Molly McGrath, a former ESPN PA, returns as reporter, host

ESPN’s newest college sports sideline reporter and host first walked the Bristol hallways in 2011.

Back then, Molly McGrath was hired as a production assistant for ESPN, her first full time job after graduating from Boston College. As McGrath explains in the video above, in her first tenure with ESPN, the San Francisco native learned the ins-and-outs of a national media outlet, working behind the scenes on SportsCenter and a variety of other studio shows as a production assistant (PA).

This experience set the foundation for her career and allowed her to eventually move from behind the scenes to in front of the camera.

Now, five years later, McGrath has returned to ESPN, it was announced today.

This season, she will be the sideline reporter for ESPN’s Friday night college football telecasts and will also host College Football Live on select days beginning in late August and continuing through the season. The former ESPN PA will also be a sideline reporter on ESPN’s 2016-17 college basketball telecasts.

“I am thrilled to bring my career full circle as I return to the ESPN family,” said McGrath. “Over the last five years, I have worked extremely hard to put myself in a position to return to ESPN as an on-air commentator. This opportunity will continue to challenge me and elevate my career to the next level.”

“It is great to welcome Molly back to ESPN,” said senior coordinating producer Lee Fitting. “Versatility is one of her many strengths that will be on display throughout the college football and basketball seasons. She immediately makes our college sports coverage better and we look forward to working with her for years to come.”

Derek Volner produced the video.