Hear Symone’s story in Episode 2 of the BCSC Podcast. Hosted by Sedric Granger of Wilmington College (OH).

Join us to hear from:

• Erin Locascio - SUNY Cortland, Creative Content Coordinator
• Shelby Scott - Allan Hancock College, Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Information Director
• John Stark - Syracuse, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
• Sam Viebrock (Moderator) - Clayton State, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications 

• Division II Alignment: Both athletic directors champion Division II's philosophy of balancing rigorous competition with student-athlete personal growth.
• Diverse Career Trajectories: Pate's career grew out of coaching and a non-traditional student-athlete experience, while Howard advanced through compliance and multiple administrative roles.
• Human-Centric Storytelling: Standing out in crowded media markets requires highlighting individual student-athlete stories over scoreboard results.
• Empowering Media Teams: Athletic directors must actively cultivate creative freedom and empower athletics communications staff as key brand stewards and strategic partners.
• Brand Guardianship and Culture: Communicators serve as primary culture bearers and brand caretakers, shaping public perception and institutional values before fans or recruits ever arrive on campus.
• Technical Expertise and Creative Autonomy: Because senior administrators often lack hands-on media skills, leadership must place trust in communicators to voice bold ideas, manage modern digital platforms, and execute without holding back.

10 years of the CSC Inclusion Committee

Host Bridget Nash talks with Jessica Poole, former CSC president (2022–23) and founding chair of the committee, and Scottie Rodgers, vice president of communications for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and former chair, about the 10th anniversary of CSC’s Inclusion Committee. 

They describe the “day zero” conversations that led to forming the first diversity and inclusion committee among NACDA affiliates, initially focused on Black representation, allyship, and candid problem-solving with a direct line to the board. 

Key milestones include the 2020 racial and social justice initiative, updates to the committee’s mission/value statements, recognition from the Knight Commission, and the launch of the Inclusion Fellowship (now completing six years and entering year seven), plus Member Resource Communities introduced last year. 

They emphasize lifelong learning, championing others, and creating spaces where members feel seen, heard, and valued.

00:00 Welcome and Setup

00:27 Meet Jessica Poole

01:47 Meet Scottie Rodgers

03:20 Day Zero Origins

08:35 Early Vision and Challenges

13:12 2020 Turning Point

17:19 Partnerships and Fellowship Launch

20:40 Leadership Lessons Learned

28:53 Leading Through Pushback

31:44 Inclusion Fellowship Deep Dive

37:50 Future Hopes and Closing

Guest: 
• Matt Panto – 2026-27 CSC President
Ivy League, Associate Executive Director, Strategic Communications & External Relations

College Sports Communicators 2026-27 President Matt Panto shares insights on his career journey, leadership philosophy, and strategic vision for the organization. After entering athletic administration through an internship at Lafayette College, Panto has built a 13-year tenure at the Ivy League conference office, where he serves as Associate Executive Director.

• Accidental Career Entry: Panto discovered his passion for sports administration during a college marketing project, turning an internship at Lafayette College into a long-term career.
• Instinctive Storytelling: He champions continuous evolution over static routines, advising media teams to let authentic moments and gut instincts dictate content creation.
• Unifying Creatives and Communicators: Panto stresses breaking down silos between content creators and traditional public relations staff, noting that both roles serve as key storytellers and brand stewards.
• CSC Leadership Vision: As CSC President, he promotes a "we get to do this" mindset, aiming to highlight member accomplishments while proactively addressing industry challenges like standardized athlete eligibility reporting.

Panto also emphasizes that industry challenges remain solvable through active collaboration, continuous learning, and maintaining perspective on the privilege of working in college athletics.

