Cari Champion Leaving “First Take” To Anchor SportsCenter

ESPN’s “First Take” will have a new look when it returns to the air next week. After two and a half years, host and moderator, Cari Champion is moving on to anchor the morning SportsCenter.

Cari will also host a new series for GMA titled, “Interactions” which will focus on sports and entertainment.

ESPN brass had high praise for Champion.

“On the handful of previous occasions that Cari joined ‘SportsCenter’ shows, her wit and enthusiasm lit up the set,” Rob King, senior vice president of “SportsCenter” and news, told TheWrap. “Having her presence on a regular basis is a win not only for audiences watching ‘SportsCenter,’ but also for all of us who work on the show.”

Champion joins “SportsCenter”s’ impressive stable of female anchors, including Hannah Storm, Linda Cohn, Sage Steele, Lindsay Czarniak, Jaymee Sire, Sara Walsh, Jade McCarthy and Nicole Briscoe.

Congratulations to Cari. I had the opportunity to host an event with her last February, and she’s the consummate professional . Tenacity, mixed with grace and elegance can lead to success!

It’s been a BLAST! Nearly 3 years ago, I sat at the desk to moderate and host First Take. I had no idea what was in store but it became something really special. Working with Skip and SAS made me better. YOU, the viewers and fans became something really special! Im so GRATEFUL for the experience and the love- but it’s time to grow-stretch myself and a new opportunity and challenge presented itself. I will anchor the morning Sports Center beginning mid July! *still geeked* it’s a new chapter that I hope you *read* with me. Download the latest podcast- The Announcement- where I discuss it in depth. “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable” it’s the only way to grow.

A photo posted by Cari Champion (@carichampion) on Jun 18, 2015 at 8:43pm PDT