College Sports Information Directors of America

Tom Kolbe is the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at his alma mater, the University of Tampa. Kolbe is in his 12th year with Tampa, where he has covered nine NCAA championship teams and promoted numerous All-America performers along with 26 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and one Academic All-America of the Year. Tom has been instrumental in developing student-athlete and future SIDs, many of which have gone on to successful careers in the SID profession. In addition to his work at Tampa, Tom has served on the CoSIDA Job Seekers Committee and was on the former Committee on Committees.

Outside of his athletic communications duties, Kolbe has many years of service on various UT committees including the activity, workshop, IT, Emergency Operation Team (EOT) and various coaching search committees. He is an instructor of a first-year studies class, serving as an academic advisor for 22 students.
 

Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of, personally or professionally?
I am proud of my former student-workers who have gone on to be successful, whether in sports or any other field. I have been blessed with so many talented student workers throughout my time at Tampa, and cannot thank them enough for the sacrifices they made as students to cover the extra game or miss spring break because of their job.

What's the biggest career lesson that you've learned?
It is absolutely necessary to trust others in your department. Early in my career, I wanted to do everything in the office. I quickly learned that this is nearly impossible in this field, and developed an organizational structure to ensure that others play a major role within our department. Through this, I have witnessed first-hand that students and young professionals in this field are waiting for their opportunity to shine, and will do so when given the opportunity.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you're committed to in your work and life?
From day one as a college student, (former associate AD for marketing and former SID) Gil Swalls took me under his wings at the University of Tampa and spent the time to mentor me in this field. Bernie Cafarelli, now at the American Athletic Association and a CoSIDA Hall of Famer, also gave me an opportunity to be involved as a seasonal employee at Notre Dame, which allowed me to see how a big-time office operates. Both of them showed faith in me, and were not afraid to point out my mistakes and allow me to learn from them to improve in this field.

I also look within the field at successful individuals. I have several former students who also fill this role, most notably Marc Jordan, Taylor Flatt, Carli Todd, Mary Lee Gibson and Zach Rhodes. They understand me as a boss, and now have the ability to offer feedback that suits my style as they move up the ranks of college athletics.
 

Who is the most important person at work you talk to during your day?
The assistant director in my office is the person whose input I value the most. Right now, that is Santiago Lopez. Marc Jordan and Derek Koetter served in that role in the past. This person has to be honest in their feedback and work towards the betterment of this office through succeeding in areas that are not my strong suit. We all have strengths, and I feel that it is important to identify the strengths of everyone in the office and allow them to work within their comfort level.

How do you have fun at work?
I have a job that has always been a hobby. I love sports, and have always been interested in stories and following statistics. The people also make it fun. There are several long days and a lot of hours spent working in this profession. Being around people who excel at their job and also bring a personality fit make the days go fast and have given me countless good memories.

You have cultivated a great environment for developing SID student assistants and others who have gone and worked in the field. How have you've been so successful and what advice would you give to other SIDs?
Have faith in your students, and find their fit in the office. Our profession encompasses so many areas, enough that nearly every student with a background in sports can find a fit. I have found that students are waiting on their opportunity to shine, and I have shifted my philosophy to putting my student workers in an area where they are comfortable. In the past, I wanted everyone to be well-rounded. That is nearly impossible in this profession now, so I focus on their strengths and allow them to work within their comfort level and expand to other areas if they wish.

Tampa is one of the most successful programs at the NCAA Division II level. What's it like to cover a national championship run? Any tips for colleagues who are covering their first championship run? Enjoy the moment and remember to make it as memorable as possible for the student-athletes and coaches. We chose to be in a behind-the-scenes profession, so it is important to get them the attention they deserve and preserve a spot in the history section of your websites, media guides, University displays, etc. It is a special moment that we all are a part of, and looking back on the championships are some of the fondest memories that I have.