College Sports Information Directors of America

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Brian Laubscher – Washington and Lee University, Director of Athletic Communications

CoSIDA 25-Year Award

by Scott McGuinness – Washington & Jefferson College, Director of Athletics

The ability to thrive in any profession for 25 years can be attributed to a number of characteristics. For Brian Laubscher, a quarter-century sports information career is fueled by a relentless work ethic and an authentic desire to prove himself, and his office. 

Laubscher began his career in 1995 as a graduate assistant at California (Pa.) and he has served since 1999 as the Director of Athletic Communications at NCAA Division III institution Washington and Lee, located in Lexington, Virginia. Within CoSIDA, Laubscher serves as the chair of the Scholarships and Grants Committee.

“When I graduated college and began working in sports information, my motivation was to demonstrate I was capable of doing the job,” said Laubscher. “I just needed an opportunity and then my focus was to learn as much as possible.”

The opportunity to run his own office, just four years removed from his undergraduate days, drove his ambition to justify his talent.
 

“Early at W&L, my motivation was to prove they made the right decision by hiring me,” he said. “Once I felt secure, I wanted to be the best SID I could. At some point, my motivation evolved into providing a well-respected operation and a healthy working environment for those who worked alongside me.”

Those who have worked with Laubscher typically come to the same consensus when describing his leadership style. He possesses an intense, yet humbling work ethic that others want to emulate. 

“Brian took a chance hiring me,” noted Rachel Reisig, communications specialist at the University of St. Thomas. “To say my learning curve was steep is generous. Together we wrote countless game recaps, learned the ins and outs of how to stat women’s lacrosse, and how to be confident speaking on the mic. He stuck with me, and I am forever grateful.”

Whether it is an aspiring professional fresh out of college or a student worker, walking into the W&L Athletic Communications Office is an opportunity to learn and laugh. Brendan Harrington experienced his first-half as a sophomore work-study student and play-by-play announcer when Laubscher began at W&L.

“Brian impresses with his work ethic,” said Harrington. “He set a great example of how to be professional and foster great relationships. What I most value is our friendship. I have great memories hanging out in the office just laughing and talking about sports. Now, almost 25 years later we're still great friends.” 

During Laubscher’s first year at W&L, he inherited Andy Krauss, his first assistant. Krauss had worked the previous year with Laubscher’s well-respected predecessor Brian Logue.

“Brian was under a lot of pressure following a great SID, and expectations were very high,” said Krauss, Communications Director for Sugar Free Kids (Md.). “We had a ton of sports to cover and Brian expected perfection. We taught each other how to get stuff done. He is one of my best friends in the world, professionally or personally.”

Laubscher’s career continued to adapt in 2008 when he met his future wife, Mindy. His first son Parker was born in 2011 and son Preston followed two years later. To continue to run an effective office while staying focused on family, Laubscher’s leadership style again evolved.

“I had been at W&L for a decade before having a family and they definitely changed the dynamic,” said Laubscher. “I had to learn to work more efficiently and do a better job of establishing priorities.”

Family is always his top priority, a list which also includes those who have worked with him. He is deeply invested in their development, both at W&L and in their future endeavors.

I know from experience as I was assistant No. 3 in the long line of professionals Laubscher helped shape. Outside of my parents, Brian made more of an impression on me than any adult had. He coached me and built confidence in the work I was doing. For that, I am forever grateful. 

“He’s come to be a part of the W&L family,” concluded Krauss. “There is a trust built between him and the staff. W&L is part of his identity. Brian has a great understanding of how to change with the times and make it work best for himself and his team.”

From his first assistant, to his current, the admiration remains the same 20-plus years apart.

“Brian is one of the hardest workers I know,” added W&L Senior Associate Director of Athletic Communications Chip Whipple. “This profession has changed immensely and for the nine years I’ve worked with him, I’ve seen him adapt and adjust with a passion to provide the highest quality content to W&L fans. Laubs isn’t just a great professional, he is also a great friend, father, husband and just overall top tier person. It’s been my honor to work and learn from him.”

Congratulations Brian, from all of us, on your 25-Year service award to the athletic communications profession.