Articles of Interest (March 20, 2026)

Before returning to the GetSET2Connect series, I want to briefly pause and share a few pieces of reading that have been on my mind this week.

In my 25 years in collegiate athletics, the “how” of our work has evolved repeatedly—from mailing typed game summaries and calling in statistics to local newspapers, to today’s world of AI-generated recaps. What hasn’t changed is the “why.” Athletic communications remains grounded in mentorship, visibility, and intentional connection.

Whether you’re a veteran administrator or a student assistant just beginning your journey, these recent insights offer a practical roadmap for navigating the demands of modern leadership and an increasingly dynamic technological landscape.

The Highlights:

• The AI Pivot: Inside Higher Ed reminds us that while machines can handle the rote tasks, they can't replace the human element. Our value in 2026 is found in critical thinking and student-athlete engagement.

• The Visibility Trap: Ever feel like your hard work is invisible? It might be the "Performance Paradox." We discuss why translating "effort" into "impact" is a professional necessity, not just bragging.

• Strategic Humility: Leadership feels harder because it is harder. We look at why "certainty theater" is failing and why radical honesty is the only way to rebuild trust with our teams.

• The Power of Small: Ever heard of the Ringelmann Effect? It explains why individual effort drops as teams grow too large. The "Two-Pizza Team" rule might be the secret to a more efficient gameday staff.

• Networking Pillars: A reminder from HERC Jobs that our careers are built on three specific legs: mentors, peers, and professional involvement (like our work with CSC).

As I prepare to share the next part of our series next week, I’d love to hear which of these hits home for you. Are you seeing "social loafing" on your gameday crews? Are you using AI to free up time for mentorship?

Drop a comment below and let’s connect.

GetSET2Connect Series, Part 4: Strategy in Athletic Communications and the Sports Industry (March 19, 2026)

Strategy takes on a different level of importance in athletic communications and the sports industry, where the pace is fast and the expectations are constant.

Success in this space requires more than execution — it requires perspective.

Operating Proactively in a Reactive Environment

Athletic communications is built around deadlines, events, and results. The work is naturally reactive.

But the most effective professionals find ways to operate proactively within that structure.

That means:

• Anticipating storylines before they happen

• Planning content around key moments in a season

• Aligning messaging with broader institutional goals

Strategy is what allows you to stay ahead, even when everything around you is moving quickly.

Moving Beyond Coverage

At its most basic level, athletic communications is about delivering information.

But strategic communicators understand that the role is much bigger than that.

The focus shifts from:

“Did we cover the event?”

To:

“Did we tell the story in a way that builds the program?”

That includes:

• Positioning student-athletes for recognition

• Enhancing recruiting visibility through content

• Creating a consistent voice and identity across platforms

Every piece of content becomes part of a larger narrative.

Creating a Competitive Advantage

In the sports industry, visibility and perception matter.

Programs that consistently tell their story well and engage their audience effectively create a measurable advantage — in recruiting, branding, and overall growth.

In practice, that can look like:

• Increased follower growth and engagement rates across social platforms

• Improved media coverage and external recognition

• Greater success in promoting student-athletes for postseason awards

That advantage doesn’t come from volume. It comes from intentionality.

Strategy is the difference between simply doing the job and elevating the entire program.

Final Thought

In athletic communications, strategy connects what you do every day to the long-term success of the program you represent.

It’s the difference between documenting moments and defining them.

And in a competitive industry, that distinction matters.

GetSET2Connect Series, Part 3: Turning Strategy Into Daily Practice (March 18, 2026)

In Part 1 of the GetSET2Connect Series, we defined what it means to be strategic — aligning your daily actions with long-term career goals.

In Part 2, we emphasized that strategy without execution has no value.

Now, in Part 3, the focus shifts to application — what it actually looks like to operate strategically in your day-to-day work.

Strategy Requires Honest Evaluation

At multiple points in my career, I’ve had to take a step back and evaluate whether my current role was positioning me for what was next.

At both the start of my career at Columbus State Community College and currently at Spartanburg Methodist College, that meant looking beyond my responsibilities and asking:

Am I growing, or am I just maintaining?

That question forced me to think beyond task completion and focus on development. It led me to pursue opportunities outside of my defined role — expanding into areas like storytelling, digital strategy, and content development.

In doing so, those efforts contributed to measurable outcomes, including:

• Increased social media engagement

• Expanded digital reach across platforms 

• Enhanced visibility for student-athletes through award recognition and coverage

Those decisions weren’t always required, but they were intentional. And over time, they created separation in both skill set and impact.

Focus on Impact, Not Activity

One of the biggest traps in any profession — especially in communications — is equating being busy with being effective.

Early on, it’s easy to say yes to everything. But strategic growth comes from identifying what actually moves the needle.

In my experience, that meant prioritizing:

• Storytelling that went beyond standard recaps

• Content that enhanced visibility for student-athletes and programs

• Initiatives that strengthened the overall brand, not just filled immediate needs

Those strategic shifts led to:

• Growth in audience engagement and interaction rates

• Improved performance across digital platforms

• Stronger positioning of programs within conference and regional recognition

The shift is subtle but important: from completing tasks to creating value.