Autism Acceptance, Belonging and Thriving

Bridget Nash interviews Allison Hogue, assistant director of athletic communications at Alfred University, about belonging, autism awareness, and her path in college sports communications. Hogue shares being diagnosed with autism around age four, attending special education and a school for learning differences, and initially feeling uncomfortable disclosing her autism. In 2020, she connected with AJ O’Hagan, began openly sharing her journey, and became co-captain of Team Autism Awareness and Acceptance for the College Sports Communicators Fitness Challenge; the group later hosted an autism awareness panel at the Orlando convention and formed a committee that includes people with various learning differences and allies. Hogue discusses mentorship at Liberty University, her pride in covering Sacred Heart women’s basketball’s NCAA tournament run, advocating for accommodations, and supporting student-athlete mental health resources. She closes by encouraging listeners to be themselves, pursue goals despite disability, and not let others’ opinions define their journey.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions 

00:31 Allison’s Journey Across States 

01:10 Defining Belonging Through Autism 

03:16 Finding Community in CSC 

05:08 Creating Belonging for Athletes 

07:03 Mentors Who Shaped Her Career 

10:05 Writing Passion and WNBA Dreams 

10:58 Advocacy and Mental Health Support 

13:34 Accommodations and Workplace Success 

14:46 Career Highlight March Madness Ring 

16:39 Final Advice You Belong 

19:45 Closing Thanks and Next Episodes

Belonging, Representation, and Building Pride

Host Dawnisha Franklin interviews Pearllan Cipriano, sports information director at Bard College, about her path into athletic communications, her understanding of belonging, and her advocacy work. Pearl describes belonging professionally as trust and confidence from administrators and coaches, and personally as feeling supported and able to be her authentic self as an Asian, bisexual, international woman. She discusses challenges in a male-dominated field, being misjudged for looking young, and the added pressure of H-1B sponsorship requirements. Pearl shares that Bard’s support, LGBTQ+ colleagues, and chosen family helped her feel at home, and explains how research, CSC connections, and grants helped her navigate barriers. She highlights inclusive storytelling, heritage-month features, theme games, and campus collaborations, and co-founding CSC Pride in 2024 to create a safe space, education, and resources. Her message: don’t shrink yourself to belong.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:16 Pearl Career Journey

01:20 Defining Belonging

01:31 Identity and Barriers

03:42 Finding Belonging Moments

05:02 Navigating Sponsorship and Bias

06:47 Supporting Student Identity Groups

08:26 Mentors and Leadership Style

10:11 Launching CSC Pride

12:34 Campus Impact and Inclusion Wins

14:47 Proudest Moments in the Work

16:04 Events That Build Belonging

17:55 Resources to Add Next

18:41 Final Advice and Closing

Guests: 
• Greg Seitz – Jacksonville State University, Vice President for Athletics
• DeWayne Peevy – DePaul University, Senior Vice President & Director of Athletics

Recap: This episode examines how backgrounds in sports communications inform effective athletic leadership. Greg Seitz and DeWayne Peevy discuss their respective career paths, emphasizing that skills like clarity, timing, and audience understanding are essential for modern athletic directors. They share strategies for navigating major organizational shifts, such as Jacksonville State’s transition to the FBS level and DePaul’s positioning within the crowded Chicago sports market. Ultimately, the conversation highlights how strategic communication drives institutional alignment, revenue growth, and brand identity.

Highlights:

• Seitz attributes his 33-year tenure at Jacksonville State to a deep sense of purpose and a strong connection to the local community.
• Peevy explains how DePaul embraces its identity as "Chicago’s team" by partnering with professional franchises to differentiate its brand.
• Both leaders agree that their communications background allows them to lead with empathy for staff while maintaining high standards for messaging.
• Jacksonville State’s move to FBS required transparent communication to manage expectations and build trust among donors and fans.
• The guests advise aspiring leaders to master their current craft while proactively learning about budgeting, compliance, and revenue generation.

Balancing College Athletics Careers and Parenting: Support Systems, Schedules, and Being Present

Kendrell Watkins hosts the CSC Voices “We Belong” podcast with inclusion committee members Hamilton Cook (MAAC associate commissioner, vice chair) and Drew Dickerson (Atlantic 10 assistant commissioner) to discuss managing family life while working in college athletics. They describe starting their careers with young children, relying on strong support systems (spouses, parents, extended family, neighbors, and colleagues), and adapting to long hours, travel, and constant communication demands. Key challenges include scheduling as children grow older and staying intentional about attending important moments, using technology like FaceTime when travel prevents being there. They share memories of involving kids in the job through Bring Your Child to Workday and tournament help. Their advice to young professionals emphasizes setting boundaries, valuing time with family, communicating, leaning on staff, and remembering most tasks can wait.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:31 Becoming a Dad in Athletics

