Springfield College Sports Communication Department Lauded
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Sports Communication Department was recently recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Assoc. (AVCA) for its successful efforts in the advancement and promotion of the sport of volleyball. The college earned NCAA Division III Sports Information Director Women’s Volleyball Regional Honors for the New England area and also NCAA Division III Sports Information Director Men’s Volleyball Conference Honors during the announcement of the annual AVCA Grant Burger Media Award.
Led by Director of Sports Communication Brian Magoffin and Assistant Director of Sports Communication Jonathan Santer, Springfield College was the only institution in the country across NCAA Division I, II, and III, as well as the NAIA, to be recognized by the AVCA in both men’s and women’s volleyball. Their efforts included traditional releases and statistical coverage, in addition to enhanced web and video efforts to promote the success of the men’s and women’s programs, including highlight packages, postgame interviews, and features throughout the season.
“Brian and Jonathan have a knack for capturing the essence of what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Springfield College Director of Athletics Cathie Schweitzer, who will be retiring at the end of June after 15 years in her current role. “Our sports-information team creatively thinks of ways to keep Springfield College athletics at the forefront, and the coverage they provide promoting players, coaches, and the volleyball programs is unparalleled.”
During the 2014-15 season, the men’s volleyball team advanced to the national championship match for the seventh time in the past eight years, concluding the campaign with a 25-7 record. Springfield has captured nine Division III national championships as a men’s volleyball program, including winning the previous three NCAA Division III Championships after claiming the crowns in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
“All of our athletic teams at Springfield College are so fortunate to have the level of support and communicative expertise that Brian Magoffin and the Sports Communication office offer us — not only in marketing our teams, but the information we get from Brian’s office is second to none,” said Charlie Sullivan, men’s head volleyball coach. “Brian and his office make our job much easier, and we appreciate their level of support.”
The women’s volleyball squad finished with a 20-11 record this past season and made its fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Championship, the longest such streak in the program’s history.
“Brian Magoffin, Jon Santer, and the entire Sports Communication office are the gold standard of volleyball coverage in New England,” said Moira Long, women’s head volleyball coach. “They work tirelessly to support and represent Springfield College volleyball in the best ways possible: in game stats, postgame statistical breakdown, web streaming, postgame interviews, and feature pieces on the program. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated professionals at Springfield College who not only support Springfield College volleyball, but volleyball as a whole.”
The AVCA Grant Burger Media Award recognizes members of the media who have been involved in the advancement of the sport of volleyball, whether through consistent coverage in all mediums (sports information, print, broadcasting, web content, college student reporting, and social media), production of volleyball-specific publications, or extensive radio and/or television exposure.
