Launched in 2024, the Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program is a professional development initiative held each December at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis. Developed in partnership with D3SIDA and College Sports Communicators, the program supports the advancement of the next generation of athletics communication leaders in Division III.
This is a professional development program for athletics communication staff.
Participants engage in a series of interactive leadership sessions, team-management and collaboration exercises, and discussions on the evolving landscape of athletics communication. The experience also includes in-person networking, skill-building workshops and a complimentary one-time registration to the College Sports Communicators Convention the following June.
Why participate?
This program equips athletics communicators with practical leadership tools, peer connections and campus-ready strategies to help them grow in their roles. Participants gain a clearer understanding of how to lead an athletics communications unit, collaborate across departments and position themselves for long-term success in Division III athletics communication.
Eligibility
Athletics communicators who meet one or more of the following criteria are strong candidates for nomination:
- Early-career athletics communication professionals preparing for director-level responsibilities
- Newly appointed directors of athletics communication
- Professionals in full-time athletics communication roles who are committed to long-term careers in Division III
Thirty participants are selected each year and receive full funding to attend the in-person program in Indianapolis. Each institution and conference office may nominate up to two individuals annually.
Nomination process
The Emerging Elite Program is a nomination-based opportunity for professional staff.
- Athletics directors, senior woman administrators and conference offices submit nominations for eligible athletics communicators via Program Hub.
- Once nominated, individuals receive an email directing them to log in to Program Hub, review their profile information and complete the program-specific application questions.
- All application materials must be submitted by the nominated individual by the published deadline.
Young professionals who believe they are a good fit for this program are encouraged to speak with their athletics director, senior woman administrator or communications supervisor about being considered for nomination.
