Washington has named Elise Woodward its new full‑time play‑by‑play announcer for football, entrusting the veteran broadcaster with the voice that will guide viewers through every snap.
A historic appointment
Woodward’s journey with the university spans decades. A former Husky basketball player, she spent 23 years on the sidelines as a reporter before stepping into the booth. Her voice has also been heard on the WNBA’s Portland Fire, the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics and Storm, and she now serves as a national play‑by‑play commentator for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on ESPN.
Her recent promotion makes her the first woman to hold a full‑time play‑by‑play position for an FBS football program, a milestone that underscores both her skill and the growing opportunities for women in sports broadcasting.
Tony Castricone, who held the role before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be succeeded in the men’s basketball booth by a yet‑to‑be‑named replacement, ensuring continuity for the program’s coverage.
Woodward expressed her excitement, saying she is honored to become the voice of University of Washington football and looks forward to sharing the team’s story with fans.