Love the Work. Lead Through Relationships (February 14, 2026)

 

A Valentine’s Day Reflection on Relational Capital in College Athletics

I hadn’t planned to publish today.

But Valentine’s Day invites reflection — and in college athletics, relationships are not adjacent to the work. They are the work.

In an industry measured by wins, budgets, and metrics, the most durable programs — and the most sustainable careers — are built on something less visible:

Relational capital.

Whether you serve in athletic communications, administration, coaching, or operations, your effectiveness rises or falls on the quality of the relationships you build and steward.

Here are a few reminders.

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Relationships Are Your Real Resume

Staffs turn over. Conferences realign. Titles change.

Your reputation remains.

A résumé opens the door. Relationships determine whether you’re invited back.

• Honor timelines.

• Follow through on small commitments.

• Guard trust carefully.

Credibility compounds — and so does inconsistency.

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Communication Is a Competitive Advantage

Most departmental friction isn’t about effort. It’s about clarity.

The strongest professionals:

• Clarify expectations early.

• Address issues directly when possible.

• Confirm alignment instead of assuming it.

Strong communication builds strong culture. Strong culture sustains success.

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A Lesson I’ve Learned

Early in my career, I was focused on output — game notes prepared, releases written, coverage secured. I measured value in productivity.

What I’ve learned over time is that people remember how you handled pressure more than how quickly you turned a document. They remember whether you stayed solution-oriented during a tough loss. They remember whether you supported a coach when messaging was difficult.

The work matters.
But how you work with people matters more.

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Serve Before You Need Something

Transactional networking is obvious. Service-based relationships endure.

• Make introductions without expectation.

• Promote colleagues publicly.

• Offer value before asking for it.

Relational equity built in steady seasons sustains you in challenging ones.

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Follow-Up Is Professionalism

A recap email.
An update to a mentor.
A check-in without an agenda.

Follow-up communicates respect. It signals intentionality. It keeps relationships active rather than archived.

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Invest Laterally

It’s natural to network upward.

But your peers today will be tomorrow’s athletic directors, conference administrators, and senior leaders.

Build authentic relationships across campuses and roles. Celebrate others’ growth. Stay connected beyond job changes.

College athletics is smaller than it feels.

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Protect What Sustains You

This industry demands nights, weekends, and constant responsiveness.

Sustainable leadership requires boundaries.

Protect time with family.
Set communication norms.
Remember that availability is not the same as effectiveness.

Longevity is a leadership skill.

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Gratitude Is Strategic

Appreciation strengthens culture.

Thank the operations staff after a long event weekend.
Recognize the athletic trainer who handled a crisis quietly.
Acknowledge the student assistant who stayed late.

People support leaders who notice people.

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Final Thought

Championships matter. Budgets matter. Wins and losses matter.

But relationships determine culture.
Relationships determine longevity.
Relationships determine leadership.

Love the work.
Lead through relationships.

In college athletics, that’s what endures.

Avoiding early career burnout in athletic communications (February 13, 2026)

Athletic communications (or Sports Information) is a grind that doesn’t just ask for your time—it demands your weekends, your holidays, and a significant chunk of your identity. In an industry where the "hustle" is glorified, burnout isn't just a possibility; for many, it’s the default setting.

Here is an expansion on how to navigate those high-pressure early years without losing your love for the game.

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1. Redefine "Always Available"

The biggest trap for young SIDs is the feeling that a missed text or a delayed post-game release is a catastrophic failure.

• Set Communication Boundaries: Just because you can answer a text from a coach at 11:00 PM doesn't mean you should. Establish "dark hours" where the phone stays on the nightstand.

• The 90% Rule: You don't have to produce a Pulitzer-level feature for every mid-week tennis match. Learn where to give 110% (Championships, National TV games) and where a clean, efficient box score and recap are more than enough.

2. Master the "Off-Season" (Even if it’s short)

In college athletics, seasons bleed into one another. If you handle Fall, Winter, and Spring sports, your "break" might only be a few weeks in July.

• Aggressive PTO: Do not let your vacation days expire. Even if you just stay home and play video games, taking five consecutive days off forces your brain to detach from the 24/7 news cycle.

• Physical Distance: If you are off the clock, stay away from the office and the stadium. The "sight-memory" of your workspace keeps your stress hormones elevated.

3. Build a Support System Outside the Press Box

If all your friends are also SIDs, every social outing will eventually turn into a vent session about work.

• The "Non-Sports" Friend: Maintain at least one hobby or friend group that has zero connection to athletics. It provides a necessary perspective shift that there is a world moving forward regardless of whether your live stats crashed.

• Peer Mentorship: Connect with SIDs at other schools. Often, talking to someone who understands the job but isn't your direct supervisor allows for a safer space to decompress.

4. Systems Over Sweat

Burnout often stems from the feeling of being "buried." Efficiency is your best defense.

• Templates are Life: Don't write every game preview from scratch. Have "skeleton" documents for every sport so you’re only filling in the new narrative.

• Automate Socials: Use scheduling tools for non-time-sensitive content. If you can schedule your "Game Day" graphics on Monday, your Saturday will be 20% less frantic.

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The Reality Check: "It’s Sports, Not Surgery"

It sounds harsh, but it’s the most liberating realization an SID can have: No one dies if the game notes have a typo. The stakes in athletic communications feel massive because of the passion involved, but holding yourself to an impossible standard of perfection is the fastest route to a career change.

Pro Tip: Keep a "Win Folder." Save the nice emails from parents, the thank-you notes from student-athletes, and the clips of your best work. When you're staring at a spreadsheet at 2:00 AM, looking at that folder reminds you why you started.

Standing Out in Crowded Applicant Pools (February 12, 2026)

 Athletic communications positions attract volume.

For many roles, especially at the assistant or entry level, hiring managers can receive dozens — sometimes hundreds — of applications.

Strong candidates get overlooked every year.

Not because they lack ability.

But because they look like everyone else.

If you want to stand out in a crowded applicant pool, you have to think strategically about differentiation — not just qualification.

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Qualification Gets You Considered. Differentiation Gets You Remembered.

Most applicants meet the baseline:

• Writing experience

• Social media management

• Game day coverage

• Internship or GA background

The hiring manager expects that.

What they’re scanning for is something else:

• Clarity

• Professionalism

• Evidence of impact

• Fit

If your résumé and materials look interchangeable with 40 others, you’ve already made it harder for them to advocate for you in the room.

Your goal is not just to be “good.”

Your goal is to be memorable for the right reasons.

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Customize or Compete at a Disadvantage

One of the fastest ways to blend in is sending the same résumé and cover letter everywhere.

If the job posting emphasizes:

• Digital growth

• Media relations leadership

• Creative storytelling

• Statistical expertise

Your materials should reflect that emphasis in structure and language.

Reorder bullet points.
Highlight relevant sports.
Adjust your summary.

Hiring managers should not have to search for your alignment.

Make it obvious.

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A Tailored Cover Letter Still Matters

In athletic communications, writing is core to the role.

A generic cover letter signals one of two things:

1. You rushed the application.

2. Writing may not be your strength.

Neither helps you.

A strong cover letter:

• Mentions the institution specifically

• References a program, initiative, or strength

• Clearly explains why you fit their structure

It should feel written for that job — because it should be.

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Show Initiative Beyond the Job Description

If you want to separate yourself, demonstrate value beyond listed responsibilities.

Examples:

• Link a portfolio with curated, relevant work

• Include analytics screenshots for social growth

• Reference creative campaigns you executed

• Share measurable impact

You’re applying for a communications role. Communicate your value.

Don’t make the committee assume it.

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Professional Presentation Is a Differentiator

Details matter more than people realize.