Relationships as a Strategic Asset

No meaningful career progression happens in isolation.

Some of the most impactful opportunities I’ve had came through relationships — mentors, colleagues, and industry connections who provided guidance, perspective, and opportunity.

That includes being recognized nationally, including receiving the CoSIDA President’s Award in 2020, which reflects the impact of both professional work and engagement within the industry.

Being strategic with relationships means investing in them consistently, not just when you need something. It means showing up, adding value, and staying engaged over time.

That approach builds trust — and trust is what ultimately creates opportunity.

From Motion to Progress

Talent and work ethic matter. But without direction, they can only take you so far.

Strategy is what ensures your effort is aligned with where you want to go.

It turns daily work into long-term progress.

And it creates a career path that is intentional, not accidental.

GetSET2Connect Series, Part 2: Putting Strategy into Action (March 17, 2026)

In Part 1 of the GetSET2Connect Series, we explored what it means to be strategic — aligning your daily actions with your long-term career goals and using intentional decision-making as your guide.

But understanding strategy is only the foundation.

The real differentiator is execution.

Too often, professionals acknowledge the importance of strategy but fail to operationalize it in their day-to-day work. Being strategic is not about overanalyzing every move or waiting for the perfect opportunity — it is about consistently acting with clarity and purpose.

So how do you actually put strategy into action?

1. Audit Your Current Position

Strategy begins with awareness.

Take an honest evaluation of where you are in your career right now. Look beyond your job title and responsibilities and assess the true value of your current role.

• Are you building skills that align with your long-term goals?

• Are you gaining experiences that will translate to your next opportunity?

• Are you positioned in a way that allows for growth, or are you simply maintaining your current level?

Strategic professionals regularly assess whether their current situation is contributing to where they ultimately want to go. If the answer is no, that does not necessarily mean you need to leave immediately — but it does mean you need to identify gaps and begin addressing them intentionally.

2. Identify High-Impact Opportunities

Not all work carries the same weight.

One of the most important shifts in thinking strategically is moving from a mindset of activity to one of impact. Being busy is not the same as being effective.

High-impact opportunities are those that:

• Increase your visibility within your organization or industry

• Expand your skill set in meaningful, transferable ways

• Connect you with leadership or key decision-makers

These opportunities are often not assigned — they are identified and pursued.

This may mean volunteering for projects outside your defined role, taking initiative on new ideas, or stepping into responsibilities that stretch your current capabilities. Strategy requires you to recognize which efforts will move the needle and prioritize those over routine tasks that simply fill time.

3. Be Intentional with Relationships

No career grows in isolation.

Networking, when done strategically, is not about collecting contacts — it is about building meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

Consider:

• Who is already in your network, and how are you maintaining those relationships?

• Who do you need to connect with to reach your next level?

• How can you provide value to others, rather than only seeking it?

Strategic relationship-building means aligning yourself with individuals who challenge your thinking, support your development, and expose you to new opportunities. These relationships often become the catalysts for career advancement.

Moving from Motion to Progress

The difference between those who stay stagnant and those who advance is rarely talent alone. More often, it comes down to intentionality.

Being strategic ensures that your efforts are not just keeping you busy, but actively moving you forward.

It transforms your career from a series of reactions into a deliberate path.

As you continue through the GetSET2Connect Series, the focus will shift to additional components that build on this foundation. But without strategy, none of the other elements can reach their full potential.

Start where you are. Evaluate honestly. Act intentionally.

That is how strategy becomes progress.

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Missed Part 1? Start here:
https://sidassistant.blogspot.com/2026/03/getset2connect-series-part-1-why.html

GetSET2Connect Series, Part 1: Why Strategy is Your Career’s North Star (March 16, 2026)

After celebrating my birthday on March 13, I’m shifting gears back to the core principles of GetSET2Connect. In this upcoming series, we’ll deep-dive into the framework, paired with fresh job leads, industry news, and a few surprises. We’re kicking things off with the S in GetSET: Strategic. We will explore what being strategic looks like by definition, from the perspective of a job holder, and through the lens of a job seeker.

Half a Century of Life, Lessons, and Connection (March 14, 2026)

Half a Century of Life, Lessons, and Connection

To every single person who reached out, sent a text, left a comment, or whispered a prayer for my 50th birthday: Thank you. Reaching fifty isn't just about a change in the first digit of my age; it feels like standing on a peak and finally being able to see the entire landscape of where I’ve been. Reading your messages reminded me that while the journey is personal, it is never solitary.

Why This Birthday Feels Different

I chose to use this milestone not just for celebration, but to bring awareness to a "meaningful moment." Many of you have asked about the "depths" I mentioned. Life has a way of taking us through valleys we didn't choose, but those depths are exactly where the roots of our strength are formed.

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how my story—the highs, the lows, and the messy middles—involves all of you. We are a tapestry of shared experiences, and I am so grateful you are part of my weave.

Looking Ahead: GetSET2Connect

I’m taking the weekend to soak in the last of these birthday reflections, but the real work (and the real sharing) begins shortly.

