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Carla Metts Gebhart went from cheering on the sidelines of college football to commanding the pre-race stage for NASCAR’s Xfinity Series on The CW, proving that the path to motorsports broadcasting doesn’t always start in the garage—sometimes it starts with a great love story and an even better work ethic.

EARLY YEARS

Metts attended Georgia Southern University, where she wasn’t just part of the co-ed cheerleading squad—she was its four-year captain for the Eagles. Her time at Georgia Southern proved formative in more ways than one. During the legendary 2012 Georgia Southern vs. NDSU football game, she was on the sidelines as a cheerleader. That day would change her life in an unexpected way: she met Trevor Gebhart, who would later become her husband. The two got engaged years later, and their wedding took place on April 15, becoming a celebrated union that started with an unlikely college football matchup.

OTHER INTERESTS

Outside of broadcasting, Metts prioritizes fitness and family. She’s mentioned that in her free time, she loves to work out and spend quality time with her children. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career in sports media, she’s managed to maintain both her physical health and her presence at home—a feat that requires as much discipline as any race-day broadcast.

EARLY SUCCESS

After graduating from Georgia Southern, Metts began her broadcasting career at Midco Sports Network in South Dakota, working as an in-studio host and sideline reporter covering college football and basketball. It was a solid start in a smaller market, but she quickly proved she had the chops for bigger stages. Her time at Midco included participating in the network’s “Head-2-Head” segment, where she went up against fellow reporters in playful on-air competitions. From South Dakota, she made the leap to Charlotte, North Carolina—referred to as the “other Queen City”—where she became Sports Director at WJZY-TV (Queen City News/FOX Charlotte). There, she helped launch “Charlotte Sports Live,” a nightly sports show where she covered NASCAR, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and college athletics. Her Emmy Award-winning work in Charlotte cemented her reputation as a versatile and dynamic sports journalist who could handle any beat thrown her way.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2012: Served as four-year captain of the Georgia Southern University co-ed cheerleading squad[1].
• Early Career: Began broadcasting career at Midco Sports Network in South Dakota as in-studio host and sideline reporter[2].
• Charlotte Era: Named Sports Director at WJZY-TV (FOX Charlotte) and helped start nightly sports show “Charlotte Sports Live”[3].
• Emmy Award: Won Emmy Award for her work as a sports director in Charlotte[4].
• 2025: Named host of “NASCAR Countdown Live” on The CW Network for the NASCAR Xfinity Series season[5].
• 2025: Served as sideline reporter for Carolina Panthers preseason broadcasts[6].
• 2025: Worked infield care center coverage during early races of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season[7].
• 2025: Selected as commencement speaker for Georgia Southern University’s Fall 2025 ceremony[8].
• Guest Appearances: Featured multiple times on “The Dale Jr. Download” podcast[9].

INSPIRATIONS

Metts has spoken fondly about her time at Georgia Southern and the influence of her coaches there, noting that Georgia Southern was “an FCS powerhouse not too long ago.” Her roots in college sports and her personal connection to the competitive spirit of athletics have clearly informed her approach to sports journalism. The fact that her career path brought her directly into the heart of NASCAR country—Charlotte—feels almost serendipitous, given that the city is the epicenter of American stock car racing. Her ability to connect with athletes, crews, and fans alike stems from a genuine appreciation for the dedication required to compete at the highest levels.

REPUTATION

Carla Metts Gebhart has built a reputation as one of the most engaging and accessible faces in motorsports media. Known for her high-energy presence and sharp interviewing skills, she brings warmth and professionalism to every broadcast. Colleagues and fans alike appreciate her ability to break down complex racing strategies while keeping the conversation fun and relatable. Her work on “NASCAR Countdown Live” has been praised for setting the tone on race day, offering viewers insightful pre-race analysis without the stuffiness that can sometimes bog down sports coverage. The CW’s decision to feature her as the face of their NASCAR Xfinity Series coverage speaks volumes about her credibility and appeal. She’s the kind of broadcaster who makes you feel like you’re part of the conversation, not just watching it—and in a male-dominated industry, that’s no small feat.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As of 2025, Metts continues to host “NASCAR Countdown Live” on The CW, positioning herself as a mainstay in the network’s NASCAR coverage. Her role as a commencement speaker at Georgia Southern University’s Fall 2025 ceremony signals her growing influence beyond the broadcast booth—she’s becoming a role model for young women looking to break into sports media. With The CW’s NASCAR Xfinity Series broadcasts averaging over one million viewers per week and increasing by 10 percent over the previous year, Metts is riding a wave of momentum that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she expands into other racing series, takes on more high-profile hosting gigs, or continues building her brand in Charlotte, one thing is clear: Carla Metts Gebhart is just getting started.

References:

Charlotte Women Magazine – Meet Carla Gebhart
Acclaimed Business Leaders and Sports Broadcaster to Speak at Georgia Southern University’s Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
CW Network Names Announcers for Xfinity Series
The CW Bursts Onto NASCAR Xfinity Scene With High-Energy Pre-Race Show
The CW Network Sets Broadcast Team for 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season
How to Watch, Listen and Live Stream: Carolina vs. New York Jets
Couch Potato Tuesday: The CW Needs Its Booth at the Track
Statesboro Undergraduate Ceremony – Georgia Southern University
Carla Metts Gebhart’s Podcast Credits & Interviews – Podchaser
Unlikely Match (November 2014) – Bison Illustrated
Carla Gebhart | Midco Sports Magazine | 09/14/23
Let’s Hear It For FCS Football – Midco Sports
The CW and Xfinity to Air Final Stage of NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Commercial-Free