Swarthmore College appointed Kyle C. Leach director of sports information effective September 1. Leach, who served as sports information intern and assistant women's basketball coach the past two years, has been the acting director since June.
A native of Galway, N.Y., Leach spent the last two years splitting time between the bench and the sports information office. He helped the Garnet women claim their fourth Centennial Conference playoff appearance in five years in 2004-05, focusing on post play and defense. At the same time, Leach assisted in the daily operations of the sports information department and was an instrumental part of the office's movement towards a digital platform. Leach also rejuvenated post-game stories and web updates.
"Kyle has done impressive work here over the last two years and has grown and developed with the department," Swarthmore Athletics Director Adam Hertz said. "He has a solid understanding of the mission of the college and a clear vision for improving the frequency and quality of exposure for the department."
Leach graduated from the University of Rochester in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a minor journalism. A four-year letter winner on the men's basketball team, Leach led the Yellow Jackets to Division III NCAA Tournament appearances in 1999 and 2002, and was selected All-University Athletic Association (UAA) following the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons.
While in Rochester, Leach worked two seasons as the assistant to the Director of Media Relations for the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, writing press releases, providing player contact for the media, and distributing team information. He worked extensively with ESPN during its broadcast of the Triple-A All-Star game in 2000.
Leach has also worked with the Philadelphia Flyers. As a member of the sales and marketing department, he developed various home game ticket packages throughout the 2002-2003 season. Leach organized performances on the concourse by local dance programs, providing entertainment for patrons during the intermissions.
As Sports Information Director, Leach will promote the Colleges' 22 varsity sports teams through publications and general media relations, keep statistics at athletic contests, and oversee the maintenance of the Athletics' web site.
"The Department of Athletics has seen significant growth the past few years and I hope to capitalize on that momentum with fresh ideas," Leach said. "I am eager to promote the accomplishments of the student-athlete, on and off the playing field, here at Swarthmore."
Located near Philadelphia, Swarthmore is a highly selective liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1,475. A member of the Division III Centennial Conference, Swarthmore is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.