The University of Montana women’s basketball program welcomes a new play-by-play broadcaster this season. Shawn Tiemann has been named “Voice of the Lady Griz” by Learfield IMG College, the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder.
Following a nationwide search, Tiemann takes over the mic for Tom Stage, who announced last spring he was retiring after calling Lady Griz action for 25 seasons.
As part of its overall rights relationship with Montana, Learfield IMG College oversees all aspects of the Grizzly Sports Network, including identifying the talent and securing affiliate radio stations.
“I’m so grateful to have been chosen for this opportunity with the Lady Griz. It’s been a long-held dream of mine to serve as the regular voice of a Division I program, and to be able to do that for a tradition-rich women’s basketball program at such a prestigious university is highly rewarding,” said Tiemann.
“Todd Rahr, Riley Corcoran and the UM athletic department staff that I visited with made me feel like this was a place I needed to be. I have a big mic to fill with the departure of Tom Stage, but I’m so honored to follow up on what he built.
Shawn Tiemann – The new “Voice of the Lady Griz”. Photo courtesy of Grizzly Athletics.
“I’m excited to work with coach Mike Petrino and his staff and bring Griz Nation the sights and sounds from Dahlberg Arena and all the Big Sky Conference locales.”
Tiemann has a robust play-by-play portfolio. He has called games for television and served as a talk-show host for various radio sports programs and college coaching shows.
He has been the play-by-play announcer for the Great Falls Voyagers of the Pioneer League (MLB Chicago White Sox) the last four seasons.
Additionally, he has been the voice of Rogers State University men’s and women’s basketball in Oklahoma and called college basketball for Oral Roberts, South Dakota State and John Brown.
Tiemann also has been color analyst for the NCAA Division II Heartland Conference basketball tournaments.
“We are thrilled to have Shawn join our broadcast team as the play-by-play announcer for the Lady Griz,” said Greg Sundberg, Montana Senior Associate AD for External Operations. “Shawn will bring a great deal of experience and excitement to the broadcast.”
About Learfield IMG College: Locally based Grizzly Sports Properties, led by General Manager Todd Rahr, works alongside Montana’s Director of Athletics Kent Haslam and the athletic administration to grow the Griz brand. Learfield IMG College is the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omni-channel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions for fan engagement. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company has long had the privilege of being an advocate for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield IMG College Directors Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.