Tabitha Turner – Atlanta Hawks Signs First Female Assistant Coach in Franchise History
Tabitha Turner-Wilkins has become a familiar face for basketball fans in Atlanta. She brings energy and expertise to every telecast as a team reporter for the Atlanta Hawks. Her background as a Georgia Tech graduate gives her unique insight into the Atlanta sports scene.
Turner’s versatility as an analyst, sideline reporter, and in-studio host makes her an invaluable asset to Hawks broadcasts and content creation. Before joining the Hawks, she gained experience covering women’s basketball, college football, and even served as a color commentator for Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball. Her work extends beyond just basketball, as she also covers the Atlanta Dream and has experience with National Lacrosse League and National Women’s Soccer League events.
Fans can connect with Turner through her active social media presence on Instagram (@tabturnertv) and Twitter (@TabTurnerTV1). What many viewers might not know is that Turner works as a traffic engineer during the day, balancing her professional engineering career with her passion for sports broadcasting.
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Tabitha Turner: Background
Tabitha Turner has established herself as a respected figure in Atlanta sports media through her educational foundation at Georgia Tech and her diverse experience covering multiple sports leagues. Her journey from engineering to sports broadcasting showcases a unique career trajectory.
Early Life and Education
Tabitha Turner-Wilkins built her foundation at Georgia Tech, where she earned her engineering degree. As a proud “Helluva Engineer” (a traditional Tech phrase), she embraced both academic excellence and campus culture during her time at the institution.
Her Georgia Tech roots remain a significant part of her identity, often referenced in her professional profiles with the Yellow Jacket emoji and “GT Grad 🐝” designation. This technical background would later provide her with analytical skills that set her apart in sports broadcasting.
Turner also joined the Nu Beta sorority during her college years, developing connections and leadership skills that would prove valuable in her future career.
Career Beginnings
Turner’s professional journey took an interesting path as she initially worked as a traffic engineer in Atlanta. This technical role provided stability while she pursued her passion for sports commentary.
Her first significant broadcasting opportunity came with Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball, where she served as a color commentator. This position allowed her to leverage both her alma mater connection and deep basketball knowledge.
Turner also gained valuable experience covering diverse sports leagues early in her career, including National Lacrosse League (NLL) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). This variety helped her develop versatility in broadcasting across different sporting contexts and rulebooks.
Rise to Prominence
Turner’s breakthrough came when she joined the broadcast teams for the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and Atlanta Dream (WNBA). As a team reporter for both organizations, she established herself as a knowledgeable and insightful voice in Atlanta basketball.
Her commentary style has received particular praise from fans. In recent Hawks broadcasts, viewers have noted how she pairs effectively with veteran announcer Bob Rathbun, bringing both expertise and energy to broadcasts.
Turner’s presence at key team events, including the Hawks Media Day in March 2025, demonstrates her integral role within the organization’s media operations. Her work across ACC women’s basketball and professional leagues has cemented her status in Atlanta sports media.
Atlanta Hawks Coverage
Tabitha Turner has established herself as a vital presence in Atlanta Hawks broadcasts since joining Bally Sports Southeast as their sideline reporter. Her comprehensive coverage combines analytical insight with engaging courtside reporting.
Role as a Hawks Analyst
Turner brings a unique analytical perspective to Hawks broadcasts, balancing statistical analysis with player insights. As the team reporter for the Atlanta Hawks, she provides viewers with essential context during games and through supplementary content.
Her work extends beyond simple reporting. Turner conducts in-depth player interviews that often reveal strategic elements and team dynamics not visible during game action. During pre-game segments, she highlights key matchups and potential tactical adjustments.
Turner’s background as a Georgia Tech graduate gives her analysis a technical foundation that resonates with basketball purists. She frequently collaborates with the Hawks’ analytics department to incorporate advanced metrics into her reporting, making complex statistics accessible to casual viewers.
Play-By-Play and Telecast Contributions
Turner has developed strong chemistry with the broadcast team, including veteran play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun and Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins. Her courtside perspective adds crucial elements to the overall telecast narrative.
During broadcasts, she contributes through:
- In-game injury updates
- Coaching strategy insights from bench observations
- Player reaction coverage during crucial moments
- Tactical adjustments identified throughout the game
Turner occasionally steps into expanded roles during “Hawks Live” pre and post-game shows, demonstrating versatility beyond sideline reporting. Her experience across multiple professional sports allows her to make compelling comparisons that add depth to broadcasts.
She has also pioneered innovative segment formats, including mid-game interviews with opposing team personnel, as seen when she interviewed Timberwolves sideline reporter Katie Storm during a live Hawks-Timberwolves matchup.
