25 Talented Women Anchors Who Helped Build ESPN
ESPN has employed many stellar female sportscasters over the decades. Let’s appreciate 25 excellent hosts and anchors who have been integral to the network:
1. Robin Roberts
Before GMA, Robin Roberts excelled on SportsCenter thanks to quick wit and great rapport with co-hosts.
2. Charissa Thompson
Charissa Thompson lent glamour posting highlight reels on SportsNation and covering major events.
3. Cari Champion
Cari Champion energized SportsCenter with a quick wit and great chemistry alongside co-anchors.
4. Suzy Kolber
NFL sideline reporting veteran Suzy Kolber also anchored key shows like NFL Insiders.

5. Michelle Beadle
Funny and personable, Michelle Beadle hosted SportsNation, Get Up and NBA programming.
6. Linda Cohn
Linda Cohn made history as the first full-time female SportsCenter anchor back in 1992.
7. Rachel Nichols
Knowledgeable pro Rachel Nichols transitioned from reporting to anchoring her own show, The Jump.
8. Hannah Storm
Smart and professional Hannah Storm hosted the first morning edition of SportsCenter back in the 90s.

9. Sage Steele
Sage Steele adeptly anchored a variety of programs from NBA Countdown to SportsCenter On The Road.
10. Samantha Ponder
After covering college football, Samantha Ponder earned an NFL host role on Sunday NFL Countdown.
11. Cassidy Hubbarth
Cassidy Hubbarth brought energy as an NBA studio host and sideline reporter starting in 2015.
12. Melanie Collins
Fan favorite Melanie Collins covered major events internationally before joining Big Ten Network.
13. Doris Burke
Doris Burke made history as a regular NBA analyst, dazzling with her deep knowledge of the game.
14. Shelley Smith
Shelley Smith earned renown for tenacious reporting across the NBA, college football, and more.
15. Erin Andrews
Erin Andrews succeeded on the sidelines covering college football and major league baseball.
16. Wendi Nix
Wendi Nix reliably anchors NFL and college football news from the studio.
17. Beth Mowins
Veteran broadcaster Beth Mowins handles play-by-play for college sports as the first woman to call NFL games.
18. Lisa Kerney
Lisa Kerney brought poise and polish co-anchoring SportsCenter before moving to the NFL Network.
19. Jaymee Sire
Energetic anchor Jaymee Sire covered college sports for ESPNU before joining ESPN’s flagship show SportsCenter.
20. Antonietta Collins
Antonietta “Toni” Collins hosts ESPN Deportes edition of SportsCenter.
21. Jemele Hill
Jemele Hill served as a lively anchor before writing for The Atlantic.
22. Elle Duncan
Elle Duncan currently works across ESPN shows like SportsCenter, Get Up and NBA programming.
23. Maria Taylor
Rising talent Maria Taylor excels on NBA, college football coverage and Gets Up.
24. Jay Crawford
SportsCenter anchor Jay Crawford was one of the first personalities on ESPN2 in the 90s
25. Trey Wingo
Seasoned veteran Trey Wingo hosts NFL Live and major event coverage like the NFL Draft.
Pioneers and Fan Favorites
These talented women represent many excellent female anchors contributing to ESPN’s success over the decades. They’ve brought knowledge, wit and insight.