Podcast by Young Professionals Committee
As colleagues in the college sports areas of communications, creative work and marketing, this webinar is a collaboration between College Sports Communicators (CSC) and the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA). The presenters, from both CSC and NACMA, focused on sharing strategies and insights on how to maximize your promotion, publicity and storytelling content - and capturing fan and audience engagement – independent of team performances. Topics discussed: - Engaging fans from diverse groups, particularly in unique environments - Within your local media market, the importance of creating positive relationships with reporters and broadcasters; emphasis on home-town storytelling via social media and Zoom; media day/photo day strategies when you are not located in a major media market - Best practice in collaborating with your fellow athletic department colleagues to promote your programs, support marketing/ticketing/communications/event initiatives and engage fans - Setting up local broadcasts of your games - Keys to keeping fans and customers engaged in your programs - Managing the push-and-pull between sports coverage and promotions during crossover seasons - For special day celebrations: ideas for ticket sales and promotions - Promoting your student-athlete alumni - Capitalizing on new hires Panelists: - Alyshia Allison, Old Dominion University Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing - Eric Bohannon, Old Dominion University Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications - Calvin Larson, Michigan Tech Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Moderator: - Michael Smoose, San Jose State University Associate Athletics Director for Marketing, Digital Media and Licensing
During Global Diversity Awareness Month, the three panelists and moderator, all leaders in the DEI space, offered their thoughts and answered numerous questions from webinar attendees on today's environment for diversity, equity and inclusion in the ever-changing and somewhat volatile politically charged landscape that administrators, coaches and student-athletes are currently navigating in. They spoke on the shift towards a more nuanced approach to DEI - moving away from only offering programming initiatives and training, to policy writing and carving out space for people to bring their authentic selves to work and to the competition fields and arenas. They discussed various ways to build an inclusive workplace when laws and policies are changing all around us. Additionally, they addressed the following in DEI work, with recommendations for CSC members: - Storytelling: How communicators can best show employee and student-athlete impact and how CSC members can help tell these stories and humanize and personalize student-athletes, coaches and staff members in this inclusion space - Read and get educated on legislation and what DEIB (belonging) policies are in your community - Noting the danger of placing DEI work in a silo, as it needs to be woven into the fabric of your department and leadership team - Managing DEI work when serving on a committee/in a department where everyone is not on the same page with the importance of this work - and how to approach people to bring them together - What are the "blind spots" right now when it comes to inclusion work in athletic departments, and strategies and ideas in managing them - Best methods to ask DEI questions to lead to healthy conversations when those conversations have not typically taken place in your workspace Panelists: - Derek Cowherd, University of Louisville Associate Athletics Director for Community and Culture - DeeDee Merritt, NCAA Managing Director, Leadership Development - Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Thigpen, LSU Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Advancement Moderator: - Kendrell Watkins, Long Island University Senior Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation
The CSC U committee and panelists discuss our College Sports Communicators (CSC) organization, our members, the CSC U Committee and the benefits of being part of our ever-growing membership. CSC is the professional organization for all those who are athletic/media relations contacts and the creative/digital athletic department members - and those exploring the profession. Bring your questions and see how we can help you navigate issues and questions AND how we provide lots of networking and mentorship opportunities and how these opportunities can open doors for your future successes. Note: This webinar is geared toward the audience of the CSC U Committee - new full-time and part-time athletic communications professionals and emerging professionals (undergraduate and graduate student assistants, graduate assistants, interns) Panelists - Caleb Garner, Arkansas State Director for Media Relation - Katie Gonzales, Illinois Wesleyan Assistant AD - Athletic Communications / CSC Executive Board Member - Amanda Phillips, Oberlin College Associate Director of Athletics Communications & Digital Media Strategist/Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach Moderator - Brian Odgen, Mississippi State Associate Director/Communications
In this October edition of our NAIA-SIDA Spotlight series, we visited with Mitchell Huppert of Marian University in Indiana. We talked about his time as an intern with the Indianapolis Colts before he the Assistant SID and now Head SID for the Knights in Indianapolis!
