Lauren Sisler
Lauren Sisler is a sports broadcaster who joined ESPN and SEC Network in 2016 as a sideline reporter for both college football and gymnastics. In 2017, she became a reporter for SEC Nation. In addition, she continues to serve as a sports reporter and host at AL.com.[1][2]
Early life and education
Sisler is a native of Roanoke, Virginia, she graduated from Giles High School, same high school where future ESPN co-worker Marty Smith (reporter) went to.[3] She was the captain of her gymnastics team at Rutgers University and graduated in 2006 with a communication degree and honors from the School, Information and Library Studies (SCILS). She worked at the Rutgers University Television Network as a sports reporter and segment producer and had a internship at CNBC.[4] Initially, she majored in Sports Medicine before changing to Communications.[5]
Career
Prior to working at ESPN, She returned to her hometown of Roanoke, Virginia to start her career at WDBJ where she worked as a photographer and editor covering local high school and college sports before moving on to WTAP in West Virginia as a weekend sports anchor.[4] Then went to Birmingham, Alabama to work at the CBS affiliate WIAT.[1] In 2014 and 2015, she was named Best Sports Anchor by the Alabama Associated Press. In June 2017, she was awarded a regional Emmy for producing an interview between Charles Barkley and Nick Saban.[1]
Personal life
On March 24, 2003, while a freshman at Rutgers University, Sisler unexpectedly lost both of her parents, Lesley and George Sisler, to prescription drug overdoses within hours of each other.[6] Losing her parents provided a devastating blow to Sisler and she was unsure about the future. Her aunt and uncle convinced her to return to Rutgers, where she struggled before regaining control of her life.[5] She speaks about the dangers of addiction and is involved with a few organizations. She has a brother Allen who served 12 years in the Navy.[4] She is a Christian.[7] She is married to John Willard.[8]
References
- "Lauren Sisler Bio". espnpressroom.com. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- Lauren Sisler. "Lauren Sisler bio". AL.com. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- Tim Hayes. "Lauren Sisler becomes Chilhowie football fan". roanoke.com. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- Sunil Sunder Raj. "Rutgers University grad Lauren Sisler overcame family tragedy to succeed in sports broadcasting". doublegsports.com. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- James Jones. "ESPN Sportscaster overcomes tragedy to become a success". selmatimesjournal.com. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- Amanda Brooks. "March 24 marks emotional anniversary for Sisler". espnfrontrow.com. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- Camille Smith Platt. "SEC Nation's Lauren Sisler weighs in on what matters in the game of life". anngadchristian.com. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- Mark Berman. "TV notebook: ESPN promotes Giles grad Lauren Sisler". roanoke.com. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
External links
- Lauren Sisler on Twitter
- Official website
- Lauren Sisler profile at ESPN Press Room