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Pick every Women’s Fours final since 1993. Or pretty much every WNBA Finals in history. From chronicling how UConn and Tennessee became the greatest rivalry in women’s college basketball to documenting the evolution of the WNBA, ESPN reporter MA Voepel has been a constant presence on the court documenting the growth of women’s basketball at all levels.
“What he’s done in his career shows. He always shows up,” Seattle Storm guard Sue Byrd said. “You know it’s a big game when he’s in the building.”
On Friday, Voepel will be honored with the Naismith Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award, given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to basketball. Several members of the women’s basketball community shared their thoughts on Voepel’s impact on the coverage of the sport.
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s basketball coach
Voepel has worked for ESPN since 1996, the same year he covered Staley and USA Basketball’s gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, as well as the first of three consecutive NCAA championships from Chamique Holdsclaw and Tennessee — before any of today’s college kids were even born. The previous year, Voepel was on hand when UConn won its first national title and was on the court for all 10 that followed.
“Michael was at the heart of covering women’s sport when it wasn’t a popular thing. His compassionate storytelling brought athletes into our lives before we had other ways to make that connection and was invaluable in planting the seed for fans and future athletes,” said Gamecocks coach and two-time NCAA champion Staley, whom Voepel covered during her All-America career at Virginia. “His genuine interest in people – not just the athlete they represent to the public – continues to elevate women’s sport.”
Sue Byrd, star of the Seattle Storm
In Voepel’s story for ESPN prior to the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game in Seattle, Bird revealed that he is gay and dating US Soccer and Seattle Reign star Megan Rapinoe. Before the final game of Bird’s career earlier this week, the point guard said Voepel’s constant presence builds trust among the players.
“With that confidence, you can have better interviews,” Byrd said. “What comes out of that is great stories, great coverage. It was a big part of the WNBA for sure, just being able to move this league forward.
“He’s really been instrumental in getting these stories out there and telling them the right way.”
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
In the WNBA, that includes issues as much as individual profiles.
Over the past several seasons, Voepel has documented the league’s progress on LGBTQ+ issues and its commitment to social justice, as well as helping readers better understand the league’s collective bargaining agreement and salary structure and upcoming prioritization.
“Over 26 seasons, a lot has changed for the WNBA, and through it all, MA has been there, masterfully telling each story along the way,” Engelbert said. “MA’s impact on the women’s basketball ecosystem is unparalleled.”
Geno Auriemma, UConn women’s basketball coach
Auriemma appreciates Voepel’s authenticity and dedication to women’s basketball.
“There is no surplus of people who have devoted themselves to sports. Some people cover the game, but it’s not their main passion, their main focus,” he said. “I think for Michael that was something that endeared him to a lot of coaches. Here was someone who was dedicated and committed to raising awareness of the game and looking for the good in the game. Someone who would shed light on . .. stories that I don’t think people would normally include in women’s basketball coverage.
“I have always enjoyed my conversations with Michael. I knew it would be a conversation that was genuine, genuine, from the heart. It wasn’t, “Hey, someone asked me to do this interview, but I don’t really want to do this interview. I’d rather cover some other sport. I will always be indebted to Michael for that and I know an awful lot of other coaches will be too.”
Kim Mulkey, LSU women’s basketball coach
Count Mulkey among them. After winning three national titles at Baylor, Mulkey left to take over at LSU, and Voepel was on hand in Baton Rouge to capture the start of a new era last fall. Mulkey granted unprecedented access to Voepel, who spent several days with Mulkey’s family and program to write what has become one of the standout pieces of the 2021-22 season.
“MA’s knowledge and dedication helped push our game forward through in-depth storytelling and reporting,” Mulkey said. “Ma’s coverage over the years has been thorough, thoughtful and fair.”
Michelle Smith, longtime colleague, former ESPN writer
Smith has worked side-by-side with Voepel for nearly three decades and called her colleague “my personal standard for covering the game of women’s basketball.”
“When something big happens in the game, his shot is the one I want to see first,” Smith said. “He honored the game with his coverage, and the game is honored to have such an ethical and universally respected man as its chronicler.”
More mature
Added Auriemma: “Everyone talked about Curt Gowdy as a consummate professional who everyone knew would get the truth about the subject and had no ulterior motive. I think Michael represents it perfectly and is the perfect recipient for the Curt Gowdy Award.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton and Alexa Filippou contributed to this report.
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