Shae Cornette

Shae Cornette is a television sports anchor recognized as the host of ESPN's flagship morning debate program, "First Take." Cornette graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with degrees in broadcast journalism and kinesiology, providing a foundation in both storytelling and athletic expertise essential for a career in sports media. Initially aspiring to become a marine biologist, Cornette shifted her focus to broadcast journalism after encouragement from a professor, which led her to submit her work to Big Ten Network and begin her journey in sports broadcasting.

Cornette developed her skills through years of local and regional broadcasting in Chicago. She served as a television reporter for the Bears on Fox 32, anchoring newscasts, hosting pre- and post-game shows, and leading her own weekly sports program, "Bears Unleashed." At Fox 32, she became the first woman to host a show primarily focused on the team. Her experience includes work as a correspondent for "Morning Dose" and as a sideline reporter for Stadium and Facebook during college football and basketball seasons. Cornette also co-hosted "Kap & Co." on ESPN 1000 before moving to ESPN Radio and SiriusXM on a national level.

Upon joining ESPN, Cornette contributed across multiple platforms. She hosted ESPN Radio's "GameDay" on weekends, becoming part of the first married couple to host a national ESPN Radio show. Cornette also hosted the relaunched daily ESPN+ TV show "SportsNation" and served as a SportsCenter host, as well as hosting ESPN studio shows on both TV and radio. Her roles included coverage of college sports and digital shows during major events. Cornette was named co-host of "First Take" alongside Stephen A. Smith, succeeding Molly Qerim.

In addition to her broadcasting career, Cornette is active in philanthropy. She co-founded "Fashion's Fight Against Cancer," a fundraising event supporting pediatric cancer research, inspired by her sister's experience with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cornette's progression from Chicago reporter to anchor of a leading sports television debate program highlights a career built on preparation, adaptability, and a commitment to sports journalism.