Sue Bird, Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley and others pay tribute to ESPN's M.A. Voepel ahead of HOF award

Pick any women's Final Four since 1993. Or just about every WNBA Finals in history. From chronicling how UConn and Tennessee transformed into the greatest rivalry in women's college basketball to capturing the evolution of the WNBA, ESPN reporter M.A. Voepel has been a constant courtside presence, documenting the growth of women's basketball at all levels.

«What he's done in his career, is shown up. He always shows up,» Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird said. «You know it's a big game when he's in the building.»

On Friday, Voepel will be honored with the Naismith Hall of Fame's Curt Gowdy Media Award, which is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions to basketball. Several members of the women's basketball community shared their thoughts on Voepel's impact on the coverage of the sport.

Voepel has worked for ESPN since 1996, the same year he covered a gold medal run from Staley and USA Basketball at the Atlanta Olympics as well as the first of three consecutive NCAA championships from Chamique Holdsclaw and Tennessee — before any of today's college players were even born. The year before, Voepel was on hand when UConn won its first national title, and has been courtside for all 10 that followed.

«Michael was at the foundation of women's sports coverage when it wasn't the popular thing to do. His compassionate storytelling brought athletes into our lives before we had other ways to make that connection, and it was invaluable in planting the seed for fans and for future athletes,» said Gamecocks coach and two-time NCAA champion Staley, whom Voepel covered during her All-America career at Virginia. «His authentic interest in people — not just the athlete they represent to the public — continues to elevate women's