On the sidelines of a packed stadium, microphone in hand, Renee Washington MBA’16 still has moments when she pauses and thinks, How did I get here?
Early Drive
Hall of Famer. All-American athlete. Sports broadcaster. Host. Writer. Leader.
These titles now come naturally, but Washington’s path to them has been anything but traditional. What has remained constant is her instinct to say yes — to opportunity, challenge, and growth.
Growing up in Mercer County, New Jersey, Washington gravitated toward athletics early, competing in multiple sports before finding her stride on the soccer field. At The Pennington School, her talent quickly stood out.
She carried that momentum to La Salle University, where she left an indelible mark on the program. A four-time All-Atlantic 10 selection, Washington built a legacy that earned her induction into the La Salle Hall of Athletes in 2022.
Off the pitch, her drive was just as strong. While excelling as a student athlete, Washington completed eight internships during her undergraduate years, each offering a window into a different aspect of public relations. Balancing it all, she completed her degree in just three and a half years.
When the Game Changed
Then came a defining moment.
After playing professionally with Sky Blue Football Club (now Gotham Football Club), Washington faced a choice. An overseas soccer career was in reach, but so was an opportunity at Lehigh University as a graduate assistant for the women’s soccer team.
As she so often does, Washington trusted her instincts.
The transition from player to coach came naturally, and her time at Lehigh gave her the space to reflect on what she truly wanted.
While earning her master’s, Washington connected with Justin Lafleur MBA’16, then assistant director of sports communications, and shared her interest in behind-the-scenes storytelling. Soon, she was immersed in game-day production, cutting highlight reels, and contributing written content.
At the same time, Washington began pursuing another passion: multimedia journalism. Working for a local news station in Bucks County, she covered high school sports, learning live reporting on the fly. She balanced call times, on-air nerves, and tight deadlines while juggling her other responsibilities.
She thrived.
By summer’s end, Washington was offered full-time roles by both Lehigh and the news station. Choosing passion over comfort, she committed fully to journalism.
Finding Her Voice
From there, her career skyrocketed. Washington’s ability to connect with athletes, colleagues, and audiences alike became her calling card. In every role, she built meaningful relationships that led to opportunities.
Today, she’s an on-air personality who has worked with major networks including CBS, ABC, and Fox Sports.
“I’ve always wanted to be a sponge and learn as much as I can,” she says. “That mentality helped me evolve in my career, open doors, and lead with integrity. That first job blew the door open for so many more opportunities.”
Along the way, she's experienced unforgettable moments: covering her first ESPN game, interviewing future Pro Football Hall of Famer Tom Brady, and being hired directly by FIFA to cover the World Cup. Each milestone has felt bigger than the last.
“I still have those ‘Wait, that just happened?’ moments,” she says. “I never would’ve thought this was possible, but I’m so grateful this is my life.”
Continued Growth
Looking back, Washington laughs at her early reporting days — how she held a microphone, phrased questions, or even what she chose to wear. Each memory is proof of growth.
One interaction stands out. Just weeks before his passing, Washington interviewed Hulk Hogan. When the conversation ended, he told her she’d done a phenomenal job.
“Hearing that kind of validation early on meant so much,” she says. “It reminded me that I am good at this, that I have value, and that every lesson along the way confirmed I’m on the right path.”
Now, Washington inspires others. She regularly hears from viewers who say her journey reshaped their understanding of what’s possible. As a Black woman in a field still working toward greater equity, she continues to open doors for others simply by walking through them.
Over the past decade, Washington has built a career many only dream of, and she’s far from finished. She plans to launch her own show this spring and hopes to publish novels in the near future.
“Life only goes by faster as you get older, so don’t wait to follow your dreams,” she says. “At the end of the day, you have to live with the consequences of your action or inaction. I’m actively creating a life I enjoy for myself, and you can do the same.”
