Claire Thompson
Lisa Byington, Taylor Rooks, and Amanda Sauer are three women who have made significant contributions to the world of sports broadcasting and officiating, particularly in the Big Ten Network's coverage of college football and basketball games. Byington, Rooks, and Sauer have all played important roles in breaking gender barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in sports. Byington, a play-by-play announcer, became the first woman to call a college football game for the Big Ten Network in 2017. Rooks, a sports journalist and broadcaster, gained national recognition for her work with the Big Ten Network, while Sauer became the first female referee in the Big Ten, known for her determination, skill, and understanding of the game. These women have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also inspired and empowered others by challenging gender stereotypes and showcasing their expertise and passion for sports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Lisa Byington |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1976 |
| Profession | Play-by-play announcer, studio host, feature producer/reporter |
| Networks | FOX Sports, FS1, Big Ten Network, CBS, Turner Sports, Marquee Sports Network, Pac-12 Network, ESPN, SEC Network |
| Notable Achievements | First female play-by-play announcer for a college football game on the Big Ten Network; first woman to do play-by-play in March Madness history for CBS and Turner Sports; first female full-time play-by-play voice for a major men's professional sports team (Milwaukee Bucks) |
| Name | Taylor Rooks |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1992 |
| Profession | Sports journalist and broadcaster |
| Networks | Prime Video, Bleacher Report, TNT Sports, Turner Networks, SportsNet New York, CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network, Scout.com |
| Notable Achievements | Host of BTN Live, BTN Football Pregame, and Women's Sports Report; first woman to lead NBA on Prime Video's studio coverage starting with the 2025-26 season |
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What You'll Learn
- Lisa Byington: play-by-play announcer and reporter for FOX Sports and Big Ten Network
- Sarah Thomas: first female referee in a Big Ten stadium and NFL official
- Taylor Rooks: sports journalist and broadcaster, previously a host and reporter for the Big Ten Network
- Amanda Sauer: the Big Ten's first female referee, known for her determination and skill
- Breaking Barriers: the emergence and impact of women in college football officiating
Lisa Byington: play-by-play announcer and reporter for FOX Sports and Big Ten Network
Lisa Byington is a play-by-play announcer and reporter, who has worked for a variety of sports networks, including FOX Sports, FS1, Big Ten Network, CBS, Turner Sports, ESPN, and the SEC Network. Byington has primarily covered college football and basketball games for FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network.
In 2017, Byington became the first female play-by-play announcer to call a college football game for the Big Ten Network. She has since gone on to announce a number of prestigious sporting events, including the 2019 Women's World Cup, the 2020 Olympic Games for men's and women's soccer, and the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament. In 2021, she became the first woman to do play-by-play in March Madness history for CBS and Turner Sports, and later that year, she became the first female full-time play-by-play voice for a major men's professional sports team when she was hired by the Milwaukee Bucks. Byington also handles play-by-play work for the WNBA's Chicago Sky.
Byington's career has been marked by a number of groundbreaking achievements for women in sports broadcasting. Her skills as an announcer and reporter have been recognised by a number of organisations, and she has become a prominent figure in her field. By breaking barriers and excelling in a male-dominated industry, she has helped to pave the way for future generations of women in sports media.
Byington's journey to becoming a successful sports broadcaster began with her own love of sports and a determination to contribute meaningfully to the industry. Her hard work and dedication have paid off, and she has established herself as a talented and respected professional. Byington's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring women broadcasters and athletes alike.
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Sarah Thomas: first female referee in a Big Ten stadium and NFL official
Sarah Thomas is a trailblazer in the world of American football officiating. She has broken down barriers and made history on multiple occasions, becoming the first woman to officiate in a major college football game, a bowl game, and, notably, in a Big Ten stadium.
Thomas' journey to becoming an official began in high school, where she excelled in softball and basketball. Her academic prowess earned her a basketball scholarship to the University of Mobile, where she continued to shine as an athlete. Thomas' athletic career laid the foundation for her understanding of sports and their rules, which would later become an asset in her officiating career.
On November 12, 2011, Thomas made history as the first woman to officiate in a Big Ten stadium. She worked as a line judge when Northwestern hosted Rice, demonstrating her skills and knowledge of the game. Thomas' performance and commitment to excellence in officiating were recognized by the football community, challenging the traditional male-dominated landscape of the profession.
In addition to her groundbreaking work in college football, Thomas has also achieved several firsts in the National Football League (NFL). On April 8, 2015, the NFL announced that Thomas would become the first full-time female official in the league's history. She continued to break barriers when, in January 2021, she became the first woman to be assigned to an NFL playoff game. A month later, she officiated the Super Bowl, becoming the first woman to do so.
Sarah Thomas' accomplishments as an official have not only challenged stereotypes but also inspired and paved the way for more women to pursue careers in sports officiating. Her achievements highlight her exceptional abilities, determination, and love for the game, solidifying her place in the history of American football.
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Taylor Rooks: sports journalist and broadcaster, previously a host and reporter for the Big Ten Network
Taylor Rooks is an American sports journalist and broadcaster, currently appearing on Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, Bleacher Report, and TNT Sports. Rooks was born on May 22, 1992, and decided to follow in her parents' footsteps by attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she majored in broadcast journalism.
