Native to deliver graduation address

Allie LaForce, a Vermilion native and 2011 Ohio University graduate and Emmy-nominated reporter and anchor for CBS Sports and Turner Sports, will deliver Ohio University’s 2018 Spring Commencement address May 5, according to a news release from the university.

LaForce graduated magna cum laude from Ohio University and earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

She also was a student in the University’s nationally recognized Honors Tutorial College.

“It’s truly an honor to be given the opportunity to visit Ohio (University) and speak to this year’s graduating class,” LaForce said. “I can’t wait to return to where it all started and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with family, friends and colleagues.”

LaForce, who has worked as a color analyst, sideline reporter, studio host and more, quickly has evolved into a nationally known personality for her insightful sports coverage and commentary, most recently during the 2018 NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship, according to the release.

One of LaForce’s crowning professional achievements arrived early in her career when she was selected to join CBS Sports’ “We Need to Talk,” television’s first allsports show hosted completely by women, in 2014, the release said. Currently, she serves as a host and panelist for the groundbreaking sports show.

“Allie LaForce has quickly become one of the most respected and recognizable personalities in sports,” said Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis. “More importantly, her professional path serves as a shining example for women looking to break barriers within the broadcast industry. We’re proud to call her a Bobcat.”

LaForce has been CBS Sports’ lead college football reporter for the “SEC Game of the Week” for the past five years.

Since 2013, she has served as a college basketball reporter for regular season games on CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network, including the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship since 2013.

In January 2016, LaForce began working as a women’s college basketball analyst during games on the CBS Sports Network. She also serves as a sideline reporter for the NBA on TNT.

LaForce joined CBS Sports in October 2012 as a cohost for the nightly sports show “Leadoff” and as a reporter for the network’s coverage of college basketball and football.

Prior to joining CBS Sports, LaForce was an anchor and reporter for Fox 8 News in Cleveland. She also served as a sports anchor and host of the channel’s Emmy Award-winning football show, “Friday Night Touchdown.”

LaForce began her broadcasting career as a women’s college basketball analyst for Ohio University’s flagship radio station, WOUB-FM. From 2010-11, she served as a sideline reporter at SportsTime Ohio’s coverage of Mid-American Conference football and the MAC men’s basketball tournament. She also served as an analyst for the station’s high school basketball coverage.

LaForce and her husband, Houston Astros relief pitcher Joe Smith, reside in Texas.

Ohio University’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies are 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Convocation Center in Athens.

Allie LaForce