As athletic communicators and creatives at every divisional level are responsible for setting up team media days/photo days to capture a wide variety of content for their digital/social and broadcast campaigns, the webinar panelists discussed how best to create a sports media day with structure, organization and best practice suggestions to make media day planning and execution more efficient, fiscally responsible and productive. These Media Days/Content Days/Photo Days events can include any or all of the following: headshots, video interviews, photography for promotional collateral, fun personable videos. long-form video interviews. In addition to answering 14 questions from the attendees, the presenters gave insights and suggestions on: - planning your budget and time and assessing the scale of the event to gauge appropriate resources needed - how to hold a successful content day with limited budgets and resources/personnel - types of equipment and setups to use, in terms of actual room space, backdrops, camera and video equipment and making stations for each student-athlete to go to - how to make each teams' media day feel special and unique for them - how to keep your collection of student-athletes engaged and energized as you work with them on content; how to ensure that they stay organized and - types of content to collect on media days - how to work with hesitant/shy student-athletes - how to work with coaches and being clear on your strategies and the "why's" of setting up these sessions - in the age of NIL, how to best distribute content from these special days to your student-athletes for their own personal branding and posting needs - post event, best practices for the work involved to organize, catalog and disseminate the content you captured Panelists: - Temi Bajulaiye, America East Conference Associate Director, Creative Services & Digital Media - Emily Dorko, Adelphi University Associate Athletic Director for External Relations/SWA - Imry Halevi, Harvard University Senior Associate Director of Athletics - Content & Strategic Communications - Tyson Hutchins, BYU Associate Athletic Director for Creative Strategy Moderator: - Cobe Wastler, Air Force Academy Director of Digital Strategy
During this webinar, Adobe specialists Donna Caldwell and Eric Rowse held a discussion on all-things Adobe Express and some of the newest additions to the software and answered audience questions. For those who attended CSCUNITE24 convention in Las Vegas, both Donna and Eric were popular presenters throughout the four-day event, holding numerous Adobe workshops and office hours where they worked directly with CSC attendees on projects and helped with specific questions. This webinar focused on the tools within Adobe Express that will assist CSC members and our colleagues in creating brand-worthy content with production shortcuts and time-saving techniques. There are tips and advice for all, regardless of your level of experience with the cloud-based design and content creation platform. One main theme of the session was to help CSC members improve their productivity when creating graphics, web pages, videos and other digital assets. Topics included: Using the Adobe Express tool of lockable template fields; setting up "bulk create" templates for asset creation; working with Firefly Gen AI styles in making brand-approved assets. Presenters: - Donna Caldwell, Adobe Principal Solutions Consultant - Eric Rowse, Adobe Senior Solutions Consultant Moderator: - Patrick Murphy, Colorado School of Mines Athletic Communications Coordinator/CSC Creative and Digital Design Contest Committee chair
This was the first in the CSC "Athletic Communications Building, Developing and Empowering Your Staff Live Webinar Series" presented during the 2024-25 academic year. The presenters discussed how to go about identifying, hiring, developing and empowering a student staff, in this time of shortened staffs and the need to cover numerous game day events and office management duties. They gave tips and strategies to bolster your office staff and office content production. This included: how to identify potential student workers on your campus; using Google docs, excels, calendars and GroupMe software to organize the students' schedules and organize their work flows; how to ID the best students for the diversity of assignments, and training for those assignments. They also discussed the importance of mentoring student workers and giving them opportunities to network and enhance their skills sets. Each panelist emphasized talking to student assistants about the "why" of their jobs and to help them understand how their contributions are making a difference in your athletic organization, and how their student worker skills and experiences will benefit them career-wise. Presenters: - Alex Gutierrez, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Assistant Sports Information Director @AGutierrez_WPI - Bryant Gray, College of Coastal Georgia Director of Athletic Communications @BGray25WE - Emilia Frizzi, The Ohio State University Assistant Director of Athletic Communications @emilia_frizzi Moderator/Presenter: - Adam Ledyard, East Texas Baptist University Assistant Athletic Director for Communications @adam_ledyard
In the first NAIA-SIDA Spotlight of 2024-25, Assistant AD/SID Rachel Moore of Central Methodist University visited with Lindsey Branch of Montana Western. Lindsey discussed making the jump from high school coaching to Sports Information and her election to the NAIA SIDA Board as an at-large representative!
In the final edition of the NAIA SIDA Spotlight Series for 2023-24, Rachel Moore visited with NAIA SIDA President and CSC College Division Representative, Donnie Smith, on his background and current work at Southeastern University and what attendees can expect at #CSCUnite24 this coming June in Las Vegas.
Join Allison Hogue and Matt Nelson as they discuss what it's like to be autistic/neurodivergent in the collegiate athletic communications workplace. The podcast is in conjunction with Autism Acceptance Month and is divided into 2 parts. Hosts: -Allison Hogue - Assistant Director of Athletics Communications at University of the Pacific -Matt Nelson - Public Address Announcer for a variety of College Athletics Teams in the Greater New York/New Jersey area.
Join A.J. O'Hagan, Alan Wiederhold-Sohn, Mike Pugliese, and Matt Nelson as they discuss what it's like to be autistic/neurodivergent in the collegiate athletic communications workplace. The podcast is in conjunction with Autism Acceptance Month and is divided into 2 parts. Panelists: -A.J. O'Hagan - Sports Information Director at Monroe College - Bronx -Alan Wiederhold-Sohn - Sports Information Director at Huston-Tillotson University -Mike Pugliese - Former Sports Information Director and Current Freelancer in College Athletics -Matt Nelson (moderator) - Public Address Announcer for a variety of College Athletics Teams in the Greater New York/New Jersey area.
Starting the Journey Tips and tricks to get into the field and land the job This webinar was geared toward new and young professionals and student interested in the athletic communications profession. The discussion revolved around strategies, tips and tricks for landing your first job in the profession or moving up to the next one on your athletic communications journey. In collaboration with the CSC U, CSC Career Services and Young Professionals committees, the presenters talked about: -Beginning the search: What to look for when you're looking? -What online job boards should you look at? -How to build your skill set -Why networking is essential to get ahead and be recognized -The importance of gaining experience and volunteering in the field -Do you need a graduate degree/graduate assist-ship to gain the competitive advantage in the field - or not? -Resume-building strategies and tips: How to shape your resume and make it stand out; how to prepare a portfolio of your best work -Best way to provide your writing samples to potential employees -Pre-interview techniques: how to educate yourself on the place you are trying to work at -Do's and don't before and after interviewing -Handling a Zoom interview and in-person interviews: what to wear. how to carry yourself in both virtual and in person settings, and how to come prepared with questions to ask Panelists: Cole Helman - Palm Beach Atlantic Director of Athletic Communications/ Young Professionals Committee member Shelby Hild - Missouri Valley Conference Assistant Commissioner for Communications (formerly Baylor University Director of Athletic Communications)/ chair of the CSC Career Services Committee Meredith Mahoney - Illinois Wesleyan Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant Moderator: Colin Terrill - University of Chicago Director of Sports Information and Promotions/CSC U Committee member
Join Alex Jewell, Katie Gonzales, and Chad Cooper as they dive into the topic of affinity/Heritage months. Together, the three will start an open discussion about these months and how they fit within an athletic department. The trio will discuss the importance of these months but will also dive into how to properly establish them at your respective institutions, and how to ensure the celebration of our diversity goes far beyond a standard 30-day calendar. Hosts: Alex Jewell - Director of Athletic Development, University of Wyoming Katie Gonzales - Assistant AD for Athletic Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University Chad Cooper - Strategic Communications Director, Temple University
CSC Diversity & Inclusion Committee's Travis Jarome (Jackson State) and Scottie Rodgers (Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic) sit down with Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) to talk about discuss the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in our society today, especially as it relates to the world of college athletics. Dr. Fry is one of the leading voices in the DEI space and owner of Jen Fry Talks, a social justice education firm that explores the intersection of conflict and DEI. This critical conversation explores a myriad of topics from the decisions and rulings that are affecting DEI to evolving approaches to better address and manage DEI in the workplace. Dr. Jen Fry: https://jenfrytalks.com/
In this March edition of our NAIA - SIDA spotlight we focused on the unsung heroes of many college athletic departments, Graduate Assistants. We sat down with Central Methodist Graduate Assistant Katelyn Streeter as she details her journey from a student worker to a GA. We also discussed best strategies and practices for recruiting and developing the next generation of SIDs. This content is produced/provided by NAIA-SIDA.
