< Previous18 The Value and Impact of Athletics Communications in College Athletics A D V OC A T I N G F O R C o S I DA What aspects of leadership are you looking for in communications professionals you work with? Gina Lehe NCAA Managing Director of Communications - Strategy & Branding “I think we’re seeing a common theme for me – I look for humility and sense of purpose in life and in their professional work. I don’t ask, in interviews, ‘what are your greatest strengths, your greatest weaknesses?’ Those have always felt like memorized answers to me. In the communications industry, I want to be able to have a basic ‘who are you’ conversation in an interview — not what your resumé lists, or what you’ve word-smithed on a cover letter, or the number of social media likes and retweets you might have on your account. “If we cannot just talk, then the fit in this industry is not going to be great. Ironically, some of the worst communicators work in communications. Trying to draw them out of their comfort zone where a core communications skill set has either left them, escaped them, or never been there to begin with … I want to try and draw that out. You can tell a lot by a young star who is hitting the ground to network, observe and most importantly, to listen. People say, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and I agree, but you also can learn a lot by observing and listening. “Recently, during an intern hiring process, we had many candidates with tremendous experience. We asked one female candidate, what do you define as success? Her answer: ‘I just want to be happy.’ I got off the phone and looked at the people in the room and said, ‘she’s hired.’ For her to say that and not give a prescribed response, it really struck me. She ended up being a great intern. Wise beyond her age. Her answer was authentic. She came in and listened and observed. When you talk about future stars, one of the common cores for me is (that) authenticity will get you places.” Listen to more from Gina Lehe on the December episode of the June Stewart Leadership Podcast. Visit CoSIDA.com/podcast or search on your preferred podcasting platform.19 An Advocacy Message From CoSIDA H I G H L I G HTI N G C o S I D A ’ S VA L U E LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer service of engaged current members is the lifeblood of CoSIDA. New Governance Structure Passes in Landslide Vote at the 2020 CoSIDA Business Meeting and adds nearly 70 new voices of membership influence in decision making. Led by Herb Vincent and the Governance Review Working Group, CoSIDA approved a new governance structure designed to: 1. Create opportunities for members with common issues to effectively engage on those issues 2. Create more leadership opportunities 3. Develop a more engaged and efficient Board of Directors 4. Develop more opportunities for diversity in leadership positions The initiative passed a vote of the membership and is being rolled out over the next four years. As part of the new structure, divisional cabinets have been established for NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian institutions and Past Presidents to all have a voice and a path to bring issues forward to the Executive Board of Directors. See more about the roll out on page 44. CoSIDA Committees There are currently 16 standing committees with over 500 members volunteering for service. Changes in 2020 include the consolidation of the continuing education and convention programming committees into the new Professional Development and Education Committee, and the formal elevation of the Membership Recognition Committee. The consolidation of the Professional Development and Education Committee reinforces CoSIDA’s year-round focus on providing educational opportunities. The Membership Recognition Committee was previously an informal group that helped develop plans for Membership Recognition Week and now will add more year-round duties to better recognize members. CoSIDA continues to sponsor the Academic All-America® Core Committee, Academic All-America® Hall of Fame Committee, Advocacy Committee, CoSIDA U Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Fred Stabley, Sr. Writing Contest Committee, Goodwill & Wellness Committee, Job Seekers Committee, Mentorship Committee, New Media Committee, Publications & Digital Design Awards Committee, Scholarships Committee, Special Awards Committee and Young Professionals Committee. “No part of an athletics department has more constituents, or touches more people, than sports information. We are responsible to the media, our department administrators, our coaches, our student athletes, our university administration, our faculty, our alumni and our fan base. That is at least eight different ‘publics’ that we serve. “It’s often been said that an athletics department is a university’s ‘front porch.’ Because of the vast media opportunities it brings, I prefer to look at it as a university’s ‘Window to the world.’ It is the SID’s job to open that window.” - Bill Little, Texas CoSIDA Past President, 1988-89 “The work of sports information directors is largely unseen by most because it happens behind the scenes and at odd hours, but it dramatically shapes how the world views an athletics department and the entire university.” - Tammy Boclair, Alday Public Relations CoSIDA Past President, 2003-0420 The Value and Impact of Athletics Communications in College Athletics H I G H L I G HTI N G C o S I D A ’ S VA L U E MENTAL HEALTH We are not only our jobs or job titles. Supporting the “whole health” of our members is crucially important to CoSIDA. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the first webinar planned was a mid-March Town Hall to connect with our members followed immediately that same week by a session with mental health expert and sports psychologist Dr. Jarrod Spencer. The CoSIDA Coffee Shop concept was developed as an informal and safe group setting to share experiences. Webinars, magazine features, blogs and social media links have been shared with the aim of supporting mental well-being and to encourage better mental health and discuss topics of stress, anxiety and depression. The highest rated #CoSIDA2020 Convention session — A Real Story of Victory: Mental Health Matters — featured (former collegiate basketball head coach) Mark Potter and his wife Nanette Potter who offered perspective on every audience question submitted. Mental health empowerment speaker Ivy Watts, founder of Ivy Watts Speaks and a 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 Honoree, shared resources for overcoming trauma and emotional wellness during the pandemic along with CoSIDA members who personally battled mental health setbacks. In December of 2020, CoSIDA partnered with two Winthrop University researchers (Dr. Chris Yandle, a former SID, and Dr. Martha Rivera, for a survey and study on Mental Health and The Sports Information Director. This academic research project is investigating the stressors and emotional/mental health of athletic communicators and final results will be prepared for mid-year 2021. RECENT PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS • WEBINAR: Mental Health Support with Dr. Jarrod Spencer: Anxiety – Our Fear of the Unknown • WEBINAR: Goodwill To All Men and Women – Dealing with Holiday Demands and Your Wellness • #CoSIDA2020: A Real Story of Victory: Mental Health Matters with Mark and Nanette Potter • WEBINAR: A Guide To Understanding and Improving Your Mental Health & Wellness in COVID-19 Dr. Jarrod SpencerIvy WattsMark Potter21 An Advocacy Message From CoSIDA H I G H L I G HTI N G C o S I D A ’ S VA L U E GOODWILL & WELLNESS Another way CoSIDA creates community is by supporting members in areas of physical fitness, nutrition, community service and other wellbeing initiatives. Among the most popular offerings is the annual 5K Fun Run/2-Mile Walk where CoSIDA invites all NACDA & Affiliates to join. In 2020, CoSIDA had a record 320 participants in this event, which was held virtually. Proceeds of the 5K are donated to a local charity in conjunction with a community service event. In 2020, $4,033 was donated to Three Square Food Bank of Las Vegas. Over 10 years, nearly $30,000 has been donated to local charities. On a year-round basis, CoSIDA has offered multiple 10-week fitness challenges based around support and encouragement to live a healthy lifestyle. These challenges based around exercise and nutrition create camaraderie and real results. Beyond the annual community service event held in conjunction with the convention, CoSIDA members are also encouraged to give back to their communities by completing at least 15 hours of service through the Volunteer 15 program. In 2019-20, 136 members logged 10,252 hours. The Goodwill & Wellness Committee tells the stories of members bettering themselves and their communities through the Communicators Outside the Lines feature series. CoSIDA.com/CoSIDA5K CoSIDA.com/Volunteer15 Facebook.com/CoSIDAFitnessChallenge CoSIDA.com/CommunicatorsOTL 5K Run/2-Mile Walk and Community Service Project After the cancelation of in-person events, the Goodwill & Wellness Committee organized a virtual opportunity with 320 participants and $4,033 donated to Three Square Food Bank of Las Vegas. CoSIDA Fitness Challenge This initiative from the Goodwill & Wellness Committee is changing lives for the better. More than 200 members are losing weight, eating better, creating lasting friendships and feeling healthier. This makes those who participate better employees and SIDs. Amie Canfield Vassar CoSIDA Fitness Challenge Participant “The encouragement provided by being part of the fitness challenge is huge. For me, especially being alone during the pandemic, this has been helping me have that accountability. Yeah, I could skip a workout, but is that the best thing for me? “I’m not just doing it for me, but I’m doing it to give hope to others that were just like me a couple of months ago, that didn’t think they could do it, didn’t think they could get through a 30-minute routine. “Just being able to see everybody and what you’re doing, no matter how many minutes you’ve logged, the fact that you’re just trying and putting in effort, right now, that’s all you can do. “And honestly, it’s nice to have people comment. It makes you feel good about what you’ve done.”22 The Value and Impact of Athletics Communications in College Athletics About CoSIDA: CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) is a diverse organization comprised of 3,100+ sports communications professionals throughout all levels of collegiate sports in the United States and Canada. CoSIDA is the proud provider of the Academic All-America® program. CoSIDA.com @CoSIDAnews HISTORY: THE AWARDS • Awarded by CoSIDA to the most accomplished student-athletes for academic and athletic achievement each year since 1952 • Awards sponsored in soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field/cross country and an at-large program that includes sports for which the NCAA sponsors a championship EXCLUSIVITY: THE NUMBERS • Longest-running and most prestigious academic and athletic award for student-athletes • All nominees must have a GPA of 3.30 or above and be a starter or important reserve • 20,000 nominations yearly • 4,000 all-district selections each year • 1,500 All-America selections each year • 50 Academic All-America of the Year selections each year in each sport and division • 5 Academic All-America Team Member of the Year selections with one individual chosen in each division PROCESS: HOW SELECTIONS ARE MADE • Nominating and voting are privileges held exclusively by CoSIDA members on behalf of student-athletes from throughout the NCAA, NAIA, Two-year Colleges and Canadian institutions • Members vote on Academic All-District® teams within their division and district • All-District selections advance to the national ballot where members vote for Academic All-America® teams within their division • Teams are announced to the public on AcademicAllAmerica.com • Awards for All-District, All-America and All-America of the Year in each sport are sent to the schools for distribution and/or display PRESTIGE: PAST HONOREES • Current commissioner and former NBA executive Val Ackerman • Major League Baseball Manager Joe Girardi • Super Bowl MVPs Peyton Manning and Drew Brees • Civil rights activist Dr. Harry Edwards • Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan • WNBA standouts Rebecca Lobo, Maya Moore and Ruth Riley • Former Harlem Globetrotter Lynette Woodard W OO DAR D BA TTIE R GI RA RD I LE DE CK Y AC KE RM AN MA NN ING ACADEMICALLAMERICA.COM @CoSIDAAcadAA /AAACoSIDA @cosida_aaa23 An Advocacy Message From CoSIDA H I G H L I G HTI N G C o S I D A ’ S VA L U E ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA® Nominate your best student-athletes for this prestigious award. CoSIDA began the distinguished Academic All-America® program in 1952, and since then, has honored tens of thousands of deserving student-athletes from numerous sports across all divisions with these elite Academic All- America® scholar-athlete honors. 2019-20 marked the second year CoSIDA honored NAIA student-athletes in a separate division, also opening up more opportunity for honorees from two-year colleges and Canadian institutions. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CoSIDA remained committed to honoring student-athletes in all sports and divisions. As the pandemic continues to affect us in 2020-21, CoSIDA will adapt and honor thousands more. Special thanks to NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA for their continued partnership and financial support of the Academic All-America® program. CoSIDA membership is required to nominate and vote in the Academic All-America® program. Team announcements and program history at: AcademicAllAmerica.com CoSIDA member information at: CoSIDA.com/AcademicAllAmerica WATCH: Video series of our 2019-20 AAA of the Year honorees: AcademicAllAmerica.com/2020Top4 2020-21 Program Moves to Spring 2021 Nomination Dates (subject to change) M/W Basketball: April 13-20 M/W Soccer: May 11-18 Football: May 18-25 Volleyball: May 18-25 Baseball: June 1-8 Softball: June 1-8 M/W At-Large: June 8-22 M/W College Division At-Large: June 8-22 M/W Track & Field/Cross Country: June 22-29 About CoSIDA: CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) is a diverse organization comprised of 3,100+ sports communications professionals throughout all levels of collegiate sports in the United States and Canada. CoSIDA is the proud provider of the Academic All-America® program. CoSIDA.com @CoSIDAnews HISTORY: THE AWARDS • Awarded by CoSIDA to the most accomplished student-athletes for academic and athletic achievement each year since 1952 • Awards sponsored in soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field/cross country and an at-large program that includes sports for which the NCAA sponsors a championship EXCLUSIVITY: THE NUMBERS • Longest-running and most prestigious academic and athletic award for student-athletes • All nominees must have a GPA of 3.30 or above and be a starter or important reserve • 20,000 nominations yearly • 4,000 all-district selections each year • 1,500 All-America selections each year • 50 Academic All-America of the Year selections each year in each sport and division • 5 Academic All-America Team Member of the Year selections with one individual chosen in each division PROCESS: HOW SELECTIONS ARE MADE • Nominating and voting are privileges held exclusively by CoSIDA members on behalf of student-athletes from throughout the NCAA, NAIA, Two-year Colleges and Canadian institutions • Members vote on Academic All-District® teams within their division and district • All-District selections advance to the national ballot where members vote for Academic All-America® teams