During Women’s History Month, Commanders.com introduces Monica McNutt, who shares her love for sports and journalism in her own words. It was in third grade when Monica decided she wanted to excel at basketball, influenced by her father’s passion for the game that was passed down to her from an early age.
Monica watched the WNBA take off during this time and was inspired by the strong, athletic women proving their abilities on the court. She felt empowered to embrace her physicality and voice as a tall, gangly, and loud young girl. The court became a place where she could showcase her unique attributes and connect with others who shared similar experiences.
Georgetown University played a significant role in Monica’s basketball journey. Growing up as a fan of the Hoyas, she felt a connection to the program due to her father’s experience playing for “Big John” Thompson in high school. As she entered junior year of high school, Monica saw an opportunity to play for a Black woman head coach, an experience she had never had before. Visiting the school and meeting Big John solidified her decision to choose Georgetown, which provided her with an opportunity to make a significant impact on the program while also receiving an education at an esteemed academic institution.
Monica’s experience at Georgetown was not only shaped by her love for basketball but also by the sense of community and empowerment she felt as a female athlete on the team. Her time at Georgetown allowed her to pursue both sports and journalism while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared similar passions and goals. Today, Monica continues to be involved in both fields, using her platform to promote diversity and inclusion in sports while also providing insightful commentary through journalism.
