Sally Jenkins, born on November 10, 1960 in Fort Worth, Texas, comes from a family of writers. Her father, Dan Jenkins, was a renowned sportswriter who was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012 for his lifetime achievement in sports journalism. Growing up with a father who was deeply involved in the world of sports likely influenced Sally's passion for writing about athletics.
After graduating from high school, Sally went on to attend Stanford University, where she pursued a degree in English literature. She completed her studies in 1982, setting the stage for her future career as a writer and journalist.
While Sally's first book, "Men Will Be Boys: The Modern Woman Explains Football and Other Amusing Male Rituals," was not published until 1996, she had been working in the field of sports journalism for several years prior. Her unique perspective on the world of athletics and her ability to translate complex sports topics for a broader audience quickly garnered attention from readers and critics alike.
Throughout her career, Sally has written over 10 books, with some of her most notable titles including "No Finish Line," "Every Second Counts," and "The State of Jones." One of her most acclaimed works, "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life," co-written with Lance Armstrong, earned her a William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award and a Christopher Award for Adult Books in 2000.
Over the years, Sally has received numerous accolades for her work in sports journalism. She has been named Sports Columnist of the Year by the Associated Press five times between 2001 and 2021, as well as earning three Sports Columnist of the Year Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists between 2001 and 2011. In 2005, she made history as the first woman to be inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.
Despite her busy career, Sally has managed to balance her professional success with her personal life. She is the daughter of the late Dan Jenkins and continues to honor his legacy through her own contributions to the world of sports journalism and literature.
Additionally, Sally co-wrote the bestselling book "Sum It Up: 1098 Victories, A Couple of Irrelevant Losses and a Life in Perspective" with legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt, further solidifying her status as a respected and accomplished writer in the realm of sports.
Overall, Sally Jenkins has made a significant impact on the world of sports journalism through her insightful writing, compelling storytelling, and groundbreaking achievements. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with readers on a deep level have solidified her reputation as one of the most influential voices in the industry.