Keeping DEI at the forefront presented by the CSC Diversity & Inclusion Committee Keeping diversity, equity and inclusion at the forefront in the ever-changing world of college athletics is challenging, but not impossible. In this webinar, the presenters discussed how athletics departments, conference offices and campuses as a whole can continue to experience success in their DEI pursuits by changing the culture and turning talk into actions. They shared ideas and initiatives that have led to DEI successes and how they are active advocates in championing inclusion to make their work environments more diverse. Among the questions asked/topics discussed: • How has DEI evolved over the last several years, and what are our challenges in bringing DEI initiatives and efforts into the workplace? • A discussion of recent anti-DEI legislation and how to combat it. • How are current college student-athletes diving into DEI issues and activism? • What are some ideas to create content and storytelling to raise visibility around DEI issues and to spotlight the diverse student-athlete populations on our campuses? • The importance of elevating and articulating DEI initiatives, particularly in this election year. • How to go about having those difficult conversations when it comes to DEI issues and your colleagues' varying opinions, and the importance of creating space to talk about uncomfortable issues. • How to be an advocate for DEI issues and initiatives and show support. • Ways college sports communicators can encourage student-athletes to come forward with stories in this space. What information can SIDs collect in preseason questionnaires or on media days to enhance storytelling and collect information pertinent to student-athletes (use of preferred pronouns and names, ethnicity acknowledgments, asking DEI questions).
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with baseball and softball statistics & stat rules Learning more about the sports of baseball and softball and producing accurate statistics. The eight and final session in the eight-part CSC statistics/stat rules webinar series focused on baseball and softball statistics, with the on-demand video and podcast links found here. The series was produced to help CSC membrers generate consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting, essential duties of each athletic communications department. This webinar familiarized CSC members with a review of rules for both baseball and softball as they apply to statistics for 2024 and how to utilize proper scoring techniques to register accurate statistics. Questions from the audience were answered throughout. Please note: This was NOT a training session on "how-to" work with Genius/NCAA Live Stats or Presto stats; rather, attendees gained a basic understanding of the rules of the games and an understanding of how to score plays. The discussion focused on: • college women's softball and college baseball rules and how to score stats and plays correctly • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel and job duties of that personnel, and how to effectively work with your opponent SID; setting up rosters; in-game statistical how-to's; post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications sport contact(s) • tips and strategies for SIDs who handle official scoring duties when they are questioned about a scoring decision; how best to work with coaches, press box personnel and SID colleagues to review/rectify/edit or keep a stat ruling • encouraging the audience to join the private Facebook group SID Scoring Assistance • the use of proper in-game scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • a review of stat definitions and scoring them (double plays, rundowns, batting out of order, illegal batter, softball Flex player, etc.) • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • best practices and communications in editing game files and working with your fellow SIDs post-match
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with women's lacrosse statistics & state rules Learning more about the sport of women's lacrosse and producing accurate statistics. On Monday, Feb. 26, we held our seventh in the 2023-2024 CSC statistics/stat rules webinar series. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. The presenters reviewed the rules for women's lacrosse as they apply to statistics for 2024 and covered how to utilize proper scoring techniques to register accurate statistics. They also answered numerous questions from the audience. This was a webinar for all divisional levels and levels of women's lacrosse statistics expertise. Please note: This was NOT a training session on "how-to" work with Genius/NCAA Live Stats or Presto stats; rather, topics covered were to provide SIDs with a basic understanding of the rules of the games and an understanding on how to score plays. The discussion focused on: • college women's lacrosse rules and how to score stats and plays correctly (vs. men's lacrosse rules) • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel and job duties of that personnel, and how to effectively work with your opponent SID; setting up rosters, etc.); in-game statistical how-to's; post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications sport contact(s) • the use of proper in-game scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • a review of stat definitions • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • how to work effectively with your coaches if you are challenged to change/edit statistics in-match and post-match • best practices and communications in editing game files and working with your fellow SIDs post-match
In this February edition of our NAIA-SIDA Spotlight series, Rachel Moore visited with Jeff Braun, Assistant AD/Sports Information Director of Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. The duo visited about Jeff's time in high school athletics early in his career and how he oversees one of the largest athletic departments in the country. This content is produced/provided by NAIA-SIDA.
