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When Maki Jenner stepped into the booth for colour commentary for a Halifax Thunderbirds game last season, the production crew told her the only thing left to check off was play-by-play. Maki Jenner laughed it off at the time, not thinking much of it.
Last month, the comment she didn’t think much of came to life.
Jenner became the first female play-by-play announcer in National Lacrosse League history on February 14, calling the Thunderbirds’ game against the Buffalo Bandits on TSN.
“I definitely felt some nerves. Just like, ‘oh my God, this is going to be the first time, the first one.’ But overall, I just felt really appreciative of being given that opportunity,” says Jenner.
“We're so used to hearing male voices in lacrosse compared to other sports, where we’re getting used to hearing some females, which has been awesome. But I think for lacrosse it's just so different. You don't really hear it that often.”
From a young age, Jenner had a passion for storytelling, but it wasn’t until a broadcast no-show for a Victoria Shamrocks game of the Western Lacrosse Association in August 2022 that she got to take a stab at commentating. She got thrown into it about 10 minutes into the first quarter of the game, and despite the short notice, a situation that would leave many feeling rushed and nervous, she felt an adrenaline rush.
“I was scared out of my head about it,” says Jenner, who was interning with the Shamrocks at the time. “But that's where I was like, wait, I really love doing this.”
Through her work writing blogs, in-arena hosting, and performing weekly segments on TSN, Jenner put the lacrosse world on notice. Shortly after, the Thunderbirds reached out to her to become their communications manager. She accepted the job and moved to Halifax at the age of 21 in October 2022.
After her arrival, her career has continued to unfold.
“I took a chance coming here, and to have my career unfold the way it has since arriving, it means a lot,” says Jenner.
Halifax's Sports Scene
Founded in 2019, the Thunderbirds quickly won the hearts of Haligonians, creating a unique atmosphere among fans.
“You have our games, which I think are insane, and it feels like a party the whole time,” says Jenner. “It’s electric. There’s no other way to describe it.”
Now a local, Jenner describes Halifax’s fans as die-hard, saying their support has gone beyond her expectations. She even saw life-size cut-outs of her head in the crowd on December 28, 2024, when she became the first female colour commentator in NLL history.
“I would have never thought fans at a game would support me with cut-outs of me, because I just report on the team. I’m not on the team,” says Jenner. “I think that goes to show how much the fans love and care about everything that goes on here, and they really buy into every aspect of it.”
As a sports fanatic, Jenner gets out to each of the local home teams whenever she can. Whether it’s the loyalty of Mooseheads fans and the young hockey players it draws into the game, or the soccer fans, which she describes as “nuts”, Jenner has found an admiration for the local sports scene.
“I think every single sports team in Halifax brings something unique to the table. And I think sometimes in other cities you don’t always get that. But Halifax loves their sports,” says Jenner.
“Any event that’s going on here, it’s gonna be packed.”
A particular Halifax event that has a special place in Jenner’s heart is the PWHL Takeover Tour, which brought two games to the city in December and January.
“It was a little emotional because it’s so great to see all these young girls walking around in jerseys and seeing the support behind women’s hockey,” says Jenner. “It’s really cool to be somewhere where no matter what it is, you’re going to get 110 per cent buy-in from the fans every time.”
Looking ahead, Jenner’s ultimate goal is to become full-time with TSN, but until then, she wants to continue growing, learning, and absorbing as much as she can.
“No matter what happens in the future or where I end up, Halifax will always be so special to me,” says Jenner. “I just know anytime I come back, I’ll have people who will welcome me back with open arms, and that’s really special to have.”
More about Maki
When she isn’t working at a Thunderbirds game, you can find Maki walking the waterfront or catching a pre-game meal at The Bicycle Thief, Salt + Ash, or Ristorante A Mano. When there’s a match on, she enjoys taking it in at Niche Lounge, The Maxwell’s Plum, or Durty Nelly’s, especially if it’s a big game for her Edmonton Oilers.
