1. Malika Andrews
| Malika Andrews | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malika Rose Andrews |
| Birthdate | January 27, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | NBA sports journalist and reporter |
| Employer | ESPN |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| Education | University of Portland |
| Notable Role | Host of NBA Today |
| Forbes Recognition | Forbes 30 Under 30 in the sports industry for 2021 |
| Family Background | Father: Mike Andrews (Personal trainer), Mother: Caren Andrews (Art teacher), Younger sister: Kendra Andrews (Sports reporter) |
| Sports Reporting Experience | Joined ESPN in October 2018 as an online NBA writer, Youngest sideline reporter for a broadcast during the 2020 NBA Bubble |
| Education and Journalism Career | Communications degree from the University of Portland, Former reporter for the Chicago Tribune, James Reston Reporting Fellow at The New York Times |
| NBA Coverage | Covers NBA teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets |
| Recognition and Achievements | Nominated for an Emmy in the Emerging On-Air Talent category, Sports Emmy winner for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent in 2022 |
| Other Facts | Known for her “garden-party-chic wardrobe” and flowing floral feminine frocks, First woman to host the NBA Draft in 2022, Previously lived in New York City, currently resides in Los Angeles while hosting NBA Today on ESPN |
This young journalist went from being a fellow with The New York Times to being one of ESPN’s NBA beat writers this season, mainly concentrating on the Central division of the league. This whole journey took place for over a year and a half.
As with Shams Charania, a 24-year-old reporter for the NBA who covers breaking news, Adrian Wojnarowski, the ultimate sources expert, praised the job Andrews has done. Recently, Malika Andrews authored an article on the fact that Chicago Bulls player Jabari Parker was removed from the team’s rotation a few months after signing a two-year, $40 million deal.
2. Pam Oliver
| Pam Oliver | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pam Oliver |
| Birthdate | 1960/1961 (age 61–62) |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | Florida A&M University |
| Occupation | American Sportscaster |
| Known For | Sideline reporting for NBA and NFL games |
| High School | Niceville High School, Niceville, Florida |
| College | Florida A&M University |
| Athletic Achievements | All-American in the 400-meter and the mile relay at Florida A&M University |
| Broadcasting Career | WALB in Albany, Georgia (1985); WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Alabama; WIVB-TV in Buffalo, New York; WTVT in Tampa, Florida; KHOU-TV in Houston |
| ESPN Tenure | Joined ESPN in 1993 |
| Fox Sports Tenure | Joined Fox Sports in 1995 |
| Notable Assignments | Sideline reporter for Fox Sports’ number-one broadcast team with Pat Summerall and John Madden |
| NBA Coverage | Sideline reporter for TNT’s NBA Playoffs coverage (2005-2009) |
| NFL Coverage | Sideline reporter for Fox Sports’ #2 NFL broadcasting team since July 2014 |
Pam Oliver is an American sportscaster who has won several awards for his remarkable performance on the sidelines of different National Basketball Association and National Football League events. Pam’s father, John Oliver, served in the United States Air Force, and she was born and raised in the great state of Texas.
Oliver, widely recognized as a trailblazer in the sports media industry, has been one of the most prominent sports reporters on network television for a long time. She consistently produces reports that are both pertinent and significant as a consequence of her straightforward and honest approach to interviews, and as a result, she has gained the respect and gratitude of all alliance participants.
3. Lisa Salters
| Lisa Salters | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisa Salters |
| Education | Pennsylvania State University (BA) |
| Occupation(s) | Sportscaster, Sports anchor |
| Notable credit(s) | E:60, Monday Night Football, NBA on ABC, |
| Role | Reporter, Journalist, Sideline Reporter |
| Affiliation | ESPN, ESPN on ABC |
| Notable Coverage | O.J. Simpson murder case, Middle East reports |
| Awards | Nominated for a Sports Emmy Award (2008) |
| Previous Experience | WBAL-TV Baltimore, ABC News correspondent |
| Notable Fact | Former college basketball player (Penn State) |
Lisa Salters is a female collegiate basketball player who pursued a career in journalism in the United States. Since 2000, Lisa has held the position of reporter for ESPN and ESPN on ABC. She is also a reporter for ABC, covering the O.J. Simpson murder investigation, and she was a reporter for WBAL-TV in Baltimore from 1988 to 1995.
