Describe your title and responsibilities.
I am the assistant commissioner/communications and external affairs for the Big Sky Conference. At the Big Sky I lead the communications, marketing and branding efforts for the league and serve as the sport administrator for cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field. I work with the external representatives on each campus to promote the achievements of student-athletes, coaches and staff via social media and the website, while also spearheading our diversity and inclusion initiatives.
A number of Division I football conferences were able to compete this past fall. Did the Big Sky have any regrets about waiting until this spring to play football?
It was definitely a hard decision for us to not have sports this fall. There were many student-athletes, coaches and staff who were affected. Ultimately, it was what was best for our schools and community.
You are a member of the Men’s Final Four media coordination team. What is your favorite thing about the Final Four and how do you feel about the proposed “bubble” — in which March Madness will be played solely in Indianapolis as a COVID-19 measure — will work out?
I really enjoy being a member of the media coordination team for the Men’s Final Four. My favorite thing is moderating the breakout rooms for the press conferences and getting to see the excitement of the players first-hand when they step into the building for the first time.
The “bubble” will be different. A lot of the things we did in person will now have to be virtual in order to limit the amount of people in one space, but the good thing is that technology will save the day and help us through it. I’m thinking of it as a bunch of mini tournaments in one. Everyone has to do their part to make it a success.
