ESPN’s Monica McNutt has become one of the great young voices in all of journalism. She is a former columnist for Andscape and is currently the radio analyst for the New York Knicks on the Madison Square Garden Network. She is currently the only Black woman in a senior leadership position of an NBA team. Her leadership and presence here add an essential and often excluded perspective to this male-dominated profession. McNutt’s journey to this role has been marked by her dedication to basketball and journalism, along with an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Born into a very supportive family, McNutt started her basketball career as soon as she entered third grade. Her passion for the sport developed by playing in church leagues and AAU tournaments. She was the two-year team captain of Georgetown University. During her senior year of 2011, she led the team to their first and only Sweet 16 appearance. She could do it all, and yet no WNBA team picked her in the draft. Rather, she opted not to join the professional ranks of basketball.
After graduating from Georgetown in 2011 with her bachelor’s degree, McNutt launched into an admirable career trajectory. From there, she moved rapidly toward a path to her arising professional development. She graduated from Merrill College with a master’s in journalism in 2013. That accomplishment packed significant momentum for her next steps through the media gauntlet and into sports media. In between, she held down many different jobs. Among other experiences, she worked as a cycling instructor at L.A. Fitness, and that’s where she came into her broadcasting chops.
In 2019, McNutt became one of the main faces on the ESPN-owned ACC Network, now part of a powerful duo of women sports analysts. That was the same year she landed a role with MSG Network, serving as an analyst on Knicks games. She climbed her way up the ranks, aided by an incredibly fierce tribe of women broadcast journalists. They spotted her talent and determination and came together to support her.
Reflecting on her career journey, McNutt points to the value of resilience and self-awareness when it comes to overcoming obstacles. It’s certainly a good exercise to build properly with the word ‘no,’ she said. Cultivate a positive approach to saying “no.” Protect your dream with it, and forgive it—don’t let it crush your dream.
McNutt’s perspective doesn’t stop at self-improvement though, she applies a critical eye to the teams she reports on. When it comes to the Knicks, she praises them for being real. I have a huge respect for this team and their genuine authenticity. Good, bad or ugly—they ultimately know who they are, they know what they want and they go for it all the way, no holding back. For us to meet climate and equity goals, this needs to happen now,” she added.
McNutt has quickly become an important voice in sports journalism. In her writing, she fearlessly confronts topics related to gender and race in sports. Along with her teammates of many backgrounds, she fights for more visibility for women athletes and their achievements. Caitlin is great, and I think she’s going to be an awesome WNBA player. As McNutt was quick to note, there were plenty of deserving women who were in line for coverage long before Caitlin showed up. So I just refuse to be silenced on that front.
Her dedication extends beyond her professional achievements. Last year, McNutt got married and told NPR that he was looking forward to having a family. She effectively juggles her various duties while remaining focused on continued development. She encourages, “That season of my life taught me what’s important.”
Beyond her broadcasting roles, McNutt has received acclaim from the academic community. On Wednesday morning, she will give the commencement speech at University of Maryland’s Merrill College of Journalism. Her speech will focus on her impact in mentorship and as a role model for up-and-coming journalists.
As she blazes new trails through the landscapes of sports journalism and analysis, McNutt is both ambitious and optimistic about what the future holds. I don’t assume anything. I consider myself very lucky to be able to pursue my profession in something I truly love,” she added.
Leave a Reply