This former NCAA women’s basketball player was one of the first people to get a remark from Donald Sterling’s estranged wife. Sterling is the owner of the notorious (hum, racist) Los Angeles Clippers. Over a decade, Salters has covered both the NBA and the NFL.
4. Meghan McPeak
| Meghan McPeak | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meghan McPeak |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Play-by-play broadcaster |
| Organization(s) | Washington Mystics, Washington Wizards |
| Notable Achievement | First female broadcaster to call an NBA game in 30 years |
| Education | Studied radio broadcasting at Humber College |
| Collegiate Basketball | Played as a point guard for Humber College |
| NBA G-League Broadcaster | First female play-by-play broadcaster in NBA G-League |
| CBS Sports Announcer | Play-by-play announcer for college football |
Even though there are just a few women working as in-game commentators, fewer women are working as play-by-play announcers for sporting events. In October, during a preseason game between the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons, Meghan McPeak broke history by being the first female play-by-play announcer for an NBA game in over 30 years.
Additionally, she is the first and only female play-by-play announcer in NBA G-League history, calling games for the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ affiliate club.
5. Cheryl Miller
| Cheryl Miller | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl D. Miller |
| Birthdate | January 3, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Former basketball player, sideline reporter, reporter, analyst, sportscaster, coach, and general manager |
| Alma Mater | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Position | Small forward |
| Coaching Career | USC (assistant coach, 1986–1991)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) (head coach and general manager, 1997–2000)Langston University (2014–2015) |
| Broadcasting Career | NBA games on TNT Sports (sideline reporter)NBA TV (reporter and analyst)ABC Sports, TBS Sports, ESPN (sportscaster) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of FameWomen’s Basketball Hall of FameFIBA Hall of Fame |
| Siblings | Reggie Miller (retired NBA star and Hall of Famer)Darrell Miller (former Major League Baseball catcher) |
| High School | Riverside Polytechnic High School |
| College | University of Southern California (USC) |
| High School Achievements | Dial Award recipient for national high-school scholar-athlete of the yearAll-American by Parade magazineStreet & Smith’s national High School Player of the YearRecord holder for points scored in a single season and high school career in California |
| College Achievements | NCAA champion titles in 1983 and 1984Four-time All-AmericanNaismith College Player of the YearWade Trophy recipient |
| International Career | Competed in the 1983 World Championships, 1984 Summer Olympics (gold medalist), 1983 Pan American Games (gold medalist), Goodwill Games (gold medalist), and FIBA World Championships (gold medalist) |
| Knee Injuries | Suffered knee injuries that ended her playing career |
| USC Coaching | Head coach at USC (1993–1995)Coached teams to NCAA tournament appearances |
| WNBA Coaching | Coached Phoenix Mercury (1997–2000)Reached WNBA Finals in 1998 |
| Current Endeavors | Served as a sideline reporter for the NBA on TNT’s Thursday night doubleheader coverage |
Cheryl Miller, an American former basketball player who won a gold medal and now works as a coach, was born and raised in Riverside, California, in United States. In addition to that, Miller worked for the NBA and ABC as a sideline reporter and sports announcer. She has a role in the HBO documentary Women of Troy, which is now airing.
Miller is currently an established member of the NBA Conference. She is a two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and she has covered the game and coached it for over twenty years.
6. Josina Anderson
A lady named Josina Anderson has the potential to excel in her industry. She now commands respect in the profession since she has made a name for herself. Josina is one of the most ardent journalists, much like Carol Costello.
She is an American citizen with a wide range of skills. Josina is a successful reporter and possesses a wide range of intriguing abilities. Tell us more about the incredible Anderson. She has become well-known for breaking big national sports news stories. As a result, she started working for Fox 31 as a reporter, anchor, and producer. She also served as a reporter for Inside NFL.
7. Jemele Hill
| Jemele Hill | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jemele Hill |
| Birthdate | December 21, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education | Michigan State University (BA) |
| Occupation | Sports journalist |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Spouse | Ian Wallace |
| Nationality | American |
| Notable Works | – Co-hosted ESPN’s “SC6 with Michael & Jemele” |
| Co-founder | Lodge Freeway Media |
| Autobiography | Uphill: A Memoir |
| Career Highlights | – ESPN2’s Numbers Never Lie and His & Hers host |
| Podcasts | – Jemele Hill is Unbothered |
American journalist Jemele Hill is the co-founder and former editor of Lodge Freeway Media and The Atlantic. She has been with the sports media giant ESPN for nearly a decade, during which time she has hosted ESPN’s His and Hers and contributed a column to ESPN.com’s Page 2.
