Huntsville, Alabama, August 10, 2025
News Summary
Thai Floyd has broken barriers in sports broadcasting by becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time play-by-play announcer for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team. At just 27 years old, Floyd aims to inspire young girls and increase inclusivity in the male-dominated sports media industry. Her journey began with a simple text message, leading to her unprecedented role at any HBCU in the U.S. Floyd’s official debut is set for August 30 against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Huntsville, Alabama – Thai Floyd has made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time play-by-play announcer for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to hold this position at any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States.
The 27-year-old sports journalist, who resides in North Alabama, is also currently pursuing a master’s degree at Alabama A&M University. Her journey into the world of sports broadcasting initiated with a straightforward text message to the director of football operations, leading to her hiring just two weeks later. As she prepares for her groundbreaking role, Floyd has expressed happiness, gratitude, and the realization of the pressure that comes with her position.
Floyd’s passion for sports and broadcasting was heavily influenced by her father, William Floyd, a former NFL player and broadcaster. His guidance has played a substantial role in shaping her career. Before her recent appointment, she accumulated experience as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics, covering a range of sporting events across high school, college, and professional levels. She notably worked as a sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator for platforms such as ESPN+ and ESPNU, providing coverage for bowl games and other significant events.
Floyd’s official debut as the voice of the Bulldogs is scheduled for August 30, when the team faces off against the Arkansas Razorbacks. In assuming this role, she hopes to inspire other women, particularly young girls, to enter the overwhelmingly male-dominated field of sports broadcasting. Floyd sees her historic appointment as part of a broader movement aimed at increasing inclusivity within sports media.
Furthermore, she seeks to create opportunities for black women in the industry who have often been overlooked, striving to address the fact that only about nine percent of play-by-play positions are held by women. Her experiences at Florida A&M University, where she studied journalism, significantly nurtured her skills and deepened her appreciation for HBCUs.
Looking towards the future, Floyd aspires to call college football games on television, showcasing her ambition to continue evolving in her broadcasting career. Her outlook encompasses not merely fitting into her role but working to change the landscape for women in sports media altogether. Floyd expresses excitement about being part of the legacy at Alabama A&M, a university with a prestigious history spanning over 150 years.
Key Details:
- First woman to serve as a full-time play-by-play announcer at Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team.
- Aims to inspire young girls and increase inclusivity in sports broadcasting.
- Grew up influenced by her father’s career in the NFL and broadcasting.
- Debut game set for August 30 against Arkansas Razorbacks.
- About nine percent of play-by-play roles in sports are occupied by women.
Background Context:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long offered unique opportunities for education and community engagement among African American students. However, there has been a notable lack of female representation in sports broadcasting roles at these institutions. With Floyd’s appointment, there is hope for change that not only encourages female participation in sports media but also enhances the representation of women of color in the broadcasting industry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Thai Floyd?
Thai Floyd is a 27-year-old sports journalist and the first female full-time play-by-play announcer for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team, as well as the first woman in this role at any HBCU in the United States.
What prior experience does Thai Floyd have in sports broadcasting?
Floyd has worked as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics and has covered various sporting events through her roles as a sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator, notably for ESPN+ and ESPNU.
What impact does Thai Floyd hope to make in sports broadcasting?
Floyd aims to inspire other women, especially young girls, to pursue careers in sports broadcasting and to create more inclusive opportunities for black women in the industry.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Historic Role | First female play-by-play announcer at any HBCU in the USA |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Experience | Seasoned sports journalist with coverage across various levels |
| Debut Date | August 30, against the Arkansas Razorbacks |
| Diversity in Sports | Only about 9% of play-by-play roles are occupied by women |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Thai Floyd Becomes First Female HBCU Football Announcer
- Diverse Education: Alabama A&M Names Thai Floyd as First Female Football Play-by-Play Announcer
- Rocket City Now: Alabama A&M Names First Woman Full-Time Radio Announcer in HBCU History
- AL.com: Meet Thai Floyd, Alabama A&M Football’s New Trailblazing Play-by-Play Voice
- WHNT: Thai Floyd Named First Ever Female Play-by-Play Announcer at AAMU
- Wikipedia: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Google Search: Thai Floyd
- Google Scholar: Thai Floyd
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thai Floyd
- Google News: Thai Floyd
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
