"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "Mentorship Matters: Giving and receiving with impact"
Presented by the Career Services Committee and the Mentorship Committee

Mentorship is a dynamic relationship rooted in trust, curiosity, and mutual growth. Whether you're offering guidance or seeking it, this session will explore how to bring your best self to the table as both mentor and mentee. 

We'll discuss how to lead with professional authenticity, prepare thoughtfully, and follow up with intention. Participants will learn how mentorships - whether brief or long-term - can thrive across departments, institutions, and career stages. We'll highlight the value of both internal and external mentors, and how understanding people is key to building strong connections. 

No matter your role or level, there's always something new to learn and someone to learn from. Join us to discover how mentorship can spark personal and professional development, and leave with practical strategies to build relationships that matter.

Hear from panelists:
- Josh Yonis (Moderator) - Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Communications - Conference USA
- Bryce Johnson – Director of Athletic Communications - Guilford College
- Kristen Keller – Associate Athletic Director, Sports Brands & Communications - University of Southern California 
- Joe Reinsch – Assistant Commissioner - The Pacific West Conference
- Jennifer Lynne Williams – Chief Development Officer - USA Basketball Foundation

This webinar is presented as a collaboration between the Career Services Committee and the Mentorship Committee.

This session is pre-recorded and is available on-demand starting Tuesday, October 28 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.

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

Guest: Dr. Thomas Newsom, Pittsburg State University President

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.

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: "Students are our most valuable resource – but how do we recruit, train and retain them?"
Presented by the Young Professionals Committee and the Professional Development and Education Committee

Students are our industry’s most valuable resource. With the myriad of responsibilities on our ever-growing to-do lists, we all turn to students to help fill the gaps. But how do we recruit, train and retain student workers?

Listen to Patrick Murphy, Lynn Walsh and Jamie Chagnon as they do a deep dive into what works – and what doesn’t – in the realm of building out your student staff. The group covers how to recruit quality student workers, what training models work for different areas (stats, creative) and everything in between.

Hear from panelists:
- Patrick Murphy (Moderator) - Athletics Communications Coordinator - Colorado School of Mines
- Jamie Chagnon - Director of Athletic Communications - Tufts University
- Lynn Walsh - Director of Athletics Communications and Creative Content - College of Charleston

This webinar is presented as a collaboration between the Young Professionals 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 our live professional development webinars? 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.

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

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.

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

Guest: Andrea Williams, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

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.

CSC Award-Winning Female Leaders Dani Gariglio (Davidson) and Katie Gonzales (Illinois Wesleyan)

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

Length: 26:33

This podcast features Katie Gonzales and Dani Gariglio, two young leaders and “rising stars” in the College Sports Communicators organization, as they discuss their career paths, leadership philosophies, and the importance of building strong relationships. 

Gonzales is the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications at Illinois Wesleyan University, a Division III powerhouse. She was recently elected as CSC Third Vice President, and in three years will become the seventh woman in the history of CSC/CoSIDA to serve as President, and the second ethnic minority female to do so.

Gariglio was recently elevated to Assistant AD for Operations at Division I Davidson College, following her standout work as Director of Creative Services. Both of them earned CSC Rising Star Awards, with Katie gaining hers in 2024 and Dani in 2025. Additionally, both earned CSC President’s Awards for commitment and exemplary service to the national association, with Gonzales earning her honor last year as chair of the Academic All-America (AAA) Core Committee and Gariglio being recognized for her work on the AAA and Young Professionals Committee  during this past June’s CSC UNITE25 Convention.

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.