College Sports Information Directors of America

Sam Atkinson – Gallaudet University Associate Athletic Director for Communications

By Cindy Potter, Columbia College (Mo.) Athletic Director, 2025 CSC Hall of Fame Inductee
 

"I’m deeply humbled by this honor and profoundly thankful for College Sports Communicators, an organization that has been a constant source of support, opportunity, and community throughout my career. I still remember attending my first CSC convention in 2007, early in my professional journey, not knowing anyone — yet immediately feeling welcomed and encouraged to get involved. CSC gave me a professional home and reinforced my belief in service, leadership, and advocating for the athletic communications profession. 

I’m incredibly grateful to Gallaudet University, Salisbury University, and the many student-athletes, colleagues, mentors, and friends who have trusted me and shared this journey. For me, this work has never been about individual recognition, but about lifting the profession and ensuring that voices too often underrepresented are seen, valued, and heard." — Sam Atkinson, CSC Hall of Fame Class of 2026

From the Press Box to the National Stage: Sam Atkinson’s Hall of Fame Journey

For Sam Atkinson, the path to the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame was never about the recognition in the end.

It was about proving what’s possible along the way.

Long before national committees, championship selections, and industry honors, there was a student at Salisbury University who simply kept saying yes.

He started by writing for the student newspaper. Then came public address announcing. Then play-by-play. By the time he was an upperclassman, Atkinson was covering championship teams as a freelance reporter, documenting moments that would become part of Salisbury’s legacy.

That early stretch didn’t just shape his career; it defined it.

Because even as his platform grew, Salisbury remained a constant.

From covering the Sea Gulls locally to telling their story nationally with Inside Lacrosse and US Lacrosse, Atkinson built a reputation for elevating programs through storytelling. And eventually, he returned, not as a student, but as the Sports Information Director from 2006 to 2009, completing a full-circle moment that mirrored the arc of his career.

But what followed would define his legacy.

At Gallaudet University, Atkinson has spent more than 15 years building something far bigger than a communications office.

Now serving as Associate Athletic Director for Communications, he leads media relations and storytelling for all 17 varsity programs while overseeing game management and operations for Bison athletics.

Former Gallaudet athletic director Michael Weinstock summed it up best: “Sam is truly the one who put Gallaudet University Athletics on the map and continues to be the heartbeat of Bison Athletics today.”

Under his leadership, Gallaudet’s presence has expanded across every platform, from a full athletic website redesign and transition to SIDEARM Sports to the growth of a dynamic, multi-channel digital strategy that includes social media, live streaming, and video storytelling.

But the true impact goes beyond platforms and production.

It’s about visibility.

A defining moment came with a national campaign alongside AT&T, a project years in the making that brought Gallaudet to a national audience in a way few Division III programs ever experience.

“Sam played an instrumental role in putting Gallaudet Athletics on the national map, ensuring our student-athletes received the recognition they deserved and elevating our program’s visibility to an unprecedented level,” said former Gallaudet football coach Chuck Goldstein. “In my 15 years working alongside him, he was the consummate professional, and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact he had on our teams and our university.”

Still, even that wasn’t the goal. It was part of a bigger mission.

Throughout his career, Atkinson has intentionally sought out leadership opportunities at the national level, not for personal recognition, but to create space for others.

Through his work with the NCAA, he has served as chair of the Division III Men’s Basketball Committee and as a member of the Women’s Volleyball Committee, helping guide championship selections and operations at the highest level of college athletics.

That visibility mattered.

Because Atkinson wanted to show that leaders don’t have to come from the biggest brands or the highest levels. They can come from anywhere, including Division III.

That belief has driven his involvement beyond campus as well. A past president of College Sports Communicators, Atkinson has remained deeply engaged in shaping the profession, mentoring others, and helping guide the organization’s future.

And now, as part of the prestigious NCAA Pathway Program, he’s continuing to prepare for what’s next, joining a select group of senior administrators being developed for the future of college athletics leadership.

But through it all, his message has remained consistent.

