Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Molly Mita
Journalism On Display: Using Detailed Videos, ESPN.com's Matt Bowen Tackles The NFL Combine's QB Drills
Matt Bowen suggests five drills for college QBs to perform at the NFL combine to prove skills they’ll need as pros. ESPN writer Matt Bowen and videographer and photographer Dylan Coulter team up for a unique presentation on how the NFL Combine can redesign the quarterback experience. Kudos to @ESPNNFL for creating.
Journalism Showcase: ESPN and The Undefeated Receive 13 Top 10 Associated Press Sports Editors Awards
Mina Kimes and John Minton won APSE citations for their “Cover Story” profile Sabrina Greenlee (seated) and her son, Houston Texans star DeAndre Hopkins.(Benedict Evans for ESPN) Both ESPN and The Undefeated were recognized for their investigative journalism and creative storytelling through writing, videography and photography with Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) awards, while ESPN.com was named one of the Top 10 websites.
Journalism Showcase: For E:60's Schaap, the Fight Game Presents Some of the Most Compelling Storytellers
This Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, Jeremy Schaap sits down with unbeaten lineal boxing champion Tyson Fury. Fury is just days away from his rematch with undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on Saturday, Feb. 22 on ESPN+ PPV. Schaap has interviewed dozens of fighters, including Mike Tyson, the man who Fury was named after. “There are a lot of similarities [between Tyson Fury and Mike Tyson] in terms of their willingness to go deep and talk about the most personal things,” Schaap said.
Journalism Showcase: "When I read the story, I couldn’t believe it, but when I started reporting it on my own, it became even more remarkable ... "
Ahead of Monday’s College Football National Championship (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) reporter Heather Dinich shares the story behind Clemson safety Nolan Turner. Many know Turner for his incredible play in the Fiesta Bowl, but few know his full story. “When Nolan made the interception that sealed Clemson’s win over Ohio State in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl last month, my ever-inquisitive editor, Dave Wilson, started Googling him,” said Dinich.
Outside the Lines To Debut New Daily Report and Weekly Saturday Morning Show
ESPN’s Outside the Lines will debut a new daily report within the noon ET edition of SportsCenter on Monday, Jan. 13, and a weekly, hourlong Saturday morning show at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan.18. Award-winning reporter Jeremy Schaap will host the new Saturday morning OTL. ESPN legal analyst, reporter and host Ryan Smith will host most of the daily reports within SportsCenter (now 90 minutes). “We’re thrilled about the new one-hour edition of Outside the Lines.
Journalism On Display: Praise For Sarah Spain's Latest Interview With Chiefs RB Coach Deland McCullough On ESPN Daily Podcast
Deland McCullough II (L) and Deland McCullough. (Photo courtesy of Deland McCullough) Some of this week’s outstanding content from ESPN’s storytellers: Wow! Today's story blew me away! Everyone should give this story a listen… Excellent work as usual from @minakimes & @SarahSpain https://t.co/7E24fkIazq — Jordan Haskenherm (@jordanhasky) January 2, 2020 I can't recommend this incredible @SportsCenter recap of sports in the 2010's enough.
Journalism Showcase: “Rashaan’s story has so many tragic turns, and so many unknowns. There was a lot of finger-pointing."
Senior writer Liz Merrill has been working on the story of 1994 Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam’s life since he died in 2016. Her ESPN.com profile of the former University of Colorado star is complete and on Tuesday, Dec. 17., E:60 will share it at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. “Rashaan died in December 2016, and right after that, my editor, Jena Janovy, asked me to start reporting on his life and death,” Merrill said.
Journalism On Display: NBA Star, Rising Rapper Damian Lillard's Return To His Oaktown Roots Resonates With ESPN Cover Story Readers
Damian Lillard reveals that his heart remains in the Oakland neighborhood of Brookfield, where his love for basketball and music formed the player and artist he’s become. (Ryan Young for ESPN) Some of this week’s outstanding content from ESPN’s storytellers: Nobody knows how to drive a point home quite like than @notthefakeSVP. His 1 Big Thing is on point every night, whether it’s about sports, or something like this tribute to Stuart Scott.