In November of 2006, Jemele Hill became a contributor to ESPN.com as a national reporter. The Sports Reporters, ESPN First Take, and Outside the Lines are just a few ESPN shows where you can see her daily, and she is a staple on SportsCenter. As a sideline reporter, she also covered college football games in 2012 with Carter Blackburn and Rod Gilmore.
8. Candace Buckner
| Candace Buckner | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Quinn Buckner |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1954 |
| Age | 68 |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| High School | Thornridge High School, Dolton, Illinois |
| College | Indiana University |
| NCAA Championship | 1976 National Champion |
| Olympic Gold Medal | Represented United States in the 1976 Olympic Games |
| NBA Career | Played for Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers |
| NBA Championship | Won the NBA Championship in 1984 with the Boston Celtics |
| Coaching Career | Head coach of the Dallas Mavericks (1993–1994) |
| Broadcasting Career | Color commentator for Indiana Pacers television broadcasts |
| Awards and Honors | NBA All-Defensive Second Team, Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame (2015) |
Candace Buckner is an extraordinarily gifted journalist and writer. She was skilled at making ordinary tales enjoyable, and she often surprised other people with a different way of telling a narrative that worked better than they had anticipated. Her laid-back demeanor belies her devotion, and she has a terrific sense of humor that makes coworkers and sources comfortable.
There is little doubt that Candace Buckner is among the most talented beat reporters in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Applause is warranted on its own for Buckner’s combination of social media updates, game recaps, and feature pieces, as well as his ability to cover the several themes associated with the Washington Wizards.
9. Cari Champion
| Cari Champion | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cari Champion |
| Birthdate | June 1, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| Occupation | Broadcast journalist, television personality |
| Notable Shows | The Cari Champion Show (Amazon Prime Video Sports Talk), First Take (ESPN2), SportsCenter (ESPN), Cari & Jemele (Won’t) Stick to Sports (Vice on TV network) |
| Career Highlights | Hosted sports shows on ESPN and Tennis Channel, interviewed notable athletes, transformed negative stereotypes |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Gender | Female |
| Years Active | 2000-present |
| Early Career | Started as a reporter in West Virginia, worked at Orange County Newschannel and WPTV-TV |
| Affinity for Tennis | Developed love for tennis while covering players like Venus and Serena Williams, joined the Tennis Channel in 2009 |
| ESPN Journey | Joined ESPN as the host of First Take in 2012, became an anchor for SportsCenter in 2015 |
| Recent Endeavors | Hosts The Cari Champion Show on Amazon Prime Video, premiered in November 2022 |
When “sports journalism” is used, some people immediately think of Cari Champion. At ESPN, she anchored the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter. Along with hosting ESPN2’s First Take, the television personality has also served as a reporter for the Tennis Channel.
Being tasked with mediating tense sports arguments between Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith is not an easy task. Champion is required to do so daily on their exciting noon chat program on ESPN, First Take.
10. LaChina Robinson
| LaChina Robinson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | LaChina Robinson |
| Occupation | Basketball Analyst |
| Affiliation | ESPN, Fox Sports 1, FS South, Atlanta Dream (WNBA) |
| Broadcasting Roles | College basketball games, WNBA games, ACC radio broadcasts |
| Height | 6’4″ |
| College | Wake Forest University |
| College Accomplishments | Played in 112 games, started 95; ranked 3rd in blocks and 15th in rebounds |
| Early Career | Special Assistant at Georgia Tech; Analyst for Georgia Tech radio broadcasts |
| Awards | 2021 Mel Greenberg Media Award (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association) |
LaChina Robinson is the best commentator in the whole women’s basketball league. The former Wake Forest center can provide a comprehensive analysis of any women’s team competing in high-major college basketball or the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Robinson will give it to her throughout every live hit, regardless of whether she is at the scorer’s table providing color commentary, on the sidelines, or in the studio.
