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CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID
This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CoSIDA membership during the celebration of CoSIDA Membership Recognition Week for 2019. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.
Kyle Chilton – Brigham Young University, Director of Media Relations - Men's Basketball
by Monyae Williamson – Western Illinois University, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications
Brigham Young University is home for Kyle Chilton. It is his alma mater and the place where he received his first taste of athletic media relations. The Centerville, Ohio, native returned home more than 10 years ago, and it has been quite the journey – several memories and moments captured as the Cougars' men's basketball contact, a father, husband, and advocate.
Within CoSIDA, Kyle is an active member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and has participated in CoSIDA webinars and as a convention presenter. He also is an online adjunct instructor for Dixie State University.
Chilton with his wife, Josie, and their four children.
You have been at your alma mater for over 10 years. Why did you decide to return, and how has the journey been?
I worked in the office part-time during my senior year of college and the year after I graduated. I really enjoyed it and hoped I’d get the chance to return and work in the office full time at some point. After a few years working as the first SID at Southern Virginia University, a job opened up and I was fortunate to be able to return to BYU as the men’s basketball SID.
It’s been a good journey during which I’ve learned a lot about myself and grown as a professional. I’ve worked with a lot of great teams, coaches and student-athletes and have awesome co-workers.
BYU men's basketball has a history of success, and you've been around for a few NCAA tournament appearances. How do you handle working with a high-profile program?
It can be a challenge and stressful but it’s usually pretty fun, especially when the team is winning. After a few years, I came to know what to expect during the offseason, preseason, regular season and postseason. I figured out a routine and that has helped me manage things when the unexpected happens.
I also think it’s really important to learn how your coach operates and how they prefer to communicate. I’ve found it really helpful to ask the assistant coaches for help. They’ve been really helpful in figuring out how to manage certain situations without having to bother the head coach.
BYU Athletic Communications crew in the football press box.
As a family man, with a wife and four children, how do you maintain work/life balance?
Family time can sometimes be limited but we try and spend as much time together as we can doing things we all enjoy. Sometimes we’ll go on hikes or walks, play board games and video games, watch something on Netflix. We’re a close family and just enjoy being together. My wife and I try to make sure we get some one-on-one time with each of the kids every month, even if it’s just a quick trip to the store or going out for ice cream.
One thing that has helped is that I have a boss who understands the demands of the job so he allows us to be flexible with our schedules as long it doesn’t impact our work.
I think it’s also important to find things you’re passionate about outside of work. In the last few years I’ve gotten involved in the community by volunteering at Encircle, an LGBTQ youth and family resource center in Provo, Utah. It’s been a rewarding experience, I’ve learned a lot and met some wonderful people.
Has there been a game that you'll always cherish/remember?
I’ve been fortunate to witness a lot of great games over the last 10-plus years. One that sticks out was in 2011 when BYU men’s basketball was ranked No. 9 and hosted No. 4 San Diego State. Jimmer Fredette went off for 43 points, beating Kawhi Leonard and the Aztecs. The student section rushed the court, interview requests from everywhere flooded my phone and Kevin Durant tweeted ‘Jimmer Fredette is the best scorer in the world!!’ It was a fun night.
Those big games are fun but oftentimes the games that fly under the radar are just as memorable. In our profession, we know the backstories of the coaches, athletes and everyone else that contributes to the success of the team. Sometimes knowing what those people have overcome or are going through can make some seemingly normal games very memorable.
Chilton with former BYU All-American and NCAA scoring leader Jimmer Fredette when Fredette was named the 2011 Atlanta Tipoff Club Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year.
We are asking each featured member to provide a professional development tip to share as part of their profile. What is yours?
I would encourage everyone to get involved in CoSIDA. I’ve been a CoSIDA member my whole career but have gotten more involved in the last few years. Join a committee! I’ve been on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the last year and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I’ve learned so much from everyone on the committee and have met some of the best people in our profession.
What’s the biggest career lesson that you’ve learned?
Building relationships is probably the most important aspect of this and probably any profession. I’ve found that the stronger the relationship I have with someone, the more we can trust each other and work through difficult issues.
Members of the BYU athletics communication staff on Halloween 2019.
How do you have fun at work?
Our office is a really close group and we’ve all known each other for a long time. We have fun working events together and going to lunch. We have a lot of fun around Halloween. Several of us get really into it and we have a great time.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I like colorful, funky socks. Lately, I’ve loved watching She-Ra on Netflix with my kids.
Chilton (right) with Jimmer Fredette, sportscaster Lesley Visser and NBA Hall of Famers Bill Walter and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.