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This story is part of our October 2021 CoSIDA 360 package, to view more stories,
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From the desk of CoSIDA President Cindy Potter
by Cindy Potter – 2021-22 CoSIDA President
Columbia College (Mo.), Senior Deputy Director of Athletics @CougarCanuck
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I consider myself fortunate to have worked for two athletic directors over the years who have been extremely supportive, understanding and instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally. I have also enjoyed a high level of personal trust and safety with both ADs, which is why I want to share with you an exchange I had with my current athletic director that left me sad, but determined.
A little over two years ago my athletic director retired and I was promoted to interim athletic director. I was not shy about letting people know I wanted the permanent position — and honestly thought I deserved it — but I soon realized that nothing I did or didn’t do would put me in that chair permanently. It was a hard realization and I have no shame in saying I took it personally.
A few weeks later, new AD James Arnold came into my life. I made the conscious decision I was done being miserable over a decision I could not control. When James started, I told him I had no feelings of resentment and was happy to be on his team. And I meant it! I knew I loved what I did too much to walk away and I still had the best job on the planet. The duties were just a little different than I wanted them to be.
James and I have an amazing relationship. We can say pretty much anything to one another in honesty and without judgment. That is why when he walked into my office two months ago and told me that sports information directors were the biggest complainers ever, I was both defensive and understanding. James had viewed one too many social media posts that day from sports info people to not say something to me. I immediately got defensive and tried my best to make up an excuse for the post, only I had no idea what it said or who posted it. That didn’t matter to me though because once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. My defensiveness turned to sadness. I understood where he was coming from, which was truly defeating.
You know the posts I’m talking about.
- The ones that call out coaches, administrators or even others sports information people for not doing the job as someone else perceives it should be done.
- The posts that talk about how many events are going on in the next 48 hours with no help and a million requests from others on top of everything.
- The ones assuming everyone else makes more money and does less work.
I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the picture. These are the posts that are hurting the respect and dignity for our profession quicker than even a pandemic could.
Social media is a blessing and a curse to our profession and our lives. Think an administrator won’t see the post you made about him/her complaining about the lack of support? Unfortunately you are wrong. If they don’t see it, someone else will, and they will screen shot it and share it. That person that took the screen shot might be the hiring manager on your next interview. Facebook memories are a great representation that word not only travels fast but it sticks around for a while.
Why let that word be negative?
My mission as CoSIDA president so far this year has been to increase our membership. OUR membership. The membership that includes thousands and has influenced millions. The membership that has the coolest job on the planet in working with college athletes. Next time you make a social media post about your day or this profession, I hope you think about whether your post is helpful or hurtful to the mission. If it’s hurtful, I hope you consider sharing it with me or the CoSIDA staff instead of posting. Maybe by sharing the post with CoSIDA instead of making it public, your concerns and troubles will turn into triumphs and solutions. Give it a try, I double dog dare you!
Cindy
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