Hannah Storm is experiencing a milestone in women’s sports. The acclaimed ESPN broadcaster, known for being the first to call a WNBA game, started her career as a Houston Rockets sideline reporter. She holds a special affinity for the New York Liberty and women’s basketball. Despite facing breast cancer treatment, Storm quickly returned to work after a lumpectomy in January 2024. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at a mobile mammography unit sponsored by Eli Lilly and Co. in Tampa, Fla., during the women’s Final Four weekend between UConn and South Carolina, Storm shared her journey.
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At 62, Storm shared, “I’m doing really well,” expressing optimism about her recovery. Reflecting on her aggressive approach to screenings post-diagnosis, she emphasised the importance of early detection, urging women to prioritise their health. Storm highlighted the positive statistics for early-stage breast cancer survival rates and stressed the significance of regular screenings in achieving such outcomes. Her resilience and advocacy serve as inspiration for many facing similar challenges.
Despite her health journey, Storm’s passion for basketball remains unwavering. While her allegiance to Notre Dame did not lead to a successful women’s bracket prediction, she found solace in supporting her Houston Cougars pick for the men’s tournament. A resident of Connecticut, Storm’s support extends to teams in areas she has lived, embodying the camaraderie and excitement of sports fandom. Her enthusiasm for the evolving sports landscape and representation of women in the industry reflects a larger shift towards inclusivity and diversity.
From her early days as a pioneering female broadcaster to the present, Storm marvels at the progress in women’s sports coverage. Recalling being one of the few women in the field to now witnessing a more gender-inclusive environment, she finds joy in the supportive community she is a part of. As women take on prominent roles in sports media, Storm finds fulfilment in discussing a wide range of topics, from motherhood to fashion, alongside sports. This inclusivity and energy in the workplace contribute to her love for her job and the connections she establishes with her colleagues.
Storm’s story serves as a reminder of resilience, advocacy, and the power of representation in shaping the sports landscape. As she continues to inspire and uplift others, her journey through adversity stands as a testament to the strength and determination of women in sports. From battling cancer to advocating for health awareness, Hannah Storm embodies the spirit of a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for many in the sports industry and beyond.