Caylee Cottrell is the on-camera personality for USF Athletics. As the Bulls Insider, Cottrell serves as USF Athletics’ sideline reporter, feature reporter, recap anchor, event host, in-game host for football and men’s basketball, and anchor for #HornsUp USF All Access TV show.
Cottrell works with athletes, coaches, and staff from all teams at USF Athletics. From formal interviews to vlog-style personality features, Cottrell understands the importance of storytelling and developing meaningful relationships to create the most optimum content. As the face and voice of USF Athletics, Cottrell feels proud to serve as a brand ambassador and to embody a role that connects fans with student-athletes and coaches. By establishing trusting relationships with student-athletes and coaches, Cottrell provides content that is uniquely personable.
Cottrell started her education at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU before transferring to USF and graduating at the top of her class, earning her degree in broadcast journalism. She received the Top Scholar award from the Kappa Tau Alpha National Journalism Honor Society and was bestowed the King O’Neal Scholar Award for her 4.0 GPA while graduating Summa Cum Laude in December 2020.
Before joining the Bulls, Cottrell anchored, reported, and produced for Florida Focus newsbreak that aired on WEDQ, the Tampa PBS affiliate in the 12th largest media market in the U.S. In addition, she worked in the promotions department for the minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Cottrell also worked as a camera operator for Gemstone Media, which produced broadcasts for ESPN+.
Growing up dancing competitively and modeling, Cottrell is no stranger to the stage and camera. After garnering multiple regional and national titles, training with the Radio City Rockettes in New York, traveling the country dancing for Reebok, walking in LA Fashion Week and Phoenix Fashion Week, acting in multiple commercials and movies, and performing in several music videos, Cottrell has extensive experience with various types of sets and productions.
As a native of San Diego, California, Cottrell grew up loving the beach and spending time on the water. With Tampa Bay having some of the best beaches in the country, Cottrell is enjoying the lifestyle our beautiful community has to offer!