11. Sage Steele
| Sage Steele | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sage Marie Steele |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Panama Canal Zone |
| Alma Mater | Indiana University |
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
| Notable Credit | ESPN SportsCenter |
| Title | Host, Reporter |
| Children | 3 |
| Co-Host | SportsCenter (12pm ET) on ESPN |
| Hosting | SportsCenter on the Road, Super Bowl, The Masters |
| Former Host | NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC |
| Contributions | ESPN First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, SportsNation |
| NBA Finals Coverage | 2012-2020 |
| Family Background | Father: First Black varsity football player at West Point |
| Early Life | Born in the Panama Canal Zone |
| Education | Graduated from Indiana University |
| Early Career | Worked at WSBT-TV and WISH-TV |
| Other Hosting Roles | Miss America pageant, Scripps National Spelling Bee |
| Controversies | Previously suspended for controversial remarks |
| Personal Life | Married with three children |
| Philanthropy | Board member of the Pat Tillman Foundation |
| Commentary | Opposes transgender rights in sports |
Sage Marie Steele, often known as Sage Steele, is an American sports commentator and television host. She currently shares hosting duties with another person on ESPN’s 6 PM Sports Center (ET), which airs just before big sporting events like the Super Bowl and The Masters. Before that, Sage presented NBA Countdown for four seasons, from 2012 to 2017, on ESPN and ABC.
Steele worked as a sports reporter for an Indiana CBS station before moving up to co-hosting ESPN’s NBA Countdown. He has since progressed through the ranks of sports commentary. She has also been a part of ESPN’s First Take and SportNation and co-hosted SportCenter.
12. Taylor Rooks
| Taylor Rooks | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taylor Rooks |
| Birthdate | May 22, 1992 (age 31) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Education | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Previous Work | SportsNet New York Big Ten Network CBS Sports Network |
| Notable Coverage | Big Ten Football Championship |
| High School | Peachtree Ridge High School (Suwanee, Georgia) |
| College Major | Broadcast Journalism |
| Family Background | Daughter of Thomas Rooks, former Illinois Fighting Illini player Niece of Lou Brock (St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer) and Marv Woodson (former NFL player) Sister of Ryan Rooks |
Her editorial-style end-of-show presentations at SNY, like the one that disputed the popular perception of Lamar Jackson as a quarterback before this year’s selection, and her interviewing abilities helped her gain a job at Bleacher Report, where she has since become the face of the organization.
She’s been able to do her interviews on-location thanks to Turner Sports and Bleacher Report like she did when she visited the Boston Celtics’ practice facility to speak with Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum or when she visited Manchester United player Romelu Lukaku’s home for a private interview. As cliche as it may seem, Taylor Rooks‘ skills and the tools she has gained at Bleacher Report will enable her to do anything.
13. Kristina Pink
| Kristina Pink | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristina Pink |
| Birthdate | April 17, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Visalia, California, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Mt. San Antonio College |
| Launched | August 12, 1994 |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Owner | Fox Corporation |
| Major broadcasting contracts | NFL, USFL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, FIFA World Cup, WWE SmackDown, UEFA European Championship, CONCACAF Gold Cup, CONMEBOL Copa América |
| Sister network | Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2 |
After joining the FOX Sports team in 2012 as an NFL reporter, Kristina Pink soon earned the respect of NFL players, coaches, general managers, and other league insiders for her in-depth knowledge and insightful questions. The 2013 season was the first time she contributed to FOX Sports’ college football coverage as a reporter.
In addition to providing in-game and post-game interviews for the broadcast team consisting of play-by-play announcer Adam Amin and analyst Mark Schlereth, Pink also provides news, notes, and stories for the FOX NFL pregame programs FOX NFL SUNDAY and FOX NFL KICKOFF when he is requested to do so.
Kristina Pink is a well-known sports reporter for Fox Sports and NFL Network. With her charming personality and exceptional reporting skills, she has become a prominent figure in the sports industry. If you admire her work, you might find these young beautiful models also appealing.
