The University of Washington announced that Elise Woodward will assume the role of full‑time radio play‑by‑play announcer for the Huskies' football program, a milestone that marks the first time a woman has held this position across the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Woodward's appointment comes after a distinguished career that spans nearly three decades of live broadcasting. Her voice has been a staple on FOX, the Big Ten Network, ESPN, the Pac‑12 Network and ROOT Sports, where she has covered everything from college basketball to professional soccer.
A Trailblazing Path
The move follows her temporary takeover of play‑by‑play duties for two UW games in 2021, when she became the first woman to lead a radio broadcast for a Washington football game. That experience appeared to pave the way for the permanent appointment.
Beyond football, Woodward will continue to serve as a national play‑by‑play announcer for both men's and women's college basketball, while also holding the distinction of being the first television play‑by‑play voice for the WNBA's Portland Fire.
Her playing pedigree adds another layer of credibility; she starred for the University of Washington women's basketball team from 1993 to 1997, earning team captain honors and a first‑team Pac‑10 All‑Academic selection in her senior year.
The university's athletic department highlighted her extensive experience and the historic nature of the appointment, noting that she will debut in the 2026 season opener against Washington State, a rivalry that promises added excitement for fans.
Woodward will also remain connected to the broader sports media landscape, continuing her work with major networks and her long‑running radio show on KJR, which she has hosted for more than ten years.