When I resume the blog this Monday, we are going deep. I’ll be introducing a concept that has become my North Star: GetSET. It’s more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a framework for how we bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be—with ourselves and with each other.

• S - (Stay tuned for the breakdown...)

• E - (...)

• T - (...)

I can’t wait to share this new chapter with you. See you back here on Monday.

50 Years: The Life I Almost Didn’t See (March 13, 2026)

March 13, 1994.

That was the day I began telling the people around me that I was going to end my life. I remember the weight of those words and the hollow certainty behind them. Nearly three months later, following a suicide attempt, I found myself in a psychiatric ward.

At the time, I thought that was the end of my story. In reality, it was the first day of the rest of my life.

The Radical Shift

I don’t share this to shock you or to lead with a tragedy. I share it because of the "radical change" that followed. For the last 32 years, my life has been a series of introductions—to people, places, and versions of myself—that were truly beyond my wildest imagination.

In that hospital bed in 1994, I couldn’t have envisioned the laughter I’d share decades later, the hands I would hold, or the wisdom I would gain from the people who have walked in and out of my life.

A History of Becoming

Recovery isn’t a straight line; it’s a long, winding road of evolution. Over the past three decades, I have learned that:

• Presence is a Victory: Just being here is an achievement worth celebrating.

• People are the Map: Every person I’ve met since that day has been a thread in the tapestry of my survival.

• The Story Continues: No matter how dark the chapter, it is rarely the final page.

Celebrating 50

Today, I am celebrating 50 years of life. Thirty-two of those years were "bonus years"—years I fought for, years I almost traded away, and years that have proven to be more beautiful and complex than I ever thought possible. This blog is a space to honor that history. It’s a place to talk about where I’ve been, but more importantly, to celebrate the fact that I am still here to tell the tale.

To anyone standing in their own "March 13, 1994" right now: Please stay. The versions of you that exist at 50 are waiting to meet you, and they are more incredible than you can imagine.

1 Day Out: A Letter to the Ones Who Mean the Most (March 12, 2026)

With one day remaining before I turn 50, it feels right to pause and recognize the people who have meant the most along the way.

Milestones naturally make you reflect. Fifty years brings a lot of memories, a lot of lessons, and a lot of gratitude. And while so many people have played a role in the journey, there are a few who deserve a very special acknowledgment.

This one is for them.

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To My Wife, Charlene

Charlene, you have been my partner through so many chapters of life.

Marriage is a journey of shared experiences — the highs, the challenges, the everyday moments that make up a life together. Through it all, your support, patience, encouragement, and belief have meant more than I could ever fully express.

Life moves fast, and careers, responsibilities, and schedules can sometimes pull in a hundred directions. But having someone beside you who understands the journey — who celebrates the wins and helps navigate the tougher days — is something I never take for granted.

As I reach this milestone, I’m grateful not just for the years we’ve shared, but for the many more chapters we still have ahead of us.

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To My Mom, Wilma

Mom, so much of who I am today traces back to the example you set.

Mothers often carry more responsibility than anyone realizes — guiding, teaching, encouraging, and sometimes sacrificing so their children have opportunities to grow and succeed.

Your strength, work ethic, and belief in family created the foundation that made everything else possible. Even when life presented challenges, you always found a way to keep moving forward and keep our family grounded.

That example stays with me every day.

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To My Brother, John

John, growing up with a brother means sharing a lifetime of experiences — some competitive, some chaotic, and many unforgettable.

Brothers understand each other in a way that doesn’t always need a lot of explanation. There’s a shared history that comes from growing up side by side and navigating life’s early chapters together.

No matter where life takes us, that connection is always there.

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To My Dad, Eldon

Dad, even though you’re no longer here, your influence is still present in so many ways.

Fathers leave behind lessons that often reveal their full meaning later in life. The things you taught — through words, through actions, and through the way you approached life — continue to guide me.

Milestones like this one naturally bring reflection, and your presence in those memories remains strong.

Your impact didn’t end when you were gone. It continues through the values and lessons that stay with me.

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Tomorrow I turn 50.

It’s a milestone that represents time, experience, and reflection — but most of all, it represents the people who made the journey meaningful.

To Charlene, Mom, John, and Dad — thank you for being such an important part of the story.

The next chapter begins tomorrow.

2 Days Out: A Letter to My Family (March 11, 2026)

 With two days remaining before I turn 50, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the people who helped shape the journey.

This one feels a little different from the others in the series. Instead of a list or a reflection, this feels more like a letter.

A letter to family.

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To my aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially my Grandma Hunt,

As I get closer to turning 50, I’ve been thinking about the foundation that made the rest of the journey possible. Long before careers, responsibilities, and adult life took shape, there was family — the people who helped create the environment where everything else began.

Family gatherings, holidays, conversations, stories, and traditions may have seemed ordinary at the time, but looking back, those moments carried more meaning than we probably realized.

They were the building blocks.

They were where values were learned — how to treat people, how to work hard, how to show up for others, and how to keep moving forward even when things didn’t go exactly as planned.

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To my beloved Grandma Hunt,

Your presence has always represented something steady. Grandparents have a unique role in families — they carry the stories of the past while quietly shaping the future through the example they set.

