In the past two decades, the landscape of sports media, historically male-dominated, has undergone a remarkable transformation towards greater gender equality and racial diversity. According to a report from Zippia about Sports Journalist Demographics and Statistics in the US, 79% of sports journalists are men, while only 20% are women, and only 12% of all are Latino. Previously, the majority of influential positions, such as sports editors, reporters, and commentators, were held by white men.
Today, we witness a rising number of women occupying these roles, defying conventions and showcasing remarkable skills and knowledge. While there is still progress to be made in terms of representation, their impactful contributions are undeniably shattering long-standing barriers and serving as a profound source of inspiration for future generations.
HOLA! is thrilled to shine a spotlight on three Hispanic women who have excelled in their careers and become trailblazers in the dynamic world of sports broadcasting. Carlota Vizmanos, Verónica Rodríguez, and Natalia Astrain represent a new era in sports media that demonstrates the impact of women in reshaping the industry.
Their achievements are a testament to the rising influence of women in sports journalism, encouraging countless others to pursue their passions. Scroll below to learn about their impressive work, and how they are reshaping the landscape of sports media.
Natalia Astrain, Telemundo Deportes Sports Anchor, Soccer Analyst
Natalia Astrain serves on Telemundo Deportes‘ commentary team as a network soccer analyst following historic performances during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023TM. She originally joined Telemundo Deportes for the network’s soccer coverage of the 2021 Olympics and later became a guest analyst for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Astrain’s role has expanded to include serving as a soccer analyst for Premier League and USSF coverage.
Most recently, she followed top teams competing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 across Australia and New Zealand supporting Chief Soccer Commentator Andres Cantor and former Mexican footballer Manuel Sol in calling key matches. Her new role is highlighted by her main position as soccer analyst for Premier League and USSF coverage, but her duties will continue to expand across Telemundo Deportes’ roster of premier global events, including the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 and the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Before joining Telemundo Deportes, Astrain served as Head Coach of the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team and assistant coach for NWSL Kansas City. And in her home country of Spain, she held the position of head coach for FC Barcelona, Club Damm, and Club Levante Las Planas. Additionally, she worked as an assistant coach for Atletico Madrid and the Spain Women’s National Team. She also served as the technical director for Barcelona’s women’s academy.
She holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and High Performance in Team Sports, as well as the UEFA Pro License and a U.S. Soccer “A” License.
Carlota Vizmanos, Lead Premier League Host
Carlota Vizmanos is the Lead Premier League Host for all Telemundo Deportes coverage, including the pre- and post-match shows La Liga Premier: Extra and 3er Tiempo, since the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Vizmanos has worked on various sports properties for Telemundo Deportes, including the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, Copa Libertadores in Madrid, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Her role is highlighted by her prominent position as the lead host for Premier League coverage, which averages 14 programming hours a week across the network’s linear platforms and streaming service Peacock.
Before joining Telemundo Deportes, Vizmanos hosted Real Madrid TV’s daily newscast for eight years, covering sports news and events for the channel operated by the Spanish football club.
Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, she relocated to the U.S. for her role at Telemundo. Her husband, son and two dogs joined her in Miami for this chapter in her career. She holds a master’s degree in television from Nebrija University.
Verónica Rodríguez - Zona Mixta Host and Sports Anchor
Verónica Rodríguez is a knowledgeable and versatile Mexican sports journalist and anchor with over fifteen years of experience. She currently hosts Telemundo’s leading late-night weekend sports show, Zona Mixta, which airs weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:30 p.m. ET. In the show, she woks alongside a rotating panel of Telemundo Deportes’ award-winning team of sports anchors and commentators.
Additionally, she has served as a host of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara pre- and post-game show, enhancing the network’s Liga MX offering with complete around-the-game coverage, analysis, special reports, and exclusive interviews.
Rodríguez began her career in sports entertainment in Mexico and Central America covering a variety of sports, including World Cup, Liga MX, Champions League, Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, NBA, WWE, and the Olympics. Her work in Latin America led her to become a pioneer anchoring the first women-led sports debate program.
Today, she resides in Florida and her work is focused on serving the US Hispanic sports fan. Rodríguez holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ibero-American University.
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