CoSIDA Podcasts & Webinars: Recent Episodes
CoSIDA
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 hiresPanelists:- 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 RelationsModerator:- 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 workspacePanelists:- 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 AdvancementModerator:- 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 capturedPanelists:- 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 StrategyModerator:- 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 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.
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.
Starting the JourneyTips and tricks to get into the field and land the jobThis 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 askPanelists:Cole Helman - Palm Beach Atlantic Director of Athletic Communications/ Young Professionals Committee memberShelby Hild - Missouri Valley Conference Assistant Commissioner for Communications (formerly Baylor University Director of Athletic Communications)/ chair of the CSC Career Services CommitteeMeredith Mahoney - Illinois Wesleyan Athletic Communications Graduate AssistantModerator: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 WyomingKatie Gonzales - Assistant AD for Athletic Communications, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityChad 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 forefrontpresented by the CSC Diversity & Inclusion CommitteeKeeping 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 WebinarWorking with baseball and softball statistics & stat rulesLearning 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 WebinarWorking with women's lacrosse statistics & state rulesLearning 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 CreativeOriginal air date: Feb. 6, 2024This 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 MarketingModeratorAlivia Dieterlen – College Sports Communicators (CSC) Assistant Director of Communications and Creative Content
On-Demand College Sports Communicators WebinarWorking with men's lacrosse statistics & state rulesLearning 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 WebinarWorking with ice hockey statistics & stat rulesLearning 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-matchPanelists• 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 GipperSocial Media in College Sports: Expert Insights to Ensure a Relevant Strategy in 2024Original webinar took place Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024Click 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 OverlapOriginal air date: Dec. 6, 2023This 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 DirectorModerator Keonte’ Herrera, LSU Assistant Communications Director LSU)
CAN CSC Webinar (Canadian College Sports Communicators)Communications for Social Justice Topics and EDI InitiativesOriginal 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.PanelistsHeather Bury – University of Saskatchewan, Sports Information & Marketing SpecialistMegan Muir – University of Waterloo, Communications & Game Day CoordinatorAmanda Stefanile – Lakehead University, Achievement Program CoordinatorJaimie Mintenko – Lakehead University, Assistant Athletic DirectorModerator: Chris Cameron – Acadia University, Sports Information & Communications Coordinator
On-Demand College Sports Communicators WebinarWorking with basketball stats & stat rulesLearning 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=11278This 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-matchPanelists• 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 WebinarUsing web and social media analytics to make data-driven decisionsThe 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 CommunicationsWhile 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 DataWhat social media data you should be tracking, with tips for smart social media data collectionHow to collaborate with on-campus colleagues to deliver data/analytics to support your brand messaging and brand contentPhylicia 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 CaseHow 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 conversationsSam 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 WebinarWorking with soccer stats & stat rulesLearning 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-matchPanelists• 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 WebinarWorking with volleyball stats & stat rulesLearning 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-matchPanelists• 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 WebinarWorking with football stats & stat rulesLearning 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 filesPanelists • 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 StatisticianOther 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 announcersThe four panelists and moderator were:Whitney Haworth – Georgia Southern University, Director of Creative and Digital StrategyAdam Ledyard – East Texas Baptist University, Assistant Athletic Director for CommunicationsReagan Ratcliff – Dallas Baptist University, Associate Director of Athletics for Media RelationsAlex Souza – Coastal Carolina University, Assistant Athletic Director of Digital Initiatives and BrandingModerator: 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 CommitteeHeadlining 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.PresentersDani Gariglio, Davidson CollegeShelby Hild, Baylor UniversityJordan Sarnoff, Fairleigh DickinsonModerator 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.PanelistsJosh 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.
On this episode of Executive Session, CoSIDA’s Central Region College Division Representative Mary Beth Challoner joined 2021-22 intern Brandon Jones to discuss her unique perspective on the athletics communications Industry. University of Toronto’s Manager of Events & Marketing also reminisces on her time spent as a collegiate hockey player and other aspects of her personal life.
Louisiana native Keonte' Herrera joined LSU as an Assistant Communications Director in September 2021 as the primary contact for softball and volleyball.
Prior to his return to his home state, Herrera covered six championship runs between volleyball, track and field, and men’s basketball at Texas State in his two and a half years in San Marcos.
Herrera has also worked with Division II programs Texas A&M - Commerce, Texas A&M - Kingsville, and St. Edward’s University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Southeast Louisiana in 2014 and his M.Ed. in Coaching, Sport, Recreation, and Fitness Administration from Angelo State University.
Herrera has a great softball resource in his household, as his wife Priscilla (Velasquez) Herrera was a four-year softball letterman and Conference-USA MVP at East Carolina University.
He joins CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones for a podcast conversation in as part of the Through My Lens series.
In the second episode of the Executive Session Podcast, Brandon Jones is joined by Lenny Reich, CoSIDA At-Large Representative from the University of Mount Union, who discusses executive board membership, his personal journey, the ever-changing profession of college sports information, and what he is thankful for.
Reich is in his 14th year at Mount Union, currently serving as Assistant AD and Sports Information Director. He's in his 25th year in the athletics communications business overall, previously serving at Capital University.
Among his accolades, he was the 2019 recipient of the Warren Berg Award by CoSIDA, given for outstanding contributions to the profession. He is a past president of D3SIDA (Division III Sports Information Directors Association), past chair of the Ohio Athletic Conference SID Task Force, the NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Central Region Committee, and was part of the NCAA Sportsmanship and Game Environment Working Group, where he worked in conjunction with the Disney Institute to help design the "GameDay the DIII Way" program.
ON-DEMAND Teachable Tuesday Webinar presented by Capital One Checking in On Your Wellness Your emotional, mental and physical health.
Panelists: Dr. Kaye Cole – University of Iowa Athletics, Mental Health Therapist and Consultant Scott Day – Sean's House SL24: Unlocke The Light, Director of Communications and Operations / Former CoSIDA member and SID Moderator: Mike Kern – Missouri Valley Conference, Associate Commissioner
As we turn the page from the crossover fall and winter seasons and into the new year, we held this webinar to discuss issues facing SIDs around your emotional, mental and physical health. The panelists gave guidance on self-care strategies and ways to help you ask for help if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, failure to prioritize, and more.
These topics were covered and insights were offered for: • helping you recognize warning signs of anxiety, burnout, frustration and depression ... what constitutes burnout? • stop grinding and wearing "the grind mentality and massive hours of work" as a badge of honor • sharing advice and strategies on empowering you to address these issues with colleagues, superiors, family and friends • the danger of viewing yourself through the prism of your job and the dangers of defining yourself primarily through your job • how to do "radical self-care" and truly take charge of your life, not allowing the job to dominate your actions and thinking; the importance of being agressive and radical about taking care of yourself - all the time • taking inventory of your coping strategies, whether they be healthy and unhealthy coping strategies, and how to examine them, set your own personal goals, and push forward in a positive direction ... silencing your inner critic, • setting priorities • how to break through the difficulties of talking to a supervisor about your mental/physical health concerns, and ways to open up a conversation about it • how to help others if you sense they are struggling, or, how to talk to them if they reach out to you and tell you that they are concerned about their mental health • how do you calm yourself/decompress during the holiday season? • the importance of having a "safe space, a corner of safe people" to trust and open up to • how to stop comparing yourself to others and looking to others for validation; presenter Scott Day attributed this quote to college men's basketball coach Shaka Smart, who he worked with at VCU: "Comparison is the thief of joy. Dr. Cole is on the University of Iowa athletics staff as its mental health therapist and consultant and works closely with student-athletes and staff on issues of mental health (depression, performance anxiety, panic disorders, other mental and emotional conditions.) Day previously was a CoSIDA member and athletic communications administrator, serving at the University of Delaware, University of Richmond, VCU and Monmouth. Day speaks openly and honestly about his riveting and personal struggles with depression, weight gain and suicidal thoughts. He currently serves as communications and operations director for the Unlocke The Light Foundation which is dedicated to unlocking the students' light by providing resources for those struggling with depression, self-injury and suicide.