The wisdom, patience, and perspective you’ve shared over the years have had a lasting impact, whether it was through advice, encouragement, or simply being someone who was always there.

Those things matter more than words can easily capture.

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To my aunts and uncles,

You helped shape the family environment that made growing up feel supported and grounded. Each of you contributed something unique — your personalities, your experiences, and your presence at the moments that mattered.

Looking back, it’s easy to see how those influences helped shape the person I’ve become.

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To my cousins,

Growing up alongside you created a shared history that still connects us today. We’ve all taken different paths and built our own lives, but there’s something about family that always brings the story back together.

Those early memories — the laughter, the chaos, the holidays, the time spent together — are part of the fabric that connects us.

---

As I approach 50, I realize more clearly that no one reaches a milestone like this alone.

Every chapter is influenced by the people who were there along the way — encouraging, supporting, teaching, and sometimes simply showing up when it mattered.

Family creates the roots that allow everything else to grow.

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Two days away from 50, I’m grateful for those roots.

And grateful for all of you who helped plant them.

3 Days Out: Gratitude for the Student-Athletes and Coaches Who Shaped the Journey (March 10, 2026)

 With three days remaining before I turn 50, one thought keeps coming back to me.

So much of the journey has been defined by the people involved in athletics — especially the student-athletes and coaches I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the years.

Athletics has a unique way of creating connections that go beyond the scoreboard. The games, meets, and matches may last a few hours, but the lessons and relationships often last much longer.

As I reflect on nearly five decades of life — and many years working around college athletics — I’m reminded of how much those relationships have meant.

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The Student-Athletes

To the student-athletes I’ve worked with over the years, you’ve probably taught me as much as I’ve ever helped you.

You taught me about commitment — the early mornings, the late practices, the constant pursuit of improvement. You showed what it means to balance competition, academics, and life at a time when expectations are high and time is limited.

But more than that, you reminded me why college athletics matters.

It’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about growth, resilience, teamwork, and learning how to respond when things don’t go as planned. Watching so many of you evolve over the course of your college careers — and then go on to succeed in life beyond sports — has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

Seeing former student-athletes build careers, lead families, and contribute to their communities is a reminder that the impact of those years extends far beyond the playing field.

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The Coaches

And to the coaches — the leaders who guide those student-athletes — your influence is often greater than you realize.

Coaching requires patience, vision, and the ability to develop people, not just players. It’s a profession that demands long hours, emotional investment, and a belief in young people who are still figuring out who they are and who they want to become.

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to observe countless examples of leadership, mentorship, and dedication from coaches who truly care about their teams.

The best ones understand that while championships are celebrated, the real legacy lies in the people they help shape.

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Why It Matters

Working in and around athletics has given me a front-row seat to moments that are both unforgettable and instructive — dramatic wins, difficult losses, personal breakthroughs, and the quiet moments of growth that don’t always make headlines.

Those experiences have reinforced something important: athletics is ultimately about people.

The relationships formed through practices, road trips, locker rooms, and long seasons often become lifelong connections.

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With three days remaining before I turn 50, I find myself especially grateful for the student-athletes and coaches who have allowed me to be part of their journey in some small way.

You’ve made the path more meaningful than you probably realize.

And for that, I’m thankful.

4 Days Out: Five Things I Appreciate More as 50 Approaches (March 9, 2026)

With four days remaining before I turn 50, the reflection naturally becomes a little deeper.

Earlier in this countdown I’ve thought about lessons learned, milestones reached, and the perspective that comes with time. But as the number gets smaller, something else becomes more prominent — appreciation. The longer you travel a road, the more clearly you can see the people, moments, and opportunities that made the journey meaningful.

Here are five things I find myself appreciating more as 50 approaches.

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1. Meaningful Relationships

The people who have walked alongside me — family, friends, colleagues, mentors, students, and those who crossed paths for even a short season — are the true markers of time. Careers evolve, organizations change, and chapters close, but relationships endure.

Looking back over the years, it’s clear that the most important parts of the journey were rarely the events themselves. They were the conversations, the collaborations, the encouragement during difficult moments, and the shared celebrations when things went well. The people who invest in you — and those you invest in — ultimately define the experience far more than any résumé line ever could.

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2. Perspective

One of the quiet gifts that comes with time is perspective. Situations that once felt overwhelming now feel more manageable because experience teaches you that most challenges are temporary.

Over the years you begin to recognize patterns — in people, in work, and in life. You learn that setbacks are often part of progress, that patience is a strategy, and that the best decisions are usually the ones made with a clear head rather than a rushed reaction.

Perspective doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it helps you approach them with a steadier mindset.

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3. The Opportunity to Keep Learning

If anything has remained constant over the years, it’s the realization that learning never really stops. In fact, the desire to stay curious feels even more important now than it did earlier in life.

The world continues to evolve — technology, industries, communication, and the way we connect with each other. Staying open to new ideas, new tools, and new perspectives keeps the journey interesting. Curiosity becomes less about keeping up and more about continuing to grow.

There’s something energizing about knowing that even after decades of experience, there is still more to discover.