01:51 Hamilton Early Parenthood

03:01 Drew Starting with Kids

04:05 Kendrell New Dad Reality

05:29 Managing Work Family Demands

09:09 Building a Support Village

13:42 Hardest Part Scheduling

18:51 Missing Moments Staying Present

22:29 Favorite Family Memories at Work

26:47 Does It Get Easier

29:01 Advice for Young Professionals

34:21 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up

• Zach Greenwell – LSU The Brand, Deputy AD / Chief Strategy Officer
• Sarah Ramundt – LSU The Brand, Executive Director of Creative Content

This episode explores the strategic unification of LSU’s external athletic units under a single initiative known as "The Brand". Zach Greenwell explains that the project was born from a desire to eliminate professional silos, physically moving diverse teams—including communications, video, and social media—into a shared workspace within Tiger Stadium. Sarah Ramundt discusses her transition to LSU and the philosophy behind her creative process, which focuses on providing deep context to student-athlete stories through video. A central theme of the conversation is the rapid evolution of college athletics due to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), requiring administrators to balance new revenue-driven content with the traditional roles of storytelling and historical preservation. Ultimately, the speakers emphasize that while the medium of communication is changing, the core mission of elevating the institution's identity remains constant.

Highlights:

• Unified Vision: "The Brand" was created to unify external departments, moving staff from different buildings into a renovated space in Tiger Stadium to foster collaboration.
• Creative Inspiration: Sarah Ramundt sources content ideas from personal curiosity and the need to explain complex athletic concepts to a general audience.
• The Power of Video: Ramundt describes video as a medium that provides the "context" and "space" around a moment that still photography cannot capture.
• NIL Integration: NIL has become a dominant factor in daily operations, influencing how content is created, shared, and used in the recruitment process.
• Preserving the SID Role: Greenwell maintains that despite technological shifts, the core values of Sports Information Directors—acting as historians and storytellers—are more vital than ever.

Host Dawnisha Franklin interviews Jalen Brandy, an athletic communications assistant at Buffalo State University, about belonging in college sports communications. Jalen defines belonging as feeling meant to be in an industry, discusses personal buy-in to the long, unorthodox sports schedule, and explains professionally adapting to different teams and keeping creativity alive. He shares challenges shifting from a public relations agency mindset and fan perspective to a broader, stakeholder-focused approach. Jalen describes how being a person of color in predominantly white spaces shaped his ability to navigate discomfort and make his voice respected, motivating his move from corporate PR to the college sports world. He highlights Buffalo State’s diverse culture, ways he signals representation through social media and writing, hopes to create a support group for athletes of color, values relationships with student-athletes, and advises listeners to trust their gut when making career changes.

00:00 Meet Jalen Brandy

00:44 What Belonging Means

01:59 Personal vs Professional Fit

04:45 Early Challenges Adjusting

08:15 Identity Shaping Career

11:43 Building Campus Engagement

13:35 Leading By Example

15:05 Visibility Through Culture

17:13 DEI Culture And Traditions

20:53 Support Group Vision

23:10 Proud Moments With Athletes

26:31 Trust Your Gut Advice

28:14 Closing Thanks And Wrap

• Ken DeBolt (Moderator) – Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Director of Athletic Communications
• Larry Happel – Central College (retired), Athletics Senior Editor
• Conor McCorry – Pepperdine, Director of Athletic Communications
• Vinny Lavalsiti – UCLA, Associate Director of Athletic Communications

Creative content is a major part of modern athletic communications – but it doesn’t have to take hours to produce. This session will explore how sports communicators can use tools like Canva and Adobe to build consistent branding while also saving time. Learn tips for creating reusable templates, maintaining a cohesive visual identity, and producing eye-catching graphics quickly for social media, game day, and recruiting. Whether you’re new to design or looking to streamline your workflow, this session will help you expand your creative toolkit.

Panel: 

• Ashley Robbins (Moderator) – UMass Lowell, Associate Athletic Director for Communications & Creative Content
• Maggie Balderstone – Bryn Mawr College, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
• Patrick Murphy – Colorado School of Mines, Athletics Communications Coordinator
• Peyton Thibault – Trinity University, Assistant AD for Multimedia 

Join fellow sports communicators for an open roundtable conversation about the parts of the profession that make the long hours worthwhile. From memorable game-day moments to the relationships built with student-athletes and coaches, this session will allow participants to share stories, reflect on what keeps them passionate about the work, and connect with colleagues across the profession. Whether you're early in your career or a veteran, the goal is simple: celebrate the rewarding moments that remind us why we do what we do.

Panel: 

• Sammi Wellman (Moderator) – Riverside City College, Director of Sports Information
• Sophia Anderson – Oberlin College, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications
• Jordyn Rochon – UMass Lowell, Director of Communications & Creative Content
• Mike Williams – Illinois State, Associate Athletic Director for Communications

When everything feels urgent, how do you decide what actually comes first? This session will focus on practical time management strategies for sports communicators – planning ahead for busy competition days, communicating priorities with coaches and administrators, and preparing for weeks where multiple events demand your attention. We’ll also discuss how to ask for help when you need it, from leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for a starting point on projects to tapping into colleagues, campus creatives, and the CSC freelance network for support. Walk away with strategies to stay organized, reduce stress, and get through your busiest days with confidence.

Panel: 

• Sedric Granger (Moderator) – University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Assistant Sports Information Coordinator
• Madeline Cummings – Sewanee, Director of Athletic Communications
• Matt Haufe – Marquette University, Assistant Director of Communications
• Clayton Messerle – Corban University, Director of Athletic Communications
• Isaac Ray – Eastern Kentucky University, Director of Athletics Communications

• Marie Stroman, American Rivers Conference Commissioner
• Jason Verdugo, UW-Eau Claire Director of Athletics

In this episode of Beyond the Scoreboard, we sit down with UW-Eau Claire Director of Athletics Jason Verdugo and American Rivers Conference Commissioner Marie Stroman to explore how intentional communication, collaboration, and shared vision shape successful athletics programs. Drawing from their experiences in collegiate athletics, they discuss how leadership alignment, relationship building, and clear messaging impact everything from internal culture to external storytelling. The conversation dives into the importance of trust, adaptability, and creating environments where student-athletes and staff can thrive — while also navigating the ever-changing landscape of college sports.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Creating alignment between athletics leadership and communications teams
• The role of culture in driving long-term success
• Communicating through change and uncertainty
• Strengthening relationships across campus and within departments
• Lessons learned from leading and supporting athletics programs

Presented by the Career Services Committee

Landing a role in college athletics communications requires preparation, confidence, and the ability to shine at every stage of the interview process. This session walks communicators through the full interview journey, from the first phone call to the final on-campus conversation. We'll cover the three critical phases of interviewing:

• Research that sets you apart - Learn how to dig deeper than a quick website scan. We’ll cover how to understand an institution’s culture, identify what matters to a department, and tailor your approach to show genuine fit.
• Phone and virtual interviews - Explore strategies for making a strong first impression when you’re not in the room. Panelists will share tips on communicating clearly, answering questions with confidence, and avoiding common early-stage pitfalls.
• On-campus interviews - Get an inside look at what to expect when you’re invited to campus. From preparing for full-day schedules to navigating conversations with administrators and communications staff, you’ll learn how to show professionalism, curiosity, and readiness for the role.

Hear from panelists:
Dain McKee (Moderator) - Middlebury College, Athletic Communications Associate
Alisha Alexander - Lewis-Clark State College, Assistant Athletic Director-Sports Information/Senior Woman Leader
Tyson Hutchins - BYU, Senior Associate Athletic Director - Creative Strategy
John Kietzmann - University of Northern Colorado, Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations

This webinar is presented by the Career Services Committee.

Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators.com/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

Referenced resources:
4:45 - Fernando Mendoza’s LinkedIn:
https://x.com/i/web/status/1990469988881220089
http://linkedin.com/in/heismendoza/

26:50 - Viral response from LeBron James:
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1220200064896970752

38:10 - TVEyes and Omaha case study:
https://www.tveyes.com/college-basketball-viral-moment-media-coverage/

40:20 - Omaha March Madness story:
https://collegesportscommunicators.com/documents/2026/2/27//OMAHA_ATHL_MARCH_MADNESS.pdf

This webinar is presented by the Professional Development and Education Committee, who is charged with coordinating and enhancing year-round continuing education, professional development and leadership opportunities, resources and training to help members at all levels excel as professionals and strategic communicators. 

Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators.com/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

We’re joined by CSC Hall of Famer and NCAA Director of Media Coordination and Statistics Dave Worlock as he reflects on nearly 25 years with the national office and a career spent behind college basketball’s biggest moments. From growing up in a military family overseas to finding his calling in athletic communications, Dave shares how those early experiences shaped his passion for sports and storytelling. He takes listeners inside the preparation, communication, and collaboration that power March Madness and the Final Four, while offering candid insights on leadership, mentorship, transparency, and the evolving media landscape.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What it takes to manage media operations for March Madness
• Building trust through fairness, consistency, and communication
• Navigating change in the digital media era
• The value of mentorship and teamwork
• Lessons learned from 25 years at the NCAA

Guests: 

• Tyson Hutchins, Associate AD for Creative Strategy, BYU
• Jared Kleinstein, Founder & President, Gondola

BYU Associate AD for Creative Strategy Tyson Hutchins and Gondola Founder & President Jared Kleinstein join Trip Durham to discuss the evolving role of content creators in college athletics, the importance of access and trust in storytelling, and how creative teams can better communicate their value across campus. Tyson and Jared share insights from their experiences at BYU, Clemson, and across the Gondola creative community, offering perspective on how college athletics continues to shape the broader sports content landscape.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How content creation has become essential to storytelling across college athletics departments.
• Why access, authenticity, and culture matter more than equipment or production level.
• How content creators and athletics communications staffs can work in tandem to elevate storytelling, strategy, and coverage across platforms.
• Strategies for prioritizing content with limited resources and small staffs.
• The importance of communicating creative value to coaches and administrators.
• Why the best moments often happen outside the content plan.
• Where sports content, distribution, and creative leadership are headed next.

Guest: Jim Carr, NAIA President & CEO

NAIA President & CEO Jim Carr joins Trip Durham to talk about the evolving landscape of small-college athletics, the rising confidence across NAIA campuses, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in college sports. Jim walks through the launch of The Right Way to Play, a member-driven effort rooted in pride, authenticity, and campus-level collaboration. He also reflects on his start at UNLV, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style, and the meaningful role athletics communicators play in moving the association forward.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How the NAIA’s mission centers on character, education, and opportunity.
• Why collaboration between the NAIA and CSC strengthens national storytelling.
• The strategic thinking behind The Right Way to Play and the energy it has sparked among members.
• The influence of athletics on campus culture, leadership development, and community engagement.
• How communicators can expand their impact by thinking proactively — not just reactively.
• What makes small-college environments uniquely personal and powerful.
• Jim’s eclectic playlist, favorite eras of music, and his pick for a one-day job swap.

From stat sheets to the president’s office, Dr. Thomas Newsom’s path to leading Pittsburg State University is a story of growth, gratitude, and genuine connection. The former student-athlete and athletics communicator shares how lessons learned on the field — and in the press box — continue to shape his approach to leadership today.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How relationships built on shared experiences and trust create lasting impact.
• Why authenticity and humility remain essential in every leadership role.
• The value of embracing “drinking from the fire hose” as a mindset for learning.
• Why Division II holds a special place in his heart — and what “Life in the Balance” really means.
• What it means to be an unapologetic athletics president and champion for student success.
• How family, faith, and favorite 80s anthems keep him grounded outside the office.

Guest: Patrick Crawford, 2025-26 CSC President and Purdue University Associate AD for Strategic Communications

From becoming CSC President earlier than expected to many life firsts (homeownership, parenthood, and marathons!), Patrick Crawford’s 2025 has been full of milestones. In this conversation, he shares how people-first leadership, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to digital trends are shaping his presidential year. Patrick also discusses brand stewardship at Purdue, keeping teams healthy and energized, and why every moment — big or small — deserves full attention. Plus, you’ll hear his lighthearted takes on media credential photos and nacho-cheese mishaps.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Leadership starts with people — strong relationships are the foundation for success in a demanding profession.
• Adaptability is essential; embrace evolving digital tools, platforms, and creative strategies.
• Prioritizing health and wellness for yourself and your team to avoid burnout.
• Treat every moment like it’s the biggest — whether it’s a Final Four run or a regular season game.
• Brand stewardship means proactive improvement, not simply repeating what worked last year.
• Communicators can drive revenue generation through forward-thinking social media and NIL opportunities.
• Humor and camaraderie build connection within the profession.

In this CSC Voices: Beyond the Scoreboard episode, UIC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Williams sheds light on modern leadership in sports athletics — from mastering the art of listening to defining servant and situational leadership. With over 25 years in collegiate and professional athletics, she unpacks how empathy, inclusion, and innovation can power high-performing, authentic teams.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Developing listening skills and embracing curiosity as essential tools for communications professionals and leaders alike.
• Leading with servant and situational leadership to create inclusive environments where individuals thrive.
• Building confidence through humility and vulnerability, and how that fosters trust within teams.
• Defining success through coaching and mentorship, and recognizing those “quiet moments” when impact is most felt.
• Encouraging creativity and innovation, even when staffing and budgets are limited.
• Balancing support and challenge to maintain high accountability without sacrificing compassion.
• Ensuring the student-athlete voice is heard — through advisory committees and meaningful feedback processes.

Here’s a summation of the main points of this Beyond The Scoreboard podcast with Gonzales and Gariglio:

• Both share their career paths into college sports communications, highlighting the importance of mentorship and seizing opportunities.
• They share insights on what skills and guidance helped them excel in their respective athletic communications roles and ascend to the leadership roles they hold today.
• They advocate for building strong networks, servant leadership, leading with empathy, authenticity and integrity, and trusting intuition as keys to effective leadership.  
• Discussion on the value of service to the profession, particularly through committee work.
• The importance of setting personal boundaries as essential for long-term success and well-being, the importance of inclusion, and supporting women in leadership roles.
• Both offer advice to young professionals: build connections, seek out mentors, trust yourself, and always strive to leave things better than you found them.
• They credit their mentors for teaching her both the basics and creative aspects of her profession, which has influenced her approach to teaching and leading others.
• They also offer key takeaways from the June CSC UNITE 25 convention in Orlando.
  
  

Host: Trip Durham, Founder, 2D Consulting, LLC

In this episode of the Beyond the Scoreboard podcast, host Trip Durham sits down with a father-daughter duo currently working in NCAA Division I athletics: Bob Beretta, a CSC Hall of Fame inductee in 2020 who has his roots in athletic communications/sports information and is now the St. Bonaventure University Vice President and Director of Athletics, and his daughter, Julia, a rising athletic communications leader currently in her third year as Penn State’s assistant director for strategic communications. As an undergraduate at Sacred Heart University (in Connecticut), Julia was a varsity cross country/track and field student-athlete and was a two-time captain of the Sacred Heart club softball team.

In this in-depth conversation, they discuss their careers in college athletics, today’s challenges, the importance of storytelling, and so much more. Julia, inspired by both of her parents, pursued a career in the field after internships at Syracuse and Penn State. Bob emphasizes the importance of storytelling and adapting to new media platforms. Both highlight the value of hard work, building relationships, and being present in their roles. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in college sports, including the impact of social media and the evolving landscape of athletic communications.