A former collegiate track and field athlete, Christopher Sabato’s role as Assistant Athletics Director at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon is much different than your “traditional” SID. Chris is responsible for graphic design, photography, and social media for Willamette as well as the athletic department’s brand and identity.
Chris came to Willamette as a pole vault coach. Chris coached Katie Mariman to a school-record 11’5.75” vault and also coached six of Willamette’s top ten female pole vaulters. Chris took on SID-related tasks while coaching before eventually transitioning to his current role and out of coaching.
As an athlete, Chris competed in the sprints, long jump, and was all-conference in the pole vault during his collegiate career at Alfred University, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 2002.
In November’s Through My Lens series, CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones speaks with Chris about his career journey while also discussing current topics in the sports information industry. At the end of the episode, Chris offers his advice to young professionals entering the industry.
Through My Lens is a monthly feature sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through member stories, the series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals. See more at CoSIDA.com/ThroughMyLens.
Future-forward Thinking About Communications, Globally And For College Athletics
With guest: Bonnie Caver, President & Founder, Reputation Lighthouse/former CoSIDA member and athletic communicator Host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC
Time: 29:27
For the Leadership CoSIDA professional development series, you’ll hear from Bonnie (Bishop) Caver, President and Founder of Reputation Lighthouse, a branding and reputation marketing firm with offices in Denver and Austin.
An award-winning brand communicator, Bonnie is a Certified Crisis Manager from the Institute of Crisis Management and is a Board member of both the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. She began her career in athletic communications, serving as an assistant SID in the SEC.
In honor of Global PR and Communications Month, Bonnie spoke with podcast host Trip Durham on the direction of strategic and crisis communications globally, nationally and for college athletics, offering future-forward thinking for athletic communicators and creatives, and more.
What is Leadership CoSIDA? This 10-part year-long series began in October 2021 and is open to current CoSIDA dues-paying members with a cap of 75 participants. Leadership CoSIDA replaces the CoSIDA Leadership Forum held at the annual CoSIDA summer convention. The first session featuring athletics directors Michael Bazemore (Montana State), Bubba Cunningham (North Carolina) and Dr. Bren Stevens (Charleston (W.V.)) is available on-demand for subscribers in the CoSIDA Professional Development Hub. Register for the paid series at CoSIDA.com/register.
Born in India, Avi Mehta moved to New Jersey at the age of 10. He quickly developed a passion for sports, but soon realized that playing sports professionally was not going to be feasible. He wondered what career path would allow him to still do something with his passion for sports.
Fast forward to now, Avi is now the Director of Strategic Communications with Texas A&M - Commerce Athletics. The Lions recently made the official announcement that they will be moving from Division II to the Division I Southland Conference, which will change the entire look of the athletic communications office.
In October’s Through My Lens series, CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones discusses the challenges and opportunities that becoming a Division I program brings as well as some background information on Avi and his advice to young professionals in Sports Information.
CoSIDA Teachable Tuesday Webinar presented by Capital One
Taking on new roles, building a department culture in athletic communications.
Original Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2021
There is much movement and change in college athletic departments, particularly with job transitions and realigning departments in the wake of the pandemic. Nearly every athletic communications staff has been affected with transitions, new hires, realigning duties, etc.
Join these presenters as they discuss moving into new jobs, making the jump from one division to another, taking on leadership responsibilities, and how they are building and contributing to their department culture. How do you handle a move to a new job, a new organization? Hear from them about the process of researching and moving into a new position, both physically and emotionally, about "letting go" of your former job, and preparing for new opportunities in the COVID environment, and much more.
There will be a live Q&A for attendees to ask their questions.
Presenters: Nathaniel Gale – Missouri Valley Conference, Assistant Director for Communications & Digital Strategy Nicolle Holcomb – Eastern New Mexico, Sports Information Director John Painter – Maryville College, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Nicole Sasu-Twum – University of Delaware, Assistant Director, Communications and Creative Services
Moderator: Miles McQuiggan – Colonial Athletic Association, Assistant Commissioner for Communications
Episode 6 of CoSIDA Conversations with CoSIDA President Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and Executive Director Doug Vance.
This episode includes guest Beau White, Director of Creative Services for the CoSIDA staff. Atkinson and White share thoughts on the upcoming CoSIDA strategic branding review, including early thoughts and goals for the project.
Sam and Doug also talk about the incredible work done by CoSIDA and its members in the spring of 2021, the latest on the Academic All-America® program and the upcoming #CoSIDA21 Virtual Convention.
The monthly conversation discusses all things CoSIDA, the athletics communications profession and our members. We want to make sure everyone knows what the organization is doing and discussing, and what items and initiatives the leadership is working on. Episodes may include guests like one of our committee chairs, executive board or divisional cabinet members or CoSIDA staff. Each episode includes time for questions and answers directly from the membership.
The presenters, all members of the CoSIDA Advocacy Committee, discuss how an athletic communications staff member can organize their work/achievements over the past year to prepare for a year-end analysis, either for a self-evaluation or a performance review/evaluation with a supervisor. The four presenters discussed and answered the following: What did we use/repurpose/overlap during the past year? How do we organize that to prepare a self-evaluation? How do we present that to supervisors in a performance review?
Panelists: Kenisha Rhone, former Belmont University Director of Digital Media and Social Strategy Steve Flegel, Whitworth University Assistant AD-Sports Information Kevin Trainor, Arkansas Senior Associate AD, Public Relations Moderator Mary Beth Challoner, University of Toronto Manager, Events, Marketing and Athletic Communications
Finishing The Academic Year Strong & Taking Care Of Yourself: Advice, Ideas & Insights For Our SID Community
In this pre-recorded webinar, these four members of the CoSIDA Advocacy Committee shared some thoughts and strategies to help our members navigate through the final weeks of the spring semester – and beyond. It’s been a very difficult and challenging stretch for everyone working in college athletics, particularly for SIDs.
The topics covered: • focusing only on the essentials • hints to help you manage your time on task • document your successes and special projects undertaken during the pandemic • the importance on communications, making, and enforcing deadlines with staff members and coaches • allowing yourself to plan times to recharge – and how to advocate for these recharges • ideas for down time and “staycations” • how to control what you can control when it comes to off-time work emails, texts and calls
Panelists Akilah Laster – Sun Belt Conference, Assistant Commissioner, Communications Shane Herrmann – North Alabama, Associate Sports Information Director Mike Williams – Illinois State, Assistant Athletics Director/Communications
Moderator Danny Barnts – Point Loma Nazarene University, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
ON-DEMAND WEBINAR presented by Capital One CANSIDA (Canadian SIDs): Event Efficiencies Original Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Presenter Elisa Mitton (University of Windsor) guided a conversation and Q&A on strategies to best coordinates game day communications, social media and photographers, event staff and logistics, webcasting and volunteers.
