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Elise Woodward Becomes First Woman FBS Play-by-Play Announcer for Washington

7/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

University of Washington announced Elise Woodward will be the Husky football play-by-play announcer starting the 2026 season, first woman in an FBS play-by-play role.
She will debut on Sept. 6, 2026, in the Apple Cup versus Washington State.
Woodward replaces Tony Castricone, who left in June for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ play-by-play position.
She called two Husky games in 2021 and calls WNBA games for the Portland Fire and Seattle Storm.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 CBS hired former Miss America Phyllis George as a reporter on The NFL Today, helping the show win 13 Emmy Awards and begin an 18-year run as the top-rated pre-game program. Her breakthrough opened doors for women in sports broadcasting, a path that led to Elise Woodward’s 2026 appointment as the University of Washington’s first female FBS play-by-play announcer.

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Story summary

University of Washington announced Elise Woodward will be the Husky football play-by-play announcer starting the 2026 season, first woman in an FBS play-by-play role.
She will debut on Sept. 6, 2026, in the Apple Cup versus Washington State.
Woodward replaces Tony Castricone, who left in June for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ play-by-play position.
She called two Husky games in 2021 and calls WNBA games for the Portland Fire and Seattle Storm.

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