Maria Taylor Biography
Maria Taylor is an accomplished American sportscaster known for her work with NBC Sports, ESPN, and the SEC Network. Born on May 12, 1987, in Cookeville, Tennessee, she has covered various sports such as college football, college volleyball, the NBA, the NFL, and both men’s and women’s college basketball. Maria attended Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, where she excelled in basketball and volleyball. She then earned an athletic scholarship to play both sports at the University of Georgia, where she continued her athletic success. Before joining ESPN, Maria worked as a reporter and host for IMG College at the University of Georgia.
Age
Maria Taylor was born on May 12, 1987, making her 37 years old in 2024.
Height
Taylor stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, which is about 189 cm.
Education
Maria Taylor went to the University of Georgia, where she was successful in both basketball and volleyball. She graduated from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and went on to earn her MBA from the Terry College of Business.
Husband
Maria Taylor is married to Jonathan Lee Hemphill, a businessman and art dealer. They got married on February 12, 2021, in a small ceremony with close family and friends. Jon co-founded an online platform called Paddle, which auctions art and luxury items, and also created an AI agency called Squared Circles, working with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Spotify. Maria and Jon have been together since high school and welcomed their first child, a son named Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, on December 24, 2023.
What is Maria Taylor known for?
Maria Taylor is a prominent sportscaster and analyst known for her work in college football, volleyball, and basketball. She gained recognition at the SEC Network and ESPN by covering major events like the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and the College Football Playoff National Championship. Her insightful commentary has made her respected in sports broadcasting.
In addition to her reporting and analysis, Maria is known for her graceful interview style, which has earned her many fans. She has hosted shows like NBA Countdown and College GameDay, further establishing her influence in sports media.
Son
Taylor and her husband, Jon Hemphill, celebrated the birth of their first child, a son named Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, on December 24, 2023. Roman weighed 8 lbs. 13 oz. and was 21 inches long at birth. Maria shared on Instagram that although their path to parenthood was difficult, the arrival of Roman made every challenge worth it.
Career
Maria Taylor started her sports journalism career at IMG College, University of Georgia, as a reporter and host. She worked on shows like SEC Men’s Basketball Tonight and SportsNite, gaining experience in sports reporting.
In 2013, Maria joined ESPN as a college football sideline reporter. She covered major events for the SEC Network, including college football, volleyball, and women’s basketball. One notable role was her sideline coverage of the 2016 Rose Bowl. In 2019, she began hosting NBA Countdown, ESPN’s pre-game show for NBA broadcasts.
In 2022, Maria moved to NBC Sports and became the first female full-time host of Football Night in America. She also hosts College GameDay and contributes to CBS Sports Network. Maria has earned recognition for her insightful commentary and graceful interview style, winning two Sports Emmys. Her career showcases her versatility and dedication to sports journalism.
Leave a Reply