Elise Menaker’s age searches spike every baseball season. Fans want to know the story behind the woman calling Cubs games on TV. Here’s a stat that surprises people: she is the first female analyst in Chicago Cubs television history. That milestone happened in 2022. One year later, she broke another barrier as the team’s first female radio analyst. Born in Wilmette, Illinois, in October 1988, she is 37 years old in 2026. Her path started far from the broadcast booth. She played softball at Cornell University and earned All-Ivy honors three times. Today, she works for Marquee Sports Network and Big Ten Network. This article answers every question about Elise Menaker’s age, career, and rise to the top of sports media.
Who Is Elise Menaker?
Elise Lauren Menaker grew up in Wilmette. This town sits on Chicago’s North Shore. Her family rode the L-train to Wrigley Field often. Those trips built her love for the Cubs early on.
She attended New Trier High School, where she played both softball and tennis. During her time there, she earned four varsity letters in softball. Her teammates elected her team captain twice. In addition, she made the Illinois High School All-State Tennis Team in 2005. These achievements highlighted her talent and leadership in both sports.
Her talent did not stop in high school. She took her skills to Cornell University next.
Elise Menaker’s College Softball Career
Menaker played softball for Cornell from 2006 to 2010. She played third base for the Big Red. Her stats were impressive across four seasons.
Elise Menaker earned first-team All-Ivy honors three times. She graduated with the school’s career record for doubles. She hit 53 doubles in total. Elise Menaker also ranked second all-time in home runs, with 37. Her slugging percentage ranked second in school history too.
Elise Menaker balanced sports with strong grades. She held a 3.74 GPA in communication. She earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors multiple times. In 2020, Cornell inducted her into its Athletics Hall of Fame. This honor recognized both her playing skill and academic work.
From Athlete to Broadcaster
After college, Menaker moved into sports media. Her background as a player gave her real insight. She understood the game from the field, not just the booth.
She joined Marquee Sports Network as an analyst. Elise Menaker covered Triple-A Iowa Cubs telecasts at first. Her work there opened bigger doors. She soon moved up to cover the major league Chicago Cubs.
In 2022, she made history. She became the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a Cubs game. This was a huge moment for women in sports broadcasting. She did not stop there. In 2023, she became the first female radio analyst for the team. Few broadcasters achieve two firsts within one franchise.
Elise Menaker also works with Big Ten Network. She serves as a football sideline reporter there. She covers softball as an analyst too. Her range across sports shows her broad skill set.
Awards and Recognition
Menaker has earned an Emmy Award for her broadcasting work. This award confirms her skill goes beyond just knowing sports. She knows how to tell a story well. Her voice connects with fans across platforms.
Her rise did not happen overnight. Elise Menaker built her career step by step. She started small, at the Triple-A level. She proved herself before reaching the majors. This journey shows that patience and hard work pay off.
Personal Life
Menaker keeps her personal life mostly private. Public records confirm her birth date as October 26, 1988. This makes her 37 years old in 2026. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Elise Menakeris is not publicly married. She has not shared details about a partner. She focuses her public presence on her career instead. Many broadcasters choose this path. It keeps attention on their professional work.
Her parents are Ed and Pam Menaker. She grew up with strong family support. That support likely helped her balance sports and school growing up.
Why People Search for Elise Menaker’s Age
Fans often search for Elise Menaker’s age out of simple curiosity. She appears often during Cubs broadcasts. Viewers want to know more about the people on their screen. Her rise as a trailblazer adds extra interest. People like to learn about those who break barriers.
Her age also connects to her career timeline. Fans want to see how fast she moved from college sports to national television. Her story inspires many young athletes. It shows that a sports career can take many forms.
Her Impact on Sports Media
Menaker’s career matters beyond her own success. She opened doors for other women in sports broadcasting. Cubs broadcasts had never featured a female analyst before her. Now, more networks look for similar hires.
She proves that former athletes bring real value to broadcasting. Her playing background helps her explain plays clearly. She notices details that only a former player would catch. This skill makes her stand out from other analysts.
Her work also matters to young girls who play softball. She shows them a path beyond playing days. Sports careers do not have to end after college. Media, coaching, and broadcasting all offer strong options.
What’s Next for Elise Menaker
Menaker’s 2026 work continues to build on her past success. She keeps growing her role with Marquee Sports Network. She also continues her work with Big Ten Network. Her audience keeps growing each season.
She has already achieved rare milestones. Many expect her career to keep climbing. Sports networks value broadcasters who connect with fans. Menaker checks every box for that kind of talent.
Conclusion
Elise Menaker built a career most people only dream about. She started as a star softball player at Cornell. She then became a trailblazer in sports broadcasting. Elise Menaker’s age of 37 places her at a strong point in her career. She has already earned an Emmy and made Cubs history twice. Her future in sports media looks bright. Fans will likely see her name grow even more in the years ahead.
FAQs
What is Elise Menaker’s age?
As of 2026, Elise Menaker’s age is 37. She was born on October 26, 1988, in Wilmette, Illinois.
Where did Elise Menaker go to college?
She attended Cornell University. She played softball there from 2006 to 2010.
What team does Elise Menaker cover?
She covers the Chicago Cubs for Marquee Sports Network. She also works with Big Ten Network on football and softball coverage.
Is Elise Menaker married?
She has not publicly shared details about a marriage or partner. Her public focus stays on her broadcasting career, not her personal life.
Why is Elise Menaker’s age a popular search topic?
People search for Elise Menaker’s age because she made history as the first female Cubs analyst. Her career story draws curiosity, and fans want to know more about her background alongside her Elise Menaker age.
