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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 2021. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.
Chris Attwood – Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), Assistant Executive Director
by Barb Kowal – CoSIDA Director of Professional Development and External Affairs
Beginning his career in his native Northeast,
Chris Attwood is in his fifth year as Assistant Executive Director at the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The NCAA Division III conference is based in Laguna Nigel, California, about one hour north of San Diego. Attwood previously worked at two Massachusetts schools - Amherst College (as assistant SID from 2014-17) and at Elms College (as SID from 2009-14). He began his career as a graduate assistant at Marshall University.
Attending the 2018 NCAA Convention, L to R: Chris Attwood, NCAA Division III Interim Vice President Louise McCleary, Darryl Konicki, LIttle East Conference Associate Commissioner.
In a Tweet-length of 280 characters or less, tell us who you are and how you got to where you are today.
CA: I am a graduate of Springfield College (undergrad) and Marshall University (graduate school) and originally from Massachusetts. I love sports, music, and spending time with friends and family.
You've done quite a bit of hop-scotching around the country in your career, while also working at NCAA Division I and Division III, and on campuses and now in a conference office. What's it like for a Northeast guy to be a transplant in California? What do you like/dislike about being a conference athletic communications professional versus being on campus?
CA: There are many aspects of the East coast that I enjoy and it will forever be home, but I do love the West coast! Everything from the time change, to the weather, to the people - it’s a different environment and pace. I love the conference side of working in athletics. I like getting to be in different conversations with different constituents (ADs, Presidents, faculty athletic representatives, etc.) than I normally would if on a campus. And, I like the bigger picture, strategic aspect of the job.
Best part of being in collegiate athletic communications...
CA: Working with some incredible administrators and student-athletes.
Toughest part of being in athletic communications …
CA: Crossover between seasons.
Chris Attwood at a New England Patriots game with one the minutemen.
Noticed that on your website, www.thesciac.org/, you have a special webpage listing all the CoSIDA Academic All-America honorees from your conference member schools throughout the years. Thanks for doing that. Tell us a little bit about your conference schools and what the main focuses are as you work with your D3 SIDs to help promote your brand and their brands.
CA: We have nine institutions that are each very strong academically and athletically. Each institution has its own character and identity and that’s what we try to promote on each of our campuses. Our schools are competitive with each other and with the rest of the country, but there is a community between the schools that I think is fairly unique and that has been evident throughout the pandemic in particular. There is a desire to work together and promote the conference as a whole, and to provide the best possible experience for all SCIAC student-athletes.
If you were advising a young professional about working in athletic communications, what would you tell them? What skill sets do you believe are vitally important as we move forward in communications?
CA: I would say having a strong communication background and willingness to be in those types of situations. I think being able to work with different types of people, administrators, coaches, student-athletes, all require similar but definitely unique mindsets and approaches.
What do we find you doing and enjoying, outside of work?
CA: I am a very passionate sports fan for my teams. When I am not watching sports, I could be (trying) to surf, or spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy traveling.