“First Shot” has a new host.
Longtime “SportsCenter” anchor Shae Cornette will move to the popular sports debate show, announced by star analyst Stephen A. Smith, ESPN announced Thursday morning.
Cornette is one of several people hired as a guest host after Molly Crim left the show last month.
“Hosting First Take is no easy job. It requires confidence, toughness and true sports insight — and Shae delivers all of that and more,” Smith, who is also the show’s executive producer, said in a statement released by ESPN. “I have seen her lead the office with poise and passion every time she has been hosted. She is the real deal, and I am thrilled to have her officially join the team.”
Cornette joined ESPN in 2020 and has appeared regularly in the network’s studios and radio shows. Her final appearance as a “SportsCenter” anchor is scheduled for October 25.
“I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that is First Take,” Cornette said. “From my days in radio to hosting ‘SportsCenter’ and now ‘First Take,’ my journey at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge and opportunity. “First Take’s energy, perspective and passion represent everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”