Jenn Hildreth has temporarily traded her microphone as a Braves sideline reporter for one as a play-by-play announcer during the Women’s World Cup in Canada.
She thought her work was done after the quarterfinals wrapped up during the weekend. But Fox Sports was impressed by her work and tabbed her as the play-by-play host for Wednesday’s semifinal between Japan and England in Edmonton. Coverage begins at 6 p.m.
The winner will advance to Sunday’s championship, where that team will face the winner of Tuesday’s semifinal between the U.S. and Germany.
Hildreth knows soccer. She was a goalkeeper at Emory, as well as a basketball player and track-and-field athlete, and later worked as a high school sports reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Hildreth took some time out of her preparation to answer a few questions on Monday. Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity:
Q: Japan vs. England seems like teams with two different styles?
A: I've worked Japan three games now. They just seem to be one of those teams that are so technical and precise, which seems like a stereotype of Asian teams, but they are so good at it. It's really beautiful to watch. The scores haven't been overly impressive because they have all been one goal wins, but they keep advancing.
England is little bit of a surprise. They’ve gotten big goals when they needed them. England coach Mark Sampson has played with his lineup a little bit and they’ve come up big.
Q: What are the differences in calling baseball and soccer?
A: The biggest difference is my role, of course. As a sideline reporter, your role is completely different. You are finding ways to fit things into the broadcast that are relevant based upon the story line.
In play by play for soccer, I’m getting to determine the story line a little bit.
The similarity is you have to respect the unique flow of each game. Baseball has a distinctive flow, which I have learned the past couple of years. I had to figure out how to fit into that flow.
In soccer, the action can be beautiful and often is. I always follow the action that’s happening. When there are lulls I try to figure out what I want to ask my analyst and keep the story flowing.
Q: When you played at Emory, was there a player that you looked up to?
A: Briana Scurry. Being a goalkeeper, the '99 women's world Cup was the same year I graduated. She was probably one of the ones I looked up to. The U.S. was so good, she was their goalkeeper. She was fearless and strong and so good. I wasn't nearly that good.
Q: Could you stop a penalty kick today if you had to?
A: Depends upon who is taking it. I don't think I ever had to in college. In practice I did.
But I’d go out there and give it a shot.
Q: Who has caught your eye in this World Cup?
A: Germany has been so impressive. (Celia) Sasic and (Anja) Mittag, the two leading goal scorers.
But Japan, I love Aya Miyami. She’s just incredible. She played for Atlanta in the WPS. What she can do with the ball on set pieces is unrivaled.
She has been really impressive to me.
For the U.S., I thought Amy Rodriguez – I know she missed that big chance early against China — I think she was key and made a big difference up top triggering that high pressure.
She changed the energy in the game.
Q: Which of the Braves players would be a good soccer player?
A: Andrelton Simmons, no question about it. He will juggle a basketball through the clubhouse. He's so athletic. Last year during the World Cup, he was always in front of the TV watching. He played soccer. He loves soccer.
Plus, we all know how good and quick he is with his feet.
Q: Can the U.S. women win it all?
A: Yes. If you had asked me that before China, I would have said yes, but I wouldn't have felt good about it.
You watch Germany, France – it’s a shame they had to already meet, by the way — Japan, the composure they have in the box, the way they control pressure. That goal Japan had against the Netherlands, I haven’t seen the U.S. do that.
But they came out against China and looked dominant, like Germany and like France.
That match against Germany will be a monster.
Q: I asked if you think they can win. Now I will ask if you think the U.S. women will win it all?
A: Yes. I'm going to be patriotic. I'm going to follow my heart. I think they can beat Germany. They will have to play really well to do it. that's the task looming on the horizon.
Q: What do you hope this experience leads to?
A: I hope for chance to do more play by play. I love it. I was terrified to make the switch. I was an analyst first.
Trying to remember all those names and all those facts, it’s a big job. But it’s a bigger responsibility to give the audience what they deserve, the game they deserve.
Hope one day to get a chance to call Olympics, call World Cup matches and maybe some collegiate matches.
It’s been such an amazing ride. I’m so honored to be here and get a chance be a part of it.
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