14. Christy Winters Scott
| Christy Winters Scott | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christy Winters Scott |
| Occupation | Basketball Color Analyst |
| Broadcasting Networks | ESPN, FSN, The Big Ten Network (BTN), NBC Sports Washington, Raycom Sports |
| Lead Analyst | BTN Women’s Basketball (since 2016) |
| Previous Roles | ACC Women’s Basketball Analyst, SEC Games Analyst, NCAA Women’s Basketball Analyst |
| WNBA Commentary | Washington Mystics games |
| High School Career | South Lakes High School, Virginia |
| High School Achievements | Led South Lakes to a 29-0 record, 1986 Virginia AAA State Title, All-Met Player of the Year |
| Collegiate Career | University of Maryland, 1986-1990 |
| Collegiate Achievements | Second highest scorer in Maryland history, ACC Champion, Final Four appearance |
| Professional Career | Played in Pistoia, Italy, and Fribourg, Switzerland |
| Coaching Career | Assistant Coach at George Mason, Maryland, and Georgetown; Head Coach at South Lakes High School |
| Coaching Achievements | Turned around South Lakes program, Coach of the Year Award |
| Broadcasting Career | Wizards Studio Host, Roundball Report, Comcast SportsNet |
| Awards | ACC 50th Anniversary Team, South Lakes Athletic Hall of Fame, University of Maryland Hall of Fame, ACC Women’s Basketball Legend, Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism, Distinguished Terrapin Award, Essence Magazine recognition as top African American female sports reporter |
| Residence | Reston, Virginia |
| Family | Husband: Jerome Scott, Children: Jerome, Brianna, and Jordan |
Christy Winters Scott is an NBA, WNBA, and NCAA analyst for several television and radio networks, including ESPN, Fox Sports, Raycom, and CBS Radio. Before her career in broadcasting, Scott competed at the collegiate and professional levels of women’s basketball.
In addition to that, she is the play-by-play announcer for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. She has hosted the pre-and post-game shows for the NBA’s Washington Wizards on NBC Sports Washington since 2012. In addition, she has acted as an NBA Analyst for the Wizards on NBCSW.
15. Rhiannon Walker
| Rhiannon Walker | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rhiannon Walker |
| Occupation | Sports Journalist |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism |
| Experience | 10+ years in sports journalism |
| Expertise | NFL and NBA coverage, athlete interviews |
| Skills | Writing, interviewing, research, analysis |
| Publications | ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post |
| Awards | Sports Journalism Award |
| Achievements | Broke major trade deals in the NFL |
| Expert Analysis | Providing in-depth analysis on game strategies and player performances |
| Breaking News | Consistently breaking exclusive sports news stories |
| Broadcast Experience | Hosting sports shows and appearing as a guest analyst |
| Community Involvement | Supporting initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion |
| Language Proficiency | Fluent in English and Spanish, enabling interviews with a diverse range of athletes |
| Digital Media Skills | Proficient in video production and editing for online sports content |
This year, Walker further elevated her status as a rising star. The young reporter for The Undefeated has used her social media following to bring attention to some of the challenges she experiences daily as a member of the LGBTQ community, in addition to covering major Black stories in sports, such as the passing of Perry Wallace, the first Black basketball player to integrate the Southeastern Conference.
Rhiannon Walker strikes a beautiful mix between covering pop culture, baseball, and HBCU football topics. Regarding her Twitter account, she is just as likely to post jokes as to raise attention to severe societal issues.
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16. Maria Taylor
| Maria Taylor | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Taylor |
| Birthdate | May 12, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Alpharetta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | University of Georgia |
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Employer | NBC Sports |
| Spouse | Rodney Blackstock (m. 2019; div. 2020), Jon (m. 2021) |
American presenter and commentator Maria Taylor works for the SEC Network and ESPN. Maria features collegiate sports, including basketball for men and women and collegiate volleyball.
Before joining the IMG team in 2012, Taylor spent the previous three years working as a reporter & presenter for the IMG College program at the University of Georgia. Additionally, she made appearances on several studio programs, including SportsNite, Dawg Report, and SEC Men’s Basketball Tonight.
Taylor covered the Orange Bowl for the second year in 2013, working as a side reporter for the college football telecast that aired on ESPN2 on Saturday nights.
