Laura Rutledge is living proof that pageant queens belong in the male-dominated space of sports.
Despite her camera-ready appearance, she didn’t begin her career in broadcasting on screen.
Rutledge details much of her life growing up in an interview published by theTampa Bay Timesin 2012.
Sports were of little interest to her at that time.
Rutledge seemed to take the snub on the chin.
Though her aspirations to be a scientist ebbed with age, her interest in broadcasting lingered.
I’m all in.
I am going to do whatever it takes," she said.
“I basically gave my parents no choice.
Rutledge was accepted into the program and honed her craft.
The decision was not one made flippantly.
Her intention was to join the news team, but there weren’t any positions available.
She accepted and was fiercely dedicated to her role.
It wasn’t ever just football.
And equipped, she certainly was.
Having started as a freshman, she remained a co-host on the show throughout most of her college career.
“Someone from Fox was driving through Gainesville and heard me and called the radio station.
He had never seen me.
He just liked my voice, I guess, and what I was saying.
He offered me a job, and I worked full-time for Fox all through my senior year.”
In 2010, Rutledge had no experience with pageants.
She won Miss Suncoast in 2011 and Miss Florida in 2012.
Laura, like fellowsportscaster, Erin Andrews, married a professional athlete.
At the time of their meeting, Josh was preparing for his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies.
The pair dated for two years before they married in 2013 in a wintery ceremony.
As her broadcasting skills developed, so too did her recognition and opportunities grow in impact and reach.
We are fortunate to have her” (viaSEC Sports).
Their second child, Jack was born in 2023.
My son is 19 months old so he doesn’t understand a lot of the time."
She also covers major colligate tournaments including the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships and College World Series.
