Amina Smith
Amina Smith is an American sports journalist and television host known for anchoring ESPN's SportsCenter. She has also worked as a host and on-air talent for NBC Sports Boston and won a 2022 New England Emmy for Patriots Pregame Live.
Personal life
Amina Smith has been married to NFL safety Deon Bush since February 2021. Bush plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, and the couple have a young son.
Bush proposed to Smith during a vacation in Costa Rica in July 2018. Their wedding was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic before they married in February 2021.
From student television to national sports broadcasting
Smith began her broadcasting career in 2010 while studying at the University of South Carolina. She worked with SGTV, the university's student-run television station, covering football and women's basketball.
She transferred to the University of Miami in 2012 and continued developing her on-air and production skills through UMTV and work connected with NBC, ESPNU, and FOX. Smith graduated from Miami in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism.
After college, she worked as a local reporter for 6 News in Lawrence, Kansas. She later held on-air roles with Fox Sports, the Big Ten Network, BET Networks, and Stadium Sports, covering college football and the NBA.
SportsCenter and NBC Sports Boston
Smith is an anchor for ESPN's SportsCenter, contributing to the flagship 2 p.m. program and weekend editions. The role made her part of one of the most prominent national sports-news programs in the United States.
Before joining ESPN, she was a multiplatform host and on-air talent with NBC Sports Boston. She covered the New England Patriots and hosted flagship programming for the Boston Celtics, combining live reporting, interviews, and studio presentation.
New England Emmy recognition
In 2022, Smith won a New England Emmy for Outstanding Sports Programming, Live. She received the award for hosting Patriots Pregame Live.
The honor recognized her work presenting live sports programming and marked a significant achievement in her broadcasting career.
Track and field background
Smith was a track and field and cross-country athlete before establishing herself in sports media. During high school, she earned 12 varsity letters and competed for the Kenyan Runners club team in Brooklyn.
She was part of a 4x800-meter team that competed at the 2007 National Scholastic Indoor Championship meet and the 2007 Penn Relays. She was also a two-time cross-country state qualifier, placing second in the 2000-meter steeplechase at the 2009 AAU Club Nationals.
Her athletic background later informed her work covering competitive sports. During high school, she received a Cross Country MVP award and a Senior Athlete award.
Quick facts
- Smith began broadcasting in 2010 through SGTV, the University of South Carolina's student-run television station.
- She transferred from the University of South Carolina to the University of Miami in 2012 and graduated from Miami in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
- Smith won a New England Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Sports Programming, Live, for hosting Patriots Pregame Live.
- Before joining ESPN, Smith covered the New England Patriots and hosted flagship programming for the Boston Celtics at NBC Sports Boston.
- Smith has held on-air roles with Fox Sports, the Big Ten Network, BET Networks, and Stadium Sports.
- She was part of a 4x800-meter team that competed at the 2007 National Scholastic Indoor Championship meet and the 2007 Penn Relays.
- Smith was a two-time cross-country state qualifier in 2006 and 2007.
- She placed second in the 2000-meter steeplechase at the 2009 AAU Club Nationals.
- Smith earned 12 varsity letters as a high school track and field and cross-country athlete.
- She studied Spanish, Hebrew, and Latin in high school.
FAQs about Amina Smith
What is Amina Smith's background?
Amina Smith is a sports journalist, television host, and former track athlete. She began broadcasting through student television at the University of South Carolina, transferred to the University of Miami, and later worked for 6 News, Fox Sports, the Big Ten Network, BET Networks, Stadium Sports, NBC Sports Boston, and ESPN.
What team does Amina Smith's husband play for?
Her husband, Deon Bush, is an NFL safety who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
What languages does Amina Smith speak?
During high school, Smith studied Spanish, Hebrew, and Latin.
Which college did Amina Smith attend?
Smith first attended the University of South Carolina and transferred to the University of Miami in 2012. She graduated from the University of Miami in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism.
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