Julie DiCaro: The Fearless Voice Redefining Sports Journalism and Gender Equality

Julie DiCaro

Introduction

In the world of sports journalism, few names resonate with as much courage, resilience, and influence as Julie DiCaro. A former attorney turned award-winning journalist, DiCaro has become one of the most powerful advocates for women in sports and media. Her journey reflects both the triumphs and struggles faced by women breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

Julie DiCaro’s story is not only about success—it’s about transformation. From courtroom battles to confronting online harassment, she has fearlessly used her voice to challenge sexism, empower others, and spark conversations that changed the culture of sports media forever. Her advocacy for gender equality, fair representation, and respectful discourse has made her a symbol of integrity and strength.

Quick Bio

FieldDetails
Full NameJulie DiCaro
Date of Birth1973
Age (as of 2025)52 Years
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceNorthern Illinois, USA
EducationBachelor’s Degree – Indiana University Bloomington; Juris Doctor – DePaul University College of Law
ProfessionJournalist, Author, Former Attorney, Public Speaker
Notable WorkSidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America
AwardsPeabody Award, Gracie Awards
Current RoleWriter and Editor; Creator of Losing My Perspicacity Newsletter
Known ForAdvocacy for Women in Sports and Media; MoreThanMean Campaign

Julie DiCaro’s Early Life and Education

Julie DiCaro was born and raised in northern Illinois, where her early experiences shaped her deep sense of justice and advocacy. From a young age, she demonstrated an interest in understanding people and speaking out against inequality. Her education journey began at Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law.

Her educational background in law laid the foundation for her future as both a legal advocate and a truth-seeking journalist. During her years of study, DiCaro developed strong analytical and communication skills—qualities that would later help her dissect complex social issues in the sports and media industries.

Transition from Law to Sports Journalism

Before stepping into the media spotlight, Julie DiCaro spent more than a decade practicing law. She worked as an attorney and assistant public defender, focusing on family law and domestic violence cases. This work gave her firsthand experience with the justice system and the struggles of women navigating it.

In her early forties, DiCaro made a bold and life-changing career shift from the courtroom to the broadcast booth. Her passion for sports and her determination to bring a new voice to the industry led her to join WSCR/670 The Score in Chicago as a sports talk radio host. This move marked the beginning of a remarkable second career, one that combined her love for storytelling with her commitment to advocacy.

Rising Prominence in Media

Julie DiCaro quickly became known for her insightful commentary, fearless journalism, and willingness to tackle sensitive issues. She gained national attention for her honesty and authenticity in discussing gender discrimination, online harassment, and the toxic culture that often surrounds women in sports.

Her work has appeared in leading outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and VICE. DiCaro also served as a writer and editor at Deadspin, where her powerful articles resonated with audiences seeking truth and accountability in the sports world.

Author of Sidelined — A Groundbreaking Book

In 2021, Julie DiCaro published her critically acclaimed book, Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America. The book combines personal experiences with deep reporting to expose the realities faced by women working in sports journalism.

Through Sidelined, DiCaro explores the imbalance of power, the prevalence of online abuse, and the resilience of women who continue to pursue their careers despite adversity. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how gender and culture intersect in the world of sports.

Advocacy and the MoreThanMean Movement

One of Julie DiCaro’s most defining moments came in 2016 with the viral MoreThanMean campaign, co-created with fellow journalist Sarah Spain. The video featured men reading real, hateful tweets sent to female sports reporters—a chilling but necessary look into the harassment women face online.

The project earned widespread recognition, including a Peabody Award and Gracie Awards, cementing DiCaro’s reputation as a leader in the fight against sexism in media. It also positioned her as an influential voice for digital safety, empathy, and reform in the sports industry.

Current Work and Influence

As of 2025, Julie DiCaro continues to inspire and educate through her writing, speaking engagements, and her newsletter Losing My Perspicacity. She contributes to various media outlets, offering sharp analysis and thought-provoking commentary on sports, culture, and gender issues.

Her recent work expands beyond traditional sports journalism, focusing on the broader cultural conversations about equality, social justice, and representation. DiCaro remains a respected mentor and advocate for aspiring women journalists and writers across America.

Julie DiCaro’s Legacy

Julie DiCaro’s impact extends far beyond her career achievements. She has become a symbol of resilience for women who refuse to be silenced. Her ability to confront both the positive and negative realities of the media industry has earned her widespread respect.

Her journey from law to sports journalism demonstrates that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. By combining intelligence, empathy, and courage, she has redefined what it means to be a journalist in the modern age—unafraid to tell uncomfortable truths and determined to drive change.

Conclusion

Julie DiCaro stands as a trailblazer in the world of journalism. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and transformation. From defending the vulnerable in courtrooms to defending women’s voices in media, she continues to prove that passion and purpose can overcome adversity.

Her legacy reminds us that change begins with speaking out. Whether through her radio shows, her writing, or her book Sidelined, Julie DiCaro remains an unyielding force for truth and equality in American sports media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is Julie DiCaro?
Julie DiCaro is an American journalist, author, and former attorney known for her advocacy for women in sports and media.

Q2: What is Julie DiCaro’s most famous work?
Her most recognized work is the 2021 book Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America.

Q3: What awards has Julie DiCaro won?
She has received prestigious honors such as the Peabody Award and multiple Gracie Awards for her work in journalism and advocacy.

Q4: What was the MoreThanMean campaign?
The MoreThanMean video project highlighted the online abuse faced by women in sports media, sparking a global conversation about digital harassment.

Q5: What is Julie DiCaro doing now?
Julie DiCaro continues to write, speak, and publish through her independent newsletter Losing My Perspicacity, focusing on sports, culture, and equality.

Q6: Why is Julie DiCaro influential?
She is admired for her courage to challenge sexism, her commitment to truth, and her dedication to helping women’s voices be heard in the media industry.

Graspp

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *