Full Breakdown
Elise Woodward Becomes First Full-Time Female Play-by-Play Voice in FBS Football
7/30/2026, 1:56:41 AM
New Era for Husky Football Broadcasts
The University of Washington announced on July 27, 2026 that Elise Woodward will assume the radio play-by-play duties for the Huskies beginning with the 2026 season. Woodward replaces Tony Castricone, who left after nine years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ radio team. ESPN’s Holly Rowe and *The Athletic* note Woodward is believed to be the first woman to hold a full-time play-by-play role for an FBS program.
Background & Woodward’s Career
A native of Eugene, Oregon, Woodward played guard for Washington women’s basketball (1993-1997) and earned a broadcast journalism degree. Her three-decade broadcasting résumé includes:
- Current play-by-play voice for the WNBA’s Portland Fire.
- 23 seasons as a Husky football sideline reporter, with two fill-in play-by-play assignments in 2021.
- National play-by-play work for ESPN’s women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament and assignments for FOX, the Big Ten Network, and the Pac-12 Network.
- Two Emmy nominations and a long-running sports talk show on Seattle’s KJR radio.
Timeline of the Appointment
- July 27, 2026 – UW Athletics and Learfield’s Huskies Sports Properties issue the press release announcing Woodward’s promotion.
- July 28, 2026 – Woodward posts on social media, calling the role “the honor of my lifetime.”
- September 5 (scheduled) – Woodward will debut in the Apple Cup against Washington State at Husky Stadium.
Data & Statistics
- 23 seasons as Husky football sideline reporter.
- 30 years of overall broadcasting experience.
- Two-time Emmy nominee.
- Four collegiate basketball seasons (1993-1997), captaining the 1997 team.
Official Statements & Responses
The university noted Woodward will keep her national duties with ESPN’s women’s basketball coverage, prompting a separate hire for the men’s basketball radio booth.
Why It Matters
Woodward’s appointment marks a milestone for gender representation in top-level college football broadcasting, joining a small cohort of women—such as Beth Mowins, Tiffany Greene, Courtney Lyle, and Lisa Byington—who have called major college football games. The move underscores the growing integration of women into roles traditionally dominated by men.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Having the opportunity to be the voice of University of Washington football is the honor of my lifetime,” — Elise Woodward.
- “We are excited to name Washington alumna and former student-athlete Elise Woodward as the new play-by-play voice of Husky Football,” — Pat Chun, UW Director of Athletics.
- “We're thrilled to have Elise take the helm as our play-by-play announcer for Husky Football.” — Brandon Forbis, general manager of Huskies Sports Properties.
What’s Next
Woodward’s first broadcast will occur during the Apple Cup on September 5, the earliest-ever scheduling of the rivalry. The university will promote her role through the Huskies Sports Properties platform and the Go Huskies app, while Woodward balances her responsibilities with the Portland Fire and national women’s basketball assignments.
