Award-winning ESPN reporter Mechelle Voepel announced on Tuesday she is transitioning from female to male and will be adopting the name “M.A. Voepel” and using male pronouns.
“In sports media, we’re lucky to tell stories of others’ journeys,” Voepel tweeted Tuesday. “We have our own, too. Part of mine is being transgender, and I’m transitioning to male. Byline now M.A. Voepel, pronouns he/him. Please feel free to call me Voepel, MV, Michael, Mike; I’m good with them all.”
“At some point, you realize you need to have faith that your happiness/well-being is worth pursuing, and also have faith in other people’s kindness and grace. Grateful for a company that supports all of its employees, for terrific family and friends, and for societal progress …”
“I may look and sound a little different,” Voepel wrote. “Glad to be who I’ve always been inside. Dedication to covering women’s sports, a lifelong joy as well as job, and admiration for all involved – players, coaches, execs, fans, referees, colleagues – that stays exactly the same. Thanks!”
In sports media, we’re lucky to tell stories of others’ journeys. We have our own, too. Part of mine is being transgender, and I’m transitioning to male. Byline now M.A. Voepel, pronouns he/him. Please feel free to call me Voepel, MV, Michael, Mike; I’m good with them all. 😊…
— M.A. Voepel (@MAVoepel) August 9, 2022
At some point, you realize you need to have faith that your happiness/well-being is worth pursuing, and also have faith in other people’s kindness and grace. Grateful for a company that supports all of its employees, for terrific family and friends, and for societal progress …
— M.A. Voepel (@MAVoepel) August 9, 2022
I may look and sound a little different.😊Glad to be who I’ve always been inside. Dedication to covering women’s sports, a lifelong joy as well as job, and admiration for all involved – players, coaches, execs, fans, referees, colleagues – that stays exactly the same. Thanks!❤️
— M.A. Voepel (@MAVoepel) August 9, 2022
Voepel joined ESPN in 1996 covering women’s college basketball and later the WNBA. Having covered 20 consecutive Women’s Final Fours, Voepel is considered among colleagues to be one of the best and most trusted reporters in sports.
Voepel is due to receive the 2022 Curt Gowdy award for print media from the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts alongside fellow recipients New York Knicks broadcaster Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier and long-time NBC executive Dick Ebersol.
I have the great honor of receiving Gowdy Award next month from Naismith Hall of Fame, and wanted to do that as authentic self, hence this announcement now. Fear can keep us paralyzed for decades, especially when we think we will lose all that is dear to us, including career …
— M.A. Voepel (@MAVoepel) August 9, 2022
“I am really appreciative of the honor because it has been such a big part of my life to help chronicle the growth of women’s basketball,” Voepel told ESPN. “I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to witness that, and work with others who also care about it so much.”
Fellow sportswriters and broadcasters were unsurprisingly congratulatory …
Wonderful news, Voepel! Thank you for sharing and setting an amazing example ❤️ https://t.co/3Nc6kr9O79
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) August 9, 2022
Could not be more proud or happier for my dear friend. https://t.co/TcIh8AQTMY
— Joe Posnanski (@JPosnanski) August 9, 2022
You are LOVED M.A. https://t.co/PgAPPpGaCA
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) August 9, 2022
… but there were naturally some detractors as well.
Well if it wasnt the “in” thing with celebrities then all these phonies wouldnt sound happy.
Now really do you think it needs approval from every1?
Ppl are so cheesy.
Like this really changes their life?
To each his own but what is so exciting about it?— NADZ (@Anthonycorrad19) August 10, 2022
We don’t need to know someone’s gender or sexual identity to honor and respect them for the work they do.
— Dick Poochie (@DickPoochie) August 10, 2022
Keep it to yourself and stay away from children.
— Dr. Mixter (@christhebatman9) August 10, 2022
Where is Lea Thomas? Hire a real transgender ESPN!!
— Hennizii (@Sean143888192) August 10, 2022
Get psychological help and just admit you’re a lesbian
— Mr. B (@BryanSm63243122) August 10, 2022
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Frank (Chip) Webster is a musician and composer, former teacher of percussion and U.S. Army Infantry veteran. He holds a degree in English from Arizona State University.
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