ESPN reporter announces transition to male and changes name to ‘M.A.’ Voepel

Award-winning ESPN reporter Mechelle Voepel is transitioning from female to male and will now be going by ‘M.A. Voepel’ while using he/him pronouns.

Voepel revealed his transition on Tuesday, saying he wants to accept the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame next month as his ‘authentic self.’

‘In sports media, we’re lucky to tell stories of others’ journeys,’ Voepel tweeted Tuesday. ‘We have our own, too. Part of mine is being transgender, and I’m transitioning to male. Byline now M.A. Voepel, pronouns he/him. Please feel free to call me Voepel, MV, Michael, Mike; I’m good with them all.

Voepel revealed his transition on Tuesday, saying he wants to accept the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame next month as his ‘authentic self’

‘I have the great honor of receiving Gowdy Award next month from Naismith Hall of Fame, and wanted to do that as authentic self, hence this announcement now,’ he continued. ‘Fear can keep us paralyzed for decades, especially when we think we will lose all that is dear to us, including career.

‘At some point, you realize you need to have faith that your happiness/well-being is worth pursuing, and also have faith in other people’s kindness and grace. Grateful for a company that supports all of its employees, for terrific family and friends, and for societal progress.’

Voepel, who first joined ESPN in 1996 by covering women’s college basketball and later the WNBA, ended his Twitter thread on a gracious note.

‘I may look and sound a little different,’ Voepel wrote. ‘Glad to be who I’ve always been inside. Dedication to covering women’s sports, a lifelong joy as well as job, and admiration for all involved – players, coaches, execs, fans, referees, colleagues – that stays exactly the same. Thanks!’

Voepel immediately received support online from colleagues, such as decorated sportswriter Joe Posnanski.

‘Could not be more proud or happier for my dear friend,’ Posnanski tweeted.

‘You are LOVED M.A.’ tweeted ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gina Mizell responded: ‘Wonderful news, Voepel! Thank you for sharing and setting an amazing example.’

There were some detractors online, but the overwhelming response to Voepel’s announcement was positive.

Another decorated reporter, Joe Posnanski, led a wave of support after the announcement

Voepel has the distinction of having covered 20 consecutive Women’s Final Fours and is considered by many colleagues to be among the sport’s must-trusted reporters.

Voepel is set to receive the print version of the Curt Gowdy award from the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts next month. The honor, named for the late announcer, will also be given to New York Knicks broadcaster Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier and long-time NBC executive Dick Ebersol.

‘I am really appreciative of the honor because it has been such a big part of my life to help chronicle the growth of women’s basketball,’ Voepel told ESPN. ‘I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to witness that, and work with others who also care about it so much.’

Voepel’s bio on ESPN has already been updated with his pronouns.

He is described as lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan who is ‘most interested in animal rescue and welfare.’