Before joining the Turner networks, Rooks was a host, reporter, and correspondent at SportsNet New York. Prior to working in the New York market, she worked for the Big Ten Network, appearing on BTN Live, BTN Football Pregame, and Women's Sports Report. She was also a sideline reporter for the CBS Sports Network for the 2016–2017 football season.
Rooks joined the Big Ten Network in August 2014, straight out of college. She appeared nightly on the popular sports television show BTN Live, alongside Dave Revsine, Mike Hall, and Rick Pizzo, as well as analysts such as Jim Jackson, Chuck Long, and Glen Mason. One of her roles was to interact with fans and bring their social media topics onto the screen. She also hosted the Women's Sports Report, alongside Lisa Byington, covering all women's sports in the Big Ten.
Before her time at the Big Ten Network, Rooks worked with Scout.com, covering Illinois football and basketball. She made national news with her stories and perspective on the game, particularly in recruiting. She broke multiple stories regarding players such as Cliff Alexander, Jalen Brunson, and Jayson Tatum.
Starting with the 2025–26 season, Rooks will lead the NBA on Prime Video's studio coverage, alongside NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki and former #1 overall pick Blake Griffin.
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Amanda Sauer: the Big Ten's first female referee, known for her determination and skill
Amanda Sauer is a trailblazer in college football officiating, becoming the first female referee in the Big Ten. Her journey to the heart of college football officiating was fuelled by a genuine love for the game and a determination to contribute meaningfully to the sport. Sauer's exceptional understanding of the rules and ability to navigate the complexities of the game earned her respect from players and coaches alike. Her skill, coupled with her adeptness at managing game dynamics and effective communication, swiftly set her apart in the officiating community.
Sauer's career began at the high school level, where she demonstrated a unique ability to grasp the rules and navigate the challenges of the game. Her performance and commitment during these initial stages laid the foundation for her historic ascent to the Big Ten, one of college football's most prestigious conferences. Sauer's progression to officiating in the Big Ten marked a significant breakthrough, not only for her career but also for female officials in a field where they have been underrepresented.
As a female referee in a predominantly male domain, Sauer's emergence as the Big Ten's first female official is a landmark achievement. Her ascent through the ranks underscores the evolving landscape of college sports and highlights the dedication required to break new ground in this challenging profession. Sauer's ability to make clear and fair decisions under pressure garnered the attention of those at the higher echelons of college sports, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer.
Sauer's officiating skills were put to the test in significant matchups, including key conference games and high-stakes post-season tournaments. Each game provided a valuable learning experience, contributing to her development as a referee and offering a platform to showcase her exceptional abilities. Sauer's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring female officials, demonstrating that with determination, skill, and a profound understanding of the game, barriers can be broken.
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Breaking Barriers: the emergence and impact of women in college football officiating
The world of college football officiating has long been a male-dominated arena, but in recent years, pioneering women have been breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. One such trailblazer is Amanda Sauer, who has risen through the ranks to become the Big Ten's first female referee, marking a significant step forward in a field where women have been historically underrepresented.
Sauer's journey to the heart of college football officiating began with a genuine passion for the game and a determination to make a meaningful impact. She first started officiating in high school football, where her exceptional grasp of the rules and ability to navigate the complexities of the game earned her respect from players and coaches. Sauer's talent and dedication laid the foundation for her historic ascent to the Big Ten, one of college football's most prestigious conferences.
One of the standout qualities that set Sauer apart in her field is her commitment to fairness and integrity. She emphasizes effective communication and player safety, ensuring that the spirit of competition remains at the heart of each game she oversees. Her holistic approach to officiating, combined with her resilience and adaptability, has been instrumental in paving the way for future generations of female officials. Sauer's impact extends beyond her achievements on the field, as she actively advocates for diversity and inclusion within the sport. She contributes to officiating training programs and mentors aspiring referees, particularly women, fostering a more inclusive environment in college football.
Another notable female official is Sarah Thomas, who became the first woman to officiate a major college football game, a bowl game, and in a Big Ten stadium. In 2015, she made history again as the first full-time female official in NFL history, further breaking down barriers and challenging gender norms in the sport. Thomas has also officiated in the Super Bowl, serving as further inspiration and proof that women belong in the world of football officiating.
The Hula Bowl in 2023 further showcased the emergence of women in college football officiating, as it featured an all-female officiating crew, a landmark moment in the sport's history. This crew of women took to the field with confidence and expertise, continuing to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. The impact of these pioneering women in college football officiating cannot be overstated, as they inspire future generations, challenge outdated notions, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse sporting culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Taylor Rooks is an American sports journalist and broadcaster who has previously worked for the Big Ten Network. She has also worked for Scout.com, CBS Sports Network, and SportsNet New York.
Rooks attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she majored in broadcast journalism. She started her career in sports journalism with Scout.com, covering Illinois football and basketball.
Lisa Byington and Amanda Sauer are two other notable women in Big Ten football. Byington became the first female play-by-play announcer to call a college football game for the Big Ten Network in 2017, and Sauer became the Big Ten's first female referee.