CSC U Webinar (presented by the CSC U Committee and geared toward young professionals) Getting Creative Original air date: Feb. 6, 2024 This webinar focused on how athletic communications staff - particularly new professionals, interns, undergraduate and graduate student assistants - can tackle the ever demanding world of creative media and design by using modern day tools to accomplish tasks of graphic design, video production, and social media content while also building relationships and harnessing the power of collaboration with others across campus. We also looked at where the creative media realm has been, what the trends are now, and what might be coming on the horizon in order to highlight your school, department, and teams effectively. Note: This webinar, although geared toward the audience of the CSC U Committee — new full-time and part-time athletic communications professionals and emerging professionals (undergraduate and graduate student assistants, graduate assistants, interns) — covered a myriad of ideas and strategies for all college sports communicators, regardless of level of experience. Panelists: Joe Mixie – Siena College Athletic Communications Assistant Amanda Phillips – Oberlin College Associate Director of Athletics for Communications & Digital Media Strategist Jasmine Washington – University of New Orleans Director of Creative Services and Marketing Moderator Alivia Dieterlen – College Sports Communicators (CSC) Assistant Director of Communications and Creative Content
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with men's lacrosse statistics & state rules Learning more about the sport of men's lacrosse and producing accurate statistics. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, we held our sixth in the 2023-2024 CSC statistics/stat rules webinar series. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. This live men's lacrosse webinar familiarized CSC members with a review of rules as they apply to statistics for 2023-24 and discussed how to utilize proper men's lacrosse scoring techniques to register accurate statistics. Please note: This was NOT a training session on "how-to" work with Genius/NCAA Live Stats or Presto stats; rather, it was held to give athletic communicators and statisticians a basic understanding of the rules of the games and an understanding on how to score plays. The discussion focused on: • college men's lacrosse rules and how to score them correctly • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel and job duties of that personnel, and how to effectively work with your opponent SID; setting up rosters, uniform number issues, etc; in-game statistical how-to's; post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications sport contact(s) • the use of proper in-game scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game; discussion of groundball definitions and scoring • best practices and communications in editing game files and working with your fellow SIDs post-match
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with ice hockey statistics & stat rules Learning more about the sport of basketball and producing accurate statistics. This webinar, held Jan. 24, 2024 was our fifth in the 2023-24 CSC statistics/stat rules webinar series. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. Presenters in this ice hockey webinar familiarized CSC members with a review of ice hockey rules - for both men and women's hockey - as they apply to statistics for 2023-24 and how to utilize proper scoring techniques to register accurate statistics. Please note: This was NOT a training session on "how-to" work with Genius/NCAA Live Stats or Presto stats; rather, it was held to give athletic communicators and statisticians a basic understanding of the rules of the games and an understanding on how to score ice hockey plays and staff contests. The discussion focused on: • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel and job duties of that personnel, and how to effectively work with your opponent SID; setting up rosters, line charts (NCAA only); in-game statistical how-to's; post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications sport contact(s) • the use of proper in-game scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • a review of stat definitions (icing, offsides, shots vs. shots on goal, assists, power plays, penalty types) • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • using assist trackers (use an extra person or use the video stream if you didn't see it live) • wrapping up the game - what are the best practices in checking final stats and working with your fellow SIDs post-match Panelists • Elisa Mitton – University of Windsor Sports Information Coordinator & Home Event Manager • Tim Volkmann – Rochester Institute of Technology Director of Athletic Communications • Earl Zukerman – McGill University Communications Officer • Moderator: Jenna Jorgensen, Stillwater (Minn.) Area Public Schools Communications and Public Relations Coordinator / former Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Assistant Commissioner
In the January edition of NAIA SIDA spotlight series, Rachel Moore, Assistant AD/Director of Athletic Communications at Central Methodist University, visited with veteran SID Ryan Wronkowicz of Lourdes University on his time at both the NCAA Division I and NAIA levels. Ryan gives us an insight look into the inner workings of SIDs at the NAIA level and additional responsibilities as an Assistant Athletic Director. This content is produced/provided by NAIA-SIDA.
