Do those pretty faces on television look familiar to you? That’s probably because the newly crowned Fox Sports North Girls are Edina natives Jenny Taft and Paige Backenstose. The graduates of Edina High School are sharing their sports knowledge as hosts and fan ambassadors for Fox Sports North.
Taft explains that they guide viewers through the lineup of live games and programming on the network and also find new and unique ways to create a deeper connection with the network's loyal and passionate fans.
The girl’s passion for sports was fostered in the hallowed halls of Edina High. Taft was an avid tennis, hockey, and lacrosse player while in high school and also has skating in her blood: her father was the captain for the 1976 Olympic hockey team, and her brother currently plays hockey for Colorado College. Backenstose also grew up playing hockey but traded in her Bauer’s for Asics to compete as a cross-country runner in high school.
After college out of state, the two followed their hearts back to Minnesota, and after several rounds of auditions, landed their gigs as Fox Sports North Girls.
“Working for FOX Sports North is a dream come true,” Taft says. “This job is unique because we are focusing on the sports fans in Minnesota.”
Backenstose adds, “The job focuses a lot on thinking creatively and connecting with people; two things I enjoy quite a bit.”
You can catch the girls on Fox Sports North during pre- and post-game shows, hosting special features and also during show appearances.