Mitton focused on using productivity, planning and communications tools like online schedules, Slack and in-person communications and site visits to ensure that you cover all your event to-do lists. Additionally, she and the audience spoke about the importance of crisis planning and the ability to pivot with unforeseen circumstances that might arise.
Podcast with Dave Sanderson (International speaker, author and noted authority on personal leadership) with host Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC
One moment in recent history – 12 years ago - which captured international attention was when US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing in the Hudson River, outside of New York City. This bravery and life-saving techniques of flight captain Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger III were chronicled as the Miracle on the Hudson, when a bird strike hit Flight 1549, leaving no choice but for the crew but to ditch and land the plane into the Hudson River.
One passenger on that January 15, 2009 flight was today’s podcast guest – Dave Sanderson, a businessman who was flying from LaGuardia International to Charlotte, NC. Sanderson was one of the last off the plane after assisting other passengers to exit on the wings of that plane. Sanderson had to jump into the frigid waters of the Hudson as there was no more room on the wing.
Sanderson joins June Stewart Leadership Series podcast host Trip Durham to discuss that day, his unique story, and the leadership and personal growth experiences that came about after the incident.
Now a motivational speaker, noted authority on personal leadership, TEDx speaker and author, Sanderson’s book Moment's Matter details his close encounter with death and how one defining moment can create a lifetime of purpose.
Sanderson directs his comments to our athletic communications professionals and how we all can best move through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, build consensus and rapport in their work environment, and much more.
As he states, “Right now it’s about employing your personal leadership to show people how to give certainty to those who may have uncertainty.”
The panelists and moderator all personally were affected by either facing a furlough or layoff during the COVID pandemic and they talk about strategies used and lessons learned - and how they are applying those experiences and challenges to their jobs today and advocating for themselves and their staffs.
These four CoSIDA members either jumped into new athletic communications leadership roles during the pandemic or dealt with being furloughed, and what challenges they faced during the furlough and then returning to their positions.
Panelists: Brian Morales, Director of Media Relations, Wagner College Katie Mucci, Assistant Commissioner for New Media and Technology, Missouri Valley Conference Nate Smith, Director of Athletic Communications, Alfred University
Moderator: Miles McQuiggan, Director of Athletic Communications, Saint Francis University
The three presenters showcased their content creation ideas and discussed leveraging that content and turning it into a revenue source. They presented ideas and graphic displays of content they are using to assist coaches in the recruiting process. Ideas and strategies were discussed on creating content (visuals, video, graphics and written pieces) for honors and awards, and how to apply new ideas and content for social justice initiatives.
Episode 5 of CoSIDA Conversations with CoSIDA President Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and Executive Director Doug Vance.
This episode includes guests Shelly Poe of Auburn and Danny Barnts of Point Loma who serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the CoSIDA Advocacy Committee. The pair share details on the focus of the Advocacy Committee's work including helping members advocate for themselves, their staffs and the profession as a whole.
Sam and Doug also talk about the 2021 CoSIDA Hall of Fame Class and other topics.
The monthly conversation discusses all things CoSIDA, the athletics communications profession and our members. We want to make sure everyone knows what the organization is doing and discussing, and what items and initiatives the leadership is working on. Episodes may include guests like one of our committee chairs, executive board or divisional cabinet members or CoSIDA staff.
Each episode includes time for questions and answers directly from the membership. Submit your questions any time at CoSIDA.com/askCoSIDA.
Phylicia Short, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Queens University of Charlotte, is the next to be featured in the CoSIDA Through My Lens monthly feature, sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals.
ON-DEMAND COFFEE SHOP REPLAY Considering the #SIDLife? What you need to know now to prepare for an athletics communications career. Original Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021
CoSIDA U and Young Professionals committee members and other young professionals share their stories of how they found a career in athletic communications and what their journey has included so far.
They provided more than 20 undergraduate, grad students and people new to the profession with first-hand experiences of how to get a foot in the door, the skills needed in an evolving field, how to prepare for the career and what to expect in their first job.
Panelists: Josh Foster – Vanderbilt University, Associate Director of Communications Allison Hogue – Coker College, Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations Andrew Mindeman – Covenant College, Director of Athletic Communications Ryan Small – Saint Anselm College, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Justin Wilson – Atlantic Coast Conference, Director of Communications
ON-DEMAND CANSIDA CONTINUING EDUCATION WEBINAR PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE Social Media Creative Content During the Pandemic Original Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021
How do you keep your team brand alive on social media when no varsity sports competition is going on? Join us for this CANSIDA session for strategies, tips and creative ideas sharing to help you engage with your audience.
Presenter Mathieu Tanguay – Université Laval, Communication Manager
This discussion centered around the intersection of mental and physical health, particularly for athletic communicators who are facing a challenging spring with either a “sprall” (fall, winter and springs sports) all contested this semester, or a heavy winter/spring competition workload, or, for some, the anxiety of not having any competitions at all. The panelists also stressed the mental and emotional fatigue that working in the pandemic has caused SIDs, and offered tips, advice and strategies to fight both the anxieties and stressors associated with COVID-19.
Some of the main suggestions and strategies suggested during the webinar include: • Set goals and have a purpose in setting those goals (Jeremy Rosenthal) • Be consistent yet be flexible – realize a busy schedule might interrupt you and just be flexible of when you can walk/run/plan out your daily tasks (Jeremy Rosenthal) • Tackling your fitness/exercise: Make it a point of emphasis to find support & accountability – which makes working out/exercising more fun and more motivating when doing things with people, even remotely • A real talk on anxiety (Amie Canfield, Jay Stancil) and how to combat it during isolation • Participating in CoSIDA Coffee shops (CoSIDA.com/coffeeshops), with the focus of creating a mental health boost to talk and connect to other SIDs and how they are handling things ... this community forum can be such a positive for everyone (all four presenters highly recommended them) • Taking small steps to make a change in your routine can be the difference maker; the importance of of giving yourself grace and acceptance and patience (Amie Canfield) • Participation in the newest CoSIDA Fitness Challenge (which starts week of Feb. 8-15)
Presenters Amie Canfield – Vassar College, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications Jeremy Rosenthal – Indiana University Assistant Director of MediaRelations Jay Stancil – Union College (Ky.) Director of Strategic Sports Communications Moderator David Gibson – Madonna University, Assistant Director, Athletic Communications & Marketing
Through My Lens is a monthly feature sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through member stories, the series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals.
The NCAA Media Coordination and Statistics staff took audience questions and provided their answers to statistics and record-keeping policy changes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of the changes in the traditional fall-spring sports competition schedule happening right now.
The staff reviewed key points in their Policy Adjustments document as it pertains to single/season/career records for teams, individuals and coaches; championship records; awards; footnoting in your statistics and record books; answered questions pertaining to NCAA LiveStats development; and discussed the changes in access for staff members and the media in upcoming 2021 NCAA Championships, and much more.
Presenters Sahar Abdur-Rashid – NCAA, Assistant Director, Media Coordination & Statistics Matt Holmes – NCAA, Assistant Director, Championships & Alliances Jennifer Rodgers – NCAA, Associate Director, Media Coordination & Statistics Jeff Williams – NCAA, Associate Director, Media Coordination & Statistics
Moderator: Chuck Yahng – Maryville, Assistant AD for Communications
Episode 4 of CoSIDA Conversations with CoSIDA President Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and Executive Director Doug Vance.
This episode includes guest Amy Yakola of the ACC who serves as Chair of the CoSIDA Membership Recognition Committee. She talks about the decision to move Recognition Week to January this year, the work of the committee and plans for the rest of the year.
