The presence of women in motorsports is growing slowly but steadily both on and off the track. One such sensation is Carla Metts Gebhart, who is a household name in NASCAR broadcasting. Here is what we know about her.
Carla Metts Gebhart’s Path to Sports Journalism
Gebhart’s path into sports journalism did not happen by chance. It started early with an idea of what she wanted to do.
“I have always wanted to be in sports journalism. I was probably more committed to the idea when I was in high school. When I got to college, I started to think, “Is this actually a realistic career choice?” and I sort of talked myself out of it. I majored in Communications and minored in Journalism, but truly loved my major. I got to pick most every topic that I wrote on in my research papers, and I always chose sports topics. I thought maybe when I graduated from college, I would continue my education and go back and be a professor. That still sounds fun, but I’m glad I went down this path and took a chance,” said Gebhart in an interview with CharlotteWomenMag.com.
Gebhart attended Georgia Southern University, where she graduated in 2014 with a degree in communication studies and a minor in journalism. College was not just about classes for Gebhart; she was a four-year captain of the co-ed cheerleading squad and played tennis, volleyball, and basketball during high school.
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Like journalism, Gebhart’s early days involved learning behind the scenes. In 2015, she worked as a production assistant at KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This gave Gebhart a true understanding of how a newsroom works and laid the foundation for everything that came next.
Soon, Gebhart moved into a visible role at Midco Sports Network. From 2015 to 2017, she worked as a reporter and producer, and even got to be in front of the camera as an in-studio host and sideline reporter. Gebhart covered college football and basketball, finding her voice and growing more confident telling stories in high-pressure, live environments.
Gebhart’s career took a significant turn when she entered NASCAR. Working as a videographer, she got a look at one of the fastest sports in the country. Covering the Daytona 500 was a defining experience for Gebhart. Being there in person with that level of access and intensity left a lasting impression on her, deepening her love for sports coverage.
In 2020, Gebhart joined Queen City News (WJZY-TV) in Charlotte. This is where her career reached new heights. She helped launch “Charlotte Sports Live,” a show that quickly became a major local sports platform. Gebhart’s dedication and on-screen presence made an impact, leading to her promotion to sports director in 2023. In that role, she became the voice across several key programs covering everything from NFL content with the Carolina Panthers to NASCAR features and studio shows.
After five years in Charlotte, Gebhart was ready for a new challenge. In 2025, she joined The CW Network as the host of “NASCAR Countdown Live.” It was a major step for Gebhart, moving from a strong local presence to a national audience as the network took over broadcast rights for the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
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Throughout Gebhart’s career, she has not limited herself to one sport or role. She has worked across NASCAR, the NFL, the NBA, and college athletics, taking on responsibilities such as hosting, reporting, or producing. Gebhart has built a reputation as a versatile, dependable professional in a fast-paced industry.
Gebhart’s work earned her an Emmy Award, which highlights her talent and consistency. Another special moment occurred when Georgia Southern University invited Gebhart back to speak to students about her career path. Returning to where it all began, now as a role model, was a full-circle moment for her.
A Closer Look at Carla Metts Gebhart’s Personal Life
Off-camera, Gebhart’s life is just as busy. She is married to Trevor Gebhart, a former NDSU football player, whom she met while covering the team. Together, they are raising their son and daughter while balancing family life with careers in and around sports.
Gebhart is also a certified personal trainer. She often talks about her faith, which she sees as a core part of who she is. These parts of her life highlight her discipline, values, and the balance she strives to maintain.
At its core, Gebhart’s story is about knowing what you want and staying dedicated to it. From a focused high school student to a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, Gebhart has built her career step by step, seizing every chance to learn, grow, and advance.
