FOX Sports reporter Jenny Taft is currently embedded with the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) for their World Cup campaign on home soil, a role she describes as a privilege.
Taft, who is covering her sixth World Cup across both men's and women's tournaments, has unprecedented access to the team and its coach, Mauricio Pochettino. She believes she has earned the trust of the team, having built relationships long before the current event.
"I do believe I've earned that trust," Taft told the Daily Mail. "This is the most access I've ever had with a national team coach."
The USMNT's performance in the tournament has been strong, with early wins against Paraguay and Australia securing the top spot in Group D. Taft noted the significant impact these victories have had on fan engagement and the perception of soccer in America.
"To see the belief from the players, to see the fans get excited in a new way that I think will change soccer in America, that's what excites me the most," she said. The atmosphere at Lumen Field after the win over Australia, where the crowd sang 'Take Me Home, Country Roads,' particularly moved Taft.
"I did get a little choked up," Taft admitted. "It felt different… we've just been hoping and waiting for that."
The group stage matches generated record television audiences, with more than 50 million viewers tuning in on FOX. Taft also commented on the network's studio analysts, including Alexi Lalas, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and praised anchor Rebecca Lowe.
Taft's career in sports broadcasting began with FOX Sports North in 2011. Over the years, she has covered a wide range of sports, including soccer, college football, hockey, motocross, and even the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Her early coverage of motocross proved to be a pivotal moment in her career.
In a twist of fate, her motocross reporting caught the attention of a FOX executive who was looking for a reporter for the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) at the 2015 World Cup. That assignment led to covering the USWNT's championship victory, an experience that profoundly influenced her.
"I looked up to the way they changed the game and changed women's sports in America," Taft said. She has maintained a close relationship with Carli Lloyd, a star of that championship team, and the two are planning to launch a podcast together focusing on soccer and the challenges of balancing motherhood and career.
Taft's background includes playing soccer as a youngster and participating in other sports like ice hockey and lacrosse at Boston University. This athletic experience allows her to connect with the demands faced by Pochettino's players.
Her perspective as a female reporter in men's sports is also shaped by her upbringing. Her father, John Taft, was an NHL player and captained the U.S. Olympic hockey team, instilling in her a sense of confidence and belief in her abilities. Her husband, Matt Gilroy, also played in the NHL and represented the U.S. in the Winter Olympics.
Taft's own daughter, Gigi, is showing an interest in soccer, mirroring her mother's professional focus and potentially following in the footsteps of her athletic family members.