CSC Voices: Why We Belong is provided by the CSC Inclusion Committee

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

Session 1

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

Session 2

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

Session 3

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 

Session 4

They may not be the most glamorous assignments, but student-athlete bios and coaching staff releases are essential pieces of athletic communications. This session will cover best practices for writing and maintaining bios, crafting effective new hire announcements, and understanding when and why these materials matter for media, recruiting, and historical records. Learn ways to make the process more efficient while still producing accurate, useful content that serves your department and your audience.

Panel: 

• 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

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

Guests:

• 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

"Seal the deal: Interview strategies that win"

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.

"There’s no one playbook: finding your path in college athletics communications"
Presented by the CSC U Committee

Careers in college athletics communications don’t come with a single playbook. Join this panel discussion to hear from professionals who found their way through nontraditional paths and career pivots. Learn how to navigate your own journey, build relevant skills, and confidently find your place in the industry.

Hear from:
Liz Holbrook (Moderator) - Western Michigan University, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications 
Ricky Alexander - Bethany College, Sports Information Director
Christian Almanza - Florida International University, Director of Brand and Digital Strategy
Mark Majewski - Boston Bruins, Director of Creative Services

This webinar is presented by the CSC U Committee, who is responsible for educating college students in the field of sports communications.

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

"When moments go viral: Preparing for the unexpected"
Presented by the Professional Development and Education Committee

When something goes viral, every second counts. This session explores how communicators can plan for potential viral moments, respond when the unexpected hits, and use the tools and resources available to them to maximize impact. Panelists will share real examples, lessons learned, and strategies to turn sudden visibility into long-term value.

Hear from:
Jeffrey Bernstein (Moderator) - New York University, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
Rachel Gillam - Indiana University, Director of Social Media & Creative Strategy
Stacey Massey - TVEyes, Vice President of Sales
Jordan Sarnoff - University of Nebraska at Omaha, Assistant Athletic Director - Communications

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.

"Raising the standard for hosting memorable championships"
Presented by the Professional Development and Education Committee

Hosting a championship requires thoughtful preparation, strong communication, and a commitment to elevating the experience for everyone involved. This session brings together experienced communicators to break down the essential components of championship operations, including planning ahead, managing the media relations responsibilities that come with high-profile events, and creating an environment where student-athletes, coaches, officials, and staff can thrive. 

Watch or listen on-demand to gain practical strategies you can apply to future championships, helping raise the standard for hosting events across campus.

Hear from:
Jared Kilgore (Moderator) - University of the Cumberlands, Assistant Sports Information Director
Alisha Alexander - Lewis-Clark State College, Assistant Athletic Director-Sports Information/SWL
Katie Gonzales - Illinois Wesleyan University,  Associate AD for Communications & Marketing
Tim Heiduk - Point Loma Nazarene University, Associate Athletic Director for Communications

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.

"Evolving the role: navigating traditional sports information and digital media"
Presented by the Young Professionals Committee

The role of the college sports information director continues to evolve as new platforms, technologies, and audience expectations reshape the media landscape. This webinar explores how SIDs can stay rooted in the core values of the profession while embracing modern approaches to storytelling, coverage, and digital engagement.

Viewers will learn tips to balance tradition responsibilities with emerging tools and strategies that support stronger communication in a fast-moving, digital world.

Hear from:
Cole Helman (Moderator) - Palm Beach Atlantic University, Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications
Brittany Iamele - Florida Southern College, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and Creative Media
Lynn Walsh - College of Charleston, Director of Athletics Communications and Creative Content

This webinar is presented by the Young Professionals Committee and available to all CSC members.

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