Let me first say for the record that I was on-board from the get go when CBS added Phyllis George to the NFL Today show way back in 1975. In fact, I would consider the former Miss America from Texas to be the first female to really have an impact on sports reporting. And, I still have wet dreams thinking about Jayne Kennedy.
(Little story about Kennedy…….I actually met her in the narrow-winding hallways of the old Boston Garden. I was so excited to see her walking toward me, I forgot I still had mustard on my mouth from inhaling a hotdog; so I could only muster a few words when we passed each other. She smiled, laughed, and I turned red as I mumbled some inane greeting. True story, but I digress…….) Both beautiful women, and both very sports knowledgeable. They each added value to the telecast and paved the way for the many more that followed them.
Today, with the abundance of sports coverage, female sports reporters have proliferated on TV. Some are definitely intriguing to watch, others just don’t bring much to the broadcast, while a few must have compromising pictures on the producer because it’s the only way they’re even getting on the air. I have listed most of these women below in alphabetical order, graded them out, and offer my takes on each of them. Do you agree or disagree? You gotta have opinions on at least some of these ladies. Let me hear from you!
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SCORE CARD |
| Erin Andrews (A-) – 33, versatile, got her start in Tampa doing Lightning hockey reports between periods, father is longtime investigative reporter for NBC affiliate in Tampa, much better on sidelines than in studio, best all-round interviewer in the business, the “All-American Girl Next Door” looks, draws too much attention to herself |
| Jill Arrington (C-) – 39, average at best with CBS, totally lost and forgotten now with Fox Sports, has not distinguished herself, did see her up-close and personal do taped interview with Frank Beamer and complain off camera about how she “hated” doing it |
| Michelle Beadle (B) – 39, fairly new on the big scene, co-host of SportsNation on ESPN2 with Colin Cowherd, very bright, high-energy, would like to see her have opportunity to do more |
| Bonnie Bernstein (A) – 41, one of my favorites, extremely likable, knowledgeable, great personality, warm smile, offers good insight, does her homework, collegiate gymnast |
| Jenn Brown (C) – 30, with ESPN just since 2009, one of the best athletes among female reporters, hasn’t done much yet, seems a little unsure of herself at times, cute but not much else so far |
| Doris Burke (B-) – 47, Providence College basketball standout, sideline reporter and color analyst for ESPN college basketball, also NBA analyst for ESPN and ABC, first female to call Knicks games on TV and radio, not exactly pleasing to the eyes and at times a bit gruff but one of the most knowledgeable basketball analysts in the business |
| Linda Cohn (C-) – 52, ESPN anchor since 1992, was first full-time female sports anchor on a national radio network, too much fluff not enough substance, buggy eyes and horse teeth |
| Colleen Dominguez (C+) – 43, LA-based for ESPN since 2004, remote regional reporter only, strikingly beautiful, somewhat unique style but doesn’t offer much substance |
| Jeannine Edwards (C-) – 45, primarily known for horse racing, been with ESPN since 2006, had famous run-in with Ron Franklin which led to his firing when he called her “sweet cakes”, mesmerizing eyes |
| Lisa Guerrero (C-) – 47, did Monday Night Football and Best Damn Sports Show Period, but now with Inside Edition and CNN News, married to former Twins pitcher Scott Erickson, posed for Playboy, basically just a pretty face |
| Suzy Kolber (B+) – 47, perky, always smiling, and famous for drunken Joe Namath interview when he wanted to kiss her, studio and sideline NFL reporter, easy-going delivery |
| Andrea Kremer (C-) – 52, NFL on ESPN, dance major in college, huge eyes that never stop blinking, a little too much make-up, very limited, and sounds a lot like Barbara Walters |
| Rachel Nichols (C) – 38, Monday Night Football sideline reporter and SportsCenter field reporter, never blinks, odd voice inflection, appears robotic at times, many have raved about her looks-but I don’t see it |
| Pam Oliver (C+) – 50, long-time NFL sideline reporter and special feature interviewer for Fox Sports, seems to have earned players respect, a bit of a diva persona, highly-touted but don’t see what all the fuss about her is about, also got her start in Tampa |
| Holly Rowe (C-) – 52, long-time college football sideline reporter for ESPN, way too much make-up and a bit hard on the eyes, can bump out just about anybody to get a post-game interview, does a very basic sideline interview |
| Sam Ryan (C+) – 34, previously a New York CBS sports anchor, now with MLB Network, looks like she should be doing shampoo commercials, generally seems unenthused |
| Ines Sainz (B-) – 34, works for TV Azteca (Mexican), have never seen any of her work, but without question has the best body in the business….and she flaunts it too, drew recent attention following her interview of Mark Sanchez for getting sexually harassed by Jet players in locker room |
| Lisa Salters (C) – 45, very professional, multi-sport college athlete at Penn State, doesn’t seem to get a lot of air time |
| Shelley Smith (C-) – 53, LA-based ESPN correspondent since 1992, non-descript, too business-like for me, hasn’t met a cheeseburger or pizza she doesn’t like |
| Melissa Stark (B+) – 38, former Monday Night Football sideline reporter, now with NFL Network, classy, beautiful, solid professional, but a bit limited |
| Hanna Storm (B-) – 49, ESPN anchor, married to NBC golf anchor Dan Hicks, perpetual smile, always laughing, known more for her provocative and sometimes controversial wardrobe than actual substance of reporting, tries too hard to please and be popular, fairly versatile though |
| Michelle Tafoya (A) – 47, longtime with CBS Sports, now with NBC Sunday Night Football, looks younger now than she did 5-7 years ago, classy style, a real pro |
| Lesley Visser (B) – 58, the “Dean” of all female TV sports reporters and still doing some work, has literally done it ALL, voted #1 female reporter of all-time, first female NFL analyst, previously married to Dick Stockton, these days rivals Joan Rivers in plastic surgery spending |
| Pam Ward (B-) – 41, in 2000 became the first woman to do play-by-play for college football, very distinctive deep voice, tom-boyish looks, definitely unique |
Related articles
- 10 Greatest Female Sportscasters of All Time (onlinecertificateprograms.org)
I’ll love them! Female TV Sports Broadcasters do have a history; but I didn’t understand how rich it was until I read, then reviewed all the women that have worked in the sports broadcasting industry.Great post! Thanks!
Let me add another to the mix…….Tracey Wolfson – C. She’s 37, average looking at best, primarily known for her CBS college football sideline work since 2004 with Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson. Also in her 7th year doing CBS college basketball. Has covered everything from auto racing to gymnastics, on the tube a lot, but just too stiff and monotone on those interviews!
Here’s another…….Chris McKendry – C-. 44, ESPN co-anchor since 1996, Philadelphia girl, went to Drexel on tennis scholarship, looks like the school teacher you had your first crush on, extremely easy-going, very soft-spoken, almost angelic, more known for her great legs than being a noted sports reporter.
My girl Michelle Beadle will soon be leaving ESPN for NBC. She’s definitely a rising star! Smart, sassy and sexy.