New role underscores newsroom’s investment in expanding women’s sports coverage
Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune has named Cassidy Hettesheimer as its dedicated women’s sports reporter, reinforcing the newsroom’s commitment to covering the growing landscape of women’s athletics, including teams such as the Minnesota Lynx and Minnesota Frost.
Hettesheimer, who joined the Star Tribune as an intern in June 2024, has quickly established herself as a dynamic and focused journalist. Originally from the Atlanta area, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and gained experience across sports media, community reporting, and communications, including work with a weekly newspaper and university sustainability initiatives. A lifelong athlete who played soccer, Hettesheimer has long been drawn to sports storytelling.
“Cassidy has hit the ground running in a way that’s rare, even in a fast-paced newsroom,” said Kathleen Hennessey, editor and senior vice president for the Minnesota Star Tribune. “She brings urgency, creativity, and a genuine passion for women’s sports. Whether she’s live-blogging breaking WNBA news or telling in-depth stories about athletes across Minnesota, she understands both the moment and the responsibility.”
From the start, Hettesheimer knew she wanted to work in sports journalism—but not along the most traditional paths. “While I love a wide variety of sports, I didn’t feel a specific calling until I started seeing more coverage of women’s sports,” Hettesheimer said. “I realized I could cover a community that I’d been a part of as both an athlete and audience member.”
That realization took shape during her college years, alongside growing visibility for women’s athletics, including global events like the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which she covered. Even as dedicated roles in women’s sports coverage were still emerging, Hettesheimer remained focused on building a career in the space.
Now on the women’s sports beat in Minnesota, she is stepping into a period of significant growth and momentum. In her first weeks, Hettesheimer has covered a surge of WNBA activity around the Minnesota Lynx, including simultaneous live blogs for free agency and the draft, while also producing feature stories on Duluth native and WNBA prospect Gianna Kneepkens and Minnesota Frost forward Kelly Pannek.
Hettesheimer’s role as the Star Tribune’s first women’s sports reporter builds upon a legacy/track record of journalists covering women’s sports at the news outlet. This broader investment in dedicated coverage is necessary as audience demand continues to grow.
To hear Hettesheimer in her own words, view this recent Instagram post.
Hettesheimer’s byline and stories can be found on the Minnesota Star Tribune website.
About The Star Tribune Media Company
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 158-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.