In this podcast, you will hear about:

• Julia's journey as a college student-athlete moving into a college athletics communications career, and when and how she was inspired to pursue this career (after attending an Army-Navy game with her dad)
• Bob’s perspective on Julia’s career choice, and, as AD, he shares the importance and value of athletic communications 
• both then discuss the influence and power of social media, the generational differences in social media use, and what platforms play an important role in telling your organization’s stories today
• both discuss the role - and misconceptions - of athletic communications today
• a discussion on mentoring and career development
• the challenges, opportunities and optimism in college sports today; Bob expresses concerns about the seismic shifts in college sports; Julia talks about the increased awareness and interest in women’s sports, and both agree on the importance of preserving the student-athlete experience and the role of athletic communications in telling compelling stories
• in their final reflections, Julie asks her father about the one thing Bob wishes he knew at her age or what advice he would give her now, and his advice to be present where she is, work hard, and build strong relationships, emphasizing that opportunities will arise if she focuses on her daily efforts, is applicable for all in the industry;  Julia shares her "why" for working in athletic communications, highlighting the critical importance of building relationships 

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Yaman most recently served as associate commissioner for The Southern Conference. He joined SoCon in 2008 as director of media relations and transitioned to marketing and corporate sales in 2017. Prior to that, he held various roles in sports information, marketing, and media relations at NCAA Division I institutions (Maryland, Indiana State, Michigan) and Division II’s Saginaw Valley State.

Yaman is the fourth executive director in CSC history. In this episode, he discusses:

• 1:44 – Why he pursued a career in athletic communications.
• 3:17 – Key career moments and the role of mentorship in his development.
• 4:38 – The importance of building strong, authentic relationships and the value athletic communications brings to college athletics.
• 7:14 – What motivated him to apply for the CSC role and the momentum he sees in membership growth.
• 8:42 – The diversity of CSC’s membership and how the organization can best serve communicators of all types and job scopes. He emphasizes collaboration, revenue-driving communication strategies, and campus-wide value.
• 11:38 – Why Batman is his favorite superhero.
• 12:12 – His leadership style: consensus-building, listening, and a customer service mindset.
• 14:10 – His early priorities, including analysis of CSC’s recent career satisfaction and salary survey.
• 15:28 – The ongoing importance of mentorship in his personal and professional life.
• 16:58 – His commitment to playing an active role in CSC’s Mentorship Program.
• 17:39 – Given the chance to host three people at dinner, he’d invite Billy the Kid, DB Cooper, and Tupac—explaining his picks while noting he’s not a conspiracy theorist.
• 19:05 – Strategic planning in today’s turbulent college athletics environment.
• 20:43 – The need for adaptability and connection with others who share similar roles.
• 22:26 – Major industry challenges, including the House settlement and combating the “churn and burn” culture among communicators.
• 25:01 – Misconceptions about the profession.
• 26:27 – His favorite social media follows, including the Detroit Lions and Captain Andrew Luck X accounts.
• 28:00 – Outside interests: the coast over mountains, working out, and cooking as a creative outlet.
• 29:12 – A surreal moment from his grad school days at Michigan, unlocking the football press box at the Big House.
• 31:32 – What he misses about campus life: impromptu conversations and “darkening the doorway” of colleagues.

Tune in to get to know CSC’s new leader—his values, priorities, and perspective on mentoring, leadership, and the future of the profession. Plus, enjoy some fun insights into his personality, like his superhero pick and fantasy dinner guests.

Panelists
- Conner Darnell — University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Creative Services and Athletics Marketing Coordinator
- Jessica Radford — Conference USA Associate Director, Strategic Communications
- Spencer Rubin — Auburn University Assistant AD/Creative Video

Moderator
- Briley Lawson — Palm Beach Atlantic University Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

Hosted by: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC

A Buckeye through and through, Andy DeVito has dedicated nearly 20 years to Ohio State University’s athletics department, shaping the visual identity of one of the most iconic brands in college sports. As the director of creative services & branding, Andy has played a major role in the massive transformations in the digital landscape of college athletics.

In this episode, we dive into Andy’s journey from a wide-eyed freshman in 2001 to a key creative force behind the Buckeyes' national championship campaigns. As he discusses the evolving role of digital media, DeVito shares insights on how to build an elite creative team, designing championship logos, fostering collaboration across departments, and how Ohio State stays ahead in branding, recruiting, and fan engagement.  