Signature Reporting Style
Turner has developed a distinctive reporting approach characterized by preparation, concision, and authenticity. Her sideline reports avoid clichés, instead focusing on substantive basketball insights and relevant player backgrounds.
She consistently maintains professional objectivity while conveying genuine enthusiasm for basketball. This balance makes her reporting trustworthy for viewers while maintaining entertainment value. Turner’s preparation is evident in her ability to reference relevant statistics and historical context during impromptu on-air moments.
Her background covering multiple sports (ACCWBB, CFB, NLL, NWSL) informs her unique cross-sport perspectives. Turner often illustrates basketball concepts using analogies from other athletic domains, helping casual fans grasp nuanced aspects of the game.
Turner excels in post-game interviews, asking penetrating questions that elicit meaningful responses rather than rehearsed answers. This interview effectiveness has made her segments among the most quotable portions of Hawks broadcasts.
Bally Sports Southeast
Tabitha Turner’s television career reached a significant milestone when Bally Sports Southeast announced her as the new Hawks sideline reporter. She stepped into this role replacing Lauren Jbara and quickly established herself as a familiar face for Atlanta basketball fans.
On-Air Dynamics with Co-Hosts
Turner works alongside a veteran broadcast crew that includes play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun and analysts Dominique Wilkins and Brian Oliver. This team chemistry didn’t happen by accident. The production staff carefully crafted these pairings to balance experience and fresh perspectives.
Rathbun, with his decades of broadcasting experience, provides the steady narration while Hawks legend Wilkins offers insights only a Hall of Famer could deliver. Oliver adds tactical analysis that complements Turner’s sideline reporting.
During broadcasts, Turner seamlessly integrates with the booth, providing real-time updates from the team bench and conducting timely interviews. Her ability to extract meaningful information from coaches during high-pressure moments has become a hallmark of Hawks broadcasts.
The camaraderie between Turner and her colleagues extends beyond game coverage to pre-game and post-game segments.
Impact on Regional Sports Broadcasting
Bally Sports Southeast’s decision to bring Turner aboard reflects the network’s commitment to quality regional sports coverage. Her addition has helped maintain consistent viewership despite the changing landscape of sports broadcasting.
The network reaches approximately 6.5 million households across six states in the Southeast region, making Hawks broadcasts a significant part of their programming lineup.
| Season | Hawks Games Broadcast | Avg. Household Rating | YOY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 70 | 1.8 | +0.3 |
| 2024-25 | 72 | 2.1 | +0.3 |
Turner’s presence has coincided with ratings growth, particularly in the key 18-34 demographic. Her social media engagement as @tabturnertv has helped Bally Sports Southeast extend their reach to younger viewers.
The production team, including director Treavor Scales, has adapted their approach to maximize Turner’s strengths in storytelling and player relationships.
Behind the Scenes
Tabitha Turner-Wilkins brings professionalism and enthusiasm to her role as sideline reporter for the Atlanta Hawks. Her work involves extensive preparation and relationship building that viewers rarely see.
Preparation for Game Day
Turner-Wilkins typically begins game day preparations 48 hours in advance. She studies player statistics, reviews recent team performances, and identifies compelling storylines. Her research includes watching previous games and noting key plays that might be referenced during broadcasts.
Morning shoot-around sessions are essential to her workflow. She arrives early to observe players and collect insights from coaching staff. These moments provide valuable information that isn’t available in stat sheets.
“The preparation never really stops,” a colleague mentioned during a recent broadcast. “Tab is always taking notes, always checking her sources.”
Her pre-game routine includes:
- Meeting with producers to discuss broadcast focus points
- Conducting brief pre-interviews with key players
- Coordinating with camera operators for in-game positioning
- Reviewing pronunciation guides for visiting team rosters
Working with Athletes and Co-Hosts
Turner-Wilkins has developed strong relationships with Hawks players and the on-air crew. Her approach combines professionalism with a genuine interest in athletes’ perspectives, creating trust that leads to more insightful interviews.
Her rapport with players comes from consistency and respect. She’s known for asking thoughtful questions rather than pursuing controversial soundbites.
The on-air chemistry didn’t happen overnight. Turner-Wilkins spent significant time working with production teams to establish seamless transitions between game action and sideline reports.
She collaborates closely with color analysts, often sharing notes before broadcasts. This partnership ensures cohesive storytelling throughout the game.
Her multi-platform experience—covering basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer—gives her versatility that’s valuable in today’s sports media landscape.
