College Sports Information Directors of America

25-Year Award
Presented to College Sports Communicators members who have completed 25 years in the athletics communications profession. Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee. 

Leann Parker – Ohio State University Assistant AD, Communications
 

“I am fortunate to have had a long career in athletics communications, from my start at James Madison through my time at Ohio State. So many people have had an impact on me - fellow SIDs and other athletics staff, media, coaches and student-athletes - and I have had the opportunity to experience so many incredible events, games and championships. Working in this profession as a mother is not always easy, but is worth it. Athletics communications allows us to utilize so many skills, and each day brings something new. It has been fun to be part of the changes in the field, and I look forward to seeing what is next.” Leann Parker, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient 

Leann Parker began working full-time in the Ohio State Athletics Communications office in 2000-01 after serving as a graduate assistant while earning her master’s degree. She handles all media relations duties for the Ohio State men’s hockey, women’s lacrosse, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s fencing and men’s and women’s cross country teams. She manages administrative duties for the communications office, athletics hall of fame communications and academic success stories for the department, among other responsibilities.

After a year as a graduate assistant at Ohio State in 1999-00, Parker moved into an assistant athletics communications director position the following year and was promoted to associate director in 2005. She was named director in October 2012 and assistant athletics director in September 2023.

She was the recipient of the USILA Doyle Smith Sports Information/Media Award in 2013 and the 2004 CCHA SID of the Year. Parker has worked with NCAA and conference championship squads, including trips to the NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four and NCAA Men’s Lacrosse championship game, and was the media coordinator for the 2005 NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four in Columbus.

Parker was a full-time intern in the James Madison University sports media relations office and served as an assistant ticket director for the Frederick Keys in the Single A Baseball Carolina League before coming to Ohio State. During college, she interned with the JMU sports media relations office, at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) in Major League Soccer.

Parker, a native of Metuchen, N.J., earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from James Madison University in 1997 and her master’s degree in sport management from Ohio State in 2000. She and her husband, Eric, also a graduate of JMU, have a son, Devin, who attends Denison University. The family lives in Lewis Center.
 

Jerry Emig, Ohio State University, Retired Associate AD, Communications: “It is an honor to celebrate Leann Parker, Ohio State Assistant AD for Communications, for her 25-year award in the sports information / CSC profession. Parker, as she is affectionately known, is absolutely wonderful in all aspects of this profession because she is so knowledgeable about her sports, as well as detailed, efficient, well-informed, interested, friendly, patient and incredibly valuable. She is like a director of operations for our department. There is no task that she cannot handle, and we are extremely grateful to have her on our team.”

Steve Rohlick, Ohio State University Head Men’s Hockey Coach: “Congratulations to Leann for a great 25 years in Athletics Communications.  We appreciate her dedication to the OSU men's hockey program.  Her commitment to our program and relationships she has built with the media are invaluable.  We look forward to having Leann on our team for years to come!”

Daniel Jankowski, Big Ten Conference Associate Director, Communications: “Leann Parker ranks among the very best in our profession. Ohio State is a great place to visit because of her hospitality and warmth. Leann has a great rapport with the media and is well respected by her peers. I feel fortunate to have her as a colleague in the Big Ten.”

Maria Slovikovski, Ohio State University Director of Athletics Communications: “I'm overjoyed that Leann is getting recognized for her long-standing commitment to and excellence within the athletics communications industry. She is one of the best and has paved the way for countless communications professionals, especially us women in the field. Leann is always there for those around her. Whether that's us in the office or her family at home, she wants the best for the people she cares about and is willing to take on extra to make that happen. Leann inspires me daily with the way she handles all situations with grace and integrity, while continuing to perform at a very high level and make those around her feel at home. She's figured out incredible balance in a world where we are pulled in so many different directions. Congratulations, Leann!”

Adam Augustine, Big Ten Conference Hockey Commissioner: “Leann is and has been a highly respected presence in the college hockey community for many years, stretching back beyond the start of Big Ten hockey in 2013 to her time representing the Buckeyes in the CCHA. I first met Leann in my time working in communications at Wisconsin and the Big Ten, and her commitment to her teams, student-athletes, staff and institution remains an example we can all aspire to meet. Like many others, I have long trusted Leann for her advice and feedback. Congratulations on 25 years!”