Tampa's Tiffany Greene is the First African-American Female Play-by-Play Announcer for ESPN

Tiffany Greene, a Tampa native and FAMU alumni is making huge waves as the first African-American female college football play-by-play commentator for ESPN. 

 

She began here in Tampa at Hillsborough High School as an International Baccalaureate (IB) graduate, then moved on to Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee where she was a legacy and familiar with the area due to family connections. She flourished there studying Journalism and Graphic Communication and she has been everything from anchor to editor. She was originally offered a job in production by a network that suggested she consider it, but broadcasting has always been her true passion. In her professional career Greene has worked in Tampa, Orlando, and Savannah at stations like Fox Sports, Bright House Sports, ABC, and now ESPN. 

 

"For me to be the first black woman in the booth is quite an honor,” said Greene. “I'm glad to be the first, but I certainly don't want to be the last. There will be a lot of eyes watching me. It's not only important for black women but women, in general, to be in the booth."

 

Greene has now transitioned from sideline reporter to full-time college football play-by-play announcer, which she is making history by being the first African-American woman to do. Her new position requires a majority of her time preparing to call the game, which includes strategizing with coaches about game plans, key match-ups,  injuries, learning about players, overlooking the rosters, and studying statistics. She will have the opportunity to work with many collegiate sports including football, basketball, volleyball, softball, and other related events. 

 

As much as she cares about her career, she also has a beautiful son and husband at home here in Tampa that she says help keep her grounded. Woman are often told, especially in competitive, male-dominated fields that they have to choose between having a family and keeping their standing in their career so that is just another way that Tiffany is an inspiration in showing young women that they can do anything they set their minds and achieve their dreams. She is proof that while admittedly challenging, we as women really can have it all with persistent hard work and positivity. 

 

As a sports fan myself, I grew up admiring Erin Andrews (also a Tampa local) for being one of the first women I ever saw covering sporting events which lit a fire under me to pursue journalism and keep learning all I could about the topics I was passionate about, and I know young black women will see Tiffany Greene in that same light, realizing they can do and be anything. She continues to be a true inspiration to women everywhere, paving the way for more of these opportunities for young women in the industry, especially those of color.