On-Demand Webinar - Presented by CSC and corporate partner Gipper Social Media in College Sports: Expert Insights to Ensure a Relevant Strategy in 2024 Original webinar took place Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 Click here to access the webinar's slide deck (PDF): https://collegesportscommunicators.com/documents/2024/1/16//CSC_Webinar_Social_Media_in_College_Sports_Expert_Insights_to_Ensure_a_Relevant_Strategy_in_2024_2_.pdf?id=11279 This discussion, in partnership with CSC corporate partner Gipper, focused on the top 2024 trends and strategies in sports social media. The discussion evolved around innovative techniques and tools to use to better engage your audience and amplify your program's brand. Discussion points: • 2024 Trends in Social (social as a search engine; user-generated content (UGC); what is unhinged vs. planned content?; visual branding; AI • Best practices and examples, from college sports and beyond • Tools and tips to help you work smarter, not harder and longer • UGC's using Gipper's content requests • How to leverage your MVP's (your student-athletes) • Personalized video content and examples • Automate time-intensive taskes vis AI (photo background removals, caption creations, video highlights) Panelists: • Matthew Glick – CEO and Founder, Gipper Media, Inc. • Kristen Keller – University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Digital Strategy/ 2023-24 CSC 30-Under-30 Award recipient • Robert Rosa – Creative Director, Gipper Media, Inc. • Moderator: Lydia Thompson – Partner Marketing Manager, Gipper Media, Inc. https://collegesportscommunicators.com/ https://www.gipper.com/
CSC U Webinar (presented by the CSC U Committee and geared toward young professionals) Handling the Overlap Original air date: Dec. 6, 2023 This webinar focused on how athletic communications staff handle the hectic overlapping seasons that happen twice each year: the overlap of Fall/Winter sports and then the overlap of Winter/Spring sports and duties. The panel discussed best practices and strategies to not only survive, but thrive, during the hectic time, including: how to balance out-of-season/in-season team responsibilities and overlapping in-season team responsibilities; strategies to prioritize your work; communicating effectively with in-season coaches, out-of-season coaches and your direct supervisors to deal with issues, challenges and setting up content strategies. Note: This webinar, although geared toward the audience of the CSC U Committee — new full-time and part-time athletic communications professionals and emerging professionals (undergraduate and graduate student assistants, graduate assistants, interns) — covered a myriad of ideas and strategies for all college sports communicators, regardless of level of experience. Panelists: Alisha Alexander Lewis-Clark State College Assistant Athletic Director-Sports Information John Hartrick (Associate Director of Athletics for Communications at Binghamton University) Kevin Hashiro, Chaminade University Sports Information Director Moderator Keonte' Herrera, LSU Assistant Communications Director LSU)
CAN CSC Webinar (Canadian College Sports Communicators) Communications for Social Justice Topics and EDI Initiatives Original air date: Nov. 29 This webinar touches on how athletic departments have approached social justice topics and EDI initiatives within their own departments and on their respective campuses. The panel brings knowledge and experience both from communications and home game integration perspectives. Panelists Heather Bury – University of Saskatchewan, Sports Information & Marketing Specialist Megan Muir – University of Waterloo, Communications & Game Day Coordinator Amanda Stefanile – Lakehead University, Achievement Program Coordinator Jaimie Mintenko – Lakehead University, Assistant Athletic Director Moderator: Chris Cameron – Acadia University, Sports Information & Communications Coordinator
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with basketball stats & stat rules Learning about the sport of soccer, its rules, and and producing accurate statistics. Slides from the webinar (on team rebound, dead-ball rebound, flopping rules): https://collegesportscommunicators.com/documents/2023/11/14//Bball_webinar_slides_Nov_14_2023.pdf?id=11278 This webinar on men's and women's basketball stats and stat rules was the fourth in our CSC statistics/stat rules series this fall. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. The presenters held a review of basketball rules as they apply to basketball statistics for 2023-24 and discussed how to utilize proper basketball scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, taking attendee questions throughout. The discussion focused on: • college basketball rules and how to score them correctly • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel and job duties of that personnel, and how to effectively work with your opponent SID; setting up rosters, uniform number issues, etc; in-game statistical how-to's; post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications sport contact(s) • the use of proper in-game scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • a review of rebound definitions (deadball rebound, team rebound), and how to ensure that the stats between rebounds and missed shots balance • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • best practices and communications in editing game files and working with your fellow SIDs post-match Panelists • Sarah Boissonneault – Northeast Conference, Assistant Commissioner for Communications & Digital Media / Statistician for WNBA's Connecticut Sun • Kevin Smith – The College of Wooster, Director of Athletic Communication • Terie Smith – Freelance Statistician, USC, NBA's Clippers and Lakers • Moderator: Courtney Day, DePaul University, Associate Athletics Director for Communications and Digital Strategy / CSC Professional Development and Continuing Education Committee member
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Using web and social media analytics to make data-driven decisions The presenters discussed the importance for athletic communicators and creatives to gather data and insights in real time as it pertains to your web and social media content. They discussed how social media data mining gives you key insights into your audience so you can learn what kind of content they like, when they want to see it, and where they spend their time online. Panelists • Sam Knehans – Sun Belt Conference Senior Associate Commissioner, Chief Communications and Branding Officer • Chris Jones – New York Red Bulls Manager, Digital and Social Content • Phylicia Short –Queens University (Charlotte) Assistant Athletic Director for Communications / Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Designee • Moderator: Eliza Kravitz, Georgetown University Assistant Director of Athletic Communications While many platforms have their own built-in insights, using a social media analytics tool or tools can help you collect all of that data in a single, easy-to-use dashboard; those tools were discussed. Also: Collecting the Data What social media data you should be tracking, with tips for smart social media data collection How to collaborate with on-campus colleagues to deliver data/analytics to support your brand messaging and brand content Phylicia Short (Queens): Led athletic department effort to partner with the Queens business school as they moved to NCAA Division I to create their analytics strategies; suggested schools work with their campus constituents (business school, analytics, masters programs) to assist in collection of data, and to use tools like Sprout Social to collect the data. Analyzing the Data and Making the Case How to use analytics to inform and build your social media strategies to help your brand(s) gauge key metrics like reach, followers, engagement, clicks and conversations Sam Knehans: Ask: To establish your social analytics strategy, ask: What are we using our time on? What content moves the needle? Review of tools the Sun Belt Conference uses. Review your analytics each semester. Chris Jones - Making decisions based on the data, always asking: Why do we think it worked/didn't work? How can we learn and improve? Review and refine your strategy often. Other Resources August 2023 - Rival IQ's Higher Education Social Media Engagement Report for all NCAA Division I and Division I Universities and Colleges: https://www.rivaliq.com/blog/higher-ed-social-media-engagement-report/ March 2023 - MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference Session: Social Media and Sports: How Consumption and Fanhood is Changing via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOw5vJ_vy6s
