ESPN’s Mowins receives NFCA’s Melinda FischerDistinguished Service Award
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – ESPN play-by-play talent Beth Mowins is the recipient of the NFCA’s prestigious Melinda Fischer Distinguished Service Award. Mowins was amongst her peers when NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman presented her with the award on Friday in Oklahoma City.
A veteran and pioneer in the world of play-by-play broadcasting, Mowins is a regular fixture in the Women’s College World Series broadcast booth as fans of the game have been tuning into her broadcast since 1994. This year will mark her 30th season on the call and she has been there every step of the way as viewership has skyrocketed, peaking in 2021 when the Championship Series generated a record average of 1.85 million viewers. Since 2021, an average of over a million viewers have tuned into the entirety of each WCWS tournament.
“Beth Mowins, the Voice of Softball for decades, has given selflessly of her time and talents to help grow the game of softball,” said Bruggeman. “Under her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence from the broadcast booth, Beth has provided softball fans everywhere a front row seat to the excitement of post-season softball. We are so appreciative of her contributions, as she has amplified the sport on our biggest stage, helped make the event what it is today, and continues to assist in the growth and awareness of softball.”
The award, which is named in honor of Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer, recognizes a person who has shown exceptional commitment and dedication to the NFCA and the sport of fastpitch softball. Mowins joins a short but distinguished list, which includes, Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Georgia Sports and Events Council Merri Sherman (‘23), ESPN colleague Senior Vice President of Production Meg Aronowitz (’18), former Executive Director of the National Junior College Athletic Association Mary Ellen Leicht (’16), former NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor and NFCA Hall of Famer Dee Abrahamson (’07), and NFCA Hall of Famer Fischer (’02).
“Like the award’s namesake, Melinda Fischer, Beth has been a difference-maker for the sport,” Bruggeman said. “Beth is very deserving of our highest service award and on behalf of softball fans everywhere, we say ‘thank you’ for your devotion to the sport.”
Mowins, whose primary assignments are men’s and women’s college sports, is a staple on ESPN’s regular-season men’s and women’s basketball broadcasts and has called NCAA championships in basketball, softball, soccer and volleyball. In 2017, she was the first woman in 30 years to call a National Football League game, teaming up with Rex Ryan to call the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos as part of the Monday Night Football doubleheader. She was also part of ESPN’s coverage of the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany.
“She eloquently tells stories of our outstanding student-athletes and coaches and helps fans ‘feel’ the big moments surrounding our most meaningful games. It is only fitting that we present this prestigious award to Beth when all eyes are on softball at the WCWS in Oklahoma City,” said Bruggeman.
In 2015, Mowin’s alma mater Syracuse University honored her with the Marty Glickman Award for leadership in sports media, joining the likes of Bob Costas, Marv Albert and Sean McDonough. A year prior in 2014, she accepted the CoSIDA Jake Wade Award for outstanding media contributions covering collegiate athletics, joining previous honorees Robin Roberts and Christine Brennan. Mowins is also a member of the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame.