College Sports Communicators

AI in action: how FanWord supports today’s communicators | On-demand webinar

"AI in action: how FanWord supports today’s communicators" Presented by the Professional Development and Education Committee No matter the division or level of competition, athletic communicators are navigating new challenges in how they share stories and connect with audiences. FanWord is a platform that streamlines workflows and elevates storytelling, while reinforcing the idea that AI tools should not be feared but embraced as a resource to save time and energy. Whether you’re curious about why peers adopted FanWord or looking to understand how AI can simplify your daily routine, this session will highlight real-world experiences and actionable strategies from communicators across divisions. This session will explore: - Brief overviews from panelists on how long they’ve used FanWord and why they chose it - How AI tools can simplify content creation and boost engagement - The evolving role of storytelling in college athletics and how tools like FanWord support it - Common challenges faced by athletic communicators and practical ways AI tools help address them Join us to hear from: - Chuck Yahng (Moderator) - Assistant AD for Communications - Maryville University - Christopher Aumueller - CEO & Founder - FanWord - Courtney Day - Associate Athletics Director for Communications and Digital Strategy - DePaul University - Kristen Keller - Associate Athletic Director, Sports Brands & Communications - University of Southern California  - Adam Ledyard - Assistant Athletic Director for Communications - East Texas Baptist University - Colena Lord - Sports Information Director - Savannah College of Art and Design 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.  Unable to attend live events? Selected sessions may later be available on-demand in the hub and on CSC channels such as YouTube and podcasts. Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

Leading with Purpose in the NAIA | Jim Carr | CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard

CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC 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.

Managing the Academic All-America® voting period with confidence | On-demand webinar

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "Managing the Academic All-America® voting period with confidence" Presented by the Academic All-America® Core Program and Professional Development and Education Committees After Academic All-America® nominations are submitted, the next phase begins: voting. This step is just as important and much easier to manage with a clear plan and the right tools. If you're just getting started or want to tighten up your routine, this session will help you vote with confidence and clarity.  This session will explore: - Simple ways to organize voting materials and track deadlines across categories - Tips for sorting, filtering, and comparing nominees to support confident decisions - When to block time on your calendar to review nominations without feeling rushed - Common voting missteps and how to avoid them Join us to hear from panelists: - Tommy Chasanoff (Moderator) - Assistant Athletic Director - Sports Information - University of the Cumberlands - Kyler Ludlow - Assistant Director of Athletics Communication - University of Dayton - Meredith Mahoney - Assistant Director of Athletic Communications - Illinois Wesleyan University This webinar is presented by the Academic All-America® Core Program Committee and 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.  Unable to attend live events? Selected sessions may later be available on-demand in the hub and on CSC channels such as YouTube and podcasts. Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

Tips for preparing a standout Academic All-America® nomination | On-demand webinar

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "Tips for preparing a standout Academic All-America® nomination" Presented by the Academic All-America® Core Program and Professional Development and Education Committees Academic All-America® honors are reserved for college student-athletes who excel in both their sport and the classroom. Behind every successful nomination is a strategic, well-prepared effort by communicators and administrators. This practical session will guide you through the key steps to compiling a compelling nomination. Whether you're new to the process or looking to sharpen your approach, you'll learn: - Time management strategies, including when to block time on your calendar and how to avoid last-minute scrambles - How to identify and contact the right campus partners for GPA verification, resumes, and community service documentation - What makes a nomination stand out and how to share strong, specific content that highlights academic success, athletic achievement, and meaningful service - Common mistakes to avoid and how to stay organized throughout the process Hear from panelists: - Cobe Wastler (Moderator) - Director of Digital Strategy - U.S. Air Force Academy - Isaac Comelli - Sports Information Director - California State University, Bakersfield - Emily Dorko - Associate Athletic Director for External Relations - Adelphi University  - Kevin Smith - Assistant Athletic Director of Communications - The College of Wooster This webinar is presented by the Academic All-America® Core Program Committee and 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.  Unable to attend the live event? Selected sessions may later be available on-demand in the hub and on CSC channels such as YouTube and podcasts. Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.

The team behind the team: A look at what college sports communicators do | CSC U webinar

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "The team behind the team: A look at what college sports communicators do" Presented by the CSC U Committee Ever wonder who’s behind the highlights, graphics, and stories that showcase your favorite college teams? Join us for a conversation with professionals from across athletic communications as they share how they bring college sports to life. Learn what it takes to tell the stories of student-athletes, the skills that make this field exciting, and how you can get started in college sports communications. Hear from panelists: - Ashleigh Jones (Moderator) – Director of Athletics Communications - Denison University  - Jordan Manning – Assistant Director of External Communications and Public Relations - University of Michigan - Josh Smith – Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations - Bridgewater College This webinar is presented by the CSC U Committee, who is responsible for educating college students in the field of sports communications. This session is pre-recorded and is available on-demand starting Monday, November 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET in the hub and on CSC channels such as YouTube and podcasts. Visit CollegeSportsCommunicators/ProfessionalDevelopment for a complete list of available professional development opportunities.