Lindsay McCormick: Star Sports Reporter

But female sports reporters are more than just eye candy on the sidelines, and I often wonder if we really appreciate how much work they do. And by "we," I'm not only talking about the guys watching the game. The other day, a friend of mine started talking about the female reporter’s hair, makeup, and what she was wearing. She didn't focus on what she was saying at all.

I recently had the great pleasure of talking to a smart, funny, but still very girly ESPN and Comcast sports reporter named Lindsay McCormick. She told me about how she became a sports reporter, what her daily routine looks like, and advice to any girls who want to join the world of sports reporting!

Born Into Sports

“I was born into the world of sports,” she says. Lindsay's grandfather, Stan Sprague, was a defensive end for the Washington Redskins (drafted in 1946). Her grandmother is a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan who never misses a game. Lindsay’s father played baseball and her brother played basketball. Lindsay was also involved in cheerleading, ballroom dancing and she played tennis.

Lindsay knew early on that she wanted to be involved in broadcasting. She started out doing the morning anouncements in high school. Later, when studying Broadcast Journalism at Auburn University, Lindsay discovered that her love for sports and broadcasting could become her career!

Working for the Auburn University television channel, she would watch the boys on the sidelines interviewing the Auburn athletes and she wanted to join the fun.

“I made them give me a try. My knowledge of the game and love of sports really helped me," she said. "I decided then that sports broadcasting is where I want to be."

After graduating from Auburn, she went to work for ESPN. Today, Lindsay works for Comcast Sports covering the NBA and the Portland Trailblazers. She also runs the show The Fan, blogs on her website and you can follow her sports picks on Twitter.

Busy Days

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a female sports reporter is like?

BUSY!

Lindsay starts the day very early and works late into the night 6 or 7 days a week. On game days for the Trailblazers, Lindsay goes to “shoot around” - first for the home team and the visiting team. From there she goes to prep for her show The Fan, which is on from 3 to 6 PM. Finally she jumps in her car and heads to the Rose Garden where the Blazers play.

During the game, “I'm constantly taking notes,” she says. “Then after the game I go to both coaches' press conferences and then into the Blazers locker room for interviews. Finally I wrap up around 11 PM and head home to pass out and do it again the next day.

When I heard how much time Lindsay spends on the go and in front of the camera, I asked her to share her favorite go-to makeup products. “MAC Studio Fix Powder, Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector and a lip gloss,” she told me.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

When I asked Lindsay if she experienced any sexism as a female reporter in a such a male-dominated industry, she answered, “I think all women in any business field can experience men that think they know it all. I try to just be confident and speak the facts. That alone will make people know that you are more than just a pretty face.”

Lindsay shared some advice for young girls who are interested in having a career in sports journalism or broadcasting: “Know the game's ins and outs. If you know what you are talking about, then no one can question you."

She also realizes that while motherhood and career success certainly aren't mutually exclusive, it's good to have a backup plan that gives you some flexibility. In fact, it's why she started writing. "Down south, family is very important. I plan on having a big family and I figured I can write from anywhere, even when I have a family.”

So the next time a female reporter comes on the television screen, listen to what she has to say. And if you have a daughter that's a big sports fan, don't be afraid to encourage her to follow her dream. Who knows, one day you just might be watching her on ESPN!