Journalism On Display: Why Ravens Coach Harbaugh, QB Jackson Needed Each Other
Lamar Jackson leads his Baltimore Ravens into Los Angeles to face the host Rams on Monday Night Football (8:15 ET, ESPN). He’s also one of the subjects of an Ian O’Connor feature for ESPN.com. (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images) Some of this week’s outstanding content from ESPN’s storytellers: A superb piece of journalism by @Ian_OConnor that all Ravens fans should take the time to read. There's just so many pieces of the jigsaw that has brought young Mr Jackson to Baltimore.
Journalism On Display: Meet Boujee, The Dog That Made Steelers Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster A Dad
Pittsburgh Steelers star JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) owns a 2-year-old French bulldog, Boujee. As ESPN.com’s Brooke Pryor writes, they’ve become social media stars. (Scott Clarke/ESPN Images) Some of this week’s outstanding content from ESPN’s storytellers: https://t.co/ZHlSUOs5lK Stop what you are doing and read this great piece by @bepryor! — AaronTeddyRicketson (@ATRicketson) November 14, 2019 A great story about a class act, @MCONLEY10 . Always the consummate professional.
ESPN Reporter Marty Smith Says Overwhelming Response To His Small Gesture Proves Kindness Prevails
Jack Patterson (R) snagged a quick selfie with ESPN reporter Marty Smith following their encounter after an LSU-Alabama football game. (Photo courtesy of Jack Patterson’s Twitter feed) Following the LSU at Alabama football game on Nov. 9, a man named Jack Patterson was taping a standup for the local CBS station in Columbus, Ga. “It was a long day for all of us. I had just put on my backpack after my last live shot and was heading home,” said ESPN reporter Marty Smith.
"To be chosen to help tell the stories of the people who call Fort Campbell home was an absolute honor.”
Eaves poses with Fort Campbell soldiers. Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division, the 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. (Michael Eaves/ESPN) Michael Eaves grew up 45 miles from Fort Campbell. “To be chosen to help tell the stories of the people who call Fort Campbell home was an absolute honor,” he said. (Michael Eaves/ESPN) Former Army sergeant James Eaves, Michael’s father, served during World War II.
ESPN Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Veterans Day With Annual Veterans Week Initiative
Tim Tebow and former New England Patriot, current Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Jake Bequette. SportsCenter from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, First Take live from Air Force Base in Tucson Armed Forces Classic from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska ESPN dedicates a week of multiplatform content November 7-11 as part of its annual America’s Heroes: A Salute to Our Veterans initiative. An hour-long SportsCenter special kicks off the content initiative from Fort Campbell Military Base in Kentucky.
Journalism On Display: Social Reaction To ESPN's Storytelling
Shakur Stevenson headlines an ESPN+ boxing card Saturday. ESPN boxing writer Mark Kriegel’s story about Stevenson’s unique relationship with his opponent has earned praise.
Journalism On Display: Social Reaction To ESPN's Storytelling
DeAndre Hopkins’ mother Sabrina Greenlee (second from left) cheers for her son’s Houston Texans. (Benedict Evans for ESPN) Sabrina Greenlee and her son, Houston Texans star DeAndre Hopkins, shared their journey as the subjects of ESPN’s debut Cover Story concept.
E:60 Returns to Prime Time with DeAndre Hopkins and Ryan Hilinski Features
Watch Trailer This Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, E:60 returns to prime time with award-winning co-hosts Jeremy Schaap and Lisa Salters. The hourlong show kicks off its 12th season with a brand-new look and powerful features by two of ESPN’s best storytellers Mina Kimes and Jen Lada.
