Angelique Fiske

Editorial Manager at the National Women’s Soccer League

Meet Angelique Fiske, Editorial Manager at the NWSL. A storyteller at heart, she’s gone from covering local news to six years with the New England Patriots, producing for CBS Mornings, and now spotlighting the athletes shaping women’s soccer. Angelique’s journey is proof of what passion and persistence can build in the sports world.

Thank you, Angelique Fiske for sharing your inspiring journey. From breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry to telling the stories that elevate women’s sports, your voice and advice remind us to fight for what we deserve and never give up.

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

I’m responsible for identifying storylines throughout the season and week-to-week for our social, broadcast, PR, and partnership teams. I also write stories for the NWSL website.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I was lucky that I knew what I wanted to do at 15. My end goal was to be a beat writer for the Red Sox. I studied print journalism at Quinnipiac University, and the single most important thing that shaped me was joining the sports media group on campus. I wrote recaps and features for the website, covered DI hockey, soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball — anything I could to sharpen my skills. We eventually launched a magazine, which was essentially a part time job. While most of my friends who studied health sciences had their biggest tests and periods of growth in the classroom, communications degrees are really made in your free time. It is so self-driven, and you control what you get involved in.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

When I graduated from Quinnipiac, I landed at a local newspaper near my hometown covering local politics and community events. It was a far cry from sportswriting, but it was invaluable. Truthfully, my experience covering sports came was especially handy when covering local elections. It’s the same kind of rush, just a different subject.

From there, I started with the New England Patriots. I spent six years as a writer, editor, and podcast host for the website. That was far and away one of the most invaluable experiences in my life. I went to three Super Bowls, two Super Bowl parades, red carpets, and community events. My family had Patriots season tickets, so it was quite literally a dream come true to be in the locker room every day and building relationships with players I had watched for so many years. I really pushed myself outside of my comfort zone, especially hosting a podcast, but I’m most proud that I was able to showcase Patriots players as people, letting fans get to know the men they were rooting for.

In 2022, I took a leap from print to broadcast when I accepted a job as an associate producer with CBS Mornings. Working with senior culture correspondent Anthony Mason was a dream job I didn’t know could exist. I was terrified to learn the world of tv after being so steadfast in writing for digital and print, but I got a masterclass from Anthony every week. We profiled musicians, artists, and actors, zeroing in on the creative process and the emotional and often difficult backstories. We were there when Joni Mitchell made her return to the Newport Folk Festival stage, when Paul Simon opened up about his hearing loss for the first time, and for REM’s first interview in more than 30 years. It was an incredible learning experience, but it was also some of the best moments of my life.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, & how have you overcome them?

When I was a teenager and talking to people in the industry about what I wanted to do, the first response was something along the lines of: “Well, I hope you don’t want kids!”

The implication was that it was impossible for a woman to have a career in this industry and a family. While that’s not something I necessarily want for myself, it was disheartening to hear men — and men who usually had kids of their own!!! — say out loud. Luckily, there’s been a big shift in these kinds of conversations, and so many women in the industry who are proving those men wrong every day. I’ve also dealt with my fair share of unequal pay, sexist comments about my work, and questions about how knowledgeable I am about sports. When I was younger, I took it all without any push back, dealing with my anger and disappointment in private. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve bitten my tongue less and fought for myself, even if it was a losing battle. When I left the sports world for CBS Mornings, I didn’t expect to come back, but when an opportunity at a women’s sports league presented itself, I knew it would be different. I could not be happier with a decision.

​Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work-life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Oh, man. This is one I’m still learning. In sports and in news, it’s not easy to turn work off. You don’t work regular hours, and something might happen at an inconvenient time.

For me, a turning point was during covid. It was hard to feel stressed about something at my job when every day I watched people on the news or who I went to school with quite literally saving lives. That perspective shift was a radical realization at the time, but I keep it in the back of my mind. Our jobs can be stressful. All jobs can be! But at the end of the day, no one’s life is in my hands.

Having standing activities or events is also incredibly helpful. Picking up a hobby that gets you off your phone works wonders too.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Some of my strongest friendships are with the women I’ve worked alongside. It can be hard and frustrating and having people who get it will keep you sane.

Along the way, I’ve also had people who gently encouraged me to keep going and that I was on the right track. My high school journalism teacher, Mr. Cangemi, changed my life by pushing me to pursue this career seriously. There were professors who validated the value I saw in sportswriting when others thought it was frivolous. Rich Hanley and Molly Yanity simply got it. When I was at the Patriots, I had a chance to interview Andrea Kremer, and she went out of her way to encourage me and stay in touch. I will never forget how it felt to be seen like that by someone I idolized.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

Since I entered the workforce, it’s definitely gotten better, but that being said, there is still a ways to go. There are so many more resources now to connect women in the industry. This is a big question that I’m not sure I have an answer for, but seeing someone so young creating a site like this tells me that the future of women in this industry is in good hands.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging ?

I get to watch and write about sports for a living!! That rules!!

In my current job, I get to tell the stories of women on the pitch, and I don’t take that for granted. I get paid to help grow the first game I ever learned to love and elevate the women who play it. Sometimes I can’t believe it.

The most challenging part is definitely the untraditional hours. I’ve missed out on some big and small moments, but that has also gotten easier with time.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Fight for what you deserve. Use your voice if you’re being mistreated. Find people you trust and can confide in. Don’t read the comments. Throw ideas at the wall and see what sticks. This industry changes every day, and it’s unpredictable. Have fun with it.

Most importantly, we need you. Don’t give up.

What are your long term personal goals that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

My long term goal is to continue finding purpose in my work. That fills my cup both professionally and personally.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you?

I have my own Super Bowl ring, and I will use that as a chance to brag every time. I’ve recently taken up watercolor painting, and having a phone free hobby has changed my life. I’m an avid reader, pierogi lover, Survivor enthusiast, and have supersonic hearing but only for loud chewers.

IG: @angeliquefiske