The monthly conversation discusses all things CoSIDA, the athletics communications profession and our members. We want to make sure everyone knows what the organization is doing and discussing, and what items and initiatives the leadership is working on. Episodes may include guests like one of our committee chairs, executive board or divisional cabinet members or CoSIDA staff.
Each episode includes time for questions and answers directly from the membership. Submit your questions any time at CoSIDA.com/askCoSIDA.
ON-DEMAND CANSIDA CONTINUING EDUCATION WEBINAR PRENTED BY CAPITAL ONE Engaging Alumni Audiences Original Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Having no varsity events shouldn't prevent us from finding new and unique ways to engage with our wide audience range. How can athletic communications professionals continue to engage with our alumni, supporters and donors during this down season? Our first Canadian Sports Information Directors (CANSIDA) professional development session was an open discussion, exploring ideas for creating content for every varsity team's audience while also broadening the SID value to each athletic department and conference.
The presenter and moderator also took questions from the attendees.
Topics discussed: Email marketing and branding and athletic newsletters and philosophies on content and design, use of simple graphics, targeted audiences and a focus on analytics and engagement numbers What’s working? Online team fundraising campaigns (online silent auctions via Bid Beacon software; doing team experiences in your silent auctions) – live webcasts and pre-recorded segments Facebook Live video interviews with alumni “Friend-raising” vs. fundraising concepts Partnering with campus communications/alumni offices Host Connor Hood – University of Alberta, Sports Information & Communications Coordinator
Moderators Jill Clark – University of Toronto, Coordinator - Athletic Communications Ben Matchett – University of Calgary, Assistant Athletic Director, Operations & Communications
Learn more about the CoSIDA Racial & Social Justice Initiative at CoSIDA.com/CoSIDAforChange
Our panel took audience questions around diversity, equity and inclusion, touching on topics such as: • How to determine DEI priorities • How to have difficult conversations • Age discrimination • Strategies for Black History Month • National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Panelists Tangela Cheatham – West Virginia, Director of Student-Athlete Enhancement Jason Fein – Bates College, Director of Athletics Kelvin Queliz – New Orleans, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Marketing Michael Sainte – BIG EAST Conference, Senior Director, Compliance and Membership Services
Through My Lens is a monthly feature sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through member stories, the series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals.
In a discussion taped on Dec. 14, 2020, these communications leaders from NCAA Division I, II and III and the NAIA explored the hot-button issues and crisis planning facing athletic communicators right now as we all face (daily) disruptions and sudden changes to our sports schedules. The panel covered lots of territory and offered strategies to “adjust on the fly” to cancelations, opponents which are changed at the last minute due to COVID protocols, scheduling multiple events in the same day, the art of messaging and communicating to all constituents on all your platforms as the information changes rapidly, and so much more.
They discussed: - Things to remember as you plan and coordinate your messaging about breaking news concerning event changes, additions and cancelations; this includes important steps in working the opponent on announcements, timing, wording, etc. - The importance of having a good rapport and trust built with your coaching staffs. How to best communicate with coaches so you know early in the process that there may be a change/addition and to keep everyone in a consistent messaging style - Who are your go-to people for staffing when you have to scramble? How do you build those connections with SIDs at other schools or your own department staff who may be able to help in a pinch? - How to involve IT/facilities/events personnel in the planning and ways to keep communications flowing with them - The importance of establishing a solid line of communication and great collaboration between the conference office and the athletic department when it comes to schedule/competition changes, with examples offered - Website updates/social media updates: What's the plan? Who handles what? How do you work with your university communications staff on all these rapid changes? - Ideas and suggestions on how to help SIDs stay mentally, physically and emotionally sharp and lower stress levels during this unprecedented time - Final takeaways and “lessons learned” on how athletic communicators can best prepared to do this crisis planning
Presenters Kevin Davis - Coastal Carolina University Assistant AD for Media Relations John Paquette - Big East Conference Senior Associate Commissioner for Sports Media Relations Shelby Scott - Missouri Valley College Assistant SID/Heart of America Conference SID Phylicia Short - Queens (Charlotte) Asssistant AD for Communications Moderator: Ira Thor, New Jersey City University Sr. Director of University Communications
Listen to these NAIA-SIDA senior athletic leaders for their discussion on “what’s next?” as we turn the calendar to the 2021 spring semester with the potential for sports competitions every day of the week during the pandemic.
Topics discussed included the best ways to message all the changes/cancelations/adjustments to the athletic schedule, communicating with leaders, coaches and student-athletes, how to manage additional duties and responsibilities, most of the time with a limited and reduced staff; how to find additional personnel to staff events; and reminders to help ensure the sanity and wellness of sports information personnel.
Panelists • Brie Campbell – William Jessup University, Assistant Athletic Director - Communications Senior Woman Administrator • Aaron Sagraves – Cornerstone University, Director of Athletics/former NAIA-SIDA President and SID • Ron Smith – Westmont College, Sports Information Director • Steve Wilson – Kansas Wesleyan University, Director of Athletics/former SID • Moderator Zachary Shore – Madonna University Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications, Marketing, and Promotions
Episode 3 of CoSIDA Conversations with CoSIDA President Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and Executive Director Doug Vance.
This episode talks about the decision by NACDA and CoSIDA for the 2021 conventions to be held virtually.
Guests include CoSIDA 2nd VP Jessica Poole and CoSIDA 3rd VP John Paquette who lead the programming and professional development committee, and CoSIDA staff members Will Roleson and Barb Kowal.
The monthly conversation discusses all things CoSIDA, the athletics communications profession and our members. We want to make sure everyone knows what the organization is doing and discussing, and what items and initiatives the leadership is working on. Episodes may include guests like one of our committee chairs, executive board or divisional cabinet members or CoSIDA staff.
Each episode includes time for questions and answers directly from the membership. Submit your questions any time at CoSIDA.com/askCoSIDA.
For undergrad students, grad students and those new to the profession. Conversation explored how SIDs interact with the media and help with broadcasts. Discussion also touched on working with student media.
Through My Lens is a monthly feature sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through member stories, the series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals.
Earlier in November, a working group comprised of members from CoSIDA, the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and the NCAA championship and alliances/media coordination and statistics staff released a set of agreed-upon media guidelines for men's and women's basketball related to the pandemic impact on media operations.
In this webinar, you’ll hear from several CoSIDA members and national media members from this working group as they further explain and identify the challenges involved in media relations and hosting media at men's and women's basketball games, from both the SID and media perspective.
Panelists - Seth Davis – CBS College Basketball Reporter / The Athletic College Basketball Managing Editor / President, USBWA - Mike Kern – Missouri Valley Conference, Associate Commissioner - Kenny Klein – Louisville, Senior Associate AD/Sports Information Director - Colin McDonough – Northwest Missouri State University, Assistant AD/Media Relations - Malcolm Moran – IUPUI, Director of the Sports Capital Journalism Program; USBWA Executive Director - Moderator Will Roleson – CoSIDA Associate Executive Director
Episode 2 of CoSIDA Conversations with CoSIDA President Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and Executive Director Doug Vance. This episode features Executive Board of Directors member Denise Thompson of the Big Sky Conference who talks about the Racial & Social Justice Initiative.
The monthly conversation discusses all things CoSIDA, the athletics communications profession and our members. We want to make sure everyone knows what the organization is doing and discussing, and what items and initiatives the leadership is working on. Episodes may include guests like one of our committee chairs, executive board or divisional cabinet members or CoSIDA staff.