Check:

• Formatting consistency

• Grammar and punctuation

• Clean layout

• File naming (e.g., LastName_Resume.pdf)

• Functional links

If you’re applying to produce professional content, your materials are the first test.

Sloppy execution quietly eliminates candidates.

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Leverage Relationships Without Overplaying Them

If you’ve networked intentionally, this is where it helps.

A brief note to a contact saying:

“I applied for the Assistant AD for Communications role and wanted to share my materials directly. I appreciate your time.”

That’s not pressure.

It’s awareness.

Your name now moves from an anonymous PDF to a known professional.

That’s an advantage.

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Follow-Up Separates the Serious from the Passive

Most applicants never follow up.

After applying, if appropriate and after a reasonable period, a short, professional check-in can reinforce interest:

“I wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for your time reviewing applications.”

After interviews, follow-up is non-negotiable.

Thank-you messages that reference specific discussion points demonstrate attentiveness and professionalism.

Again, hiring managers notice.

Follow-up communicates maturity.

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Control What You Can Control

You can’t control:

• Internal candidates

• Budget limitations

• Institutional politics

• Search timelines

You can control:

• Preparation

• Customization

• Presentation

• Professionalism

• Follow-up

When applicant pools are crowded, marginal advantages matter.

Small edges accumulate.

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Final Thought

Standing out isn’t about being flashy.

It’s about being intentional.

It’s about aligning your materials, messaging, relationships, and follow-up in a way that makes it easy for someone to say:

“This candidate gets it.”

In crowded applicant pools, clarity beats noise.

Professionalism beats volume.

And consistency beats luck.

Keep refining. Keep aligning. Keep following up.

That’s how you separate yourself.

Managing Early Career Transitions in Athletic Communications (February 11, 2026)

Early careers in athletic communications rarely follow straight lines.

Short-term roles.
Graduate assistantships.
Internships.
One- or two-year stops.

This isn’t instability.

It’s the industry.

The key is learning how to manage transitions strategically rather than reacting to them emotionally.

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Short Tenures Aren’t Red Flags — Poor Framing Is

Many professionals worry that moving roles early looks bad.

In reality, hiring managers understand the structure of the field.

What matters is:

• What you gained

• What you contributed

• Why you moved

If you can articulate growth, transitions become assets.

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Always Be Building While You’re Working

Every role should move you closer to your long-term goals.

Ask:

• What skills am I developing here?

• What responsibilities can I grow into?

• What gaps can I fill?

If you’re not learning, you’re plateauing.

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Leave Every Role Better Than You Found It

Reputations travel quickly in athletic communications.

Before transitioning:

• Document your work

• Organize files and processes

• Communicate clearly with supervisors

• Offer to help with transitions

Professional exits matter.

They shape references and future opportunities.

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Don’t Burn Bridges — Build Them

Even if a role wasn’t ideal, maintain relationships.

Your former supervisor may:

• Recommend you

• Alert you to openings

• Advocate for you later

Career longevity is built on trust.

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Follow-Up Still Matters After You Leave

Stay in touch.

A quick check-in, congratulations, or shared article keeps relationships alive.

Transitions don’t end relationships — they evolve them.

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Final Thought

Early career movement is normal in athletic communications.

What defines you isn’t how often you move — it’s how you grow, how you communicate, and how you exit.

Manage transitions intentionally.

Your future self will thank you.

Interviewing Like a Communicator (February 10, 2026)

In athletic communications, interviews aren’t just about answering questions.

They’re auditions.

Hiring managers aren’t only evaluating what you say — they’re evaluating how you communicate.

Your clarity.
Your structure.
Your tone.
Your preparation.

In many ways, the interview is the most important piece of communication you’ll produce in the hiring process.

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You’re Always Telling a Story

Every answer you give tells a story about how you think and how you work.

Strong interview answers:

• Are organized

• Provide context

• Highlight impact

• End with results or reflection

Rambling answers, vague examples, or surface-level responses signal a lack of preparation — even if your experience is solid.

