Elise Woodward Named Washington Football Radio Play-By-Play Host
July 27, 2026 | Football, General
SEATTLE – University of Washington Athletics and Learfield's Huskies Sports Properties announce the hiring of Elise Woodward as the new radio play-by-play voice of Husky Football. Woodward moves up to the booth after more than two decades of reporting on Husky Football from the sidelines
"We are excited to name Washington alumna and former student-athlete Elise Woodward as the new play-by-play voice of Husky Football," said Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "Elise has built an outstanding career as a sports broadcaster at both the national and local levels. She has established herself as a trusted voice within the Husky community through her years covering UW Football, Women's Basketball, and Seattle sports. She knows this university, its traditions, and the rich history of this role. We couldn't be more excited to have Elise carry forward the legacy of being the voice of Husky Football."
Woodward is a veteran broadcaster with more than thirty years of experience. She is currently the Voice of the WNBA's Portland Fire and has served as Washington football's sideline reporter for over two decades. In addition, Woodward has been a broadcaster locally for the Seattle Storm and Seattle SuperSonics – hosting pregame, halftime and postgame radio shows.
"Having the opportunity to be the voice of University of Washington football is the honor of my lifetime," Woodward stated. "As a Dawg, I take so much pride in the rich history and tradition of Husky football. I am so thankful for the last 23 seasons that I spent on the sidelines, but I'm also beyond excited to trade in my rain gear for the warmth of the Bob Rondeau radio booth."
The Eugene, Ore., native has been one of the play-by-play voices for ESPN's coverage of the NCAA® Women's Basketball Tournament for over a decade. Woodward has called games on FOX, Big Ten Network and Pac-12 Network for a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, gymnastics, track and field and lacrosse. She has also called basketball conference championship games for the WCC, WAC, Ivy League and American Conference. Woodward is a two-time Emmy nominee and hosted her own sports talk show on Sports Radio KJR in Seattle for more than a decade.
Prior to broadcasting, Woodward played four seasons of basketball at UW from 1993-97, helping the Huskies reach the NCAA Tournament three times and serving as team captain her senior year. Woodward fittingly earned her UW degree in communications: broadcast journalism.
"When I was on my recruiting trip to UW as a senior in high school, I had the chance to meet Don James in his office," Woodward said. "He told me, 'I hope you become a Husky.' I couldn't believe he took the time to say hi. Now decades later, it is a full circle moment to get this opportunity to call UW football, and I am thrilled. Go Dawgs!"
Woodward will begin her tenure on Sept. 6 as the Huskies open the season in the Boeing Apple Cup against Washington State at 1 p.m. at Husky Stadium.
"We're thrilled to have Elise take the helm as our play-by-play announcer for Husky Football." said Brandon Forbis, general manager of Huskies Sports Properties. "Elise's passion for Washington sports coupled with her incredible talent and proven knowledge makes her the perfect person to lead our broadcasts into this next era of Husky Football."
About Washington Athletics
Washington athletic teams have claimed 59 team national championships across 11 different sports, beginning with its first titles in 1923 in men's rowing and women's rifle, and counting its most recent national championships in men's soccer (2025) and men's rowing (2026). Traditions of Washington Athletics include 320 Olympians and Paralympians, originating The Wave during the third quarter of a 1981 football game, the familiar Huskies nickname in 1922, and its iconic Sailgating activities and encompassing view at what is known as The Greatest Setting in college football.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Go Huskies app on your mobile device. Follow @UW_Football on Instagram, X and Facebook and subscribe to UW Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Dawgs.
"We are excited to name Washington alumna and former student-athlete Elise Woodward as the new play-by-play voice of Husky Football," said Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "Elise has built an outstanding career as a sports broadcaster at both the national and local levels. She has established herself as a trusted voice within the Husky community through her years covering UW Football, Women's Basketball, and Seattle sports. She knows this university, its traditions, and the rich history of this role. We couldn't be more excited to have Elise carry forward the legacy of being the voice of Husky Football."
Woodward is a veteran broadcaster with more than thirty years of experience. She is currently the Voice of the WNBA's Portland Fire and has served as Washington football's sideline reporter for over two decades. In addition, Woodward has been a broadcaster locally for the Seattle Storm and Seattle SuperSonics – hosting pregame, halftime and postgame radio shows.
"Having the opportunity to be the voice of University of Washington football is the honor of my lifetime," Woodward stated. "As a Dawg, I take so much pride in the rich history and tradition of Husky football. I am so thankful for the last 23 seasons that I spent on the sidelines, but I'm also beyond excited to trade in my rain gear for the warmth of the Bob Rondeau radio booth."
The Eugene, Ore., native has been one of the play-by-play voices for ESPN's coverage of the NCAA® Women's Basketball Tournament for over a decade. Woodward has called games on FOX, Big Ten Network and Pac-12 Network for a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, gymnastics, track and field and lacrosse. She has also called basketball conference championship games for the WCC, WAC, Ivy League and American Conference. Woodward is a two-time Emmy nominee and hosted her own sports talk show on Sports Radio KJR in Seattle for more than a decade.
Prior to broadcasting, Woodward played four seasons of basketball at UW from 1993-97, helping the Huskies reach the NCAA Tournament three times and serving as team captain her senior year. Woodward fittingly earned her UW degree in communications: broadcast journalism.
"When I was on my recruiting trip to UW as a senior in high school, I had the chance to meet Don James in his office," Woodward said. "He told me, 'I hope you become a Husky.' I couldn't believe he took the time to say hi. Now decades later, it is a full circle moment to get this opportunity to call UW football, and I am thrilled. Go Dawgs!"
Woodward will begin her tenure on Sept. 6 as the Huskies open the season in the Boeing Apple Cup against Washington State at 1 p.m. at Husky Stadium.
"We're thrilled to have Elise take the helm as our play-by-play announcer for Husky Football." said Brandon Forbis, general manager of Huskies Sports Properties. "Elise's passion for Washington sports coupled with her incredible talent and proven knowledge makes her the perfect person to lead our broadcasts into this next era of Husky Football."
About Washington Athletics
Washington athletic teams have claimed 59 team national championships across 11 different sports, beginning with its first titles in 1923 in men's rowing and women's rifle, and counting its most recent national championships in men's soccer (2025) and men's rowing (2026). Traditions of Washington Athletics include 320 Olympians and Paralympians, originating The Wave during the third quarter of a 1981 football game, the familiar Huskies nickname in 1922, and its iconic Sailgating activities and encompassing view at what is known as The Greatest Setting in college football.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Go Huskies app on your mobile device. Follow @UW_Football on Instagram, X and Facebook and subscribe to UW Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Dawgs.
Saturday, July 25
Friday, July 17
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