Monday Night Countdown Profiles Stafford Family's Road To Recovery
Tonight on Monday Night Football, the division rival Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers face off at Lambeau Field. Kelly Stafford, the wife of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, will be in the front row cheering on her husband. A few months ago, Kelly thought she might never get that chance. In March, the Staffords discovered that Kelly, mother to her and Matthew’s three daughters, had a brain tumor. Although the tumor was benign, the Staffords made the decision to remove it immediately.
Journalism On Display: Social Reaction To ESPN's Storytelling
John Howard prepares to compete in a Professional Fighters League bout.
A Look Back At Important Stories Surrounding Mental Health Awareness
A Look Back At Important Stories Surrounding Mental Health Awareness NBA star Kevin Love discussed mental health with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan. (ESPN) In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Day today, Front Row takes a look at the important stories ESPN has shared on the topic.
Journalism On Display: Social Reaction To ESPN's Storytelling
Tom Brady (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images) What are Douglas 25Ls and why has Tom Brady sworn by them for 25 years? ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss, who covers Brady’s New England Patriots, examined why the quarterback loves his old-school shoulder pads – a style the player has favored since the mid-1990s – so much. Reiss interviewed the former equipment manager at Brady’s alma mater, Michigan.
Journalism On Display: Social Reaction To ESPN's Storytelling
Gritty and Barry Melrose are a couple of characters. On Sept. 24, 2018, the Philadelphia Flyers unleashed their new mascot into the world – and Gritty was not an immediate board-smashing success. But it only took 24 hours for things to change. ESPN NHL analyst Barry Melrose profiled Gritty for E:60 and viewers shared their reactions to that feature and other ESPN stories below. "In the first 24 hours, we all thought we were going to lose our jobs." The story… of Gritty.
Journalism On Display: Social Reaction To ESPN's Storytelling
Dabo Swinney (center, in two-point stance) (Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images) How is Clemson’s Dabo Swinney influencing the next generation of college football head coaches? David M. Hale’s ESPN.com feature explores that question, one of the stories generating strong reader reaction showcased below in Journalism On Display. This is a great story about how Dabo Swinney is influencing the entire coaching profession.
ESPN's Diverse Storytelling Takes Center Stage for Four Straight Hours Tonight
ESPN has an impressive lineup tonight starting with an hour-long E:60 (7 p.m. ET) featuring “Paradise: From the Ashes,” the story of a California high school football team who lost nearly everything in the 2018 wildfires. Paradise High School, located 170 miles north of San Francisco, has built a reputation for a successful football program under Coach Rick Prinz. In 20 years, PHS has 166 wins, 10 league championships and six section titles.
E:60's Rinaldi and Saraceno visit the "Mad Hatter" Miles as the Grass Starts Growing in Lawrence
This Sunday on E:60 at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN, reporter Tom Rinaldi and producer Frankie Saraceno team up to profile former LSU football coach Les Miles as he begins his journey as the new head coach for the Kansas Jayhawks. “I entered the project with a set of expectations regarding Coach Miles,” said Saraceno, who began at ESPN in 1994 as a production assistant.
ESPN’s Award-Winning Storytelling Expands Across Multiple Platforms This Fall
Coming off a year filled with prestigious honors including a Peabody, a Murrow, and several Emmys among many other awards, ESPN will enhance its storytelling content offerings this fall with a mix of series debuts and scheduling developments, including E:60, Backstory, ESPN Cover Story and ESPN Daily. E:60Moving to Prime Time Now entering its 12th season, E:60 will move to a prime-time slot on ESPN on a monthly basis.
Ed Werder Returns to ESPN as Dallas-based Reporter
Bristol, CT - August 24, 2016 - Photo Studio: Portrait of Ed Werder (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ ESPN Images) Veteran reporterEd Werder will rejoin ESPN this month as a Dallas-based bureau reporter for SportsCenter and studio programming, covering various sports from Dallas, including the Cowboys, a team Werder first began reporting on in 1989. Werder had previously covered the NFL for ESPN from 1998 to 2017.