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4. Small Moments

Earlier in life it’s easy to focus on the big milestones — the achievements, the promotions, the major accomplishments that feel like defining moments.

But over time, the smaller moments begin to carry more weight. A meaningful conversation. A quiet morning to reflect. A chance to help someone else move forward. A simple moment of gratitude that might have gone unnoticed years ago.

Those smaller moments often become the ones that stay with you the longest.

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5. The Journey Itself

Looking back, the path to this point hasn’t been perfectly straight — and that’s probably the point. Careers evolve. Opportunities appear unexpectedly. Plans change.

The twists and turns are what shape the story. The lessons learned along the way — both the successes and the setbacks — help define who we become.

Reaching this stage doesn’t feel like an ending. If anything, it feels like a moment to pause, appreciate the road traveled so far, and prepare for whatever comes next.

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Four days out from 50, I’m reminded that milestones are less about the number itself and more about the reflection they inspire.

And if the first five decades are any indication, the next chapter should be just as meaningful.

50 Years Later: Grateful for the Athletic Communications Profession (March 7, 2026)

To My Colleagues in Athletic Communications: A Thank You at 50

As I prepare to turn 50 on Friday, March 13, I find myself thinking about the profession that has shaped so much of my adult life — and more specifically, the people within it.

Athletic communications is not for the faint of heart.

It is long days that turn into longer nights. It is stats crews in cold press boxes and sweltering gyms. It is rebuilding a game recap after a crashed system. It is fielding last-minute media requests while tracking live numbers. It is crisis management at 10 p.m. and feature writing at 6 a.m. It is serving everyone else first — coaches, student-athletes, administrators, media — and rarely seeking recognition.

And yet, I would choose it again.

To every colleague I have worked alongside — thank you.

Thank you for the box scores exchanged on tight deadlines.
Thank you for the shared templates, the borrowed rosters, the quick texts when technology failed.
Thank you for the quiet mentorship, whether you realized you were providing it or not.
Thank you for raising the standard of the profession through your consistency and integrity.

This industry is built on trust. Trust that the stats are right. Trust that the story is accurate. Trust that when things get chaotic — and they do — someone will step up and handle it professionally.

I have learned as much from my peers as I have from any formal training. I have watched you adapt as the profession evolved — from printed media guides to digital platforms, from fax machines to real-time analytics, from local recaps to national reach. Through every shift, the core has remained the same: serve the student-athlete, protect the integrity of the institution, and tell the story well.

We are custodians of memory.

Years from now, long after the final buzzer fades, what remains are the records, the narratives, the archives — the work we produced often under pressure and without applause. That responsibility has always mattered to me, and it matters because of the standard you collectively set.

At 50, I am not counting championships or awards. I am counting relationships. I am counting the professionals who answered the phone, who shared insight, who modeled calm in chaos, and who demonstrated what it means to do this job the right way.

If I have grown in this field, it is because I have stood alongside talented, committed professionals who take pride in the details.

Thank you for the collaboration.
Thank you for the accountability.
Thank you for the camaraderie.
Thank you for protecting and elevating this profession.

Fifty is simply a milestone. The real gift has been the opportunity to work among people who understand that what we do matters — even when few are watching.

With respect and appreciation,

Danny

From the Sidelines to 50: With Appreciation (March 6, 2026)

As I prepare to turn 50 next Friday - March 13, I have found myself reflecting less on the number and more on the people.

This milestone doesn’t feel like a finish line. It feels like a ledger — one filled with names, seasons, road trips, practices, bus rides, late-night edits, early morning lifts, tough losses, breakthrough wins, and countless conversations in hallways, locker rooms, and offices.

To every student-athlete I have had the privilege to work with: thank you.

You trusted me to tell your stories. You allowed me into moments that mattered — championship celebrations, career highs, heartbreaking defeats, and everything in between. You gave effort when no one was watching. You represented your teams, your families, and your institutions with pride. Watching you grow — not just as competitors, but as leaders, teammates, and professionals — has been one of the greatest rewards of my career.

To every coach I have worked alongside: thank you.

You set the standard. You demanded excellence. You cared deeply — about your programs, your athletes, and your craft. I have learned from your preparation, your resilience, and your willingness to evolve. You allowed me to serve as a steward of your program’s narrative, and I never took that responsibility lightly.

In athletic communications, we often operate behind the scenes. We write the recaps. We craft the releases. We manage the crisis moments. We celebrate others in the spotlight. But the truth is this profession has never been just about statistics, deadlines, or platforms for me. It has always been about people.

The relationships.

The shared mission.

The understanding that what we do helps preserve memories that matter.

As I reach 50, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Not for the milestones listed on a résumé, but for the human connections built over decades in gyms, fields, stadiums, and offices. Every season added a layer. Every athlete and coach sharpened my perspective. Every challenge strengthened my resolve.

If I have done my job well, it is because of you.

Thank you for your trust.
Thank you for your effort.
Thank you for your professionalism.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.

The number 50 is simply a marker. The real measure has always been impact — and I am deeply grateful that my path has intersected with so many of yours.