Each episode includes time for questions and answers directly from the membership. Submit your questions any time at CoSIDA.com/askCoSIDA.
CoSIDA's fourth event in its Racial & Social Justice Initiative. Learn more at CoSIDA.com/CoSIDAforChange
The conversation featured: Dr. Alisse Ali-Joseph – Northern Arizona, Faculty Athletics Representative Tom Bowen – Bellwether Athletic Leadership Strategy Company LLC, President & Founder Dr. Victoria Farris – Farris Consulting LLC, Social Justice Consultant, Speaker, Coach Moderator Travis Jarome – Alabama State, Director of Athletic Strategic Communications
CoSIDA Webinar presented by Capital One
Division I college athletic leaders from athletic communications, facilities/event management, student wellness/athletic training and marketing/development discussed strategies and thoughts to help colleagues through all the challenges and changes brought on by the COVID pandemic, as we brace for heavy scheduling of competitions and events heading into 2021 and the spring semester.
The discussion centered around ideas to: • manage the upcoming, unprecedented spring semester where: 1.) some schools and conferences will play fall-winter-spring competitions or 2.) Hold winter-spring sport competitions while continuing to deal with COVID-19 implications and challenges. • work effectively with student-athletes, prioritizing event and game operations, review of important safety measures, juggling schedules and staff, communicating and messaging fans/alumni/parents and helping them stay connected and engaged when social distancing is required • how to deal with COVID-19 potential outbreaks of staffers and student-athletes managing expectations of supervisors, coaches and student-athletes, external stakeholders
Panelists Kenny Boyd – Baylor University, Senior Associate AD/Student-Athlete Health & Wellness Clint Burgi – Utah Valley University, Associate AD/Communications & Marketing Julie Cribbs – Louisiana State University, Director of Game/Event Management (FB, MBB, SB)/Collegiate Event & Facility Management Association (CEFMA) Board Member Jessica Hammond-Graf – University of Maryland Baltimore County, Deputy AD/SWA Eddy Occhipinti – Monmouth University, Associate AD/Marketing & Sponsorships
Moderator Nick Guerriero – CoSIDA Professional Development & Education Committee coordinator
We’ve assembled a group of college athletic leaders to help you through all the changes, heavy scheduling of competitions and events as we turn the calendar and head into 2021 and the spring semester. Hear strategies and thoughts of influencers and leaders in athletic departments as to how they are going to manage the upcoming, unprecedented spring semester where: 1.) some schools and conferences will play fall-winter-spring competitions or 2.) Hold winter-spring sport competitions while continuing to deal with COVID-19 implications and challenges.
Have your questions answered about working with student-athletes, prioritizing event and game operations, review of important safety measures, juggling schedules and staff, communicating and messaging your fans and helping them stay connected and engaged when social distancing is required, and so much more.
Panelists Lonnie Folks – Maryville University, Director of Athletics & Recreation Jordan Hoover – Catholic University, Assistant AD for Facilities and Operations Kevin Maloney – Jones College, Assistant AD for Sports Information/2YSIDA President Denise Wujciak – Kean University, Director of Sports Medicine/Senior Woman Administrator
Moderator Jim Powers – Maryville University, Coordinator of Athletics Communications
Watch the discussion with two media members from Kentucky (print and TV media) who offer their insights and suggestions on how SIDs can best work with their local media during this CoVID-19 crisis. Due to budget cuts around the country in media, many news stations aren’t able to cover teams like they normally would, and panelists Brian Milam and Kal Oakes discussed how to work with media to get content they need for their recaps, website posts, notebook blogs, print newspaper and live sports segments on the news. They offered strategies on how an SID can best get attention in a crowded market, and the importance of building relationships and trust - and how you go about creating those strong relationships with your local media so that your stories will be told.
Panelists Brian Milam – Sports Director at WKYT – CBS affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky Kal Oakes – Sports Editor at Georgetown News-Graphic – local newspaper in Georgetown, Kentucky
Moderator Jenny Elder – Georgetown College, Sports Information Director
Through My Lens is a monthly feature sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through member stories, the series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals.
CoSIDA President Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and Executive Director Doug Vance have their first CoSIDA Conversation.
The monthly conversation will discuss all things CoSIDA, the athletics communications profession and our members. We want to make sure everyone knows what the organization is doing and discussing, and what items and initiatives the leadership is working on. Future episodes may include guests like one of our committee chairs, executive board or divisional cabinet members or CoSIDA staff.
Each episode will include time for questions and answers directly from the membership. Submit your questions any time at CoSIDA.com/askCoSIDA.
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Communications Thoughts & Strategies For Athletic Communicators Today with host Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC
A former SID at Davidson College and Elon College, both in North Carolina, Erica Madden gained valuable experience when she began her athletic communications career as a student assistant at Indiana University. Transitioning into corporate and non-profit strategic communications, Madden is a storyteller, has increased philanthropic support for numerous organizations and says she “believes in the power of moments. I love to create experiences for clients, employees, friends and family that elevate and change them.”
In this podcast, Madden offers her perspectives on athletic communications and the strategic roles of SIDs as they embrace their responsibilities as we move through the pandemic and beyond. Madden’s message includes advice on “courageous communications,” how to be “ridiculously present” and to avoid “communications clutter.” And, the importance of the handwritten note.
She is owner and partner in bloom, a creative and communications firm in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Website: bloomandchange.com
CoSIDA's third event in its Racial & Social Justice Initiative. Learn more at CoSIDA.com/CoSIDAforChange
The conversation featured: • Dr. Derrick Gragg – NCAA Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Education & Community Engagement • Jennifer Jones – Birmingham Southern, Assistant AD for External Operations • Dr. Renae Myles Payne – Miami (Fla.), Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Administration & Chief Diversity Officer • Amy Yakola – Atlantic Coast Conference, Deputy Commissioner-Chief of External Affairs, moderator
CoSIDA / NAIA-SIDA Webinar presented by Capital One
The three presenters discussed ideas and strategies on how to best prepare for sports competitions during COVID-19, particularly for the spring semester when many colleges and universities will have their fall, winter and spring teams all competing at the same time. Strategies for planning and communicating with administrators, coaches, student-athletes are fans were discussed, along with content creation and game management (staffing, press row/press box, live streaming, post-game procedures) and the use of students/interns in this unique time for our industry.
Panelists Jeff Melton – Vanguard University, Assistant AD Events and Communications Jerek Wolcott – University of Northern Iowa, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Mike Safford Jr. – College of Idaho, Director of Athletic Communications,
Moderator Zachary Shore – Madonna University, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Marketing
CoSIDA Webinar presented by Capital One Co-sponsored by the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A)
Three current and former student-athletes from a variety of backgrounds and divisions discussed the opportunities and challenges that come with LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives in college athletics. From their insights, CoSIDA members, N4A members and other college athletic colleagues learned best practices for creating more welcoming environments in their departments and ways to make a difference for LGBTQ+ student-athletes on their campus. Topics covered included:
• Biggest issues facing LGBTQ+ student-athletes today • Best ways for administrators, and best ways for SIDs, to approach the LBGTQ+ issues and hold conversations with student-athletes • How to work with administrators at a religious-based institution that doesn’t agree with same-sex marriages or is not supportive of LGBTQ+ initiatives • How SIDs can best help prepare an LBGTQ+ student-athlete and the media to tell their story • How to best advocate for your LGBTQ+ student-athletes and staff members; • What gives LGBTQ+ student-athletes pause right now, and what give them hope and optimism?
