Executive Voice: Head of Content Operations, Stephanie Druley on Recognizing the Impact of Longhorn Network

Editor’s Note: Stephanie Druley is the Head of Content Operations at ESPN and a 34-year ESPN veteran. She was one of the executives behind the creation and launch of Longhorn Network and was responsible for the look and strategy of all on-air content. A Houston native, Druley is a proud Texas Ex, having received her bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Texas before beginning her career as a production assistant at ESPN.

This weekend, we mark the end of an era as we say goodbye to Longhorn Network. Since its inception, LHN has upheld the ESPN standard for excellence as it celebrated championships, witnessed incredible performances, and shared the stories and aspirations of student-athletes, coaches and fans.

The network was truly the first of its kind and for many of us – alumni and native Texans — it was a passion project. The team we built and maintained in Austin was exceptional. We made incredible television while forging lifelong friendships and creating indelible memories.

There is so much to appreciate as we look back to the beginning of LHN. August 26, 2011, was the start of something special. On that very first day, Longhorn Legends Darrell Royal, Earl Campbell and Matthew McConaughey introduced the network to fans everywhere.

Over the next 13 years, LHN continuously set a high standard for storytelling, winning 36 Lone Star Emmys and countless College Sports Media Awards. The studio at University Park hosted Hall of Fame coaches and athletes, Olympic gold medalists and three Masters champions, just to name a few. The network played an important role in developing what would become the College Football Playoff MegaCast.

We tried things, took creative risks and had fun. Longhorn Network set the blueprint for the college networks that would follow. And as the college landscape continued to change, the commitment to our work and each other never wavered. For all of that, we are incredibly grateful.

As the Horns transition to the SEC, I hope we can all look back at the memories and the impact LHN has made, not only on all of us but also on the University of Texas and the history of sports broadcasting.

Thank you and hook ‘em!
Steph