ESPN's Helwani Delivers In Debut for E:60 With Definitive Daniel Cormier Feature
For his first E:60 (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN) feature story, ESPN MMA host and reporter Ariel Helwani went big. As in, 5-foot-11, 264-pound big. Helwani’s enthralling 20-minute profile of UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier comes one week before Cormier faces Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 241 on Saturday, Aug. 17., exclusively on ESPN+. Helwani called Cormier one of the most accessible and down-to-earth athletes he has ever met.
The Conrad Mainwaring Tip That Led to 13 Months of Investigative Reporting And One Gut-Wrenching Story Of Alleged Sexual Abuse
ESPN Investigative reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada and investigative journalist Mike Kessler collaborated for an Outside the Lines investigation that revealed more than 41 allegations of sexual abuse against track coach Conrad Mainwaring. This Sunday on E:60 (9 a.m. ET, ESPN), producer Greg Amante helps bring the investigation to life with a riveting companion video piece.
"In camp, you can’t always trust your eyes. It’s important to be patient and fair with evaluations . . . "
SportsCenter reporter Jeff Darlington is in his 15th season of NFL coverage. This week, all 32 NFL teams reported to training camp. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington kicked off the coverage at the Atlanta Falcons and the Kansas City Chiefs, the first two teams to open camp. The NFL reporter says training camp provides a more relaxed environment, which is perfect for getting acclimated with the teams before the season begins. And it’s not just the reporters who are getting acclimated.
Leach Is Fascinating "Character" Study For E:60's Schaap
This Sunday on E:60 Jeremy Schaap spends time with one of the most unique personalities in college football, Washington State head coach Mike Leach. “Leach is one of the most successful coaches in college football. He’s been a winner at two places where it’s not always easy to compete,” said Schaap.
E:60 and Univision's Jorge Ramos combine to tell revelatory story of "Southmost: Football and Life on the Border"
On Sunday, July 7 (ESPN, 9 a.m. ET; ESPN Deportes, 7 p.m. ET) E:60 will debut “Southmost: Football and Life on the Border,” a collaboration that brings together ESPN’s newsmagazine program and Univision, specifically multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist Jorge Ramos. Ramos and producer Jeremy Williams made numerous visits to Brownsville, Texas, the southmost city in the state and home to a unique high school football rivalry.
A Look Back at Bob Ley's ESPN Career
Bob Ley’s Statement: Across 40 years I have enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable when I joined ESPN on its first weekend of existence in 1979. Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other. Now, it is time for change. I will be retiring from ESPN, as of the end of the month. To be clear, this is entirely my decision.
ESPN's 2019 NBA Draft Storytelling: In depth with Morant, Austin and Porter proves no basketball journey is the same
This Sunday on E:60 (9 a.m. ET on ESPN) top NBA Draft prospect Ja Morant sits down with reporter Clinton Yates to tell Morant’s unique story just days before the NBA Draft on June 20 (coverage on ESPN all week). From Under-Recruited To NBA Draft: 5 Others Like Ja ESPN basketball analyst Paul Biancardi writes about five NBA Draft prospects who were beneath the college recruiting radar. Watch ESPN’s live 2019 NBA Draft coverage Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m. ET.
Producer Noren says perspective important when telling
This Sunday on E:60 (9 a.m. ET, ESPN), producer Nicole Noren and National Geographic correspondent Mariana Van Zeller tell a revealing story of Indonesian child jockeys in Sumbawa. “I first heard about the child jockeys through a Jakarta-based financial reporter and began reporting on this story for ESPN four years ago,” Noren said. Noren and team had a few obstacles to cross before they were able to get on the ground in Sumbawa in May 2017.
