You may not have seen her, but all of you have heard her.
Jaime Coffee's voice is heard across Papa Murphy's Park every matchday, as the official P.A. announcer for Republic FC. She took on the role in 2014, during the club's inaugural season, becoming the first woman to hold the position in U.S. men's professional soccer.
But that isn't the only barrier she's broken in her long and illustrious career. Read our full Q&A with Coffee below.
You may not have seen her, but all of you have heard her.
Jaime Coffee’s voice is heard across Papa Murphy’s Park every matchday, as the official P.A. announcer for Republic FC. She took on the role in 2014, during the club’s inaugural season, becoming the first woman to hold the position in U.S. men’s professional soccer.
But that isn’t the only barrier she’s broken in her long and illustrious career. Read our full Q&A with Coffee below.
How did you get into the public address announcing?
Coffee: I’ve spent most of my life behind a microphone. After college I began a career in broadcasting, which eventually led me to Sacramento. In 2001, while working at KFBK Newsradio, a friend of mine, Good Day Sacramento's Tina Macuha, happened to be the on-court emcee at the time for the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs. She suggested I audition for the vacant Public Address Announcer position. I did and thus began by journey as a PA Announcer. Although I grew up playing sports, soccer and swimming, I did not have any previous experience as a sports announcer.
How did you get into the public address announcing?
Coffee: I’ve spent most of my life behind a microphone. After college I began a career in broadcasting, which eventually led me to Sacramento. In 2001, while working at KFBK Newsradio, a friend of mine, Good Day Sacramento’s Tina Macuha, happened to be the on-court emcee at the time for the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs. She suggested I audition for the vacant Public Address Announcer position. I did and thus began by journey as a PA Announcer. Although I grew up playing sports, soccer and swimming, I did not have any previous experience as a sports announcer.
Who have been some people in the industry that have helped you break into the industry?
Coffee: During my nine seasons with the Sacramento Monarchs, I met some incredible people who I’m still fortunate enough to work with today, including former Republic FC VP of Marketing & Communications Erika Bjork. Erika was kind enough to let the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team know about my work as a PA Announcer and I’ve now done two games for them. I also worked with another marketing rockstar when I was with the Monarchs from 2001-2009, Heather Vaughan. Heather is now the Vice President of Marketing from the Pac-12. Several years ago she brought me on as the PA Announcer for the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament in Seattle, WA, which I still do every March. Eventually, I was brought in to do the Pac-12 Men’s Tournament and will be doing that again this March in Las Vegas, NV. Another big break Heather played a key role in me landing came last year (2017), when I served as the PA Announcer for the NCAA Men’s West Regional in San Jose. Both of these strong, career-driven women have had a huge impact on my career, and I will be forever grateful.
Who have been some people in the industry that have helped you break into the industry?
Coffee: During my nine seasons with the Sacramento Monarchs, I met some incredible people who I’m still fortunate enough to work with today, including former Republic FC VP of Marketing & Communications Erika Bjork. Erika was kind enough to let the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team know about my work as a PA Announcer and I’ve now done two games for them. I also worked with another marketing rockstar when I was with the Monarchs from 2001-2009, Heather Vaughan. Heather is now the Vice President of Marketing from the Pac-12. Several years ago she brought me on as the PA Announcer for the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament in Seattle, WA, which I still do every March. Eventually, I was brought in to do the Pac-12 Men’s Tournament and will be doing that again this March in Las Vegas, NV. Another big break Heather played a key role in me landing came last year (2017), when I served as the PA Announcer for the NCAA Men’s West Regional in San Jose. Both of these strong, career-driven women have had a huge impact on my career, and I will be forever grateful.
What was your first men’s game/match that you participated in as a PA?
Coffee: Go big or go home! Believe it or not, it was on January 29, 2014, when I served as the PA Announcer for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. I had no idea that when I agreed to fill in for the Kings' regular announcer Scott Moak, who was out with the flu, that I would become the first female PA Announcer at an NBA game.
That same year I began announcing for the Sacramento Republic FC. Oddly enough, at the match I was asked to serve as the PA Announcer, I assumed I was filling in for the regular announcer. To my surprise, it was an audition. A couple weeks later, while I was kayaking in the middle of Lake Tahoe, my cell phone rang. It was Erika Bjork offering me a job with Republic FC. Now, I'm blessed to be entering my fifth season with the Boys in Old Glory Red.
What was your first men’s game/match that you participated in as a PA?
