Nicole Haase brings more than two decades of experience in journalism to her appearance on Jeopardy. Based in the Milwaukee and West Allis area and originally from Glendale, Wisconsin, she has built a career focused on elevating women’s sports, especially women’s hockey. Her reporting has appeared in major outlets including BBC, ESPNW, MLS.com, SI.com, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and SBNation. She is one of the few SBNation writers dedicated exclusively to women’s college hockey, making her a key voice in a still-growing space within sports media.

Her reporting often blends social context, cultural analysis, and game-focused insight, reflecting her belief that women’s sports deserve the same depth of coverage traditionally afforded to men’s athletics. She has traveled internationally to cover IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships across Europe, providing detailed reporting and firsthand perspectives from tournaments that often lack mainstream media representation. Her work underscores a commitment to spotlighting athletes and stories that have historically been overlooked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urVrlZk3T64

Early Foundation in Journalism and a Career Defined by Adaptability

Nicole developed an early interest in writing while growing up in Glendale. She went on to study print journalism and Spanish at Loyola University New Orleans, graduating in 2003. Her college years strengthened both her technical writing skills and her interest in multilingual storytelling. After Hurricane Katrina disrupted life in New Orleans, she returned to Wisconsin, where she continued pursuing journalism while adapting to changing career landscapes.

Her adaptability led her through a variety of roles, including communications management, bakery work, chocolaterie positions, and food administration. She later earned a baking and pastry certificate from Waukesha County Technical College, combining creativity with hands-on craft. These varied experiences enriched her understanding of different industries and communities, contributing to the human-centered approach evident throughout her journalism today.

A Versatile Professional Balancing Writing, Communication, and Education

As her journalism career expanded, Nicole became a go-to freelance reporter for national and international sports outlets. Her work has covered everything from NCAA women’s hockey and local Milwaukee sports culture to world championships and FIFA Women’s World Cups. She is a founding member of TheVictoryPress.com, which emphasizes feminist perspectives and coverage of women’s sports.

In 2020, she added another dimension to her professional life by joining Oconomowoc High School as a part-time school secretary. The role allows her to maintain community connections and contribute to educational environments while continuing her writing career. Her ability to balance multiple roles highlights her versatility and sustained commitment to storytelling and service.

A Lifelong Jeopardy Fan Stepping Onto the Stage

Nicole’s appearance on Jeopardy reflects a personal dream years in the making. She has watched the show nightly with her husband, Andy, since early in their relationship. The two met through a shared high school friend group and have now been married for eleven years. Her path to the show included online tests, callback auditions, mock games, and a trip to California for filming—an experience she embraced with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the show’s history.

Outside of her work, Nicole enjoys traveling to sporting events around the world, reading across genres, sewing, playing trivia, and exploring Milwaukee’s food scene. Her basset hound, Ripley, is a beloved companion and a frequent presence in her personal life. Her interests, ranging from global sports travel to local hobbies, mirror her curiosity and the wide-ranging knowledge base that makes her a strong fit for Jeopardy.

A Storyteller Committed to Highlighting Under-Reported Voices

Nicole’s career reflects a consistent mission: to uncover the human stories behind sports and to bring visibility to athletes and events that mainstream media often overlooks. Her writing—grounded in feminism, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for her subjects—has resonated with readers across platforms. She describes herself as a “grammar-obsessed storyteller” who thrives on learning people’s experiences and transforming them into meaningful narratives.

Her work, her Jeopardy appearance, and her long-standing passion for women’s sports all contribute to a professional identity rooted in advocacy, accuracy, and curiosity.

Nicole Haase — Profile Summary Table