History of Kate Fagan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 8, 2025

Kate Fagan is an American sports journalist, commentator, and author. She is known for her work at ESPN, where she covered a variety of sports and contributed to shows like "Around the Horn" and "First Take." Beyond her broadcasting career, Fagan is also a published author, having written both fiction and non-fiction books. Her work often delves into sensitive topics related to college athletics and mental health.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 15, 1981: Kathleen Elizabeth Fagan Born

On November 15, 1981, Kathleen Elizabeth Fagan was born. She would become an American sports reporter, commentator, and novelist.

2002: Big 12 Free Throw Record

In 2002, Kate Fagan set a Big 12 Conference record by making 44 consecutive free throws during the 2002-03 season.

2004: Graduation from the University of Colorado

In 2004, Kate Fagan graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She also played two seasons with the Colorado Chill of the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL).

2006: Started as Sports Editor

In 2006, Kate Fagan began her professional career as a sports editor for the Ellensburg Daily Record.

2008: Joined Philadelphia Inquirer

In 2008, Kate Fagan joined the staff of the Philadelphia Inquirer, where she was the Philadelphia 76ers beat writer.

2011: Left Philadelphia Inquirer

In 2011, Kate Fagan left the Philadelphia Inquirer, where she worked as the Philadelphia 76ers beat writer.

2012: Joined ESPN

In 2012, Kate Fagan began working as a writer for ESPN and made regular TV appearances on Around the Horn and First Take.

2013: Notable Sports Writing Selection

In 2013, Kate Fagan's piece "Owning the Middle", a profile of basketball player Brittney Griner for ESPN The Magazine, was selected for inclusion in Glenn Stout's "Notable Sports Writing of 2013".

2014: Authored 'The Reappearing Act'

In 2014, Kate Fagan authored 'The Reappearing Act: Coming Out as Gay on a College Basketball Team Led by Born-Again Christians', a memoir about her experiences on the Colorado women's basketball team, published through Skyhorse Publishing.

The Reappearing Act: Coming Out as Gay on a College Basketball Team Led by Born-Again Christians

Check it on Amazon

2014: Madison Holleran's Death

In 2014, Madison Holleran, a University of Pennsylvania track and field athlete, took her own life. This event prompted Kate Fagan to write her second book, 'What Made Maddy Run'.

May 2017: Started 'Free Cookies' Podcast

In May 2017, Kate Fagan started a podcast on ESPN called Free Cookies, which she co-hosted with her partner, yoga instructor Kathryn Budig.

August 1, 2017: Release of 'What Made Maddy Run'

On August 1, 2017, Kate Fagan's second book, 'What Made Maddy Run', about Madison Holleran, was released. The book explores the pressures young women face regarding social media, particularly Instagram.