ESPN's women's basketball writer introduces himself as M.A. Voepel

On Tuesday, the ESPN writer and insider previously known as Mechelle Voepel took to Twitter to reintroduce himself. 

"In sports media, we're lucky to tell stories of others' journeys," Voepel wrote. "We have our own, too. Part of mine is being transgender, and I'm transitioning to male. Byline now M.A. Voepel, pronouns he/him. Please feel free to call me Voepel, MV, Michael, Mike; I’m good with them all." 

According to the ESPN Press Room bio, Voepel first joined the Worldwide Leader in 1996 as a women’s college and pro basketball writer and has since written about college sports beyond just basketball during his tenure. He covered his first women’s basketball game in 1984 and was referred to by ESPN's Tim Bontemps in February as "the foremost authority on women's basketball in both the collegiate and professional ranks" after it was learned he was named a Naismith Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award winner. 

"I have the great honor of receiving Gowdy Award next month from Naismith Hall of Fame, and wanted to do that as authentic self, hence this announcement now," Voepel continued in his statement. "Fear can keep us paralyzed for decades, especially when we think we will lose all that is dear to us, including career.

"At some point, you realize you need to have faith that your happiness/well-being is worth pursuing, and also have faith in other people's kindness and grace. Grateful for a company that supports all of its employees, for terrific family and friends, and for societal progress. 

"I may look and sound a little different. Glad to be who I’ve always been inside. Dedication to covering women’s sports, a lifelong joy as well as job, and admiration for all involved – players, coaches, execs, fans, referees, colleagues – that stays exactly the same. Thanks!" 

Voepel graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism in 1987 and has become a mainstay at Women's Final Fours across over two decades.