Daily Sports Smile: Beth Mowins makes history as NBA regular-season TV announcer

ESPN announcer Beth Mowins is a trailblazer in sports broadcasting. She has influenced many people in her career broadcasting various sports. Mowins became the first woman to serve as ESPN play-by-play announcer during a regular-season NBA game Friday. 

It was an another historic moment for Mowins. She was joined by analyst Jeff Van Gundy and sideline reporter Cassidy Hubbarth in a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks.

Mowins was also the first woman in 30 years to call ESPN’s Monday Night Football when she did so in 2017. She also was the first woman to call a Chicago Cubs game. 

Several people congratulated Mowins on her accomplishment. Mowins also joined NBA Today to discuss the importance of believing in your dreams.

“I hope they understand that the sky's the limit,” Mowins said. “I had a dream that I always wanted to do this. As a little girl, I surrounded myself with positive people that were going to help me on my journey.”

The Atlanta Hawks celebrated Mowins ahead of the game. The team presented Mowins with a special jersey to commemorate the historic feat.

Mowins continues to contribute across the ESPN networks. She works primarily with men’s and women’s college sports.

Prior to broadcasting, she starred as a point guard at Lafayette College where she is the all-time career assists leader and a 1,000-point scorer.