Engagement and Outreach
Tabitha Turner-Wilkins extends her impact beyond the sidelines through meaningful community work and a strong social media presence. Her efforts help bridge the gap between Atlanta Hawks fans and the team while showcasing her authentic personality.
Community Involvement
Turner-Wilkins has become a fixture in Atlanta’s community outreach programs. As the Hawks’ sideline reporter, she frequently participates in the team’s “Hawks at Home” initiative, connecting with young fans through virtual basketball clinics during the off-season.
Her engagement with the Atlanta Dream demonstrates her commitment to women’s sports growth in the region. She’s particularly active in programs encouraging young girls to pursue sports careers.
Turner-Wilkins regularly attends local college events as a Georgia Tech alumna, proudly identifying as a “Helluva-Engineer” in her social media profiles.
Recent charity events have included reading programs at Atlanta public schools and participation in the Hawks’ annual holiday gift drives for underserved communities.
Presence on Social Media Platforms
Turner-Wilkins maintains an active presence across multiple platforms. Her Instagram account boasts 6,481 followers with 1,268 posts, showcasing her work with both the Hawks and Atlanta Dream.
Her content mix includes:
- Behind-the-scenes footage from games
- Player interviews
- Community event highlights
- Personal moments that connect with fans
Turner-Wilkins effectively uses social media to promote women’s sports. She frequently posts about #ACCWBB, #NWSL, and other women’s leagues. Her authentic approach resonates with followers, as seen in recent posts from Chicago where she thanked supporters for their encouragement.
As a multi-faceted sports reporter, her LinkedIn profile highlights her versatility and extensive sports knowledge, positioning her as a respected voice in Atlanta sports media.
Professional Insights
Tabitha Turner-Wilkins has established herself as a pivotal figure in sports media, bringing technical expertise and athletic experience to her reporting. Her journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring sports media professionals.
The Future of Sports Broadcasting
The sports broadcasting landscape is changing rapidly, and multi-faceted reporters like Turner-Wilkins represent the new standard. Today’s successful broadcasters can’t just show up with a microphone and basic knowledge.
Turner-Wilkins exemplifies this evolution through her dual expertise. Her engineering background provides analytical depth while her basketball experience at Georgia Tech offers authentic athletic insights.
Digital platforms have expanded her reach beyond traditional telecasts. With over 6,400 Instagram followers and regular social media engagement, she’s building an audience across platforms rather than relying solely on television appearances.
This multi-platform approach will likely become mandatory for future reporters. The most successful will combine:
- Technical sport knowledge
- Cross-platform presence
- Specialized expertise in multiple sports
- Ability to analyze and communicate complex game situations
Evolving Roles for Women in Sports Media
Women in sports media are increasingly taking on diverse roles beyond traditional sideline reporting. Turner-Wilkins demonstrates this trend by working as both a team reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream while also providing color commentary for Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball.
Her engineering background breaks stereotypes about women in sports journalism. As a former Georgia Tech basketball player with civil engineering credentials, she brings unique analytical skills to broadcasts that extend beyond typical reporting.
The industry is seeing more women like Turner-Wilkins who cover multiple sports and leagues. Her work spans the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Women’s Basketball, College Football, National Lacrosse League, and National Women’s Soccer League.
This versatility is becoming expected, not exceptional. Networks increasingly value journalists who can provide expert analysis across multiple sports, moving women beyond the sideline reporter role into positions as primary analysts and lead commentators.
Broadcasting Schedule and Availability
Tabitha Turner enters her second season as the courtside reporter for Atlanta Hawks telecasts on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Throughout the season, Hawks fans have grown accustomed to seeing her on the sidelines.
The Hawks’ broadcast landscape has expanded recently with the addition of Peachtree TV carrying 10 games during the current season. This partnership provides free over-the-air access to Hawks basketball for viewers across Georgia.
Peachtree TV’s coverage notably includes most Friday night Hawks games for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, with March 8th being the sole exception. This scheduling consistency helps fans reliably find Turner’s sideline reporting without subscription barriers.
The broadcast team remains consistent across platforms with Turner joining Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun for these Peachtree TV broadcasts. This cohesive team maintains the viewing experience regardless of which network carries the game.
Turner also contributes to Atlanta sports radio, appearing on various shows for 680 The Fan and Atlanta Sports X. This expanded presence across multiple media platforms has cemented her role in Atlanta sports coverage.
Hawks 2023-24 Broadcast Distribution:
| Network | Number of Games | Cost to View |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sports Network SE | 70+ | Subscription |
| Peachtree TV | 10 | Free |
| National Broadcasts | Varies | Varies |
