Florida State Alumnus Tannebaum Is Truly Living Her Dream

CHARLOTTE – Taylor Tannebaum has interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world including LeBron James, Peyton Manning, and Mario Andretti.

As a journalist, she has covered some of the most significant events on the planet including the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff Championship game, the NCAA Basketball Tournament, and the ACC Football Championship game.

But when Florida State players Jamir Watkins and Taylor Bol Bowen stepped onto the ACC Network stage on Wednesday at the Annual ACC Tip-Off event at the Uptown Charlotte Hilton, the Florida State alumnus (class of 2013) realized a "pinch me" moment.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams that one day I would get to interview a player from my school on TV," said Tannebaum, who is in her third year as one of the faces of the ACC Network. "I've always dreamed about interviewing the coaches and the student-athletes from my alma mater, and I've been able to live that dream since coming to the ACC Network."

Tannebaum grew up in South Florida and remembers her elementary school days attending Dolphins, Marlins, and Panthers games with her family. She recalls vividly sitting in the upper deck at Hard Rock Stadium and being inspired by broadcasters Laura Rutledge, Suzy Kolber, and Tracy Wolfson as they worked their way around the field to bring the action on the field into millions of homes.

My family has season tickets to the Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Panthers, so I was raised going to games," Tannebaum said. "My family and I would pick up subs from a local sub shop and go to Dolphins games on Sundays. I also remember being very young going to a Panthers game when they played the Detroit Red Wings. I'll never forget the environment."

Tannebaum traces her desire to be a television journalist back to her days in elementary school.

"I was part of the morning announcements in fifth grade at Central Park Elementary," said the host of "The Huddle" on the ACC Network. "I think that's when I knew I loved being in front of a camera and telling stories."

Hard work and dreams of one day walking in Erin Andrews' shoes drew her to the renowned media production major at Florida State. From there, she took advantage of everything the university and the major offered. Tannebaum became one of the top reporters at Seminole Productions – the outstanding video production unit within the FSU Department of Athletics.

While she was writing and producing stories at Seminole Productions, her career took off.

Upon graduating from Florida State in 2013, Tannebaum spent two years in Dothan, Ala., and three years in Huntsville, Ala., where she covered Alabama and Auburn. She earned the opportunity to cover four BCS and College Football Playoff National Championship games from 2013-18.

One of the most memorable games she has had the fortune of covering was the 2013 National Championship game between Florida State and Auburn.

The 2013 National Championship is still the most memorable sporting event she has ever covered.

"I was in my first job in Dothan, Alabama, only six months in, and I got to cover my alma mater in California," said Tannebaum. "I'll never forget it."

After five years of working in the college football heartland of Alabama, Tannebaum became the first female Sports Anchor at WTHR in Indianapolis. She was the station's first female sports anchor.

The Hoosier state brought several new and incredible challenges the young journalist faced head-on.

Her new location opened up her career to new sports, including the National Football League and Indy Car Racing, and new athletes to interview, including Manning and Andretti.

"I'm a race fan," said Tannebaum as quick as Andretti drove down the Brickyard's backstretch. "The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is second to none -- especially on Indianapolis 500 race day."

But true to her roots, Tannebaum always dreamed of returning to the East Coast and the ACC—the conference where her love for collegiate sports began.

When ESPN and the ACC Network came calling in 2022, Tannenbaum didn't hesitate to affirm her commitment to join one of the fastest-growing conference networks in college athletics.

"It's always an honor to come back in this role with ACC Network," said Tannebaum, "I remember standing on the field at Doak Campbell Stadium in the spring of 2012, helping with the spring game and pro day on ESPN. It's a full-circle moment. I wouldn't be where I am today without Florida State."

With a passion for people and the ability to connect with people and tell their unique stories, Tannebaum is one of the rising stars at the ACC Network.

"Last year when I was sidelining, I had Dave Doeren (NC State), Brent Key (Virginia Tech) and Mack Brown (North Carolina) all emotional in their postgame interviews," said Tannebaum, "I love the emotion."

Earlier this fall, Tannebaum was named the host of ACC Huddle, the ACC Network's flagship show. The show airs on Saturday mornings during college football season and previews the conference's biggest matchups of the week. She continues to co-host ACC PM -- the network's daily afternoon show.

"Since Taylor joined us at ACCN, she has been a joy to work with," said former Seminole quarterback and FSU alum EJ Manuel. "She's always prepared, always sharp and always willing to try something new on air. No wonder she's so great, she's a Seminole!"

"I'm exactly where I want to be," said Tannebaum. "I'm with a company that allows me to learn, grow, and cover the greatest sports in the world. I'm always looking to trying my hand at different sports at every level - whether it be sidelining or hosting at the desk."

What began as a dream is now Taylor Tannebaum's incredible reality.

Florida State University Athletics

Florida State Alumnus Tannebaum Is Truly Living Her Dream

Players Mentioned

Taylor Bol Bowen

Jamir Watkins

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