Hailey Hunter: From Elite Golfer to Pittsburgh Penguins Rinkside Star
Who Is Hailey Hunter?
Hailey Hunter is a respected American sports broadcaster known for her dynamic rinkside reporting and hosting work in professional hockey and baseball. She currently serves as a Rinkside Reporter and Host for SportsNet Pittsburgh, where she covers the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Recognized for her confident on-air presence, deep sports knowledge, and athlete-first storytelling, she has built a national reputation across NHL, MLB, and professional golf coverage.
Her career stands out because it blends high-level athletic experience with polished broadcast journalism. Before stepping fully into media, she competed as an elite golfer, giving her a unique perspective that resonates with athletes and fans alike.
Hailey Hunter Age
Hailey Hunter is 31 years old. She was born on November 12, 1994, a detail she publicly confirmed during her birthday celebration while traveling with the Penguins for the NHL Global Series in Sweden.
Hometown and Background
She grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, where her love for sports began at an early age. Her Midwest upbringing shaped both her competitive mindset and work ethic. Hailey attended Mona Shores High School, where she excelled academically and athletically, earning recognition as one of Michigan’s top junior golfers.
Hailey Hunter Golf Career Before Broadcasting
High School and Amateur Golf Success
Long before becoming a familiar face on television, Hailey made her mark in competitive golf. She was named Michigan’s Miss Golf in 2015, an honor awarded to the top amateur golfer in the state. Throughout high school, she was an All-State and Super Team golfer, consistently ranked among the best in Michigan.
College Golf at Ohio University
She attended Ohio University, graduating in 2017. While there, she competed as a Division I women’s golf scholarship athlete and served as team captain. Balancing athletics and academics, she studied Broadcast Journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, with minors in Sports Management and Acting.
Professional Golf Experience
In 2017, she briefly competed as a professional golfer, an experience that sharpened her understanding of elite competition. This background later became a major advantage in her broadcasting career, particularly during golf coverage.
Transition From Athlete to Sports Journalist
Early Media Training
While still in college, Hailey gained hands-on media experience at WOUB Public Media. She worked as a multimedia journalist, reporter, and host, covering high school football, basketball, hockey, and university athletics. She wrote scripts, edited video, anchored news segments, and reported live on air—building a full skill set before graduating.
LPGA and Digital Media Work
After college, she joined the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) as a content producer and digital host. From 2017 to 2020, she produced, edited, wrote, and hosted digital content while managing social media platforms. This role positioned her perfectly at the intersection of golf and storytelling.
Hailey Hunter Broadcasting Career Timeline
WJTV 12 News (Mississippi)
From 2020 to 2021, she worked as a Sports Reporter and Weekend Anchor at WJTV 12 News. Covering SEC football, college sports, and high school athletics, she operated as a one-person production team—shooting, editing, writing, and anchoring content. This phase solidified her credibility as a versatile journalist.
New York Islanders Role
She later became a Team Reporter and Host for the New York Islanders, producing and hosting pre-game, intermission, and post-game shows. Working at UBS Arena, she interviewed players, alumni, and executives while connecting directly with fans.
NBC Sports and National Exposure
In 2022, Hailey contributed as a freelance reporter for NBC Sports, covering the Winter Olympics along with U.S. Track & Field and freestyle skiing. This marked a major step into national sports broadcasting.
Hailey Hunter Golf Channel and PGA Tour Work
Golf Channel Experience
Hailey Hunter worked as an on-site reporter for the Golf Channel, covering PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events. She delivered live tournament updates, conducted player interviews, and appeared on flagship shows such as Golf Today and Golf Central.
PGA TOUR Live Host
In 2023, she served as a play-by-play host for PGA TOUR Live, providing up to eight hours of live coverage per tournament day. Her credibility as a former competitive golfer added depth and authenticity to her analysis.
Hailey Hunter and the Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins Rinkside Reporter Role
Since September 2023, Hailey has been a full-time Rinkside Reporter and Host for SportsNet Pittsburgh, covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. She hosts one-hour pre-game and post-game shows without a teleprompter, conducts live rinkside reports, and interviews coaches and players throughout each game.
Inside the Penguins Features
She also creates original player features during practices, airing on pre-game broadcasts and the monthly “Inside the Penguins” program. Her interviewing style is known for being professional, insightful, and player-focused.
Hailey Hunter Pittsburgh Pirates Coverage
In addition to hockey, she covers the Pittsburgh Pirates, completing multiple MLB seasons as a reporter and host. This dual-sport role highlights her adaptability and deep understanding of professional athletics.
Hailey Hunter Husband
Hailey Hunter is engaged, not married. She announced in 2025 that she and her longtime boyfriend became engaged after dating for approximately four years, some of which were long-distance.
Her fiancé is Gage Posey, an Outside Sales Representative based in Pittsburgh. The couple has shared their engagement publicly, including professional engagement photos, but they have kept wedding details largely private.
Hailey openly shares her Christian faith and often references gratitude, service, and personal growth. She has spoken about how faith plays an important role in her life and career decisions.
Hailey Hunter Wikipedia
Despite her growing national profile, Hailey Hunter does not currently have an official Wikipedia page. This is common for sports broadcasters whose careers are still actively expanding. However, her professional history is well-documented through broadcast networks, sports organizations, and public interviews.
Why Hailey Hunter Stands Out in Sports Media
Hailey Hunter’s rise in sports broadcasting is driven by three key strengths:
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Elite athletic background, especially in golf
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Versatile media skills, including live hosting, reporting, and production
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Authentic on-air presence, built on preparation and credibility
Her ability to transition seamlessly between hockey, baseball, and golf coverage makes her one of the most well-rounded broadcasters in the industry today.
What’s Next for Hailey Hunter?
As she continues her work with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates, Hailey is entering a prime phase of her career. With national experience across NHL, MLB, PGA Tour, and Olympic coverage, her future likely includes expanded hosting roles, larger national platforms, and continued influence in sports media.
Final Thoughts
Hailey Hunter represents a modern sports broadcaster—athlete-informed, media-trained, and authentically engaging. From championship-level golf to rinkside NHL reporting, her journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and passion. As her career continues to grow, she remains a standout figure in American sports journalism, especially in Pittsburgh and beyond.
FAQs
1: How old is Hailey Hunter?
Hailey Hunter is 31 years old. She was born on November 12, 1994, and publicly confirmed her age while celebrating her birthday during the NHL Global Series in Sweden.
2: Is Hailey Hunter married?
No, Hailey Hunter is not married yet. She is engaged and announced her engagement in 2025 after dating her partner for approximately four years.
3: Who is Hailey Hunter’s husband or fiancé?
Hailey Hunter’s fiancé is Gage Posey, an Outside Sales Representative based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The couple has shared their engagement publicly but has kept wedding details private.
4: What is Hailey Hunter’s role with the Pittsburgh Penguins?
Hailey Hunter is a Rinkside Reporter and Host for the Pittsburgh Penguins on SportsNet Pittsburgh. She hosts pre-game, intermission, and post-game shows, delivers live rinkside reports, and interviews players and coaches during games.