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with soccer stats & stat rules Learning about the sport of soccer, its rules, and and producing accurate statistics. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. From our 2023-24 CSC Statistics and Stat Rules Webinar Series, this webinar featured leading college soccer statisticians discussing pre-game best practices setups, in-game scoring, and giving an understanding of the rules of the game as they pertain to producing accurate statistics. The discussion and insights focused on: • college soccer rules and how to score them correctly • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel and job duties of that personnel, and how to effectively work with your opponent SID; setting up rosters, uniform number issues, etc; in-game statistical how-to's; post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications sport contact(s) • the needs of the NCAA as it pertains to soccer roster and schedule accuracy, statistical reporting, and changes which might need to be made • the use of proper in-game scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • a review of the "own goals" definition, what is a shot versus a shot on goal versus a cross/pass attempt, how to define an assist • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • best practices and communications in editing game files and working with your fellow SIDs post-match Panelists • Matt Holmes – NCAA Assistant Director of Media Coordination and Statistics • Chris Shoals – University of Kentucky Associate Director, Athletic Communications and Public Relations • Chad Twaro – CSC member and freelance statistician • Moderator: Robert McKinney, Willamette University Assistant AD, Communications / CSC Professional Development and Continuing Education Committee member
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with volleyball stats & stat rules Learning about the sport of volleyball, its rules, and and producing accurate statistics. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. From our 2023-24 CSC Statistics and Stat Rules Webinar Series, this webinar, with five leading pro and college volleyball statisticians, featured a discussion and insights on: • college volleyball rules and how to score them correctly • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel, and post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications volleyball contact(s) • the use of proper in-game volleyball scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics • a review of the hand signals that volleyball officials use to determine a play and also how they signal player numbers/substitutions • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • best practices and communications in editing game files and working with your fellow SIDs post-match Panelists • Mindy Brauer – MIT Assistant Director of DAPER Communications, Promotions, and Marketing • Diane Nordstrom – University of Wisconsin Associate Director of Brand Communication / CSC Hall of Famer and CSC Professional Development and Education Committee member • Joe Reinsch – Pacific West Conference Assistant Commissioner • Shane White - Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) & USA Volleyball official and national volleyball statistician • Moderator: Mark Albanese, Pacific Lutheran Director of Sports Communication / CSC Professional Development and Education Committee member
On-Demand College Sports Communicators Webinar Working with football stats & stat rules Learning about the sport of football and producing accurate statistics. Generating consistent statistics and consistent stat reporting are essential duties of each athletic communications department. This webinar, with five leading pro and college football statisticians, featured a discussion and insights on: • new college football rules • best practices for pregame preparation for statistics, setting up stat personnel, and post-game reporting; working with your opponents' athletic communications football contact(s) • the use of proper in-game football scoring techniques to register accurate statistics, including: entering starters; duplicate uniform numbers; what sources to use if unsure about a play; recording basic statistics (spotting the ball, jersey number changes, intended targets, RPO vs. rushing, lateral vs. pitch • discussion of difficult/unusual plays, ways to troubleshoot them and the way to accurate stat them during the game • best practices and communications in editing game files Panelists • Scott Fishman – Genius Sports, Business Analyst / Indianapolis Colts Gameday Stat Crew Director • Stan Granch – USC and UCLA Head Statistician • John Painter – Maryville College, Assistant AD for Communications • Jeff Williams – NCAA, Associate Director Media Coordination and Statistics • Moderator: Ira Thor – New Jersey City University, Associate Vice President for University Communications / New York Jets Crew Chief/Head Statistician Other resources and statistical training materials: • From CSC 360 September issue: Accurate statistics are important; resources are available: https://collegesportscommunicators.com/news/2023/9/5/general-accurate-statistics-are-important-resources-are-available.aspx • For sports that utilize NCAA LiveStats (football, soccer, volleyball and ice hockey), the NCAA Manager is a terrific resource filled with training videos and a FAQ page for each sport. https://ncaamanager.com/ncaa/home • Live training webinars for fall sports have passed, but recordings of the sessions remain available online. https://ncaamanager.com/ncaa/know-more • Be sure to sign up for the NCAA LiveStats newsletter to receive product updates and register for upcoming webinars. https://geniussports.com/sportstech/livestats-email-sign-up/ • On game day, if you incur any issues, contact NCAA LiveStats help desk at (877) 542-7282 or email NCAASupport@geniussports.com. We encourage you to CC the corresponding NCAA staff member (more on that below!) so that we are aware of the issue. For those in the NAIA utilizing Presto Sports statistics software: YouTube Presto Training Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYMnW1ercBdVoP-jCxuQSMMi3JC5tO6HO • Presto Stats Help Center — Find resources with cheat sheets, webinars, live scoring and more! https://help.prestosports.com/PrestoStats/v1/
These five CSC members – from NCAA Division I, II, III and Canadian institutions – held a discussion and Q&A on broadcasting your live events, presenting insights and takeaways on the following topics: • a variety of ideas on how to recruit and develop students to assist in broadcasting roles; • building strong relationships with your media carriers, and deciding on who to use • production and live event direction tips (working with different components) • working with limited resources as you build your broadcasting units • ideas on working with alumni, coaches and administrators on securing funding for broadcasting equipment and deliverables • recruiting and developing play-by-play and color announcers The four panelists and moderator were: Whitney Haworth – Georgia Southern University, Director of Creative and Digital Strategy Adam Ledyard – East Texas Baptist University, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Reagan Ratcliff – Dallas Baptist University, Associate Director of Athletics for Media Relations Alex Souza – Coastal Carolina University, Assistant Athletic Director of Digital Initiatives and Branding Moderator: Elisa Mitton – University of Windsor, Sports Information Coordinator
Provided by the College Sports Communicators Diversity & Inclusion Committee --- If you're looking for dictionary definitions and a lecture on how to be perfect when it comes to navigating the LGBTQ+ discussion, then you've come to the wrong place! If candid, raw, and real discussions are more your vibe, then you are encouraged to click the link and grow your heart, mind, and soul for the next 50 minutes. In this conversation, Alex Jewell, Katie Gonzales, and Chad Cooper, three members of the CSC Diversity and Inclusion committee — all with very different backgrounds and day-to-day lives — have an open and honest discussion about microaggressions within the LGBTQ+ context and far beyond. They aren't college professors or behavioral scientists – they're three individuals who experience the topic in their everyday lives and in different parts of the country. Now, they've come together to share their thoughts, discuss their imperfections, and help you navigate your own growth in the space. Listen in, think hard, and grow with Alex, Katie, and Chad.
