Alabama A&M University has made history by naming Thai Floyd as the first woman to serve as a full-time play-by-play announcer for football at any Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Floyd will call Bulldogs games throughout the 2025 season for the Huntsville-based school that competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
This groundbreaking appointment represents a significant milestone in sports broadcasting. Floyd becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position at an HBCU football program. Her hiring marks a new chapter in the ongoing push for diversity and inclusion in sports media.
Breaking Barriers in HBCU Sports Broadcasting
Floyd’s appointment comes at a time when female representation in play-by-play announcing remains limited. Research shows that women make up only about nine percent of play-by-play announcers across all sports. This makes Floyd’s achievement even more remarkable within the HBCU landscape.
Alabama A&M’s decision to hire Floyd demonstrates the university’s commitment to progressive leadership in athletics. The move also reflects broader changes happening in sports broadcasting. Floyd’s role extends beyond just calling games – she represents hope for future generations of women in sports media.
From Digital Media to the Broadcast Booth
Before taking on this historic role, Floyd worked as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics. Her transition from behind-the-scenes work to the broadcast booth showcases her versatility and talent. Floyd’s experience in digital media provided her with deep knowledge of the program.
The Florida A&M alumna brings extensive broadcasting experience to her new position. She has covered sports at high school, college, and professional levels throughout her career. Her work has included assignments for major networks and high-profile games.
ESPN Experience and National Recognition
Floyd has built an impressive resume working with ESPN+ and ESPNU as both a sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator. Her assignments have included FBS bowl games and the prestigious Celebration Bowl. These experiences prepared her for the challenges of calling Alabama A&M football games.
Her work has been featured on NBC Sports Philadelphia, HBCU Legends on Sports Illustrated, and ESPN’s Andscape. This national exposure has helped establish Floyd as a rising star in sports broadcasting. Her growing reputation made her an attractive candidate for Alabama A&M’s historic appointment.
Following in Her Father’s Footsteps
Floyd’s path to broadcasting was influenced by her father, William Floyd, who won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. After retiring from the NFL, her father worked as a broadcaster, inspiring Thai’s career choice. “I grew up watching my dad work as a broadcaster after he retired from the NFL, so I’ve been around the game and the business my whole life,” Floyd told Athlon Sports.
This family connection to both football and broadcasting gave Floyd unique insights into the industry. Her father’s success in both playing and calling games provided a roadmap for her own career. The combination of athletic understanding and broadcasting knowledge serves her well in her new role.
Future Goals and Industry Impact
Floyd has set her sights on calling college football games on national television. “I’d love to call college football on TV one day — that’s definitely the goal,” she shared. Her current position at Alabama A&M represents an important step toward achieving this ambition.
Floyd views her role as creating opportunities for other women, particularly Black women in sports media. “Having a seat at the table means making space for every Black woman who’s ever been overlooked or told she didn’t belong in this industry,” she explained. Her success opens doors for future generations of female broadcasters.
Inspiration from Pioneering Women in Broadcasting
Floyd draws inspiration from trailblazers like Beth Mowins, who became the first woman to call a nationally televised NFL game. She also looks up to Tiffany Greene, the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on a major network. “I’ve looked up to Tiffany Greene for over a decade,” Floyd said.
Greene’s mentorship has been particularly meaningful to Floyd’s career development. “She’s poured into me, inspired me, and paved the way,” Floyd noted. Now Floyd hopes to provide similar guidance to the next generation of aspiring female broadcasters.
Alabama A&M’s Historic Decision
Alabama A&M’s choice to hire Floyd reflects the university’s progressive approach to athletics and media. The decision places the school at the forefront of diversity efforts in HBCU sports broadcasting. This move could inspire other HBCUs to consider similar appointments.
The university’s support for Floyd’s appointment demonstrates commitment to excellence and innovation. By making this historic hire, Alabama A&M positions itself as a leader in promoting opportunities for women in sports media. The decision aligns with broader efforts to increase diversity across all levels of college athletics.