Olney revisits Caguas and Cora family for E:60 feature on Red Sox manager
This Sunday morning, in advance of the New York Yankees hosting the Boston Red Sox on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, reporter Buster Olney profiles Red Sox manager and Caguas, Puerto Rico-native Alex Cora on E:60 (9 a.m. ET, ESPN). Olney came to know Alex when he was a baseball analyst for ESPN and ESPN Deportes from 2013-16. But Olney knew another Cora long before meeting Alex.
Former TSN Anchor Nabil Karim Makes His SportsCenter Debut Today
ESPN recently signed former TSN anchor and native Canadian Nabil Karim. He debuts today on SportsCenter Right Now to deliver updates that will air throughout the day during programs such as First Take and Get Up! Karim shares his thoughts on joining ESPN in the video above. Molly Mita and Emily Archacki produced the video. View this post on Instagram It may take a minute, but I better get used to spelling @sportscenter with “ER” now, because I’ve joined @espn! I’m so jacked about this opportunity.
"A woman whose journey has been almost as incredible as the act that's earned her millions of fans."
This Sunday on E:60 (9 a.m. ET, ESPN), producer Brian Rivera and SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt tell the story of one of the greatest entertainers on the basketball court who doesn’t even play the game. Red Panda – the stage name for Rong Niu – and her unicycle bowl flipping act have become a halftime favorite both in the NBA and at ESPN. “We’re [E:60] always looking for creative ways to be a part of the most exciting events on the sports calendar – like the NBA playoffs.
ESPN Nets Prestigious Peabody Award For Coverage Of Michigan State Gymnastics Stories
The 2018 Arthur Ashe Award for Courage recipients gather during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One. (Photo:Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images; Illustration: Emily Archacki) ESPN has won its seventh Peabody Award for “Spartan Silence,” which includes ESPN’s coverage of the Larry Nassar case, investigations into how the university dealt with early complaints against Nassar, as well as sexual assault claims against student-athletes, and the stories of the brave women survivors.
Schaap Tells The Tale of Tony Mandarich On Eve Of NFL Draft
With next week’s NFL Draft fast approaching, reporter Jeremy Schaap and producer Simon Baumgart tell the fascinating life story of 1989 Draft pick Tony Mandarich for Sunday’s E:60 (9 a.m. ET, ESPN). Mandarich’s cautionary tale offers a stark backdrop to what will transpire in Nashville beginning Thursday on ESPN and ABC. Schaap says the five-hour interview with Mandarich was the longest he’s done in his 25 years as an ESPN reporter.
"It's very exciting to have the face of hockey be involved in a project like this."
One year ago, the Humboldt Broncos junior ice hockey team was traveling to an away game when a semitrailer truck collided with its bus in Saskatchewan, Canada, killing 16 of the 29 on board. This Sunday at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN, E:60 will air a one-hour special “Forever Broncos,” featuring untold stories and never-before-seen footage from the players’ families, produced by Canadian native Mike Farrell, reported by Jeremy Schaap and narrated by Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
E:60 Reporter Tisha Thompson Says Being A Parent Helped Her Connect With UFC's Michelle Waterson and Her Daughter
UFC fighter Michelle Waterson gave E:60 unlimited access to her life inside and outside of the octagon. (Tisha Thompson/ESPN) This Sunday E:60 (9 a.m. ET, ESPN) will tell the story of a mother who happens to also be one of the top MMA fighters in the UFC. Michelle Waterson gave reporter Tisha Thompson and producer Simon Baumgart unlimited access to her life both inside and outside the octagon. A written piece is also available in ESPN The Magazine’s World Fame 100 Issue.
Name a major moment in sports and ESPN's longest-tenured reporter, Mark Schwarz, has likely covered it
ESPN’s longest tenured reporter Mark Schwarz joined the network in July 1990. In nearly 30 years of journalistic excellence, Schwarz seen it all. After recently signing a new, multi-year contract, Schwarz took time to reflect on three decades of covering the biggest names and stories in sports while also sharing his excitement for what’s to come. MEMORABLE MOMENTS: There have been quite a few, but these stand out to Schwarz.
E:60 Goes To Turkey to Tell Enes Kanter's Story
This Sunday E:60 (9 a.m. ET) tells the full story of Enes Kanter, the Portland Trail Blazer whose native country of Turkey has identified him as a terrorist and issued an international warrant for his arrest. Reporter Jeremy Schaap and producer Nicole Noren traveled to Turkey to get the government’s side of the story. For the first time Hedo Turkoglu, a former NBA star and current advisor to the Turkish President, speaks on camera.
E:60 Goes To Turkey in Search Of The Truth About Trailblazers' Kanter
This Sunday E:60 (9 a.m. ET) tells the full story of Enes Kanter, the Portland Trail Blazer whose native country of Turkey has identified him as a terrorist and issued an international warrant for his arrest. Reporter Jeremy Schaap and producer Nicole Noren traveled to Turkey to get the government’s side of the story. For the first time Hedo Turkoglu, a former NBA star and current advisor to the Turkish President, speaks on camera.
"We waited for her at the entrance of the hospital, with our camera rolling. We filmed her wheeling in the donor heart."
On Oct. 1, 2018, four-time Super Bowl champion Matt Millen was admitted into the intensive care unit at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey, one of the nation’s best hospitals for heart transplants. The rare disease AL Amyloidosis severely damaged Millen’s heart, forcing him to remain in the hospital until he received a transplant. E:60 was with Millen every step of the way.
ESPN'S RISE Team: Here's Why George Grande, Circa '79, Is Appearing On Your Plasma TV Screens, Phones And Tablets
The sizzle above that is now airing on various SportsCenter shows was created by ESPN’s RISE (Reveal Innovative Studio Elements). The team, led by senior coordinating producer Jack Obringer, coordinating producer Johann Castillo and managing producer Terrell Bouza consists of 20 creative producers and writers who create all of the in-show promotional content for SportsCenter and studio shows including NFL Live, The Jump, First Take, Get Up and more.
Towering Achievement: E:60 Explores Daring, Oscar-Nominated Doc "Free Solo"
On the morning of the 91st Academy Awards, E:60 (Sunday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN) takes viewers inside the creation of the Oscar-nominated film “Free Solo.” Reporter Chris Connelly sits down with filmmakers Jimmy Chin, Chai Vasarhelyi and the crew to discuss how they were able to tell the story of free solo climber Alex Honnold. “A few of us saw the documentary and were interested not only in Alex’s incredible athletic achievement but also in how the film was made,” said producer Nancy Devaney.
Who Is Behind The Illustrations Of E:60’s “Tell Me A Story” Segments?
Last weekend E:60 debuted a brand-new season of originals featuring a “Tell Me A Story” segment by comedian Chris Tucker. In the segment, Tucker shares a story about the first time LeBron James showed up to his church in Los Angeles. Like many of the “Tell Me a Story” segments, there is rarely video to accompany what the subject is describing. That’s when the E:60 team turns to lead post-production editor Leon Belt.
Sadly, Parkland familiar ground for E:60 senior producer Khodabakhshian
Nearly one year ago, a shooting occurred at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., killing 17 people. Among the 17 who lost their lives was assistant football coach and school security guard Aaron Feis. E:60 followed the football team during its first season without Coach Feis to see how the game of football helped through this difficult time. This story is part of a new season of originals debuting in Sunday’s E:60 (ESPN, 9 a.m. ET).
E:60 Returns with New Season of Original Programming on ESPN Sunday at 9 a.m. ET
ESPN’s award-winning Sunday morning program E:60, featuring the most high-profile athletes and best stories in sports, debuts a new season of original programming on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN. Some of the upcoming profiles include Houston Texans wide receiver Deandre Hopkins, Utah Jazz player Donovan Mitchell, Washington State football coach Mike Leach and many more.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Molly
Contact Molly, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack