91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Alumna Kicks the Door Open for Women in Sports Journalism
Mary Kay Cabot, ’84, has been reporting on Cleveland sports for more than 40 years, a career that started during her internship with The Plain Dealer as a 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ student. After graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in news, she received an offer to work full time in the paper’s sports department. It was a great opportunity for Mary Kay who loved sports, writing and Cleveland. She eventually found her niche in football, but being a female sportswriter in the ’80s came with plenty of challenges. Early in her career, she was denied entry to the locker rooms for interviews, even though all reporters were supposed to have the same access. After trying every other way to gain access, she finally kicked the door open and walked right in. It was a bold move that exemplified the tenacity she brought - and continues to bring - to every story.
Over time, the job has changed from just writing stories to include television, podcasts, radio, YouTube videos and more. She’s broken stories that have literally changed the game of football and made a name for herself in the industry as a bulldog reporter. But her favorite part of the job has always been getting to know the players on a deeper level, and she’s been able to capture who they are on and off the field in moving profiles. The Browns have been a turbulent franchise to cover, but she wouldn’t trade them for any other team. They are always making an impact or grabbing a headline, and Mary Kay has stayed in the game right alongside them for decades. Get to know Mary Kay in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
MC: To be in a mindset of kindness, joy, love, peace and magic!
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
MC: Love. I can see it in your eyes, your smile, your actions.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
MC: That I'm not still 27.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
MC: My absolutely amazing husband and three children. How did I get so lucky? So blessed?
KSU: What is your favorite 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ memory?
MC: Meeting some of the best friends that I still have today: Michelle King (Lautanen), Mary Beth Ganim, Carol Kramer (Bennett).
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
MC: Parenthood! Always an adventure! Still going strong even though they're 28, 26 and 24!
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
MC: Reading everything I can about natural healing.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
MC: My three children. They are my heart, my joy, my "why."
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
MC: Tina Fey. Dream life.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
MC: The friendships, the laughter, the fun, the extracurricular activities.
If you enjoyed this article, you can view an of the interview for even more stories and insight from Mary Kay.