Presenters KC Cross – University of Arkansas, Mental Health and Performance Clinician / Former Basketball Student-Athlete, Columbia College (Mo.) – Preferred Pronouns: They/Them/Their Emma Gee – Temple University, Current Graduate Student Track Student-Athlete / BYU (Undergraduate Student-Athlete) – Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Jaden Vazquez – Fordham University, Current Football Student-Athlete – Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
Moderator Tanya Vogel – George Washington University, Director of Athletics – Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Teachable Tuesdays Webinar Series (Presented by Capital One) LGBTQ+ Inclusion Initiatives in College Athletics (Part 1) The administrator point of view.
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Co-Sponsored by CoSIDA and the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A)
College administrators with a variety of backgrounds discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives in college athletics. Learn best practices for creating a more welcoming environment in your department and ways you can make a difference for LGBTQ+ student-athletes on your campus.
Presenters Layne Ingram – Lansing Community College, President's Office Project Coordinator/Women's Basketball Coach Amy Huchthausen – America East Conference, Commissioner Gary Pine – Azusa Pacific University, Director of Athletics Aimee Sinacola – Indiana University South Bend, Sports Information Director
Moderator Resa Lovelace – University of Maryland, Assistant AD, Student-Athlete Development
CoSIDA Webinar presented by Capital One
Experienced financial coach Suzanne Johnson has partnered with motivated individuals, couples and families to help them navigate financial challenges and set financial goals and strategies to ensure a more stable future. Join her to discuss how to work through your finances and set up financial strategies to offset the effects of CoVID-19, what to do in case you are laid off or furloughed, and steps in helping you plan for the future beyond the pandemic.
Presenter Suzanne Johnson – Owner, Grace Financial Coaching
Website: GraceFinancialCoaching.com
Moderator Nick Guerriero – CoSIDA Professional Development and Education Committee Coordinator
CoSIDA Webinar presented by Capital One
In these challenging times, mental health effects during the global pandemic are very important to monitor for everyone. As athletic communicators know, public health actions, such as social distancing and remote working environments, continue to make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. We want to help address these concerns with this mental health webinar.
Join our presenters to learn how to better cope with these stressors in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Our panelists include one current and one former athletic communication professional and a mental health advocate and professional (a former accomplished NCAA Division II student-athlete).
Presenters • Ryan Bower – North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, Public Information Officer/Graphic Designer // Former CoSIDA member and SID • Brian Savard – Plattsburgh State University, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications • Ivy Watts – Founder, Ivy Watts Speaks, mental health empowerment speaker/2015 NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 honoree
Website: IvyWattsSpeaks.com
Moderator • Nick Guerriero – CoSIDA Professional Development and Education Committee Coordinator
Listen to your student-athletes. Create opportunities and help facilitate action based on what your student-athletes are telling you. Make diversity and inclusion part of who you are instead of treating it like a PR move to remain relevant. These and many more perspectives were shared by our panel including student-athletes Anna Cockrell (USC) and Georgia McKee (Belmont), and Kansas State Chief Diversity Officer Julian Jones.
Student-athletes and staff members are arriving back on campus after six months of chaos. First it was a pandemic and then it was racial and social injustice – all of which disproportionately affected underserved populations including people of color. These issues brought significant voices, many of whom were athletes, to the forefront demanding action and change. How will you help student-athletes and staff on your campus find their voice to channel their emotions into activism? Panelists Anna Cockrell – University of Southern California Student-Athlete, 2020 Academic All-America® of the Year/Women’s Track and Field Julian Jones – Kansas State University, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development/Chief Diversity Officer Georgia McKee – Belmont University Student-Athlete, Softball
Moderator Kyle Chilton – BYU, Director of Media Relations
With sports cancelations and postponements this fall under the COVID-19 crisis, this is the time to assist athletic communications professionals with strategies, planning, operational priorities and content creation ideas if they are indeed not going to be covering events. What sorts of projects and work with your teams and coaches will you be undertaking this fall to get ahead for what will be a busy spring semester? What are the messaging challenges facing us with the cancelation/postponement of college sports and no live activites? How do you direct and supervise student assistants this fall? ... and lots more!
Join these presenters – who represent multiple divisions – for an ideas sharing session.
CoSIDA's first event in its new Racial & Social Justice Initiative. Learn more at CoSIDA.com/CoSIDAforChange
The conversation featured: • Jessica Poole – CoSIDA Second Vice President and Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and Revenue Generation, Chicago State • Kenisha Rhone – Director of Digital Media and Social Strategy, Belmont University • Scottie Rodgers – Director of Communications, Goodyear Cotton Bowl • Kyle Serba – Executive Senior Associate A.D. for Strategic Communications, North Carolina Central • DeWayne Peevy – Deputy Athletics Director, University of Kentucky, moderator
Members of CoSIDA's Mentorship Committee - Shawn Medeiros, Hannah Bradley and Lindy Brown - give information on the upcoming 2020-21 mentorship program and share advice on important details to keep in mind when signing up for the program, including preferences for division, experience, gender or location of a mentor or mentee. Program participants Mex Carey and Taylor Garcia share their experiences of being paired together in 2019-20, including what worked for them with regard to communication and how each grew in their jobs and careers as a result of the relationship.
Download: Modernizing CoSIDA's Governance Structure https://bit.ly/367biu8
As the current framework of CoSIDA’s governance structure looks much the same as it did during its first years of existence (60+ years ago) while CoSIDA has grown exponentially and our profession has changed dramatically, earlier this year a CoSIDA Governance Review Working Group was formed to examine the governance structure of our organization.
On the webinar, CoSIDA President Herb Vincent, Executive Director Doug Vance and moderator Lenny Reich (Mount Union), a CoSIDA Board member and part of the governance working group, discussed the proposed changes from our current Board of Directors setup to a three-tier CoSIDA governance structure. This new structure will: create more leadership opportunities, increase diversity in CoSIDA leadership and create avenues for members with common issues to effectively engage on those topics.
Because it takes a membership vote to make any changes to the CoSIDA Constitution and our governing structure, all current CoSIDA members will have an opportunity to vote on the changes in June.
Attendees learned more about and asked questions on the proposed changes during the webinar. A timeline for review of the changes and the voting schedule in June also were discussed.
Presenters Doug Vance – CoSIDA Executive Director Herb Vincent – Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner-Communications/2019-20 CoSIDA President Host Lenny Reich – Mount Union Assistant Athletics Director - Sports Information Director/CoSIDA Board member
This next installment in our special leadership webinar series saw three high-level athletic administrators (two Director of Athletics, one Deputy Commissioner) offer insights, suggestions and solutions to today’s greatest challenges and opportunities in communications as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and an uncertain college sports future. The presenters talked about the best ways and strategies for college athletic organizations — and in particular, for athletic communicators to work with their colleagues — to keep everyone informed, internally and externally, while also “telling the stories” of your organization.
While the immediate focus is on navigating through COVID-19, colleges and universities are thinking about continuity and a restoration of campus life. There was discussion on how the SID can assist in messaging, communication and branding moving forward. As each institution/conference and its leadership continue to rely on its communications staff and resources, the questions were asked and answered on: what role does — and will — athletic communications staff play to help your campus/conference successfully navigate through this crisis? What are strategies for communicating with constituents both inside and outside your organization?