This was never about the awards. It was about the example.

Atkinson has built his career on a simple but powerful idea: opportunity is everywhere, but leadership is a choice.

“Sam’s dedication, vision, and tireless work ethic have strengthened his institution, enriched his conference, and helped move Division III forward,” said NCAA Vice President of Division III Louise McCleary. “His influence will continue to be felt for years to come.”

Anyone can step forward. Anyone can volunteer. But what separates those who make an impact is what they do once they get there. And that’s the legacy he leaves, not just at Gallaudet, not just in Division III, but across the profession.

From a student with a microphone in Salisbury to a national leader shaping championships, telling stories, and opening doors for others, Sam Atkinson didn’t just build a career. He built a pathway, one that proves it’s not where you start. It’s how you show up and use the opportunity in front of you
 

Warren Keller, Gallaudet University, Athletic Director: “I was floored when I learned of this amazing honor. It is important to recognize that, given a massive organization such as yours, only twice in history has a person from Division Three served as president. Since Sam finished his previous term not long ago, this clearly shows that his work has been deeply meaningful to so many people. I have known this wonderful man for 17 years since I was one of his student workers. I feel fortunate to be his colleague, and I want to thank him for leading me and so many others over the years. I have firsthand witnessed what he has done to put Gallaudet on the map through his work and leadership, and that has clearly been felt in your prestigious organization as well.”

Louise McCleary, NCAA Vice President of Division III: “Sam Atkinson is so deserving of this national honor. His impact extends beyond excelling in his role and elevating the Gallaudet athletics department—he has been a steadfast champion for the growth and strength of Division III. He played a key role in launching the annual DIII Day at the CSC Convention, has contributed his expertise on multiple NCAA committees, and is currently advancing his leadership through the NCAA Pathway Program. Sam’s dedication, vision, and tireless work ethic have strengthened his institution, enriched his conference, and helped move Division III forward. His influence will continue to be felt for years to come. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition.”

Pia Garreffa, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, Speech and Language Pathologist: “Sam Atkinson is the hardest, most dedicated worker I've ever met. He carries the Gallaudet athletic world on his shoulders, yet does so with such grace, without ever sacrificing his love for the job, nor missing an opportunity to crack a good joke or play a good song in the meantime. It was an honor to learn from a leader like Sam.”

Herb Vincent, Southeastern Conference, Associate Commissioner, 2019-20 CSC PRESIDENT, 2021 CSC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: “Sam Atkinson’s induction into the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a career defined by an unwavering commitment to student-athletes and our profession. Having had the privilege of working alongside Sam during my time as president, especially through the unprecedented challenges of COVID, I witnessed firsthand his steady leadership and tireless work ethic. Sam has had a meaningful impact on our organization, and this recognition is a well-earned honor for his years of dedicated service.”

Ryan Klinkner, Saint John's University (Minn.), Director of Athletic Communications: “From the moment Sam and I crossed paths at our first CSC convention in 2007, I knew he was someone special – not just because of his talent and dedication, but because of the way he treats people. He has reached incredible heights and earned the respect of everyone around him, yet he’s remained the same humble, kind and genuine friend I met nearly two decades ago. I’ll always be proud of what we were able to build together through the Goodwill and Wellness Committee, which is just another testament to Sam’s heart for serving others. His induction into the CSC Hall of Fame is a reflection not only of his achievements, but of the lasting impact he’s made on people, and I’m grateful to have been alongside him for so much of that journey.”

Chuck Goldstein, Gallaudet University, Admissions Program Manager: “Sam played an instrumental role in putting Gallaudet Athletics on the national map, ensuring our student-athletes received the recognition they deserved and elevating our program’s visibility to an unprecedented level. In my 15 years working alongside him, he was the consummate professional, and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact he had on our teams and our university.”

