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Academic All-America® Best Practices
Tips for athletic communications professionals in promoting the Academic All-America Award
WHAT MAKES THE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA AWARD SPECIAL?
The Academic All-America program has been in existence since 1952 and it is the premier award given by CoSIDA. The organization aims to recognize the very best student-athletes in the nation, honoring both athletic accomplishments and academic accomplishments.
WHAT’S THE PROPER TERMINOLGY FOR THE AWARD?
Please use the proper language in your releases. In your headlines, refer to the award as either Academic All-District or Academic All-America. For the Academic All-America of the Year, you would refer to your winner as the ‘Academic All-America of the Year award winner,’ not ‘Academic All-American’ of the Year.’
WHO SHOULD I NOMINATE?
The answer to this varies by contest. In “positional” contests like soccer, football, baseball and softball, avoid nominating multiple players at the same position. In non-positional contests like volleyball, basketball, track/cross country, it is important to limit nominations to your strongest candidates to not split your own vote.
WHY SHOULD I VOTE IF HAVEN’T NOMINATED A STUDENT-ATHLETE?
Think of it as your civic duty as a CoSIDA member! All nominated athletes deserve our attention and consideration. Without a strong voter turnout, we risk the integrity of the program. Voting takes some time and we understand that your time is at a premium. Please plan accordingly so you can vote: every CoSIDA member is eligible to vote in their respective districts and divisions for the Academic All-America contest.
MY STUDENT-ATHLETE WON, NOW WHAT?
Congratulations! Your school has an Academic All-District or Academic All-America selection. Here are recommended ways to promote your student-athlete and their award:
- Inform the individual, coaches and athletic director (or direct report) after the official announcement. Share this flyer with information about the award.
- Post a release on your website.
- Create an infographic for social media with links to your release.
- Give it some context. Maybe this is your school’s first Academic All-America selection, maybe it’s your 200th. Consider adding a feature page to your athletics website dedicated to all previous Academic All-America selections.
- Make a short video. Interview your award winner. Talk to their academic advisor and their coach. This can be an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between academics and athletics on your campus.
Example Academic All-America web pages
Example graphics, social posts and videos
Gallery: (8/26/2019) Academic All-America Graphics