Sally Jenkins

Washington, D.C.

Sports columnist

Education: Stanford University, B.A. English Literature

Sally Jenkins began her second stint at The Washington Post in 2000 after spending the previous decade working as a book author and as a magazine writer. She was named the nation’s top sports columnist in 2001, 2003, 2010, 2011 and 2021 by the Associated Press Sports Editors. She was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2020, and in 2022 was named winner by the Associated Press of the Red Smith Award for “major contributions to sports journalism.” Jenkins is the author of 13 books, five of which were New York Times bestsellers, most recently “The Right Call: What Sports Teaches Us About Work
Latest from Sally Jenkins

In transgender fight, volleyball ‘saviors’ miss the point of sports

There are no easy answers in the San José State volleyball debate, but those reducing the issue to “them” against “us” are missing the point.

November 28, 2024
San José State’s volleyball team has been at the center of a debate about trans athletes and fairness.

Notre Dame might beat Army, but the Irish will be sore on Sunday

For Army’s rugged football team, this Notre Dame showdown could be a dream or a nightmare.

November 23, 2024
Army quarterback Bryson Daily (13) celebrates after a touchdown against North Texas. (Richard W. Rodriguez/AP)

The Chiefs might have needed a loss like this

After Josh Allen’s touchdown run lifted the Bills, the Chiefs lost their chance at undefeated history. They’re after something bigger.

November 18, 2024
The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes is sacked by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard on Sunday. (Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)

The sad, silly spectacle of Jake Paul and Mike Tyson

The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson charade had a lesson about true power vs. pixels, if you could get through all the silliness.

November 16, 2024
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson finally got in the ring together. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

Women, don’t give up

Strong and dignified through appalling sexism, Kamala Harris brought the country one campaign closer to a goal that will strengthen us all.

November 8, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters in D.C. on Wednesday after conceding defeat to Donald Trump. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Terry McLaurin finally has a quarterback. He deserves this.

Through years of losing, Terry McLaurin never caved to cynicism. His professionalism has ‘shaped the standard’ for the Commanders.

November 3, 2024

The Commanders’ Hail Mary wasn’t about luck. It was about hope.

A combination of good luck and fortunate incompetence by the Chicago Bears helped the Commanders, but their will power and preparation were more important.

October 28, 2024
Noah Brown was in the perfect spot to catch Sunday's winning Hail Mary. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Navy can be special — as long as it can hold on to the football

The Midshipmen fumbled seven times in a 51-14 loss to Notre Dame, wasting an opportunity to make a statement on a national stage.

October 26, 2024
Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler returns a fumble in the first quarter, the first of six turnovers by the Midshipmen.

Jayden Daniels makes it look effortless. It’s actually all meticulous.

Look under the hood of the Commanders’ rookie quarterback’s ‘natural’ performance, and you’ll discover hours of methodical attention on mechanics.

October 15, 2024
Jayden Daniels devotes relentless work to the details of his throwing motion.

U.S. athletes make it plain that Trump’s genetic analysis is junk

Despite Trump’s rhetoric, if you’re looking for aspiration and work ethic, take the first- or second-generation American every time.

October 8, 2024