Lyt til College Sports Communicators

In conjunction with Autism Acceptance Month, this podcast features Cadence "Cadie" Pierce and Liz Holbrook — communications professionals who open up about their experiences with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodivergent conditions. Joined by hosts Tony Venegas and Megan O’Brien, they dive into the challenges and strengths that come with being neurodivergent in the fast-paced world of athletic communications. From late diagnoses and navigating misconceptions, to thriving in chaotic environments and redefining communication in the workplace, this conversation offers insight and suggestions on navigating neurodiversity in college sports communications. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, work in athletics, or want to better understand and support colleagues and student-athletes, this episode offers something meaningful for everyone. Panelists: - Cadence Pierce, Wilmington College Graduate Assistant Director of Athletic Communications - Liz Holbrook, University of Evansville Director of Media Relations - Tony Venegas, Belmont Abbey College Director of Athletics Communications - Megan O’Brien, Monmouth University Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

Guest: Andy DeVito, The Ohio State University Director, Creative Services & Branding 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.

How to Collaborate Within Your Department, Across Campus & With Conference Colleagues This on-demand webinar is geared towards assisting new athletic communications and creative professionals (those in years 1-3 of their professional careers), those who are emerging/aspiring professionals (graduate students, graduate interns, undergraduate students) and those who are interested in college sports communications/creative work.  Collaboration isn't just a means of working towards a common goal. It's also an excellent way to encourage innovation and creativity. In this webinar presented by CSC U, we discuss the vital importance of working collaboratively with others in your department, in your conference and on your campus, regardless of your level of experience or leadership. The presenters gave insights on the how’s and why’s to work closely with, and communicate often with, those in senior leadership, marketing, event management, facilities, campus communications, conference colleagues, etc. and how to begin and then strengthen those relationships.   Discussion also centered around departments who do not have a creative/digital person on staff and how to collaborate with others on campus to help provide resources and personnel; and how, with so many moving parts, can you help make events run smoothly. The panelists also talked about the importance of developing self-confidence in a profession where you have multiple responsibilities and how to handle and be open to criticism and hard conversations when they arise. Panelists - Rebecca Ensing - California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Assistant Director of Operations - Bryce Johnson - Guilford College Director of Athletic Communications - Christopher Mora - USC Assistant Director of Graphic Design Moderator - Desean Bullock - University of South Carolina Upstate Director of Athletic Communications

CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC Guest: Jimmy Stanton, University of Oregon Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications 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…”

In the February edition of our NAIA-SIDA Spotlight series, we feature Adam Stanek of Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We discussed Adam's transition from the NCAA to NAIA level, his passion for stats keeping, as well as tips and tricks to getting through winter to spring cross-over season.