17. Kimberley A. Martin
| Kimberley A Martin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimberley A. Martin |
| Education | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Alma mater | Harvard University, Stanford University |
| Occupation | Political scientist |
| Employer | Barnard College |
| Research Focus | International security, foreign policy, Russia, environmental politics |
| Professional Experience | Ann Whitney Olin Professorship of Political Science at Barnard College, Chair of Barnard Political Science Department, Director of Program on U.S.-Russia Relations |
| Published Works | Author of books and articles on Russian foreign policy, NATO enlargement, peace enforcement, warlordism |
| Teaching Experience | Extensive experience as a professor, mentor, and researcher in political science |
| Language Skills | Fluent in English, proficient in [additional languages] |
| Contact Information | Email: [email address], Phone: [phone number] |
This past year, Kimberley A. Martin shone as one of the only Black women working as an NFL journalist anywhere in the nation.
In the article “Tyrod Taylor Unfiltered,” written by a reporter working for the Washington Post at the time, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills shared his thoughts on what it’s like to be a Black starter in the NFL. This article was regarded as one of the year’s most insightful works. A month had passed after the feature’s debut when Taylor was sent to the bench for seven days.
If you’re interested in learning about other influential black female news reporters like Kimberley A. Martin, check out this article on the 50 Most Influential Black Female News Reporters 2023. Discover more about these trailblazers who are breaking barriers and making waves in the field of journalism.
18. Ros Gold Onwude
| Ros Gold Onwude | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rosalyn Fatima Gold-Onwude |
| Birthdate | April 28, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American / Nigerian |
| College | Stanford University |
| Position | Point Guard |
This past summer, the well-known journalist who had previously worked as a sideline reporter for the Golden State Warriors was hired by Turner Sports to work in the same capacity. Ros Gold Onwude is proud of her Nigerian heritage, as shown by the fact that she had bright red braids when appearing on the broadcast the previous week.
In terms of her celebrity status, she is most known for attending the inaugural NBA Awards in 2017 with Drake as her date. She was a member of the Nigerian national basketball team that competed in preparation for the Olympic Games in London in 2012. She continues to get invitations to play basketball professionally in other countries.
19. Elle Duncan
| Elle Duncan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lauren “Elle” Duncan |
| Birthdate | April 12, 1983 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Sports Anchor, Reporter, Host, Actress, Writer, TV Personality |
| Notable Credits | V-103, 11 Alive, Atlanta Hawks, NESN, ESPN |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism |
| Career Highlights | Joined SportsCenter as an anchor |
| Philanthropy and Activism | Involved with Walker, a non-profit leader in special education and residential treatment for children and youth |
| Memorable Moment | Shared emotional conversation with Kobe Bryant, popularizing the hashtag “Girl Dad” |
During her first year working at ESPN full-time, Elle Duncan unequivocally left her imprint. When discussing race topics, both on and off the air, the formerly employed sports reporter in Atlanta and Boston did not pull any punches.
Reportedly, Duncan turned down the opportunity to replace Jemele Hill on SportsCenter in September. Duncan’s refusal to take Hill’s place was met with widespread criticism. Duncan was also quick to criticize the Miami Dolphins for passing up the opportunity to sign Colin Kaepernick in favor of Jay Cutler.
20. Kara Lawson
| Kara Lawson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kara Marie Lawson |
| Birthdate | February 14, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Position | Head Coach |
| College | University of Tennessee (1999-2003) |
| WNBA Career Teams Played | Sacramento Monarchs Connecticut Sun Washington Mystics |
| Coaching Career | Boston Celtics (assistant, 2019-2020) Duke Blue Devils (2020-present) |
| Olympic Medals | 2008 Beijing: Gold Medal (Women’s basketball) 2020 Tokyo: Gold Medal (Women’s 3×3 basketball) |
| Career Highlights | WNBA champion (2005) WNBA All-Star (2007) |
| Broadcasting Career | ESPN basketball television analyst |
| High School Record | 2 state championships with a record of 83-2 |
| University Achievements | Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award recipient Board of Trustees member of the University of Tennessee |
| Relationship Status | Married to Damien Barling, a radio broadcaster |
Kara Lawson is now working as a basketball television commentator for ESPN and the Washington Wizards. She formerly played professionally. Her time playing defense for WNBA clubs such as the Sacramento Monarchs and the Washington Mystics brought her the most notoriety.
At the Olympic competition in Beijing, China, in 2008, she was awarded the gold medal. In 2015, Lawson decided to resign from the WNBA to concentrate on his career in broadcasting.
In recent years, Lawson has been a part of sports broadcasts throughout the WNBA season, commentating on collegiate basketball games for both men and women and events involving the Sacramento Kings.