Alexander Mortillaro, NCAA Assistant Director, Men's Basketball Championships: “I had the opportunity to work closely with Sam while overseeing the Division III Men’s Basketball Championship, and his leadership as committee chair helped set a new standard for the future of the championship. Sam was instrumental in creating a national bracket within NCAA parameters and was open-minded enough to rethink established tournament staples. Under his guidance, the committee approved staggering preliminary-round game times, helping capture some of that March Madness energy at the Division III level. Sam took incredible pride in the championship and had a remarkable eye for even the smallest details.”

James Berkman, Salisbury University, Head Lacrosse Coach: "I have known Sam for 30 years, starting as a student journalist with our school newspaper and following his tremendous journey in his field over the years.  He is a true professional in all senses of the word and has made each place at each of his stops a better place because of his expertise and hard work.  He is a credit to his profession, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with him along his journey."

Richard Warren, Hanover College, Associate Vice President for Athletics: “Sam Atkinson represents the very best of our profession. An extraordinary storyteller and elite communicator, he elevates institutions through his work and elevates people through his leadership. At Gallaudet University, his commitment to inclusive and accessible communication strengthens community and amplifies voices that matter. What truly distinguishes Sam is his character. He is selfless, first-class in every sense, and deeply committed to serving others. This recognition reflects a career defined by integrity, generosity, and sustained excellence.”

Michael Weinstock, Gallaudet University, Retired Athletic Director: “Sam is truly the one who put Gallaudet University Athletics on the map and continues to be the heartbeat of Bison Athletics today. His impact on our programs—and on me personally as Athletic Director—cannot be overstated. He made us all better. There is no doubt in my mind that Sam richly deserves to be honored as a CSC Hall of Fame inductee.”

Christopher Duarte-McDermott, Whittier College, Head Women's Volleyball Coach: “I couldn't be more excited for and proud of Sam. It was an honor to work alongside him on the NCAA National Volleyball Committee. It was an even bigger blessing to be able to call him my friend. It is rare to find someone who is so elite at his craft and yet so personable and down to earth that he makes everyone around him better while creating an environment that makes work fun. I had an absolute blast on that committee and, Sam, you were a large part of the reason. This honor could not go to a more deserving person!”

Jordan Looby, University of Maryland, Associate AD, Marketing & Revenue Strategy: “Sam is just an absolute powerhouse in the college sports industry. I was fortunate to work under him as I started my career in college athletics, working in sports information at Gallaudet. I've since moved into the marketing realm, but I still think of my time with Sam incredibly fondly. He has remained a close friend and ally in the industry, and I can't think of anybody more deserving of this honor. His work speaks for itself, but what is perhaps more important is that he's also an amazing person -- a father, a husband and a friend. He should be so proud of the career -- and life -- he has built for himself. I know I'm certainly proud of him, and I'm grateful to call him a friend. I couldn't be happier for him.”

Alyssa Marino, Gallaudet University, Sports Information Graduate Assistant: “Sam is an incredible leader and mentor in the world of sports communications. He gives his all for the university, coaches, teams, support personnel, and fans. Sam's dedication to excellence in sports communications is evident in his work ethic; he is the first one in the office in the morning and the last to leave at night. Sam goes above and beyond in all aspects of his job. Details matter to him; it's not just about getting things done, it's about doing things right. His passion for connecting athletes and fans shines through every story, stat sheet, social media post, and graphic. He is the heart of Gallaudet University athletics and most deserving of this award. #statsohard”

Drew Hargrave, Haverford College, Head Volleyball Coach: “It was an honor to serve on the NCAA Division 3 Volleyball National Committee with Sam for three years. Sam was selected to be the chair of our committee for his final two years because of his dedication, wisdom, and unique viewpoint as an Athletics Communications Director. His sense of humor and love to laugh were added bonuses. He made our time on the committee productive and tons of fun. He spent countless volunteer hours working to improve the WVB championships and developing competitive tournament brackets. He oversaw the massive change from the regional ranking system to the NPI system. Sam's work on the committee greatly impacted our volleyball community for the better and has had a lasting impact. I had a wonderful time serving on the committee with him and learned a lot from Sam.”