The Shirley Povich Center For Sports Journalism
The Povich Center prepares students to be leaders and innovators in all facets of sports media. The center's experiential curriculum and public programs elevate and amplify discussions of race, gender, politics and the world through the lens of sports — just as Shirley Povich did each morning in The Washington Post.
Get in the Game
Dive into the fast-paced world of sports media via:
Follow in Shirley Povich's Footsteps
As an award-winning sports reporter and columnist at The Washington Post for 75 years, Shirley Povich covered many of the most significant sporting events of the 20th century, driven by a love for his craft and a strong sense of social justice. We seek to inspire new generations of sports journalists with his legacy.
Connect with the Community
Our mission extends beyond the classroom:
- Our Symposium brings hundreds of visitors to campus to discuss the biggest topics in sports.
- Our summer camp and our book club give high school students a taste of our curriculum.
- Our Lacy-Smith Award recognizes sports media leaders in social justice.
Stay in touch with the Povich Center!
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Latest from the Povich Center
Creating Camden Yards
March 2026
Two dozen students brought this comprehensive history of Camden Yards to life, delivering a comprehensive account of the people and events that contributed to the birth of the Orioles' iconic ballpark.
American Soccer Abroad
January 2026
The Povich Center traveled with 24 students to the United Kingdom to explore the sporting culture across the pond and the expanding role of Americans on the global game of soccer. The trip included visits to Premier League and Women's Super League matches, the Premier League's international broadcast hub, The Athletic's London office and more.
Soccer in the USA: World Cup ’26 and Beyond
December 2025
The 20th annual Symposium welcomed American soccer leaders and media members to discuss where the sport stands in the United States — and where it is headed. Speakers included Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and former players Cobi Jones and Taylor Twellman.
Awards & Recognition
Accolades for Povich Center reporting projects include:
Associated Press Sports Editors contest, first place in Projects (Division D) | High School Sports & NIL
Investigative Reporters & Editors Award, first place in the Student (Large) category | Gambling on Campus
Student Journalism Prize for Investigative Reporting on Intercollegiate Athletics, The Drake Group | Unlevel Playing Fields
News
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Povich Center’s ‘Creating Camden Yards’ to Air on Mid-Atlantic Sports Network
COLLEGE PARK — “Creating Camden Yards,” an oral history documentary produced by The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, will make its broadcast premiere on Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) this June.The documentary, whic...View Article Details for Povich Center’s ‘Creating Camden Yards’ to Air on Mid-Atlantic Sports Network -
Povich Center Names Pam Ward ’84 Winner of Lacy-Smith Award
COLLEGE PARK — Pam Ward ’84, a trailblazing play-by-play commentator, has been named the winner of the 2025-26 Sam Lacy-Wendell Smith Award.Established in 2013, the Lacy-Smith Award is presented annually by The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism to a sports journalist or broadcaster who has...View Article Details for Povich Center Names Pam Ward ’84 Winner of Lacy-Smith Award -
‘Creating Camden Yards’: Povich Center Publishes Oral History on Making of Orioles’ Ballpark
COLLEGE PARK — “Creating Camden Yards,” a new oral history project from The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, tells the compelling story of the people and events that shaped an iconic ballpark.Student journalists conduct...View Article Details for ‘Creating Camden Yards’: Povich Center Publishes Oral History on Making of Orioles’ Ballpark
About the Center
Named for late Washington Post sportswriter and columnist Shirley Povich, The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism encourages students to follow his example of fearless reporting. The center was made possible by a $1 million challenge gift from Povich’s children, Maury, Lynn and David.
History & Leadership
The Povich Center was established in November 2011 under the direction of longtime Washington Post Sports Editor George Solomon, who retired from the college in June 2020.
Mark Hyman, a veteran journalist, professor, author and lawyer, assumed the directorship in July 2020 after being named the Philip Merrill College of Journalism's first George Solomon Endowed Chair in Sports Journalism.
What We Do
- We offer a range of courses in sports reporting and broadcasting, and at the intersection of sports and culture.
- We are a focal point for research and analysis of sports and sports media, as highlighted by our partnership with The Washington Post and the UMD Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement on a national sports and politics poll.
- We make the most of our prime location in the Washington-Baltimore area, which offers our students rich and diverse career opportunities and connections with some of the nation’s leading sports journalists.
Povich Center Faculty & Staff
Mark Hyman
George Solomon Endowed Chair in Sports Journalism; Director, The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism; Professor of the Practice
Kevin Blackistone
Professor of the Practice
Kate Yanchulis
Assistant Director, The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism
More About Us
Advisory Board
The advisory board assists in establishing The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism as a leader in sports journalism education and in the public discussion of sports in relation to politics, culture, business and social issues.
In Memoriam: John McNamara (1961-2018)
John McNamara '83, along with four colleagues, was killed in a shooting rampage at the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, on June 28, 2018. Merrill College and the Povich Center honor John’s memory.