Coffee: Go big or go home! Believe it or not, it was on January 29, 2014, when I served as the PA Announcer for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. I had no idea that when I agreed to fill in for the Kings’ regular announcer Scott Moak, who was out with the flu, that I would become the first female PA Announcer at an NBA game.
That same year I began announcing for the Sacramento Republic FC. Oddly enough, at the match I was asked to serve as the PA Announcer, I assumed I was filling in for the regular announcer. To my surprise, it was an audition. A couple weeks later, while I was kayaking in the middle of Lake Tahoe, my cell phone rang. It was Erika Bjork offering me a job with Republic FC. Now, I’m blessed to be entering my fifth season with the Boys in Old Glory Red.
What has the experience been like as one of the few female PAs breaking into men’s pro sports? Does the field look different today than when you first started in terms of diversity?
Coffee: Every time I crack the microphone, no matter what level of event I’m working, I get a rush. It’s an amazing feeling to hold the attention of thousands of people simultaneously. Dare I say it feels powerful? I have always been comfortable behind a microphone, so it was just an extension of something I’ve always done. I also enjoy “blazing trails,” “breaking glass barriers,” and leading the way whenever I can. Times have definitely changed since I started nearly two decades ago, but there is always room for growth. Ultimately, I hope to be regarded as a good, or great PA Announcer; gender shouldn’t be an issue.
What has the experience been like as one of the few female PAs breaking into men’s pro sports? Does the field look different today than when you first started in terms of diversity?
Coffee: Every time I crack the microphone, no matter what level of event I’m working, I get a rush. It’s an amazing feeling to hold the attention of thousands of people simultaneously. Dare I say it feels powerful? I have always been comfortable behind a microphone, so it was just an extension of something I’ve always done. I also enjoy “blazing trails,” “breaking glass barriers,” and leading the way whenever I can. Times have definitely changed since I started nearly two decades ago, but there is always room for growth. Ultimately, I hope to be regarded as a good, or great PA Announcer; gender shouldn’t be an issue.
What advice would you give to other women looking to break into PA jobs in professional sports, both men’s and women’s?
Coffee: Breaking into a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but rewarding. As women, we have to work harder to earn the respect of our peers. Connect with people who inspire you, who can help you develop the confidence you need to push things to the next level. Find a mentor. Learn to develop a thick skin and sense of humor; there will be critics and haters along the way. I’ve always used their words to fuel desire to get become even better. Finally, if someone tells you that you can’t do something because you’re a woman, prove them wrong.
What advice would you give to other women looking to break into PA jobs in professional sports, both men’s and women’s?
Coffee: Breaking into a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but rewarding. As women, we have to work harder to earn the respect of our peers. Connect with people who inspire you, who can help you develop the confidence you need to push things to the next level. Find a mentor. Learn to develop a thick skin and sense of humor; there will be critics and haters along the way. I’ve always used their words to fuel desire to get become even better. Finally, if someone tells you that you can’t do something because you’re a woman, prove them wrong.
Finally, what's your favorite event you’ve been a PA announcer for?
Coffee: That’s like asking a mom, who’s your favorite child. Haha. Over the past 17 years, I’ve had the pleasure of being on the microphone for a number of amazing sporting events including basketball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, gymnastics, softball and as an emcee for various women’s running events (Mermaid Series). However, I definitely have a few highlights I will never forget: the 2005 WNBA Championship Game (Monarchs won), the 2014 USL Championship (which Republic FC won), the 2017 NCAA Men’s West Regional, my first USWNT match in San Jose last year, and the Pac-12 Tournaments. My hope is to add to this list in the future with the Olympics and the first woman to announce for an NFL team (preferably, the Dallas Cowboys).
Finally, what’s your favorite event you’ve been a PA announcer for?
Coffee: That’s like asking a mom, who’s your favorite child. Haha. Over the past 17 years, I’ve had the pleasure of being on the microphone for a number of amazing sporting events including basketball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, gymnastics, softball and as an emcee for various women’s running events (Mermaid Series). However, I definitely have a few highlights I will never forget: the 2005 WNBA Championship Game (Monarchs won), the 2014 USL Championship (which Republic FC won), the 2017 NCAA Men’s West Regional, my first USWNT match in San Jose last year, and the Pac-12 Tournaments. My hope is to add to this list in the future with the Olympics and the first woman to announce for an NFL team (preferably, the Dallas Cowboys).
Hear Coffee ply her trade on Opening Night at Papa Murphy's Park when Republic FC take on San Antonio FC. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com or through our Flex Pack.
Hear Coffee ply her trade on Opening Night at Papa Murphy’s Park when Republic FC take on San Antonio FC. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com or through our Flex Pack.
