AnchorsSportsCenter

Off Camera with . . . Jade McCarthy

ESPN's Jade McCarthy (Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)
ESPN’s Jade McCarthy (Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)

Editor’s note: Welcome to “Off Camera with. . .,” a new Front Row series that introduces you to some of the studio anchors who have recently joined ESPN. First up is Jade McCarthy, the SportsCenter anchor who just celebrated her 1-year anniversary with ESPN:

Favorite quote. . .
A favorite is hard to pinpoint; I’ve had a quote book since I was a kid so there’s a long list of ones that I love. Recently, I met [sportscaster] Lesley Visser at an event and she told a story about Billie Jean King, who once told her, “pressure is a privilege” – it’s the newest addition to my book.

Favorite hobby. . .
I discovered Bikram yoga on a trip years ago. There’s just something about the hot room, the quiet, the peace with oneself, and the challenge. It really is a moving meditation.

Favorite mentor. . .
That would have to be my godfather Richard. I was a politics major in college (Mount Holyoke College) and given his lifelong involvement behind the scenes in politics, he was a sounding board – not to mention a great set of eyes to proof a paper. After college, my research papers turned into resumes and networking emails. If I were to stack up all the articles and books he has sent me over the years, they would likely fill a small library.

He was always – always – there. A guide and a cheerleader who listened more than he spoke. He allowed me to find my own answers and learn along the way. His teaching, like his answers to my endless questions over the years, is never without a life message. To call him a mentor isn’t really enough. He is that and so much more.

What are you most thankful for?
It sounds cliche, but I’m most thankful for my family. My husband Gordon and my son Mac are everything. I love to listen to them laugh together. It’s the sweetest thing.

How did you choose your profession?
I took a journalism course my first semester at Mount Holyoke. It was a seminar course that met once a week. For our first assignment, we could write about anything. I wrote about [former major-league pitcher] Pedro Martinez. I remember sitting in class as we went over every other piece.

I was so nervous! Finally, my professor North Cairn said, ‘I saved this one for the end because of how much I enjoyed it.’ Relief! She was a great teacher and encouraged me towards TV. I was smitten on my first day of a summer internship at Fox News Channel. I knew I wanted to be the person asking the questions. Career found. I still love TV as much as I did that first day.

Favorite TV show. . .
The TV in my house usually has sports on it. Just ask my almost 2-year-old son what he wants to watch – golf or tennis will be his reply. Really! Outside of watching sports, I adore Scandal on ABC. Doesn’t the name say it all?

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