Ogwumike said she would like to see athletes become anchors on "SportsCenter" and host more showsCHINEY OGUMIKE
WNBA Connecticut Sun F Chiney Ogwumike is joining ESPN as a contributor to the net, ESPN Radio, podcasts and ESPN.com while continuing her playing career, though she said she "never aspired to do television," according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. While recovering from injuries, she said she "had an opportunity that came from that downtime, and it has led to a regular role at ESPN." Ogwumike noted her "first opportunity was working during the summer hiatus period for 'First Take' and 'His and Hers' as a guest anchor." Ogwumike: "I was in Connecticut, rehabbing from an injury, and they asked if I had interest. That was my first real TV job, and from there it was sink or swim." She said she was "able to build something off those first few appearances." Ogwumike said, "The fact that I was drafted by Connecticut and ESPN is in Connecticut made it like it was destiny. I was fortunate to be a female athlete with a voice, and that turned into an opportunity on and off the court." She said she has "done a lot of different things" and has "called maybe 40 to 45 women's games and G-League games." Ogwumike: "I like them all. It's a challenge." She added, "I don't see myself in one role. I embrace many roles. But I think it would be awesome if athletes could possibly be anchors on 'SportsCenter' and host more shows" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/9).
