This Women's History Month, Commanders.com turns the page to Monica McNutt to share her passion for sports and journalism in her own words.
In my junior year, I decided I wanted to play ball and get good at it. Basketball was a huge part of my father's life, and his passion for the game was passed on to me from an early age.
Plus, this was around the time the WNBA was just starting to pick up steam. I was there watching strong, athletic, powerful women show that they can play in this country. As a tall, gangly, and decidedly loud young girl, that inspired me. The courtroom was a place where my stature was celebrated. I fully embraced being loud, being physical and being vocal, all the things that used to get me in trouble.
Georgetown has always been a part of my basketball experience. My father was a lifelong Hoyas fan. We were part of Hoya Paranoia, and his father played for “Big John” Thompson in high school. I didn't realize that I was being raised as a Hoya player until I was about my senior year in high school and decided where I wanted to play.
It felt like Georgetown was at the beginning of something. They had a Black female head coach and I had never played for a woman at that point in my career, so I was interested in that experience. Playing for the Hoyas seemed like it would give me a chance to be more than just a member of the team, but an influential part of the program. I went on a recruiting visit and was blown away by Big John. Needless to say, it's a great school. I checked all the boxes.
My time at Georgetown, both on and off the court, gave me so many experiences that shaped me into the person I am today. I became part of a sisterhood that I will cherish forever and gained many leadership skills. And when I was in the Hoyas, I had a conversation that would change the trajectory of my life.
Sports information director Barbara Burns said to me one day, “Monica, you should think about the media.” It made sense. At the end of the day, I was always the one doing the talking and being interviewed, like when we were heading to the Sweet 16. After she put it in my ears, I took the class and immediately caught the journalism bug.
My focus was set. Sports journalism has given me a unique opportunity to stick with what I already know and actually tell sports stories in an authentic way. Because I experienced it. However, when I started my career, I faced a lot of frustrations.
Unlike competitive sports, where there are scoreboards and statistics, media is highly subjective. Changing that mindset was difficult. I felt like I was trying really hard to get contacts, get networking opportunities, and gain insight, but I heard a lot of “nos.” People may just not like your style and move on quickly. The worst case scenario included him being fired twice in three years.
But where there were valleys, there were also mountains. There have been some accidental bounces in my career that helped get the ball rolling. The DMV has reached me. I had the opportunity to attend the University of Maryland's Merrill College of Journalism as a fellow without incurring a large amount of debt. I started working early on at Prince George's Community Television and he at WJLA 24/7 News.
I was able to stay in the area, save money, and continue to grow in my career path.
It may have been a rollercoaster of a time with so much uncertainty, but I couldn't be more grateful for where I am today. I get to make a living covering basketball and it's a dream come true.
My job is fun, but it also comes with responsibility. First of all, I always want to humanize the athletes on the floor. Sure, we love their crazy dunks, high scores, and award winnings, but they're also men, women, mothers, and fathers. I am so proud and happy to have the opportunity to speak about them in a respectful way for what they have built and who they are.
I also believe that this job also comes with a responsibility towards the people watching. Of course, it is impossible to never put your foot down and disagree with people's opinions, but I always try to earn respect from my fans. My favorite compliment when I meet someone is, “Wow, you look just like you do on TV!” That's the goal.
When I think back to where I was in third grade and where I am now, it's hard to wrap my head around how much basketball has benefited me. This game allowed me to find my voice and gave me very important relationships. And remembering those early days taught me how to hold my own against them (which helps me in my job now!). It's special to represent women and represent Black people in sports conversations. I always try to never take it for granted.