Hosted by the CSC U Committee Headlining this webinar for young professionals, emerging professionals (graduate assistants, graduate and undergraduate student interns and assistants, and those interested in the college athletic communications career path) were four young professionals, all leaders in their early years as athletic communicators. These young CSC members — including two who just earned CSC 30-Under-30 awards, Baylor's Shelby Hild and Davidson's Dani Gariglio —lead the discussion on helping elevate yourself; offering advice and takeaways on how to prepare for interviews, enhance your resume, highlight your work, and build connections. They also answered numerous questions from the attendees as it concerned their “next career steps,” making an impression, improving their personal brand. The CSC U Committee provides educational resources for new college athletic communications and creative professionals (those with 0-3 years of experience) and graduate assistants, graduate and undergraduate interns and students - and those from other industries. They also work on recruiting young professionals and students to our industry. The CSC U professional development series is focused on issues and education for young and aspiring sports communicators. Presenters Dani Gariglio, Davidson College Shelby Hild, Baylor University Jordan Sarnoff, Fairleigh Dickinson Moderator Josh Lively, University of Tennessee
The discussion focuses on postseason competitions and the roles that SIDs play to providing appropriate and timely information to a host media coordinator and the media covering broadcasts – regardless of the division of competition. What are the necessary information pieces and what is the preparation that the media and media hosts need from SIDs to ensure that there is a great broadcast and a great championship event? We see the postseasons preparation needs and role of athletic communicators through the eyes of the media and through a conference media relations host. Checklists for SIDs are also provided; one is a general checklist to prepare for a championship and for a broadcast. The other checklist is pertinent information for small college/NCAA Division III members. Panelists: • Miles McQuiggan, Colonial Athletic Association, Assistant Commissioner for Communications • Leah Secondo, NCAA multi-sports broadcaster and analyst • Steve Vecchione, Northeast Sports Network play-by-play announcer and former ESPN coordinating producer • Moderator: Ali Paquette, Middlebury Assistant AD/Director of Athletic Communications
This College Sports Communicators (CSC) podcast is from the Dec. 14, 2022 CSC U Committee webinar series and focused on The Joy of Sports Communications: What We Love About CSC And Our Work.” The audience was comprised of new college athletic communications and creative professionals and graduate assistants, graduate and undergraduate interns and student. The CSC U professional development series is focused on issues and education for young and aspiring sports communicators. The series is presented by Capital One. Panelists Josh Foster — Vanderbilt University, Associate Director of Athletic Communications // 2022 CSC 30-Under-30 Award winner Jasmine Washington — University of New Orleans Director of Creative Services and Photography // 2022 CSC 30-Under-30 Award winner Sammi Wellman — Citrus College Sports Information Coordinator // CSC U Committee vice chair Moderator: Josh Lively — University of Tennessee Assistant Media Relations Director // CSC U Committee member
What do employees really want from their workplace culture? It's essential to build a culture of collaboration and engagement (versus specialization) in college athletic communications, especially as we continue to navigate through the effects of the pandemic, limited resources, and the departure of colleagues which puts strain and stress on your efforts. Hear from these three professionals who have built and are building departments to face the challenges today and how you can best empower your colleagues and staff to succeed. Prioritizing employee experience is critical to the long-term success of any organization, and see how these athletic leaders are accomplishing this. Panel Lisa Campos, University of Texas San Antonio Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Ali Paquette, Middlebury College Assistant AD/Director of Athletic Communications Moderator Tony Neely, University of Kentucky Assistant AD for Athletic Communications and Public Relations
In this challenging time of shortened staffs and resources, our four presenters have a frank discussion on how to bolster your office staff and office content production with techniques and strategies to successfully find, teach, engage and mentor your student assistants. As students split their time between school, work, friends and sports, they want to see or understand the ways they make a difference. By engaging and mentoring your student employees, you provide vital real-life work experiences that can be beneficial to your department - and to them for the rest of their lives. Presenters: JD Campbell – Indiana University, Senior Assistant AD For Men's Basketball and Special Projects/CoSIDA Executive Board member Pearllan Cipriano – Shippensburg University, Sports Information Graduate Assistant Ken Sweeten – Southern Connecticut State University Associate Director of Athletics/Athletic Communications Presenter/Moderator: Adam Ledyard – East Texas Baptist University, Assistant AD for Communications
On Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 CoSIDA leaders and members of the strategic branding identity working group held an open forum/Q&A for members interested in learning more about the CoSIDA organizational name change and the voting which will take place August 31, 2022.
Ashleigh Jones is wrapping up her third year with DePauw Athletics, where she joined in August of 2019 as the Assistant Director of Athletics Communications. Prior to joining the Tigers, she was the lead operations coordinator and assistant coach for Pink Elite Basketball from 2014 to 2019 while also working with ATI Physical Therapy. With Pink Elite, she helped coach one of eight teams to state qualifiers and her expansive marketing insight helped lead the program to a sponsorship from Adidas in summer of 2019. Her background in sports information includes working as a graduate assistant at North Central College (IL) in 2017-18 and as an athletic event staff member, which included events such as the Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships. Ashleigh joins 2021-22 CoSIDA Intern Brandon Jones to talk about her experience as a Black woman and a young professional in athletics communications on this episode of Through My Lens.