Presenters Pat Chun – Washington State University, Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin – University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Director of Athletics Amy Yakola – Atlantic Coast Conference, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of External Affairs/CoSIDA Board member, 2016-19
Host Trip Durham – 2D Consulting LLC
The discussion on the May 12th webinar revolved around changing role of an athletic communications professional amid COVID-19 and how SIDs are adding value to their campuses as a whole. Specifically:
- In our current environment, what are some of the content ideas and strategies to meet your administration’s expectations? How best to deal with the pressures to be productive in our current remote settings?
- How to use this time in a remote work setting to springboard your career to a position in upper administration. What have you done, what can you do now and what are you going to do differently in the future to elevate yourself professionally.
Presenters Meredith Jenkins – Fresno State Deputy Director of Athletics Chris Gonzales – Florida Southern College Director of Athletic Communications Scottie Rodgers – Sun Belt Conference Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Moderator/Host Nick Guerriero – CoSIDA Continuing Education Chair
Presenters from both the NCAA Media Coordination and Statistics staff and from the NAIA outline the new policies for statistical record-keeping, historical files, listings of team/coaches/championship records and standings with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college sports. They discussed how winter sports championships stats and records, which were disrupted, and spring sports, which were canceled mid-season, will be counted or will not be counted. Additionally, updates on new NCAA LiveStats and Genius Sports software for football and ice hockey were discussed. Lots of webinars and training sessions will be offered on NCAA LiveStats, beginning in May. More information can be found at ncaamanager.com (go to Know More link.)
They also answered specific questions from the attendees.
Link to NCAA’s updated statistics policies (focus will be on answering questions and outlining changes on pp. 30-32 due to the COVID-19 crisis: http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/ForSIDs/Policies.pdf
Presenters Brad Cygan – NAIA, Director of Athletic Communications Jennifer Rodgers – NCAA, Associate Director, Media Coordination & Statistics Sean Straziscar – NCAA, Associate Director, Media Coordination & Statistics David Worlock – NCAA, Director of Media Coordination & Statistics Moderator/Host Clark Teuscher – North Central College, Sports Information Director
Part five of our CoSIDA Listening and Leading webinar series focused on introduction of the 2020 CoSIDA Salary Survey which was conducted in February, before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. Presenters included Mary Beth Challoner (University of Toronto) and E.J. Borghetti (University of Pittsburgh) of the CoSIDA advocacy committee, and Mike and Jennifer Cross of survey partner Athlete Viewpoint.
This webinar focused on how athletic communications professionals can determine your value and communicate that value, in our immediate environment. The theme of "realizing the value of communications pros" is the first of several insights which will be presented leading up to the full survey data being released during the #CoSIDA2020 Convention.
Other points of discussion with our presenters: • Gain insight on how you can make the case that your job is essential. • Crafting a story that supports your department and your value in uncertain times • Determining necessary skill sets and functions for your department moving forward
Presenters E.J. Borghetti – University of Pittsburgh, Executive Athletic Director, Media Relations/CoSIDA Advocacy Committee member Mary Beth Challoner – University of Toronto, Manager, Events, Marketing & Athletic Communications/CoSIDA Advocacy Committee member Michael Cross, PhD – Athlete Viewpoint Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer Consultant and former student-athlete, coach, administrator and athletic director
Host: Jennifer Cross – Athlete Viewpoint Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer Consultant, conference presenter and board certified executive coach
How did your institution handle COVID-19 communication and how we can better prepare for the future?
The COVID-19 situation has become a worldwide pandemic and communication failures have made headline news. How did your campus handle the COVID-19 situation with communication to students, faculty, staff and the public? What are creative ideas we can use to get the word out? How can we work with university communications and offer a helping hand now? How can we better plan for the future and create crisis communication handbooks. In addition, we will learn how the NAIA decided to handle many of the topics from a national association point of view.
Presenters • Brad Cygan – NAIA Director of Athletic Communications • Wendy Reid – Calumet College of St. Joseph, Assistant AD for Communications/NAIA-SIDA Executive Board • Aaron Sagraves – Cornerstone University Director of Athletics/Former CoSIDA Board member and NAIA-SIDA President
Moderator • Jordan Alves – Campbellsville University, Sports Information Director
In this webinar, we heard from the four presenters below - from large and small schools - on strategies, techniques and examples of content they are using and doing during the COVID-19 crisis.
Hundreds of you joined the webinar, and we appreciate all the questions, too! The presenters focused on what this pandemic and crisis is teaching us about our content creation and marketing and how we can best work with our colleagues, using strategies and tools to demonstrate and emphasize the value that SIDs deliver to their organizations. They focused on:
• The importance of having a staff strategy and an athletic department strategy, along with a focus of how you, as the athletic communiicatioins professional, works closely campus-at-large while creating content and driving engagement of fans, alumni, student-athletes and administrators
• Examples of conten creation (graphics, video, story-telling) were shared by all presenters
• The question of how best to collaborate and brand with colleagues on your campus/in your conference office when we are all working remotely was touched upon
• Strategies, examples and questions to ask where shared when promoting your athletic programs with limited (or no) access to coaches and student-athletes
Presenters Alex Falk – Manhattanville College, Director of Athletic Communications alex.falk@mville.edu Imry Halevi – Harvard University, Assistant Director of Athletics – Multimedia & Production ihalevi@fas.harvard.edu Katie Gwinn Hewitt – Temple University, Assistant Athletics Director for Branding and Digital Strategy kgh@temple.edu Shawn Medeiros – Endicott College, Sports Information Director/D3SIDA First Vice President smedeiro@endicott.edu
Moderator Nick Guerriero – George Washington University Director of Athletic Communications / CoSIDA Continuing Education Committee Chair nguerriero@gwu.edu
Part 3 of CoSIDA's Listening and Leading webinar series presented by Capital One, featured Continuing Education Committee Chair Nick Guerriero (George Washington University) posing questions to the CoSIDA national staff on strategies for effectively working from home.
Featuring • Doug Vance, CoSIDA Executive Director • Will Roleson, CoSIDA Associate Executive Director • Barb Kowal, CoSIDA Director of Professional Development and External Affairs • Laurie Bollig, CoSIDA Director of Membership Engagement • Beau White, CoSIDA Director of Creative Services
See all of CoSIDA's content around COVID-19 at CoSIDA.com/covid19.
In part 2 of CoSIDA's Listening and Leading webinar series presented by Capital One, we're joined by sports psychologist (and 2019 CoSIDA Convention presenter) Dr. Jarrod Spencer as he discussed dealing with anxiety and uncertainly in our COVID-19 environment and how you can manage your anxieties and concerns. The webinar was hosted by Trip Durham of 2DConsulting, LLC. Numerous questions from the attendees also were addressed. Among the topics covered: - How DO we deal with our new unknowns and the anxieties creeping into our everyday lives? - Dr. Spencer offered advice on how best to work in isolation; the extreme importance of sleep and your toil bad sleep habits has on your immunity system and psychological outlook; how to work through your own fears; adjusting to being at home with your family or adjusting to being alone; fighting feels of depression; the importance of healthy eating and setting up a routine of exercise.
In part 1 of CoSIDA's Listening and Leading webinar series presented by Capital One, President Herb Vincent (SEC) and Executive Director Doug Vance updated the membership on where the organization is on a variety of topics. The latest updates on the #CoSIDA2020 Convention and all of CoSIDA's other planning can be found at CoSIDA.com/covid19.
They were joined moderator Nick Guerriero – George Washington University Director of Athletic Communications / CoSIDA Continuing Education Committee Chair.
Also presenting were: • Sam Atkinson – CoSIDA First Vice President/Gallaudet UniversityAssociate Athletic Director for Communications • Cindy Potter – CoSIDA Second Vice President/Columbia (Mo.) College Associate Director of Athletics - Director of Media Relations & Compliance • Rob Knox – CoSIDA Past President/Towson University Associate Media Relations Director • Will Roleson – Associate Executive Director/2020 Convention Manager • Barb Kowal – Director of Professional Development and External Affairs • Laurie Bollig – Director of Membership Engagement • Beau White – Director of Creative Services
Aaron Morse of Bates College and the CoSIDA New Media Committee hosted a conversation with SIDs to talk through reactions and courses of action in the time of COVID-19. He was joined by Emily McMillan, University of Evansville Assistant Director of Media Relations, Don Vieth, Northeastern State University Assistant Athletics Director, Strategic Communications, and Gregor Walz, University of Puget Sound Director of Athletic Communications.
Some of the topics covered include: 1. Where were you when you learned that spring sports were finished for your school? Did you see it coming or was it a total blindside? 2. What was your immediate course of action? How did you handle it from a social media perspective? 3. So, now what? In an entirely unprecedented situation, what are your ideas on how athletics communications professionals can make themselves valuable in the coming months? 4. We all live and breathe sports, from a personal perspective, how are you dealing with this?
Chris Plonsky has worked in college athletics since 1976 and is completing her 30th year at The University of Texas. She is executive senior associate athletics director/chief of staff and for conference and NCAA governance, and also serves as UT's senior woman administrator (SWA).
During her career, she has managed the areas of sponsorship, communications, marketing, licensing and TV. She has significant roots in sports information at Kent State, Iowa State, Texas and the Big East Conference.
In this June Stewart Leadership Series podcast with host Trip Durham, she shares her thoughts on leadership, the athletic communications field and topical issues in college athletics today.
Presenters • Jordyn Ballard – West Texas A&M University • A.J. Forbes – The Trust (Powered by the NFL's Player Association) • Andrew Mindeman – Covenant College • Laurie Bollig, CoSIDA Director of Membership Engagement
Moderator • Clark Teuscher, North Central College
Calling all athletic communications/sports information student assistants, undergraduate and graduate, and all other students and student-athletes who might be interested in exploring a career in athletics and athletic communications! Is that you? Or, are you a student majoring in athletic administration/sports management wondering about a career in athletic communications and what they would be all about?
This webinar from February 2020 featured presenters who all have been student assistants and who now work in athletics. The presenters shared tips and advice on how to distinguish yourself as a new professional, why volunteering for athletic events is a must-do, and how to get noticed for that next step in building your career.
Cassie Kelley of Abilene Christian and Rob Cunningham of Thomas Jefferson join Katie Mucci and Katie Gwinn Hewitt as the group talks about the challenges of multitasking and delegating duties on game days.
Panelists: • Rebecca Gaona – Old Dominion University • Carolayne Henry – Mountain West Conference • Andy Seeley – Florida Atlantic University • Krystal Warren – Dayton University
Moderator Shawn Medeiros – Endicott College
In honor of January being National Mentorship Month, CoSIDA will presented this webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Mentorship is a critical component of career and professional growth, but maintaining the long-term mentor/mentee relationship can be challenging as work schedules, geographic challenges and interest levels interfere from time to time. CoSIDA Mentorship Committee members and guest panelists outline best practices for building and maintaining a strong mentor/mentee relationship.
For the past 16 years, Jim Abbott has served as Assistant Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Director of Athletics at Oklahoma City University. OCU is a member of the NAIA and has captured back-to-back Directors' Cup titles the past two years. During each of Abbott’s 16 years at OCU, the department has placed in the top 15 of the Learfield Sports Director’s Cup rankings, which measures an athletic department's annual success. Abbott has previously served as president of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association.
Abbott is the founder of the Business of Small College Athletics, an annual workshop that provides professional development sessions geared toward NCAA D2, D3, NAIA, and NJCAA athletic administrators. 2020 marks the ninth year of the workshop which has attracted attendees from around the country. He is also the founder/Host of @smallcollegeath and the weekly #scachat. Abbott has twice been named the NAIA National AD of the Year (2008 and 2017). He has also been recognized as the 2010, 2015, and 2018 Under Armour Central Region Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and been named the Sooner Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year on five occasions, including in 2016-17.
Hosted by Trip Durham.
Omar Banks (Campbell Director of Athletics), Sara Braun (Rogers State SWA/Associate AD) and Kristene Kelly, Ed.D. (Dartmouth Sr. Associate AD/SWA/Deputy Title IX Coord.), discuss the value and role of athletic communications on their campuses, strategies on elevating and distinguishing yourself and your your role, and what they look for in leaders. All three have a background in athletic communications/media relations and they share how they have leveraged their experiences and discussed ways for you to become a stronger leader. Moderated by Trip Durham.
Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM, became the 13th President of Springfield College in August 2013. Under her leadership, Springfield, aNCAA Division III institution in Western Massachusetts, re-dedicated itself to the Humanics philosophy (spirit/mind/boy) and mission of leadership and service. Dr. Cooper is an advocate of the athletics communications profession, with a deep understanding of the importance that the SID position holds on campuses. Well-known for her national and regional volunteer leadership, she serves on a number of boards and committees, including these that are sports-related: the President’s Council of the NCAA, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. She also is Chair of the NEWMAC Athletic Conference.
John Currie, Director of Athletics at Wake Forest, talks about how he, from an internship in the Wake Forest athletic development office, became a leader in college sports and how he always attempted to “manage up”; how he’s lived in 10 different houses and his children have attended four different schools as he built his career; keys to building relationships; the importance of collaborating and distinguishing yourself as a leader in your department and on campus; preparing and managing expectations and what those expectations are; what the AD needs from the communications staff; the value SIDs bring to the campus and the “transformative impact” that athletic communications plays as part of the overall campus mission. Hosted by Trip Durham.
Hosts Katie Mucci and Katie Gwinn Hewitt are joined by guests Shawn Medeiros of Endicott and Brian Savard of Plattsburgh State in part 2 of this podcast.
Hosts Katie Mucci and Katie Gwinn Hewitt are joined by guests Shawn Medeiros of Endicott and Brian Savard of Plattsburgh State.
Aaron Morse of Bates and Paul Grua of Weber State of the CoSIDA New Media Committee discuss podcasting.
Katie Mucci and Katie Gwinn Hewitt talk about their CoSIDA Convention experiences and give their thoughts previewing #CoSIDA19.
Katie Mucci and Katie Gwinn Hewitt share member feedback on how to relax and enjoy time off during the holidays. The hosts also talk about their own strategies for unplugging and taking time for self care.
Guest: Kurt Svoboda, University of Michigan Associate Athletics Director of Athletic Communications
Guest: Lorie Garnett, University of South Florida Assistant Director of Communications
Hosts: Katie Mucci, Missouri Valley Conference; Katie Hewitt, University of Michigan
Ep 1 CoSIDA Connection Podcast, March 2018 Guest: Olivia Coiro, Syracuse University Assistant Director of Athletic Communications / Chair, CoSIDA Young Professionals Committee Hosts: Katie Gwinn Hewitt, University of Michigan Assistant Director of Athletic Communications; Katie Mucci, Assistant Commissioner of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC); Producer: Kyler Ludlow, Eastern Michigan Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations