Did Kaitlin Sharkey Play Sports? The Athletic Background Of The WGN Sports Anchor

In the competitive world of sports broadcasting, the most successful anchors and reporters often possess an intangible quality that sets them apart: a genuine, deep-rooted understanding of what it feels like to be an athlete. For Chicago’s WGN-TV sports anchor Kaitlin Sharkey, this connection to the sports world is not just professional; it is deeply personal. Fans frequently wonder if her sharp analytical skills and natural on-camera confidence stem from her own time on the field.

To understand Kaitlin Sharkey’s rise to prominence in major media markets like Milwaukee and Chicago, one must look at her formative years. Growing up in Wisconsin, sports were more than just a pastime—they were a lifestyle. By examining her athletic background, her transition into journalism, and how her sports-first mindset shapes her daily reporting, we get a clear picture of why she remains one of the most respected voices in regional sports media.

Kaitlin Sharkey’s Early Life and High School Athletic Career

Before she was breaking down playbooks on television, Kaitlin Sharkey was actively executing them. Growing up in Lomira, a small, close-knit village in Wisconsin, sports played a central role in her youth. At Lomira High School, Sharkey was a standout multi-sport athlete, participating heavily in both basketball and track and field. This hands-on experience in competitive high school sports laid the groundwork for her future career.

Playing basketball in Wisconsin’s highly competitive prep scene taught Sharkey the importance of teamwork, situational strategy, and handling high-pressure moments. On the track, she developed an individual work ethic, pushing her physical limits in running events. Those who knew her during her high school years remember her as a fierce competitor who possessed a natural curiosity about sports strategy, often analyzing games long after the final whistle blew.

This dual-sport background provided Sharkey with a unique perspective that many non-athlete journalists struggle to replicate. She didn't just learn how to read box scores; she experienced the physical toll of practice, the psychological weight of a losing streak, and the elation of a hard-fought victory. This foundational period of her life established the vocabulary and emotional intelligence she relies on today when interviewing professional athletes in high-stakes environments.

College Years: Transitioning from the Court to the Press Box

After graduating from Lomira High School, Sharkey made the pivotal decision to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Marquette is widely recognized for its passionate sports culture and its prestigious J. Jeffrey and Marie Diederich College of Communication. It was during her time as a Golden Eagle that Sharkey chose to transition from active sports participation to sports storytelling.

While she did not compete as an NCAA varsity athlete for Marquette, Sharkey remained deeply integrated into the university's sports scene. She realized early on that her competitive drive and love for athletics could be channeled into a career in sports journalism. Rather than running sprints or shooting free throws, she spent her college years learning the ropes of broadcast journalism, working with student media, and securing internships that put her on the sidelines of major collegiate matchups.

This transition period was crucial. Writing for print, practicing on-camera reads, and learning how to edit video allowed her to marry her athletic instincts with technical media skills. By the time she graduated from Marquette University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communication, Sharkey was fully prepared to enter the professional broadcasting world with a highly specialized skillset.

Career Highlights: How Her Athletic Background Shapes Her Reporting

Kaitlin Sharkey’s professional broadcasting career is a testament to her work ethic and deep understanding of sports. She began her journey in smaller television markets, working as a sports reporter and anchor at WSAW-TV in Wausau, Wisconsin, and WBAY-TV in Green Bay. In Green Bay, she gained invaluable experience covering the NFL's historic franchise, the Green Bay Packers, which further sharpened her ability to report on professional sports organizations.

Her stellar work in Green Bay opened doors for a return to Milwaukee, where she joined WITI-TV (Fox 6) as a sports reporter and anchor. Covering the Milwaukee Bucks during their rise to NBA dominance and the Milwaukee Brewers' playoff runs, Sharkey proved she could handle major-market pressure. In 2020, she made the jump to the Chicago market, initially joining Fox 32 (WFLD-TV) before moving to her current home at WGN-TV as a principal sports anchor and reporter.

Station Location Key Sports Covered Role WSAW-TV Wausau, WI High School Sports, Local Colleges Sports Reporter / Anchor WBAY-TV Green Bay, WI Green Bay Packers, Collegiate Athletics Sports Reporter WITI-TV (Fox 6) Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers Sports Anchor / Reporter WFLD-TV (Fox 32) Chicago, IL Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox Sports Reporter / Anchor WGN-TV Chicago, IL Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs Sports Anchor

Whether she is analyzing a Chicago Bears defensive alignment or discussing the Chicago Bulls' rotation struggles, Sharkey’s athletic background is evident. She approaches interviews not as an outsider looking in, but as someone who understands locker room dynamics. This empathy allows her to build trust with players and coaches, leading to more candid, insightful interviews that casual viewers and die-hard sports fans alike appreciate.

Comparison: Former Athlete-Reporters vs. Traditional Journalists

In sports media, there is an ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of former athletes turned broadcasters versus traditionally trained journalists. Kaitlin Sharkey represents a highly effective middle ground: a former competitive high school athlete who went on to receive formal, rigorous journalism training.

[ Kaitlin Sharkey's Media Formula ] │ ┌────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ [ Athletic Background ] [ Professional Journalism ] - High school basketball - Marquette University degree - High school track & field - Multi-market TV experience - Understanding of locker room - Objective, ethical reporting

Advantages of the Athlete-Journalist Hybrid

Technical Credibility: Understanding the physical reality of sports prevents basic analytical errors during live broadcasts. Empathetic Interviewing: Former athletes know how to approach players after a tough loss without sounding patronizing. Storytelling Depth: Knowing the nuances of practice and preparation helps in identifying unique storylines off the field.

While former professional athletes bring unmatched insider knowledge to color commentary, they sometimes lack the formal journalistic training required for objective investigative reporting, news-gathering, and live anchor desk management. Conversely, journalists with zero athletic background can occasionally struggle to connect with players on a peer-to-peer level. Sharkey’s blend of practical athletic experience and elite broadcast training allows her to navigate both worlds seamlessly.

How to Transition from Playing Sports to Sports Broadcasting

For aspiring broadcasters who currently play sports at the high school or collegiate level, transitioning into a media career requires a strategic approach. Kaitlin Sharkey's career path offers a blueprint for how to successfully turn athletic passion into a professional television career.

1. Focus on Communication Academics

Do not rely solely on your athletic knowledge. Pursue a degree in journalism, communication, or digital media. Learn the ethics of reporting, media law, and copy editing. A strong academic foundation ensures you are viewed as a credible journalist rather than just a fan with a microphone.

2. Learn the Technical Side of Production

Modern sports reporters must be versatile. Take time to learn how to shoot video, edit packages using software like Adobe Premiere, and write punchy scripts under tight deadlines. The more technical skills you possess, the more valuable you are to a news director.

3. Build a Diverse Portfolio

Do not wait for a professional job to start reporting. Write blogs, launch a sports podcast, cover local high school games for campus media, and create an on-camera reel. Showing initiative and building a portfolio early in your college career will set you apart from other applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Kaitlin Sharkey play collegiate sports?

No, Kaitlin Sharkey did not play varsity collegiate sports. While she was an active athlete in high school, she chose to focus entirely on her broadcast journalism studies and student media opportunities while attending Marquette University.

What high school did Kaitlin Sharkey attend?

Kaitlin Sharkey attended Lomira High School in Lomira, Wisconsin. During her time there, she was a prominent student-athlete, competing in both basketball and track and field.

Where is Kaitlin Sharkey working now?

Kaitlin Sharkey is currently working in Chicago, Illinois, as a sports anchor and reporter for WGN-TV. She joined the station after successful broadcasting stints at Fox 32 Chicago, Fox 6 Milwaukee, and WBAY-TV in Green Bay.

What sports did Kaitlin Sharkey play?

In her youth and prep years, Kaitlin Sharkey actively played basketball and participated in track and field. This multi-sport background helped cultivate her extensive knowledge of athletic training and sports strategy.

Elevate Your Sports Media IQ

Understanding the backgrounds of the broadcasters we watch daily adds a rich layer of context to our sports consumption. Kaitlin Sharkey’s journey from a high school basketball court in Wisconsin to the anchor desk in Chicago proves that a passion for sports, combined with professional dedication, can lead to the very top of the industry.

To stay updated on the latest sports analysis, local team coverage, and exclusive athlete interviews across the Chicago landscape, tune into WGN-TV sports broadcasts. Follow your favorite local teams with a renewed appreciation for the journalists working tirelessly on the sidelines to bring you the stories that matter.