The success that women sportswriters enjoy today is made possible by women pioneers who paved the way before them. Many women sportswriters have successfully gained the respect and credibility that they deserve because of the determination of women like Mary Garber, the first female sportswriter, Lillian Johnson, the first black female sportswriter, and Margaret Kistler, the first female sportswriter in Texas. Today, women journalists can believe with great confidence that they can impact the world of sports, and achieve the success and credibility equal to their male colleagues.Mary Garber, the first female sportswriter, was the first woman to win the Red Smith Award, an award given to sports editors for outstanding contributions in sports journalism. She started her career as a society writer at The Winston- Salem Journal, but she got her opportunity as a sportswriter when the all-male sports department was deployed to World War II. Garber was a sportswriter for the Journal from 1947 through 1997. In 2006, the Association for Women in Sports Media named its annual Pioneer Award for Garber. Mary Garber died in September of 2008.
In addition to Mary Garber, Texas pioneer sportswriter, Margaret Koy Kistler, also helped to knock down doors and break gender barriers for today's female sportswriter. Kistler, a graduate from the University of Texas, was hired as a sportswriter for the Abilene Reporter News- the first woman to hold that position in the state - and immediately made her presence known in the male-dominated domain of high school press boxes. Her first assignment, covering The Kings of West Texas high school football team, was met with great disapproval by the coaches and team players. Even though the team greeted her with total silence and blank stars, Kistler was able to prevail using her witty personality and journalistic skill to perform the interview with ease. Kistler’s professionalism eventually propelled her to a successful career with the Austin Bureau, the Temple Daily Telegram and the Dallas Morning News.
In addition to Mary Garber, Texas pioneer sportswriter, Margaret Koy Kistler, also helped to knock down doors and break gender barriers for today's female sportswriter. Kistler, a graduate from the University of Texas, was hired as a sportswriter for the Abilene Reporter News- the first woman to hold that position in the state - and immediately made her presence known in the male-dominated domain of high school press boxes. Her first assignment, covering The Kings of West Texas high school football team, was met with great disapproval by the coaches and team players. Even though the team greeted her with total silence and blank stars, Kistler was able to prevail using her witty personality and journalistic skill to perform the interview with ease. Kistler’s professionalism eventually propelled her to a successful career with the Austin Bureau, the Temple Daily Telegram and the Dallas Morning News.
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