With appreciation,

Danny

Eight Days Out: What I’d Tell My 30-Year-Old Self About Life & Work (March 5, 2026)

As the countdown moves forward, I keep circling back to one question: If I could talk to my 30-year-old self, what would I say?

1. Don’t Rush Certainty — Clarity often comes after the decade of experimentation.
2. Treat Your Time Like Currency — Not all hours are equal; spend them where they grow you.
3. Embrace Discomfort — Most growth happens outside the “comfortable zone.”
4. Collect People, Not Titles — Titles are temporary; trusted colleagues are lifelong.
5. Take Care of Your Body Now — It pays dividends later in stamina, focus, and happiness.
6. Say Thank You Early and Often — Gratitude builds resilience and deep roots.
7. Learn the Difference Between Busy and Productive — They’re not the same.
8. Ask Better Questions — Better questions drive better outcomes.
9. Learn to Delegate — Excellence at every level requires trusting others.
10. Never Stop Learning — The world changes fast; lifelong learners flourish.

Half a century in the rear-view is a powerful mirror — one I wouldn’t trade, but one I wish I’d had earlier.

Nine Days Out: Ten Hard-Earned Lessons from Nearly 50 Years (March 4, 2026)

With nine days remaining before I turn 50, I’ve been thinking less about age — and more about accumulation.

Not accumulation of things.
Accumulation of perspective.
Pattern recognition.
Clarity.

A half-century gives you enough reps to see what actually works — and what doesn’t.

Here are ten lessons that feel less theoretical and more earned.

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1. Relationships Are the Real ROI

Metrics matter. Results matter. But over time, relationships determine both.

2. Consistency Beats Intensity

The occasional sprint is impressive. The steady cadence wins careers and builds character.

3. Boundaries Create Capacity

Every “yes” costs something. Strategic “no’s” protect what matters most.

4. Curiosity Is Career Insurance

Industries evolve. Platforms shift. Titles change. Curiosity keeps you relevant.

5. Failure Is Feedback

Mistakes are tuition. The key is graduating from them quickly.

6. Energy Management > Time Management

You can’t create more hours. You can control where your energy goes.

7. Clarity Simplifies Decisions

At 50, fewer decisions feel reactive. Experience sharpens instinct.

8. Impact Outlasts Achievement

Trophies collect dust. Influence compounds.

9. Reinvention Is a Discipline

Every decade requires an update — skills, mindset, approach.

10. Fifty Isn’t an Ending

It’s a recalibration point. A strategic pause before the next climb.

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Nine days out, I’m less interested in nostalgia and more focused on trajectory.

Fifty feels less like a milestone — and more like a launchpad.

The Illusion of Easy: Why Simple is Never Simple (March 3, 2026)

Since we’re stepping into a new month—and a particularly special one at that—this is the perfect time to reset and reflect. Not only are we turning the page on the calendar, but it’s also my birthday month!

Birthdays have a funny way of making us look at the "finished product" of our lives, but we often forget the "gritty practice" that got us here. In honor of another year of growth, let’s dive into why the best results often require the most hidden work.

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We’ve all seen it—the perfectly organized classroom, the administrative workflow that runs like clockwork, or the student who delivers a flawless presentation without breaking a sweat. From the outside, it looks easy. It looks effortless.

But as Sahil Bloom reminds us:

"You have to put in extraordinary effort to make something appear effortless. Effortless, elegant performances are often just the result of a large volume of effortful, gritty practice. Small things become big things. Simple is not simple."

In the world of educational support and instructional design, this is our "North Star."

The "Gritty" Reality Behind the Scenes

At SIDAssistant, our goal is to help you simplify your day. However, creating a "simple" solution—like an automated grading sheet or a streamlined communication template—requires a massive amount of front-end labor.

To get to "simple," you have to:

• Wrestle with the details: Identifying every friction point in a process.

• Embrace the "Gritty" Practice: Failing, troubleshooting, and iterating until the kinks are gone.

• Focus on the Small: Realizing that a single misplaced link or a confusing instruction can derail an entire lesson.

Why "Effortless" Matters

If a system looks complicated, people won’t use it. Whether you are an educator designing a curriculum or an admin organizing a department, the goal of your "extraordinary effort" is to lower the barrier for others.

When your work appears effortless, it means you’ve successfully absorbed the complexity so your students or colleagues don’t have to. You’ve done the heavy lifting of thinking, so they can do the rewarding work of learning.

Small Things Become Big Things

As I celebrate my birthday this month, I’m reminded that expertise doesn't happen overnight. Don’t be discouraged if your current project feels "effortful" and far from "elegant." Every minute spent refining a prompt, organizing a folder, or practicing a delivery is a deposit into that future state of ease.

Simple is a skill. It’s something you earn through the volume of your work.

Top 10 Things It Means to Turn 50 in Athletic Communications (March 2, 2026)

With exactly 11 days until I hit the half-century mark, I’ve been reflecting on the intersection of my two worlds. I’ve put together this Top 10 list to bridge the gap between the technical 'assistant' mindset of this blog and the high-stakes, fast-paced reality of athletic communications.

