🎱 Meet Katie Shanahan, the newest face of Channel 5’s snooker coverage! While she’s now gracing our screens, Katie’s no stranger to the sports world. She once represented England in hockey and even shared her college days at the University of North Carolina with greats like Sarina Wiegman.


But Katie’s athletic journey met a roadblock after a terrifying injury – a hockey ball to the head that led to plastic surgery and spinal reconstruction. Katie bravely recalls, “I had a hockey ball smash at my head, splitting it open. I needed plastic surgery because my facial bones shifted.” Despite the ordeal, Katie remains grateful it wasn’t more severe, saying, “If it had hit my temple, I would’ve died.”

Fast forward to today, Katie’s passion for sports persists. She’s rubbed shoulders with snooker legends like Stephen Hendry, and even thrives on discussing sports tactics with the best, such as England’s Alessia Russo. From being an athlete to becoming a top-notch sports broadcaster, Katie’s journey is truly inspiring!
Catch Katie and the rest of the team on Channel 5 as they bring you the excitement of the Players Championship. The semi-finals are set for Saturday, followed by a gripping final on Sunday. With the snooker family warmly welcoming her on board, Katie’s testament to overcoming adversity shines in every broadcast. Stay tuned and enjoy the show! 🎉🏏