ESPN has officially named Shae Cornette as the new host of its flagship morning debate show, First Take, following a rigorous month-long search to replace the departing Molly Qerim. Cornette, a familiar face from SportsCenter, is set to make her highly anticipated debut on November 3, bringing her dynamic presence and deep sports knowledge to the forefront of daily sports discourse.
The sports media landscape is buzzing with the news that Shae Cornette, a rising star at ESPN, has been officially appointed as the new host of First Take. This move comes after an extensive search following the unexpected departure of longtime host Molly Qerim. Cornette’s official debut is slated for Monday, November 3, marking a significant transition for one of ESPN’s most successful franchises.
The Rise of Shae Cornette: From Sportscenter to First Take
Shae Cornette, 39, joined ESPN in 2020 and quickly established herself as a versatile and respected voice across the network’s programming. Before this elevation, she was a consistent anchor for afternoon editions of SportsCenter, earning praise for her confident command and engaging presence. Her journey at ESPN has been characterized by consistent growth and a readiness for new challenges.
Cornette’s extensive background in sports broadcasting began with the Big Ten Network and included a stint as a Chicago Bears reporter for Fox 32. She also hosted “The Chicago Huddle” on ABC 7. Her career trajectory underscores her deep understanding of various sports and her ability to connect with diverse audiences, a skill vital for the dynamic environment of First Take.
Known for her meticulous preparation and unique ability to keep debates engaging and on point, Cornette has received high commendations from network executives and co-hosts alike. David Roberts, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Sports News and Entertainment at ESPN, lauded her “professionalism, presence, and energy,” calling her an “ideal fit” for the show. Similarly, Stephen A. Smith, the featured commentator and executive producer of First Take, expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight – and Shae brings all of that and more.”
Cornette will conclude her SportsCenter anchoring duties on October 25, just over a week before her new role officially begins.
Molly Qerim’s Unexpected Exit and the Search for a Successor
The announcement of Cornette’s appointment follows the abrupt departure of Molly Qerim, who hosted First Take for a decade. Qerim’s exit from the show and ESPN last month, which surfaced via a report from Sports Business Journal on September 14, came as a surprise to many. While ESPN president of content Burke Magnus indicated that a change in Qerim’s role within the network was being discussed, the timing of her public statement and departure was unexpected.
Qerim herself addressed the situation on Instagram, stating, “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.” Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, a commentator who has appeared on the show, speculated on the SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina that Qerim might have felt “embarrassed” about potentially continuing as a “lame duck” host while contract negotiations were underway or if a demotion to SportsCenter was being considered. Qerim had been with ESPN since 2005, evolving into a steadfast presence on the highly-rated morning program.
Following Qerim’s departure, ESPN initiated a month-long tryout period to find her replacement. Several talented individuals filled in during this time, including:
- Amina Smith
- MJ Acosta Ruiz
- Courtney Cronin
- Joe Fortenbaugh
- Peter Schrager
Cornette herself was part of this fill-in rotation, having also periodically hosted the show in Qerim’s absence prior to the official search. Her consistent performance during these tryouts ultimately solidified her position as the network’s top choice, as reported by Variety.
The Future of First Take with Shae Cornette at the Desk
With Shae Cornette officially joining Stephen A. Smith and a rotating cast of analysts, First Take is poised for its next chapter. Cornette’s own words reflect her enthusiasm and readiness for the challenge: “I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is. First Take’s energy, perspective and passion represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”
Her academic background includes a degree in broadcast journalism and kinesiology from Indiana University. She is also married to Jordan Cornette, a former Notre Dame basketball star who now works as a college basketball analyst at NBC. The couple has two children, adding another dimension to Cornette’s public persona as she steps into this high-profile role.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for First Take, with Shae Cornette bringing her proven ability to facilitate lively discussions and connect with high-profile personalities. Fans can anticipate a new dynamic on the show, as Cornette leverages her extensive experience and insight to maintain and build upon the program’s enduring popularity. This strategic move aims to ensure that First Take continues to be a dominant force in sports commentary, adapting to new talent while preserving the core elements that have made it a daily staple for millions of viewers, as noted by The Athletic in their coverage of the show’s developments.