This conversation with host Trip Durham includes DeVito’s thoughts on:

• The evolution of college athletics branding and digital creative strategy  
• Steps on what to look for in hiring, developing and leading top to create a high-performance creative team  
• How branding and storytelling at OSU impact a program’s success and fan engagement
• Behind the scenes of OSU’s College Football Playoffs’ National Championship run, as DeVito discusses the strategy and execution of content creation for the Buckeyes 
• DeVito’s approach to navigating transitions in athletic administration when leadership changes
• Why collaboration and working closely with licensing, marketing, and communications is critical in college athletics
• What’s next for branding, content, and digital strategy in college sports.

Join us to hear more on the power of storytelling, the future of branding in college athletics, and—just for fun— learning more about DeVito with his take on 90s basketball icons and his favorite Friends character.

In this Beyond the Scoreboard podcast, Jimmy Stanton, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Communications at the University of Oregon, shared insights on leadership, career advice, and the evolving landscape of college athletics and how a college sports communicator and creative can stand out. Stanton emphasized the importance of direct, positive communication during challenges and the value of planning for success, both by teams (your colleagues and you) and by the individual. His blueprint for success includes stressing the significance of adapting to new trends and maintaining high performance, in order to manage up and provide consistent value to colleagues and senior administrators.

In his current role at Oregon since June 2017, Stanton is responsible for the communications, marketing, creative services/digital media and broadcasting areas. He  also works closely with Oregon Sports Properties, the multimedia rightsholder for Oregon Athletics.

Stanton highlighted his experiences at the collegiate, NFL and MLB levels. His work has included time with the Houston Astros and Tennessee Titans in the professional media relations ranks, and collegiately at the University of Tennessee and at the American Football Coaches Association. 

This conversation with host Trip Durham includes:

• Lessons learned from planning for success/planning for every eventuality while serving as Houston Astros media relations director, regardless of the team performance, team challenges and team record. How he puts this type of planning into practice today at Oregon.
• The journey of being in pro and college sports and from great leaders and elite performers, despite Stanton thinking he would be a “career lifer” with one main spot in his career.
• Time management, travel, productivity and how “the most successful people are the ones who can really prioritize what’s important and filter out the noise a little bit.”
• Importance of navigating relationships and investing in the people you work with.
• As a native of Texas, Stanton take a personal pivot and talks all things barbeque and his native roots.
• The roles of being a traditional communicator and those who are the creatives on the Oregon digital and social staff as we all manage and navigate the shifting sands in college athletics.
• Managing up is a key trait for communicators who want to elevate their worth and value and distinguish themselves in senior leadership.
• The importance of when working with senior administrators, a sports communicator needs to show their worth.
• The importance of enjoying the competitions, the event itself, the game atmosphere and the “moments…”

• the lessons learned and insights from being a college student-athlete (three-sport athlete at Three Rivers CC before starring in softball at Columbia College)
• why she has stayed at Columbia College since arriving as a student-athlete in 2005 and the importance of “roots”
• her original career goals and if she had aspired to become a college director 
• learning to adapt to different team dynamics
• keys to building relationships
• importance of prioritizing time management
• insights on valuing the sports communicators on campus, especially the role and value that a NAIA communicator brings to their jobs today (and the challenges faced) 
• the accomplishments she is most proud of
• in the “get to know Cindy Potter” department she was asked about being a native Canadian and celebrating both country’s Thanksgivings, what would be her “walk-up song” and, her passion for all things Disney.

• the lessons he learned and insights he still uses from sports information being his entry into college sports administration 
• words of advice for the athletic communicators to reach their next professional position and chase their dreams, professionally
• lessons learned from past professional mistakes 
• what the AD and commissioners need from their Division III communications staffers and how communicators can increase their value and influence today
• accomplishments during his long tenure that he is most proud of
• on a more personal level, how he battles always being “on” and seeks more work-life integration, particularly as his wife faces breast cancer
• in the “get to know Brad Bankston department” he was asked – what remains on his bucket list, what walk up song is, and who inspires him 

• Chris Plonsky on CSC Voices: Beyond the Scoreboard podcast

In this dynamic and thought-provoking podcast, Plonsky talks about her career path, beginning with her important sports communications roots, and becoming  a leading voice in college athletics. She offers advice and guidance on building a career, including:

• 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 communicators  bring to a campus or conference
• the "transformative impact" that athletic communications play in today’s challenging college athletic environment