katie nolan-espn-garbage time-sarah spain-mina kimes-highly questionable-sports?-podcast

June 6, 2020 By: Natasha Vukonich

10 of the most influential and badass women in sports: 5. Katie Nolan

The women who make up this list are just a small fraction of sportswomen who have not only dedicated themselves to being the best at what they do, but also the way they do it. Whether that be using their platform to advocate for important causes, or dismantling the system from the inside.

This next woman began her career with a rocky relationship to other female sports fanatics, but in time realized exactly what this article is trying to prove, EVERYONE SHOULD SUPPORT WOMEN, ESPECIALLY OTHER WOMEN. Ever since then, she’s used her bounteous reporting skills to regularly deconstruct misogyny within sports, quite hilariously, I might add. So, pretty much the epitome of a badass sports reporter.

The queen of comedy, the epitome of ESPN personalities and the fierce feminist we didn’t know we needed.

Katie Nolan

Her blog “Bitches Can’t Hang” landed her a job in 2011 with Fox Sports Yardbarker network Guyism, where she produced and hosted a Youtube series.

In an interview with GQ, Nolan noted regret for her blog that basically talked about how much women sucked, after realizing the importance of women supporting one another. Since then, Nolan has focused her spunky style and unfiltered commentary on the male species, taking down misogyny left and right.

By 2013 she joined Fox Sports 1 as a digital correspondent for Crowd Goes Wild and not long after, No Filter with Katie Nolan was born. The Foxsports.com web series tackled a myriad of topics including a 2014 story on domestic violence in sports. Nolan highlighted the similarity of each case and the “laughable” way that they are handled. The piece was picked up by the New York Times and received substantial praise. Unfortunately, it’s just as relevant today so definitely check it out.

Garbage Time or as I like to call it, one of the greatest shows of all time, premiered on Fox Sports 1 in 2015. Think SNL Weekend Update but all sports, all the time.

Similar to No Filter, Nolan wasted no time and spared no feelings in telling viewers how it is. Nolan’s commentary on a fellow Fox reporter’s blog post “How to Land a Husband at The Masters” was a fan favorite and feminist comedic masterpiece. The post included tips like “Keep Moving: Let’s be honest. You aren’t there for the golf.” Again, great video if you’re in need of a hearty laugh.

Garbage Time and Nolan very deservingly won an Emmy in 2016 for ‘Outstanding Social TV Experience’.

In 2017 Nolan left Fox for ESPN as a full time presence and a regular panelist on Around the Horn andHighly Questionable. In 2018, she launched a weekly ESPN podcast called Sports? along with an ESPN+ series Always late with Katie Nolan, which was nominated for an Emmy in 2019.

For anyone who believes sports casting is just scores, stats and highlights, Katie Nolan is a must see. Female perspective, superior intellect, candor and biting humor make her takes on sports more enjoyable for everyone. When it comes to cleverness and entertainment value in sportscasting, Katie Nolan is the queen.

If your mind isn’t changed yet, watch the aforementioned videos and get back to me. Next up, one of the youngest people on this list and most highly decorated athletes in the world. She’s on the road to crushing the only record she hasn’t beaten yet and becoming one of the greatest new advocates for women in sports. Stay tuned.