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Top 10 Things It Means to Turn 50 in Athletic Communications

In 11 days, my personal "System Clock" hits the half-century mark. After nearly three decades of keeping the stats, managing the media, and troubleshooting every crisis from broken Wi-Fi to broken hearts, here is what I’ve learned about reaching Version 5.0.

1. You No Longer Mistake "Urgent" for "Important"

In your 20s, every coach’s "emergency" text is a 4-alarm fire. At 50, you realize that a typo in a 60-page media guide is a "Minor UI Glitch," not a "Total System Failure." You’ve developed the firewall to protect your peace.

2. Your Institutional Memory is the Ultimate Search Engine

The 22nd-year-old intern has Google; you have the Deep Archive. You remember the why behind the traditions, the history of the donor names on the wall, and exactly which reporter needs to be handled with extra care. You aren't just a worker; you’re the lead architect of the program’s story.

3. "Uptime" is Negotiable

We used to brag about 18-hour days and sleeping in the office during tournament week. At 50, you know that scheduled maintenance (sleep, family, and hobbies) is what prevents a catastrophic crash. A well-rested SID is a more effective SID.

4. You’ve Deprecated Your Need for Validation

The "Awards" page on the resume matters less than the "Mentorship" column. Seeing a student assistant you trained land a head SID job or a PR role in the pros is a much better ROI than a plaque on the wall.

5. You Appreciate the "Analog" in a Digital World

While you’re proficient in the latest AI-stats and social algorithms, you know that a face-to-face conversation with a student-athlete is still the most powerful "bandwidth" you have. Relationships are the source code of this business.

6. The Chassis Shows Wear, but the Logic is Faster

Your knees might click when you climb the stairs to the press box, but your ability to troubleshoot a crisis during a live broadcast has never been sharper. You’ve seen every "bug" before; you know the fix before the error message even pops up.

7. You’ve Mastered the "Delete" Key

You’ve learned to delete the clutter—both in your inbox and your life. At 50, you stop saying "yes" to every committee and every project that doesn't align with your core mission. You’re optimizing for Efficiency.

8. You’re a "Classic," Not "Obsolete"

Like a perfectly tuned legacy server that just works, you provide the stability the department needs. The young guns might have faster "processing speeds" for TikTok trends, but you provide the System Integrity that keeps the ship upright.

9. Perspective is Your Best Stat

You’ve seen winning seasons and losing streaks. You’ve seen coaches come and go. At 50, you have the perspective to know that the sun still rises after a tough loss, and the "stats" that really matter are the ones involving your health and your family.

10. The Release Candidate is Ready

Turning 50 isn't the end of the development cycle. It’s the start of the most stable, high-performance version of your life. Version 5.0 isn't about looking back; it’s about pushing to production with more wisdom and less "noise."

Why I Stopped Chasing an Assistant Director Role for a Second Internship (February 28, 2026)

In 2000, I was finishing my first post-graduate internship at the Naval Academy. I was convinced my next stop had to be an Assistant Director role in a Sports Information or Athletic Communications office. I applied for several positions, landed multiple interviews, and even had an internal opportunity on the table.

But I made a choice that looked "backward" to many: I moved to Indiana University for a second internship. (Funny enough, that’s where I eventually met my wife, though I didn't know that then!)

In the world of Athletic Communications, an Assistant Director title carries weight. It feels like you’ve finally "arrived." It’s a full-time seat at the table and looks great on a resume. When I turned down those roles for another internship, people asked, "Why go backward?"

Here is why that second internship was actually the fastest way to move forward in my career.

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1. The "Title vs. Skill" Trap

Early in your career, a title can be a trap. If you become an Assistant Director at a smaller or less-resourced department, you might be the "big fish," but you risk hitting a plateau early.

While I had the ambition for the title, I recognized I still had technical gaps in high-level Adobe Creative Suite workflows, stat-keeping mastery, and crisis management.

The Goal: I didn't want to just have the title; I wanted to be the most competent person in the room when I eventually earned it.

2. Prioritizing Mentorship Over Management

As an Assistant Director, people look to you for answers. As an intern, you are there to ask questions.

By choosing a second internship at a powerhouse program like IU, I gained access to mentors with multiple years of experience. I watched how they navigated NCAA tournaments, handled media relations, and managed high-pressure communications. I traded a "manager" title for a "masterclass" in the industry.

3. Doubling the Network

Had I taken an Assistant Director role immediately, my network might have stayed confined to one specific conference or region. By moving to a different environment for a second internship, I effectively doubled my professional circle. I gained two sets of supervisors, two distinct athletic departments, and two networks of media contacts who could vouch for my work.

4. Building a Foundation to Avoid Burnout

Let’s be real: Athletic Communications is a grind. Jumping into a leadership role without a rock-solid understanding of "how the machine works" is a recipe for 80-hour weeks and rapid burnout.

My second internship allowed me to refine my workflow efficiency. I learned how to do in two hours what used to take me six. That efficiency is what sustains a long-term career.

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The Takeaway for Job Seekers

Don't be afraid of a "lateral move" or even a "downward" title change if the environment is superior.

• A title is temporary.

• Skills are permanent.

• An elite network is priceless.

I didn't "fail" to get an Assistant Director job—I chose to build a foundation that ensured when I did take that role, I wouldn't just hold the position; I would excel in it.

