Shay Cornette earns ESPN’s featured spot.
The “SportsCenter” anchor will host “First Take,” a topical sports program built around the speeches and opinions of Stephen A. Smith. She replaced Molly Kerim, who served as the program’s quiet sheriff who may not have been the flashiest but always maintained a solid presence that commanded respect. Kerim has been on “First Take” since 2015, when it was still part of ESPN2’s schedule.
Cornette, who has been filling in for “First Take” since Kerim’s departure, will make his official debut on Monday, November 3. She will conclude her stint with her final show on “SportsCenter” on October 25th.
“Hosting ‘First Take’ is no easy task. It requires confidence, toughness and real sports acumen. And Shay brings all of that and more,” Smith said in prepared remarks. “:I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and we’re thrilled to have her officially join the team.”
Any move you make in “first take” will probably require a second or third take. The show is one of ESPN’s most popular shows, so much so that the sports media giant recently agreed to a huge new deal that allows Smith to offer his views on politics and other topics at venues not owned by Disney.
David Roberts, ESPN’s executive vice president and executive editor of sports news and entertainment, said Cornett “has been meticulously prepared and has a unique ability to connect naturally with the show’s high-profile personalities and keep lively discussions engaging and to the point.” “Her professionalism, presence and energy are ideal for ‘First Take’ and a perfect addition to one of ESPN’s most successful series.”
Before moving to SportsCenter, Cornett helped host ESPN’s digital programming during college sports broadcasts and major events. Previously, she covered the Bears for Chicago’s Fox station and led its own weekly sports program. She began her career with roles on ABC 7’s Big Ten Network and The Chicago Huddle. She graduated from Indiana University with degrees in broadcast journalism and kinesiology.
“I feel ready to take on this role and am confident that I can further strengthen First Take’s already successful brand,” Cornett said in a statement. “My journey so far at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge and opportunity. The energy, perspective and passion of ‘First Take’ represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring even more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”
