Maki Jenner found it challenging to drift off to sleep post the game between the Halifax Thunderbirds and the Buffalo Bandits last Saturday. Her first-time play-by-play gig for the Thunderbirds had her still riding high on emotions.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response she received, Jenner shared, “It was crazy. I mean, my phone was flooded with so many kind messages from individuals in the industry, lacrosse community, my family, friends, hometown folks, you know, just everyone showing their support, which is incredibly heartwarming for me.”
Notably, Jenner made history by becoming the first woman to provide play-by-play commentary for a National Lacrosse League game on that Saturday. This milestone followed her previous groundbreaking achievement in 2024 when she became the first female color commentator for the NLL.
Play-by-play announcers deliver live narration of the game’s unfolding events, while color commentators delve into analysis and contextual insights. The significance of Saturday’s momentous occasion was not lost on the 24-year-old, deeply entrenched in the sport her entire life.
Despite her background as a player and broadcaster, Jenner admitted to pre-game jitters. She acknowledged color commentator Pat Gregoire for his role in keeping her nerves in check, attributing his ability to lighten the mood as pivotal in their successful on-air collaboration.
In a news release, Gregoire commended Jenner, stating, “Maki is no longer a rising star in lacrosse media; she’s already reached remarkable heights and continues on an upward trajectory with boundless potential.” He emphasized the impact of Jenner’s representation for young girls and women worldwide aspiring to pursue broadcasting careers.
Jenner’s deep connection to lacrosse stems from her family, with both parents actively involved in the sport. Raised in a lacrosse-centric environment, her father and uncle’s NLL background during her childhood laid the foundation for her eventual career path in professional lacrosse.
Expressing her journey as a full circle, Jenner shared, “It’s actually really full circle for me. I had a stick in my hand as young as I could.” Hailing from Victoria, she has maintained her involvement in the sport since her early years, progressing to play for the varsity team at Concordia University, St. Paul in Minnesota, where she graduated with a major in sports communication and a minor in journalism.
In 2022, Jenner broke barriers by becoming the first female play-by-play announcer in the Western Lacrosse Association in British Columbia. Joining the Halifax Thunderbirds that same year as the director of communications, she swiftly transitioned to the role of the team’s sideline reporter before taking on the position of TSN’s Halifax lacrosse reporter, a role she currently juggles alongside her duties for the Thunderbirds.
Reflecting on her experiences as a player and broadcaster, Jenner acknowledged the profound impact lacrosse has had on shaping her identity, remarking, “I think looking back, [lacrosse has] led me to become who I am.”
