Maria Taylor Biography And Wiki
Maria Taylor is a highly accomplished American sportscaster, analyst, and TV personality. Born on May 12, 1987, in Cookeville, Tennessee, she grew up with her parents, Steve and Suzette Taylor. Maria attended Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, where she excelled in basketball and volleyball. Her athletic talent earned her a scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she continued to shine in both sports, being named to the All-SEC volleyball team every season. Maria began her broadcasting career as a host and reporter for IMG College at the University of Georgia. In 2013, she joined ESPN as a sideline reporter for college football, later becoming a prominent figure on shows such as College GameDay and NBA Countdown.
Age And Birthday
Maria Taylor was born on May 12, 1987, making her 37 years old in 2024.
Height And Weight
Taylor is 6 feet 2 inches tall (about 189 cm) and weighs approximately 72 kg (around 160 lbs).
Education Background
Maria Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast News from the University of Georgia. While attending, she excelled in volleyball and basketball, receiving several awards and playing for the USA A2 National Volleyball team.
Nationality And Ethnicity
Maria Taylor is an American, born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia. She has Black heritage.
Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works
Milestones
- First Woman to Host Football Night in America: Maria made history as the first woman to host NBC Sports\’ Football Night in America.
- Versatile Broadcaster: She has covered a wide range of sports, including college football, basketball, volleyball, NBA, and NFL.
- Olympic Coverage: Maria was part of NBC Sports’ team for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Significant Contributions
- Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion: Maria actively advocates for diversity and inclusion in sports media, using her platform to push for positive change and opportunities for underrepresented voices.
- Insightful Commentary: Her insightful commentary and engaging storytelling have made her a respected sports journalist.
- Educational Outreach: Maria has participated in educational programs, including summer science institutes for high school science teachers.
Notable Works
- College GameDay: Maria has been a key figure on ESPN\’s College GameDay, offering analysis and insights on college football.
- NCAA Coverage: She has covered major events like the NCAA Women\’s Basketball Tournament and Women’s Volleyball National Championship.
- SEC Network: Maria worked as a college football reporter and analyst for SEC Network, alongside Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer.
Husband and Children
Maria Taylor married Jonathan Lee Hemphill on February 12, 2021, in a private ceremony. Jon, a businessman and art dealer, has known Maria since their high school days. Together, they are the proud parents of a son, Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, who was born on December 24, 2023.
Family, Siblings, Parents
Taylor was born to Steve and Suzette Taylor in Alpharetta, Georgia. Her father, Steve Taylor, retired in January 2015 after serving 27 years as an FBI agent. Maria has a sister, Savannah, and a brother, Steve Jr.
Career
Maria Taylor began her broadcasting career at IMG College, where she worked as a host and reporter for the University of Georgia. Her role at IMG College marked the start of her journey in sports journalism.
In 2013, Maria joined ESPN as a sideline reporter for college football, quickly rising to prominence in the industry. She became a well-known face on ESPN’s popular shows like College GameDay and NBA Countdown, covering a wide range of sports. Maria also worked for the SEC Network, providing coverage of college football and other sports.
In 2020, Maria made the move to NBC Sports, where she became the host of Football Night in America. She continued to make her mark by covering major events such as the 2020 Summer Olympics and the French Open, expanding her presence in global sports broadcasting.
Maria’s versatility as a reporter allowed her to cover various sports, including college football, basketball, volleyball, the NBA, and the NFL. Her wide-ranging expertise and engaging reporting style have made her a respected figure in sports media.
Hobbies And Personal Challenges
Maria Taylor enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, often sharing her experiences on social media, including vacations by waterfalls and on boats. She also loves watching movies and trying new foods, particularly Mexican cuisine.
Maria faced a major challenge when she left ESPN in 2021 following a public controversy involving a colleague\’s comments about her. Despite the difficulty, she used the situation as a chance for personal growth and to explore new opportunities.
As a working parent, Maria has had to balance her career with her family life, especially after becoming a mother.
Salary and Net Worth
Maria Taylor earned approximately $1 million per year at ESPN before joining NBC Sports in 2020, where her salary increased to $5 million annually. By 2024, her net worth was estimated at $7 million, built through her successful career as a sportscaster and journalist, along with her involvement in various charitable activities.
Major Achievements
Maria Taylor has had a remarkable career with several major achievements:
- First Woman to Host Football Night in America: Maria made history as the first woman to host Football Night in America on NBC Sports.
- Versatile Broadcaster: She has covered a range of sports, including college football, basketball, volleyball, NBA, and NFL.
- Olympic Coverage: Maria was part of the NBC Sports team covering the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Emmy Award: She won an Emmy Award for her outstanding work in sports journalism.
- Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion: Maria actively promotes diversity and inclusion in sports media, using her platform to support underrepresented voices.
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