Malika Rose Andrews, widely known as Malika Andrews, is a prominent figure in the world of sports journalism. Born on January 27, 1995, in Oakland, California, Malika’s journey from a passionate Golden State Warriors fan to becoming ESPN’s youngest sideline reporter is nothing short of inspiring. This blog post delves into her early life, education, career milestones, and personal life, shedding light on the remarkable achievements of this dynamic sports journalist.
Malika Andrews Early Life And Education:
Malika Andrews was born to Caren and Mike Andrews, an art teacher and a personal trainer respectively, in the vibrant city of Oakland, California. Her love for basketball began early, as she grew up cheering for the Golden State Warriors. After completing her eighth grade year at Head-Royce School, she graduated from a year-round therapeutic boarding school at the age of 17 in 2012. Malika is of Jewish descent through her mother and celebrated her mitzvah in 2008. She pursued her higher education at the University of Portland, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree with honors. Before delving into her journalism career, Malika spent a year working at her maternal grandfather’s civil rights law firm, a testament to her commitment to social justice.
Malika Andrews Career:
Malika’s journey into the world of sports journalism began when she introduced herself to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski at an NBA Summer League game in 2017. Prior to joining ESPN, she honed her skills with internships at esteemed publications such as The New York Times and the Denver Post. Her journalistic prowess shone through as she covered the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks for a year, before making the move to New York to report on the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Notably, Malika led the 2020 NBA draft telecast with virtual interviews of the top draftees and was among the first reporters to enter the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the completion of the 2019–2020 NBA season in the Bubble. Her remarkable contributions were recognized with a nomination for an Emmy in the Emerging On-Air Talent category in 2021. Malika’s impact extends beyond her reporting, as she became the first woman to host the NBA Draft on June 23, 2022, making history in the process.
Malika Andrews Personal Life:
In her personal life, Malika Andrews is known to have a strong bond with her younger sister, Kendra Andrews, who also pursued a career in sports reporting. Malika’s romantic relationship with ESPN journalist Dave McMenamin has been confirmed, though the two are not yet married.
Malika Andrews Net Worth:
With an estimated net worth of $800,000, Malika Andrews has carved a distinguished niche for herself in the world of sports journalism. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire aspiring journalists and sports enthusiasts alike.
FAQs:
Q: When did Malika Andrews join ESPN? A: Malika Andrews joined ESPN in 2018 as an online NBA writer and later made her debut as the youngest sideline reporter during the 2020 NBA Bubble.
Q: What awards and recognitions has Malika Andrews received? A: In 2021, Malika Andrews was nominated for an Emmy in the Emerging On-Air Talent category. She has also been honored by the Society Of Professional Journalists, the National Association Of Black Journalists, and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for her work as ESPN’s only black female NBA reporter.
Q: Who is Malika Andrews dating? A: Malika Andrews is dating ESPN journalist Dave McMenamin.
