Longtime television sportscasters Nicole Hutchison and Sha’Quira Martin made history earlier this year when they became the first female hosts of MEAC-produced Countdown to Kickoff, presented by Coca-Cola as part of its Saturday football coverage.
HBCU Sports contributor Brandon King recently spoke with Hutchison, Martin and MEAC assistant commissioner for strategic communications Karen Carty about how the partnership formed, the historic nature of the show and what influential HBCU football broadcaster helped them along the way.
The following conversation has been edited for clarity and length.
HBCU Sports When did you know you wanted to get into sports reporting?
Martin: It literally fell into my lap. I originally went to school to try to be a heart surgeon until you realized science is not the same in college like it is in high school. So I got into communications (at Texas Southern). And then from there, God just literally kept just directing my footsteps, my path. And eventually, it went from, ‘Oh, I like to talk to ‘Oh, I like to talk about sports.’ So every time when I was just out in the field, speaking with these athletes, it was just always a genuine connection there. And people were like, ‘Oh snap, do you really know football?’ You really know what you’re talking about. It’s like, I didn’t even realize that was a thing. So it just naturally fell into my lap and God really just directed my path. And I got here instead of trying to be a heart surgeon.
Hutchison: When I graduated high school, I knew I was going to Howard University for tennis. Because I grew up playing sports. But when I went (to Howard) I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to Howard to play tennis. But what am I gonna study? What are you gonna do with your life? I didn’t know, I had no idea. But I also did musical theater growing up to loved it. And so I was also very comfortable being in the spotlight (and) being in front of people talking in front of people. And I knew sports. So my mom used to want to be a sports reporter. “Why don’t you try that?” I’m looking at her like, so you’re just gonna, you know, just throw it out there for me. Okay, cool. Why not? Let’s just try communications. So I chose communications. I got an internship with the Washington (Commanders). And then I kept trying to do different internships and fell in love with it.
HBCU Sports: What would you say has been your favorite or most memorable event that you’ve covered?
Martin: For me, it would be covering LSU (football’s) 15-0 season. Joe Burrow winning the Heisman. We covered a national championship. And ironically, Nicole and I are both from Texas. And we both had our first jobs in Louisiana. So naturally, we met in Louisiana. I mean, the College Football Playoff National Championship game was held in New Orleans. So that even made it better. It was just something that I’ll never forget.
Hutchison: My first one is probably when I got the chance [with the Washington Wizards] and they played the (Los Angeles) Lakers. I got to ask a question to LeBron. I’m like, ‘Okay, don’t be scared to ask a question.’ And so then I go, ‘LeBron!’ He goes, ‘ask your question.’ Then I just go ask the question. That was my favorite experience.
HBCU Sports: Who would you say is the person that has been the biggest influence in your development as you have progressed as a sports reporter?
Martin: I’ve just really grown to meet different people during internships. I’ll get a mentor through a job. I would grab a friend who would just be there to help influence me just to stay encouraged. This field is just so tough. It’s really tough being a Black, outspoken woman in a time where people are just telling you to shut up and be seen. Or shut up and just talk about the crowd. I really have to say, I’ve met a friend in Louisiana named Seth Lewis. And he’s really been a big person in my life through being a sports reporter, just encouraging me as a Black woman encouraging me. And for Tiffany Greene creating room at the table for me to join her.
HBCU Sports: What would your advice be For the next Sha’Quira Morgan or the next Nicole Hudson trying to find their way?
Martin: To stick to who you are. God created you the way he created you for a reason. The only thing you got in this industry is your personality and what makes you unique. And so a lot of the time this industry is very subjective. And they’ll tell you what they think you should do. You need to fit in this box (or) to fall into this place. You have to take the traditional route. You have to put your dues in. And I think all of that is bullcrap. Pam Oliver is like a mother to me. I love her. But Pam Oliver is already doing Pam Oliver. I can’t come out the gate saying I’m going to be the next Pam Oliver. No, I’m going to be the next Sha’Quira. I’m going to be the next Sha’Quira Martin.
Hutchison: That’s basically the same thing for me. I learned a lot from Sha’Quira. She’s older than me, so I look up to her.
HBCU Sports: How exactly did this show all come together?
Carty: Tiffany Greene actually recommended Nicole last year. And that’s how we ended up with Nicole. So Tiffany Greene recommended her to Commissioner Stills. I think Nicole sent me her reels. We looked at them. We loved her. We’re like, ‘Oh my god, we gotta get her you.’ It was women lifting (up) women the entire time and that’s how we ended up here. So shout out to Tiffany Greene.
HBCU Sports: For Karen, how does it feel to be a part of an entity that it’s really making history in the sports world?
Carty: It’s definitely a privilege. I get to work with these awesome young ladies and an awesome group of ladies here in the office. But beginning with our commissioner (Sonja Stills) who was very adamant about empowering women to be successful, especially in the sports realm. You read history books and see what happened before you (and) kind of are amazed at it. But to be living through it and creating history, it’s kind of a big deal.
HBCU Sports: What does it feel like to know you are blazing this trail?
Hutchison: I don’t think it really has sunk in yet for me. I think will sink in when I’m actually getting a chance to watch the show. Because it doesn’t really feel real at this moment. But I’m excited. I’m super excited, especially to be doing it with Sha’Quira.
Martin: I am thrilled to be here. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to do this with. I think this is a major moment for all the little Black kids, little Black babies that are playing in the home and their parents have the live stream up on the TV getting ready for the games on Saturday. That’s a very special moment. And I’m honored, humbled, and grateful to be the one that when they look at the screen they’ll be inspired to believe that they can do something like that.
Hutchison: And I’m thankful that (Sonja) Stills and Karen (Carty) and everyone at the MEAC really trusted us to be in this position. That’s the biggest thing because they could have chosen anybody else to do this. So, thank you, Karen. And, of course, (Sonja) Stills and everyone over there at the MEAC for really investing in us.
