Alumni Achiever – Courtney Lyle, Brentwood High Class of 2008

Published September 15, 2016

Earlier this month, Courtney Lyle began her new job as a a play-by-play announcer for the ESPN/SEC Network.

The Williamson County native attended Lipscomb Elementary, Brentwood Middle and Brentwood High before graduating from the University of Tennessee. She previously worked as a sports anchor in Macon, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

What led you to want to work in sports broadcasting?

I grew up loving and playing sports. My family went to all kinds of games when I was little (especially Tennessee games) so I was always around it. I was a big Lady Vol fan and thought I would one day play for Pat Summitt. When I realized I wasn’t very good at basketball, I switched to calling my high school’s games on WBHS9. That’s where I found my passion for play-by-play.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I have the best job in the world. I’m paid to go to sporting events. It doesn’t get much better than that. I love the opportunity to see different teams up close and have the best seat in the house. It’s fun to get to know the teams too. Each player has his or her own story, and I love discovering it.

What did you enjoy most about your high school experience?

I would not be in the position I am today without the late Mark Madison. Mr. Madison ran the “TV-Pro” program at Brentwood High School and helped me discover my passion. He believed in me, pushed me and taught me so many skills, in life and in broadcasting. Because of Mr. Madison, I was way ahead of my classmates at the University of Tennessee. This allowed me to jump into a position with the Athletic Broadcasting department at UT right away. For four years, I worked in TV-Pro at Brentwood and loved every minute of it because of Mark Madison. Mr. Madison passed away spring of my senior year, but I will never forget him. I saw him impact so many lives, and I am so thankful mine was one of them.