Before interviews, prepare story banks around:

• Writing and content creation

• Media relations scenarios

• Crisis or high-pressure moments

• Collaboration with coaches or staff

• Times you had to adapt quickly

If you can frame your experiences clearly, you demonstrate the exact skill set the role requires.

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Answer Like You’d Write

Think of your interview responses the same way you’d approach a recap or feature:

• Lead: Set the scene

• Details: Explain your role and actions

• Outcome: Share the result or lesson

Example structure:

“In my role at ___, we faced ___. My responsibility was ___. I approached it by ___. The result was ___, and what I learned was ___.”

This keeps answers concise, focused, and effective.

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Preparation Is Respect

Research the department thoroughly.

Know:

• The sports they emphasize

• Recent accomplishments

• Their communication style

• Staff structure

When you reference specific teams, initiatives, or challenges, it shows investment.

Generic answers suggest generic interest.

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Your Questions Matter as Much as Your Answers

Strong candidates ask thoughtful questions.

Examples:

• How does the department define success in this role?

• What communication platforms are you looking to grow?

• How do staff members collaborate during peak seasons?

Avoid questions easily answered on the website.

Your questions should reflect curiosity, awareness, and long-term thinking.

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Follow-Up Reinforces the Impression

Thank-you notes after interviews are essential.

Reference:

• A specific topic discussed

• Your enthusiasm for the role

• How your skills align with their needs

It’s your final piece of communication in the process.

Make it count.

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Final Thought

Interviewing like a communicator means:

• Preparing stories

• Communicating clearly

• Listening actively

• Following up professionally

If you treat the interview as content — structured, intentional, and audience-focused — you’ll stand out.

Because at the end of the day, the interview is a communication test.

Presenting on Sports Communication at BOSCA Regional Conference (February 9, 2026)

Today, I’m grateful for the opportunity to present on Sports Communication at the BOSCA Regional Conference in Greenville, SC.

Presenting at a conference founded by my friend Jim Abbott makes the experience especially meaningful. Jim has had a lasting impact on my professional journey since the day we first met, and I’m thankful for his leadership and vision in creating a space that brings communicators together to learn, connect, and grow.

I’m looking forward to both making new connections and renewing familiar ones throughout the day.

📌 Blog update: Regular posts on SIDAssistant.blogspot.com will resume on Tuesday, February 10. If there’s a topic related to sports information, athletic communications, branding, or career development that you’d like to see covered, I’d love to hear from you—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you to BOSCA for the opportunity, and to everyone who continues to support and engage with SIDAssistant.blogspot.com as a resource for sports communicators at every stage of their journey.

The Follow-Up Advantage: How Small Actions Create Big Career Opportunities (February 7, 2026)

 rful follow-up isn’t tied to immediate opportunity.

It’s the periodic check-in:

• Congratulating someone on a promotion

• Sharing an article they might find useful

• Commenting on a project they worked on

These touchpoints keep relationships alive.

When positions open months later, your name comes to mind because you stayed present.

That’s how networking turns into opportunity.

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Treat Follow-Up Like a Professional System

Create structure around it.

Maintain a simple list of:

• Who you’ve connected with

• When you last followed up

• Key notes from conversations

You track stats, deadlines, and content calendars.

Track relationships the same way.

Career growth deserves operational discipline.

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Follow-Up Reflects How You’ll Do the Job

Here’s something hiring managers notice:

If you follow up consistently during the job search, they assume you’ll follow up in the role.

That means:

• Media outreach

• Internal communication

• Project management

• Relationship building

Your habits now signal your habits later.

Follow-up is not just courtesy — it’s proof of competence.

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Final Thought

Talent opens doors.

Follow-up keeps them open.

In athletic communications, success isn’t built on one application, one interview, or one conversation.

It’s built through consistent communication, professionalism, and relationships over time.

So apply.
Network.
Interview.

Then follow up.

Because the smallest actions often create the biggest career breakthroughs.