On October 4, the USC Trojans came from behind to beat Michigan three sets to two. However, besides USC volleyball registering a win, something special unfolded at the commentator’s table. Riley Sager, the daughter of late broadcasting legend Craig Sager, made her debut. The 19-year-old who lost her father in 2016 has decided to follow in her father’s footsteps.

The official social media handles of B1G Volleyball posted an image of the rookie “color commentator”, as well as some of her calls. Sager’s daughter has always been interested in sports as her late father’s career spanned nearly four decades, during which he became best known for his NBA sideline reporting. The Houston Rockets even invited then-12-year-old Riley Sager to take the ceremonial first shot in a game against the Spurs in 2017.

Riley Sager’s debut as a volleyball announcer is also in line with her father’s humble beginnings. Before earning his first Sports Emmy Award as an NBA sideline reporter for TNT, the announcer started his career in Florida, commentating for WXLT in the 1970s. Craig Sager proved his versatility from the very beginning of his career, starting with MLB, before joining CNN in 1980.

At CNN, he covered baseball before finally settling with BNBA coverage. And with the Turner Television network, Craig Sager showcased his true versatility and work ethic. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer covered nearly every sport under the sun for CNN, TBS, and TNT. Whether it was the FIFA World Cup, the Winter Olympics, the NFL, or the NBA, Sager was equally adept at covering every sport.

While Riley Sager has a long way to go, her commentating debut for NCAA volleyball went without a hitch. The first-time announcer showcased that she did her homework and gave on-the-fly analytical insights during the USC vs. Michigan clash. However, you could say luck was on her side, as the first game for announcing her career was quite an exciting affair.

Riley Sager’s first volleyball match was an absolute thriller

The Wolverines took the driver’s seat early during their October 4 match with the No. 21 ranked team. They dominated the first set, winning it 25 to 15. While the Trojans did better in the second set, they were behind by quite a margin, dropping the second set as well. “We talked about this before the game. USC needs to look to get those early points in the early sets.” said Riley Sager.

“We just haven’t been seeing that lately,” added the commentator, highlighting Michigan’s early dominance. However, as the Wolverines went into set three with a 2-0 lead, the USC women’s volleyball mounted their comeback. The Trojans pulled one back after winning set three 25 to 23 and replicated the scoreline in set four. Former Nebraska star Ally Batenhorst put in a herculean effort for the Trojans, reaching a new career high with 20 kills.

USC completed their reverse sweep in the fifth and final set, scoring 15 against Michigan’s 12. The comeback win at USC also made Riley Sager’s first gig as commentator quite memorable. While leukemia ended Craig Sager’s legendary career at 65 in 206, his daughter is ready to carry her father’s legacy forward. Will you be keeping an eye on the games Sager announces in the future? Let us know in the comments.