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Three Up, Three Down is a Q&A series aimed at highlighting young members of the College Sports Communicators membership, their career paths and what they enjoy in their roles on a day-to-day basis.
Young professionals spotlight: Three up, three down with Brenna Winn, director of communications for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, and a CSC 30 Under 30 Class of 2022 honoree
by Joy Smith – Washburn University, Assistant Athletic Communications Director @JoySmith816
Young Professionals Committee member
Brenna Winn has had the opportunity to promote many different teams and student-athletes throughout her career as an SID. After serving on campus at two different college athletic communication offices, she made the transition to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association office in July of 2021 and has excelled in her position as the director of communications.
Winn went from being a graduate assistant helping with the public and media relations for all 17 teams at the University of Central Missouri to promoting the success of teams and student-athletes from all 14 MIAA schools, which adds up to a combined 173 teams across 17 sports.
In addition to overseeing all communication, public and media relations efforts for the conference office and handling the maintenance of the MIAA’s official website and social media accounts, Winn also works closely with communication/sports information directors from the association’s schools and assists in MIAA championship preparation and execution.
Being a conference SID is no easy task, but Winn has risen to the challenge and it was recently her turn to be recognized for her success and hard work. In December 2022, Winn was named among 29 other young professionals as a member of the College Sports Communicator’s inaugural 30 Under 30 class.
You’ve had experience working in campus SID offices and now a conference SID office. What are some of your favorite aspects about being a director of athletic communications at a conference office?
BW: Making the move from a campus SID role to the conference office has been an exciting transition for me personally. From honoring student-athletes with our postseason awards to handing out trophies at championships, there rarely is a dull moment. My favorite thing about being a part of the MIAA is the talent spread throughout the league. Not only do I get to follow and brag about one team per season, but I now get the opportunity to do so for multiple teams in multiple seasons. In the 2021-22 academic year, the MIAA had seven teams from six different institutions compete for a NCAA Division II National Championship... that’s crazy! It truly is an honor to share the league’s success and the individual success of our teams and student-athletes.
What have been some highlights you’ve experienced as a conference SID?
BW: There have been many highlights in my short year and a half at the conference office – both personal and for the Association overall. A highlight that stands out to me is the 2022 MIAA Basketball Championships that we hosted in the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. I think the fact that a team of four people successfully planned and hosted one of the largest events in Division II athletics is very impressive. It’s a great event with some seriously talented teams, and to have played a key role in the event’s planning and execution was a very rewarding feeling.
You were recently named a CSC 30 Under 30 award winner. What did that honor mean to you?
BW: I was very flattered to be honored on CSC’s inaugural 30 Under 30 class. There are hundreds of young professionals making an impact in this industry and its fulfilling to know that the work and dedication I’ve put in hasn’t gone unnoticed. I also think it’s great that the CSC created this honor and I hope it encourages other young professionals in the field to continue their journeys in becoming the best college sports communicators they can be.
Bonus question: You’re on site for every conference postseason tournament or meet. What are three essential things you keep in your backpack to get you through the long days?
BW: First things first – I don’t start any day of a championship without a trip to Starbucks or without packing a couple Alani Nu energy drinks. Caffeine is a must. I’ve also learned the importance of always having a portable charger with you at all times — the last thing you want is a dead phone when a team is about to be handed their championship trophy. The last essential item I’d have in my backpack during championship season is an extra jacket if it’s an indoor championship, and a pair of sunglasses if it’s an outdoor championship. I hate being cold and I hate squinting!
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