Adele Burk has been on the staff at the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) since 2013 and was promoted to her current position of Associate Director of Championships & Compliance in July 2021. She provides administrative support for conference championships, compliance assistance to conference members, manages use of logo marks and licensing, and serves as administrative liaison to the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee. Her previous roles with the NESCAC include serving as Assistant Director from 2016 to 2021 and Director of Media Relations from 2013 to 2016. Prior to joining the NESCAC, she served as Sports Information Director at Oswego State (NY) and a Sports Information Assistant at her alma mater Gustavus Adolphus (MN) after a short stint as a school teacher. Burk sits down with 2021-22 intern Brandon Jones to discuss her career path and what drew her to collegiate athletic communications on this episode of Through My Lens.
Cindy Potter is CoSIDA President and Senior Deputy Director of Athletics at Columbia College (Mo.). She discusses her favorite parts of working in collegiate athletics communications as well as the importance of work-life balance in the industry. She joins 2021-22 CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones for the finale of the Executive Session podcast series with the 2021-22 executive board. Potter is the first CoSIDA President from an NAIA institution and the fifth woman from any division to serve in the role. When she received the presidential gavel in June 2021 from Sam Atkinson, is was the first time in CoSIDA history that one College Division president passed the gavel to another. In June 2022, she will again make history when the gavel is passed to Jessica Poole — the first time two women have served as President in consecutive years. She first served on the CoSIDA Board of Directors as a College Division Representative from 2011-2014. Potter was a 2008 CoSIDA Rising Star Award winner and also received the 2020 Warren Berg Award. At #CoSIDA22 she will receive the Bud Nangle Award, which is presented to a CoSIDA member or an individual outside of CoSIDA who embodies the ideals of intercollegiate athletics by showing ethics, integrity, compassion and/or bravery in a singular act or under an unusual or stressful personal or professional situation.
Jessica Poole is CoSIDA's First Vice President who will take over as President this summer. At Chicago State, she is Senior Associate AD of External Operations and Revenue Generation. Poole sits down with 2021-22 CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones to discuss her favorite parts of being a CoSIDA board member among other topics in the industry.
John Paquette is the Senior Associate Commissioner of Sports Media Relations for the Big East Conference. Within CoSIDA, Paquette is the Second Vice President and Co-Liaison to the Professional Development & Education Committee. He joins 2021-22 CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones to discuss his favorite parts of the collegiate athletic communications industry as he enters the "back nine" of his career.
Kevin Trainor is CoSIDA's Third Vice President in 2021-22 and the executive board liaison to the Advocacy Committee and the Professional Development Committee. At the University of Arkansas, he is the Senior Associate AD for Public Relations & Former Student-Athlete Engagement. In this episode of Executive Session with CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones, he discusses both the positives and negatives of intercollegiate athletic communications and his experience of singing the national anthem at a Razorback baseball game.
Sam Atkinson, CoSIDA's Past President, is the Associate Athletics Director for Communications at Gallaudet University. On this episode of Executive Session Podcast, he discusses his favorite aspects of the athletic communications industry as well as what needs to be improved while also mentioning the importance of family. Atkinson served as CoSIDA President during the 2020-21 academic year, and steadily led the organization during one of the most difficult years at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Atkinson has been honored by CoSIDA with the Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award (2014) and Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award (2020). Hosted by 2021-22 CoSIDA Intern Brandon Jones.
Jeff Hodges, CoSIDA's Secretary and Special Awards Committee Chair, and the Assistant Athletics Director of Communications at the University of North Alabama, discusses what drew him to CoSIDA, the great connections he's made in the organization, and the new awards he's created outside of CoSIDA among other topics. Hodges was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 1997 and has also been recognized by the organization with the Warren Berg Award (1997), 25-Year Award (2009), President's Award (2016) and Arch Ward Award (2017). He took over the roll of CoSIDA secretary in 2002-03, after previously serving as a college division representative from 1992-95. He's joined by host Brandon Jones, 2021-22 CoSIDA Intern.
Tommy Chasanoff, Assistant Athletics Director of Sports Information at University of the Cumberlands, is in his fifth year at the university. The four-time Paralympic Medalist was elevated to his current position as Assistant Athletics Director in July of 2020. In September of 2020, Chasanoff became the first Patriot to be named NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year in addition to being voted as the Mid-South Conference's SID of the Year in 2018 and 2020. Prior to joining the Cumberlands athletics staff, Chasanoff worked as an assistant sports information director at University of Tampa for two years. He joins CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones for a podcast conversation as part of the Through My Lens series.
Mike Robles, CoSIDA's College Division Representative for the West Region and the Director of Communications for California Community College Athletic Association, sits down with 2021-22 intern Brandon Jones for this week's episode of Executive Session. He discusses his favorite parts of the athletic communications industry throughout his career as well as the importance of board members having an equal voice.
Katie Mucci, CoSIDA's At-Large Representative and Assistant Commissioner for New Media and Technology at the Missouri Valley Conference, discusses the difficulty of navigating an athletics communications office during the pandemic, changes the industry needs to make, and more. Mucci was the 2021 CoSIDA Rising Star Award winner in the University Division and also received the President's Award in 2020 for her prior service leading the New Media Committee.
Dan Ruede, CoSIDA's College Division Representative for the Northeast Region and the Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications at the University of New Haven, discusses the importance of his family in his career, his love for traveling, the need for more staffing in the athletic communications industry, and more. He's joined by CoSIDA intern Brando Jones.