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From Cap and Gown to Career: Setting Goals for Your First Post-Grad Role (February 27, 2026)

The ink on your diploma is barely dry, and the pressure is on. You’re likely seeing "Entry Level" job postings that ask for 2–3 years of experience. It feels like a rigged game, but this is exactly where strategic goal setting and internships come into play.

If you are a recent grad, your job search isn't just about finding a paycheck—it's about building a foundation.

1. The Power of the "Post-Grad Internship"

Many graduates feel that internships are only for current students. This is a myth. A post-graduate internship is one of the most effective ways to get your foot in the door of a competitive company.

• Goal: Aim to apply for at least 3 "internship-to-hire" programs.

• Why? It lowers the "risk" for the employer while giving you a 3–6 month window to prove you’re indispensable. It’s essentially a long-form interview where you get paid to learn.

2. Identify Your "Skills Gap"

Your degree taught you how to think, but an internship teaches you how to work. Use your goal-setting sessions to identify what software or soft skills you’re missing.

• Academic Knowledge: Theory, research, writing.

• Technical Skills: Excel, Python, CRM software, Adobe Suite.

• Workplace Experience: Project management, office etiquette, networking.

Your Goal: If you notice every job in your field requires Tableau or Salesforce, set a goal to spend 5 hours a week earning a free certification in that tool.

3. Networking is Your New Homework

In college, your success depended on your individual effort. In the job market, it often depends on who knows your work ethic.

• The "Alumni Goal": Reach out to 3 alumni from your university who are working in your dream industry.

• The Script: "Hi [Name], I recently graduated from [University] and saw you’re working at [Company]. I’d love to hear about how you made the transition from campus to your current role."

• The Result: This often leads to "hidden" internship opportunities that aren't even posted on job boards.

4. Treat "Soft Skills" as Hard Goals

During an internship or your first role, your ability to take initiative is more important than your GPA. Set goals for how you show up:

• Goal: "I will ask for feedback on one project every week."

• Goal: "I will volunteer for one cross-departmental task to meet people outside my immediate team."

5. Shift Your Mindset: The "Long Game"

Your first job doesn't have to be your dream job; it just needs to be the first job. Use this period to build a portfolio of "proof." Every task you complete in an internship is a bullet point for your next resume.

Tip: Don't just list your duties; list your impact. Did you save the team 5 hours a week by organizing a spreadsheet? That is a "win" you can take to your next interview.

Master Your Job Search: Why Goal Setting is Your Secret Weapon (BONUS: Pictures) - February 26, 2026

Searching for a job is often described as a marathon. But if you’ve been at it for a while, it can feel more like being lost in the woods without a compass. You’re moving, you’re tired, but are you actually getting anywhere?

The difference between a frustrating job search and a successful one usually comes down to one thing: Goal Setting.

One of my goals thorugh this blog is about making your professional life easier. Today, we’re breaking down how to move from "hopeful applicant" to "strategic job seeker" by setting goals that actually move the needle.

1. Stop Chasing "The Job" (For a Moment)

The biggest mistake job seekers make is setting only one goal: “Get a job.” The problem? That goal is too big, and you don’t have 100% control over the outcome. When you don't get a "yes" immediately, it feels like failure. Instead, shift your focus to Input Goals—the actions you take that lead to a hire.

2. Use the SMART Framework

You’ve likely heard of SMART goals, but here is how they apply specifically to your job search:

• Specific: Instead of "apply to jobs," try "apply to three Project Manager roles in the tech sector."

• Measurable: Use numbers. "Reach out to 2 new LinkedIn connections per day."

• Achievable: Don't aim for 50 applications a week if you have a family or a current job. Aim for 5 high-quality, tailored applications.

• Relevant: Ensure your tasks match your career path. Does that 3-hour webinar actually help you get the role you want?

• Time-bound: "I will have my portfolio updated by Friday at 5:00 PM."

3. Categorize Your Goals

To stay balanced, divide your goals into three "buckets":

• The Outreach Bucket: (Networking)

  • Goal: "I will conduct one informational interview per week to learn about company culture."

• The Skill Bucket: (Upskilling)

  • Goal: "I will complete the Google Data Analytics certification by the end of the month."

• The Presence Bucket: (Branding)

  • Goal: "I will post one insightful industry comment on LinkedIn every Tuesday and Thursday."

4. Celebrate the "Micro-Wins"

In a job search, you might get 20 "no’s" before one "yes." If you only celebrate the hire, you’ll burn out. Start celebrating the process:

• Celebrate a great follow-up email you sent.

• Celebrate a recruiter reaching out, even if the role wasn't a fit.

• Celebrate a week where you hit all your "Input Goals."

5. Review and Pivot

A goal isn't a life sentence. If you’ve sent 50 applications and haven't received a single interview invite, your goal shouldn't be "send 50 more." It should be "spend this week's goal hours working with a resume expert to fix my CV."

The Bottom Line: You can’t control the market, and you can’t control the hiring manager. But you can control your schedule, your effort, and your goals. When you track your progress, you turn a chaotic search into a manageable project.