within their division • Teams are announced to the public on AcademicAllAmerica.com • Awards for All-District, All-America and All-America of the Year in each sport are sent to the schools for distribution and/or display PRESTIGE: PAST HONOREES • Current commissioner and former NBA executive Val Ackerman • Major League Baseball Manager Joe Girardi • Super Bowl MVPs Peyton Manning and Drew Brees • Civil rights activist Dr. Harry Edwards • Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan • WNBA standouts Rebecca Lobo, Maya Moore and Ruth Riley • Former Harlem Globetrotter Lynette Woodard W OO DAR D BA TTIE R GI RA RD I LE DE CK Y AC KE RM AN MA NN ING ACADEMICALLAMERICA.COM @CoSIDAAcadAA /AAACoSIDA @cosida_aaa Harry Edwards, Ph.D. San José State Track & Field/Basketball Academic All-America® Hall of Fame Class of 2018 “I hold the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Hall of Fame honor in extraordinary esteem because it recognizes the highest ideals and aspirations of the collegiate student-athlete: excellence in academic achievement, in athletic performance, and in community service and commitment. I am truly honored to have this recognition as part of my career legacy and as a model and example for all of those young people — particularly in places such as my hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois — who are seeking paths both to personal development and lifetime service toward the betterment of this society and this nation.”24 The Value and Impact of Athletics Communications in College Athletics MEMBER NEWS If you want to know what’s going on with your colleagues around the country, we’ve got you covered on CoSIDA.com or by following @CoSIDAnews on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. CoSIDA 360 Magazine, as well as our member features during Membership Recognition Week and during Special Awards announcements, is filled with stories about our members on a human level. CoSIDA posts job transactions on CoSIDA.com and on a special Twitter feed — @CoSIDAjobs — for people to follow members’ job announcements. INDUSTRY NEWS We keep you informed on the latest relevant trends in college athletics, the SID business, and the global communications industry through @CoSIDAnews and the Roundup: Latest Tips and News on CoSIDA.com. CoSIDA leaders regularly attend national events and develop relationships with leaders from across college athletics to keep our members well- informed. More than ever before, CoSIDA has a voice and the important “seat at the table” at a national level as we advocate for the profession and for our professionals. HOW-TO/BEST PRACTICES CoSIDA members are experts in many things. Understanding the basics of the job is important and content is delivered throughout the year reinforcing the “nuts and bolts” of the industry. Whether it’s learning how to stat a new sport, learning a new technology, advice on developing templates or becoming a more effective writer, there is a webinar, website or magazine feature, or just a friendly face ready to answer your question in one of the many CoSIDA online communities. Teachable Tuesday webinars: CoSIDA.com/ProfessionalDevelopment New Media Committee Tips & Tricks: CoSIDA.com/NewMedia Educational Lounge: CoSIDA.com/2020EducationalLounge H I G H L I G HTI N G C o S I D A ’ S VA L U E “Athletics Communicators tell the story of the student- athlete, their accomplishments and successes. These stories shine a light on the institution and provide a window to the world of what your institution can provide to a young man or woman ready to learn and grow for their future. “The person in the role of ‘SID’ is dedicated, loyal, tireless, and enthusiastic. Most of all, they care about their student-athletes. This individual provides multi- faceted value to a director, to the alumni, parents, fans and the media.” - Eric McDowell CoSIDA Past President, 2014-15 “Communication is vital to a successful athletic department. The sports information staff is charged with the task of providing a clear and accurate message to the public.” - Max Corbet, Retired Boise State CoSIDA Past President, 1999-2000 Replacing CoSIDA Connect, this new community provides a modern and mobile option for CoSIDA members, committees and other groups to communicate quickly and effectively. CoSIDA.com/Slack25 An Advocacy Message From CoSIDA Marissa Avanzato Texas A&M Assistant Director, Athletics Communications “The CoSIDA coffee shops and WoSIDA social hours were the highlight of my days during quarantine. It was so nice to catch up with old friends and connect with new people in the industry. The WoSIDA social hours were so eye opening and helped me realize everyone is going through the same issues with our new normal. It was great to lean on others and pick people’s brains during these uncertain times. I’m so thankful for the CoSIDA community.” A D V OC A T I N G F O R C o S I DA Monyae Williamson Western Illinois Assistant AD for Communications “I can’t thank CoSIDA enough for its influence on my personal and professional growth. From on-the- job advice to fitness support, this organization has connected me with true rock stars in the field, who I am so grateful to be surrounded by. In 2017, the NCAA Inclusion CoSIDA Convention Grant paired me with a mentor that I’m still connected with today and sent me to my first convention. I’ve been a regular attendee ever since and always leave a better SID than I arrived, eager to return home to put the knowledge gained into practice.” Jenna Jorgensen Colgate Assistant Director of Athletic Communications “While I’ve always participated in CoSIDA webinars and the convention in the past, the CoSIDA Coffee Shop sessions and WoSIDA socials have helped me feel more connected to SIDs than ever before. The small settings lend to personal conversations to learn about other schools, divisions, and people. While we have been distanced for eight months and lost the experience of an in-person convention, I feel that my membership in CoSIDA is the most active it’s been in my seven years as a member, and I believe that the Coffee Shops are to thank. There has been the support of other SIDs to work through this tough time, stay creative in our work, and the ability to connect as individuals outside of our professional setting has been invaluable over the last several months.” SUPPORTING WOMEN IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS Ali Paquette Middlebury College Assistant Director of Athletic Communications “Being a CoSIDA member has been essential to my growth and successes in this profession. As a member, I know that I have a built-in support network. This support comes in many forms, and one way the membership has really helped me grow is by providing many opportunities for professional development throughout the year. I regularly attend workshops and talks which allow me to build my skills in different areas. There is intentionality behind all programming to ensure that we are hearing from a diverse group of people, whether that is racial diversity, gender, position or division working at, there is a wide breadth of knowledge in each workshop and panel. Additionally, CoSIDA membership provides opportunities to give back, while gaining confidence in certain disciplines. Recently, I was asked to write a feature in the magazine and I hosted a coffee shop for young professionals. These experiences are invaluable and I would not be where I am today without CoSIDA. In an industry that is constantly changing, being a part of a supportive and welcoming organization is important. I know that I can pick up the phone and call anyone from our membership, regardless if I personally know them, and they are willing to help me out. You really don’t find that in a lot of organizations, and I believe that is what sets ours apart from others.” The women who have served or are serving in the CoSIDA presidential rotation. Clockwise from bottom right: Jessica Poole (first female African-American), Shelly Poe, Tammy Boclair, Judy Willson and Cindy Potter (first NAIA representative). Not pictured, CoSIDA’s first female president, the late June Stewart.26 The Value and Impact of Athletics Communications in College Athletics H ON OR & R E C O G N I T I ON CoSIDA HALL OF FAME Presented to CoSIDA members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of sports information in intercollegiate athletics. Minimum 15 years in the profession. Voted on by current CoSIDA Hall of Fame Members and the Special Awards Committee. There are three categories for Hall of Fame nominations: University Division (NCAA DI), College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year colleges and Canadian/U Sports) and Veterans (retirees/deceased/ former members who have left the sports information profession). All CURRENT professionals shall be nominated in the University and College Divisions, while all other nominees (retirees, deceased and those who have left the profession) shall be part of the Veterans nomination process. 25-YEAR AWARD Presented to CoSIDA members who have completed 25 years in the sports information profession (as of July, 2020). Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee. ARCH WARD AWARD Presented annually to a current CoSIDA member who has made outstanding contributions to the field of college sports information, and who by his or her activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. WARREN BERG AWARD Presented annually to a CoSIDA college division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, and Canadian/U Sports) member who has made outstanding contributions to the field of college sports information, and who by his or her activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. (Note: Nominees can be an active or retired member.) JAKE WADE AWARD Presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the media to the field of intercollegiate athletics. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. Nominee must be a member of the media. BOB KENWORTHY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Presented annually to a CoSIDA member for civic involvement, community service and accomplishments within and/or outside of the sports information profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. BUD NANGLE AWARD Presented to a CoSIDA member or an individual outside of CoSIDA who embodies the ideals of intercollegiate athletics by showing ethics, integrity, compassion and/or bravery in a singular act or under an unusual or stressful personal or professional situation. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee only when worthy candidates are nominated. LESTER JORDAN AWARD Presented to an individual for exemplary service to the Academic All-America® Program and the promotion of the ideals of being a student-athlete. Nominations solicited by, and voted on, by the Academic All- America® Core Committee. DICK ENBERG AWARD Presented annually to an individual whose actions and commitment have furthered the meaning and reach of the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Teams Program and/or the student-athlete while promoting the values of education and academics. Voted on by the CoSIDA Board of Directors. KEITH JACKSON ETERNAL FLAME AWARD Presented to an individual who, or an organization which, has made a lasting contribution to intercollegiate athletics, has demonstrated a long and consistent commitment to excellence and has been a loyal supporter of CoSIDA and its mission. Voted on by the CoSIDA Board only when worthy candidates are nominated. MARY JO HAVERBECK TRAILBLAZER AWARD Presented annually to an individual who is a pioneer in the field of sports information who has mentored and helped improve the level of ethnic and gender diversity within CoSIDA. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. RISING STAR AWARD Presented annually to two CoSIDA members – one in the University Division (NCAA DI) and one in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, U Sports) – with 10 years of service or less whose work at their institution, conference office or intercollegiate athletics-affiliated association and service, dedication, energy and enthusiasm to the profession make that individual a “rising star” in sports information. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. CoSIDA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the sports information profession (as of July 2021) who are retiring or leaving the profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. CoSIDA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Presented in appreciation for endless work and devotion to CoSIDA. Note: this special award is presented by the Board of Directors and is not an award in the general nomination category. BILL ESPOSITO BACKBONE AWARD Presented to a CoSIDA member who displays sound judgment and unusual courage in guiding his/her institution, conference office or collegiate athletics- affiliated association through a difficult public relations situation. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee only when worthy candidates are nominated. CoSIDA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented annually to two CoSIDA members – one in the University Division (NCAA DI) and one in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian/U Sports) – currently serving in the role of an associate or assistant director in the sports information field who have made outstanding contributions to the field of sports information and provided exceptional service to their institution, conference office or intercollegiate athletics affiliated association. A nominee must have 10-or-more years of experience in the sports information profession and must have not served in the lead role overseeing a sports information office. This award, introduced in 2014-15, is designed for an individual who has not been a recipient of any prestigious CoSIDA major award (Arch Ward, Warren Berg, CoSIDA Hall of Fame) in their careers. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee. PRESIDENT’S AWARD Presented to an individual selected by the reigning CoSIDA President. Introduced in 2014-15, this award serves to honor exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the organization’s committee structure in support of programs that benefit CoSIDA members. CoSIDA SPECIAL AWARDS27 An Advocacy Message From CoSIDA H I G H L I G HTI N G C o S I D A ’ S VA L U E RECOGNITION CoSIDA invests heavily into the recognition and honoring of its members and the student-athletes we serve. For members, the center of our annual recognition is the CoSIDA Hall of Fame and Special Awards honorees. CoSIDA offers opportunities to be recognized through numerous contests, scholarships, grants and other awards throughout the year. Nearly 500 member awards and 4,000 student-athlete honors are given by CoSIDA in all of its recognition programs each year. MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION CoSIDA Hall of Fame: CoSIDA.com/hof.aspx Special Awards: CoSIDA.com/SpecialAwards Scholarships & Grants Program: CoSIDA.com/Scholarships Publications & Digital Design Contest: CoSIDA.com/Publications Fred Stabley, Sr. Writing Contest: CoSIDA.com/Stabley CoSIDA Kudos Peer-to-Peer Recognition: CoSIDA.com/Kudos National Championship SID Program: CoSIDA.com/NationalChamps STUDENT-ATHLETE RECOGNITION Academic All-America® Program: CoSIDA.com/AcademicAllAmerica and AcademicAllAmerica.com Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year: Comeback-player.com “That story on College GameDay that made you tear up ... the one that the big donor mentioned to you this afternoon? That doesn’t happen without a good athletics communications professional. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.” - Andy Seeley, Florida Atlantic CoSIDA Past President, 2016-17Next >