Wide World of Women

After nearly a month of auditions, another Indiana University grad will be the one trying to rein in one Stephen A. Smith.

We know her mostly from her Chicago work--ESPN 1000, Fox 32 and ABC7 doing mostly Bears coverage. In recent years added weekend late night SportsCenter to her resume.

Shae Cornette will take over for Molly Qerium on Monday, November 3. The news was confirmed by Front Office Sports.

During the nearly month long auditions--Cornette along with fellow I.U. alum Courtney Cronin, Peter Schrager, Amina Smith, MJ Acosta-Ruiz, and Joe Fortenbaugh did their spin at the desk inside the Seaport Studios in New York and seemed to do pretty well.

But keep in mind Stephen A. Smith, as executive producer has a major say on who he recommends on joining as a full-time host, and what he said on Thursday morning is any indication--the show will continue to be in good hands. ESPN president of content Burke Magnus told Richard Deitsch of The Athletic that the auditions were going to run between 30 to 45 days, and this came a few days short to make their final decision.

“Shae is meticulous in her preparations, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point. Her professionalism, presence and energy make her an ideal fit for First Take and a great addition to one of ESPN’s most successful franchises.”
ESPN executive vice president David Roberts said in a statement to Front Office Sports

Her time substituting for Molly in recent years I think gave her the edge when we look back. And with the show going very heavy on all things NFL, Shae is the natural fit.