College Sports Information Directors of America

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CSCommunicators.com/CelebrateCSC

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This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CSC membership during the celebration of College Sports Communicators Membership Appreciation Week for 2022-23. See more features at CSCommunicators.com/CelebrateCSC.


Amanda Green – Eckerd College, Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing & Communications

by Barb Kowal – College Sports Communicators, Director of Professional Development and External Affairs

In six years, Amanda Green has made quick ascension to a senior leadership position in the athletics department at her alma mater, Eckerd College, a NCAA Division II institution, a private liberal arts college in St. Petersburg, Florida.
 
She graduated from Eckerd in 2016 as a communications major and was a Tritons softball student-athlete and student assistant in the sports information department. Joining the athletic department as an SID intern in January 2017, she was promoted to Athletic Communications Coordinator one year later, and then became Director of Athletic Communications in September 2019. In August of 2022, she was elevated to Assistant Director of Athletics for Marketing and Communications and became a member of the senior leadership team.
 
Her peers recognized her achievements this past fall when she was named to the College Sports Communicators inaugural 30-Under-30 Class of 2022.
 
Her primary responsibilities include overseeing creative design, branding/promotions, social media content, video streaming and all aspects of public and media relations efforts for Eckerd's 14 intercollegiate teams. Green is a member of Eckerd's Athletic Diversity Action Committee and Staff Advisory Council.
 
 
You've served for six years at your alma mater, where you graduated in 2016 and were a member of the softball team and a sports information student worker. What's it like to be in an athletic department leadership position now at your alma mater?
AG: It's incredible! It's honestly something I never imagined I would be doing, especially as I began my career, but I know it's where I'm supposed to be. I get to work with a phenomenal group of people who share a similar passion and want to make a difference at Eckerd, which has a special place in my heart as an alumna. I also get to see the direct impact all of our staff have on our student-athletes' lives, and it's wonderful to see our Tritons prosper and grow throughout their careers.
 
What experiences/perspectives as a college student-athlete do you take with you daily, and help you be a better "you?"
AG: The biggest things I take from my time as a softball student-athlete are hard work, being there for others, and being a competitor. I approach most things in my life with an underdog mentality and work my tail off to learn, improve, and be the best. The competitor in me is always looking for ways to make myself and our department the best. Finally, as a teammate and especially as a catcher, my job was always to be there, help, and support others, and I try to carry that out every day.
 
 
You ascended quickly to a leadership position at Eckerd; after 2.5 years as an intern and athletic communications coordinator, you were promoted to your current Assistant AD role and are part of the senior management team. What do you attribute your quick rise to a senior position? Who influenced/supported you?
AG: I believe the biggest assets that have led me in my career are my work ethic, passion for others, and creativity. I came into the field really not knowing much but just worked as hard as I could to learn all the different aspects of not only athletic communications but intercollegiate athletics. Throughout my time, I have tried to do everything I could to help others and better our department, even if outside of the scope of communications, just for my love of helping others and my love for Eckerd. I also believe the creativity in my work, not only in graphic design and content creation but the way I approach situations and problem-solving, led to my growth.
 
I have so many people in my corner who have supported me and my career. My family has been amazing and there every step of the way. They not only share in my successes but the success of Eckerd as well. My dad, mom, and brother are always there for me for anything and any time to encourage me, lend a hand/ear, talk through content/situations, or help me through a stressful day.
 
My Eckerd family has been incredibly supportive, especially my Athletic Director Tom Ryan (a 1987 Eckerd grad himself and our former highly-successful men’s basketball coach) and the rest of my senior administrative staff. They truly value the work of athletic communications and my perspective on things while also jumping in to help at any time. Another big supporter of my career was my first boss, who taught me a lot about athletic communications in the beginning stages of my career and still lends me a hand.
 
They all believe in me and my work, encourage me daily, and push me to grow.
 
What's your advice for those starting out in athletic communications to help distinguish themselves as a leader, regardless of their current position, to help them be recognized?
AG: There are a lot of different things communications professionals can do to help them be recognized as a leader. As I have done in my work, I would advise to outwork people and always help others. It's also important to express yourself and think outside of the box, don't be afraid to ask a question, share your viewpoint on something, look for different ways to approach a problem, come up with a new idea for your department, or take initiative on a situation.
 
Another thing is to reach out to others in the profession. Networking is a huge part of your professional career, don't be afraid to reach out or talk to others. I would also speak to your supervisor, administrative staff, and your athletic director and have conversations about your career, aspirations, growth, and the department.
 
 
Proudest professional accomplishments to date?
AG: Being named to the inaugural College Sports Communicators 30-Under-30 award class. It was unexpected, but being recognized for my work, especially with so many other talented individuals, was truly amazing.
 
You've made committee work on your campus and at the conference level a priority (on Eckerd's Athletic Diversity Action Committee, Staff Advisory Council, and Hall of Fame Committee, Sunshine State Conference Statistics Committee). To those SIDs who might feel their time is already stretched, what would you say to them about the importance of volunteering on campus and or at regional/national committee levels? How can they get noticed if they are interested in doing so?
AG: Committee work is very important. I think it helps with your personal and professional development, and your work can lead to growth in your institution, conference, or regional/national level. It's important to remember how much you can impact and help others through this work. It is crucial to pace yourself and pick a committee in which you would be truly invested. To get noticed to get involved in committee work, I would reach out to others, whether it's someone who is on a committee to discuss what all it entails or someone who can directly get you involved. Let your administrative staff or conference office know that you are interested in serving on some committees or being more involved, as they can help get you involved more and will look out for opportunities you may be interested in.
 
When not working, what would we find Amanda doing outside the office?
AG: Probably doing homework. I am working toward my master's degree in athletic administration right now (at Wayne State University in Michigan), so a lot of my time outside of work goes toward course work online.
 
 
Quick hitters:
If you were not in college athletics, what other career path do you think you would have taken?
AG: Public speaking. My father is a public speaker who works across college campuses speaking  on drug and alcohol education and awareness. I always envisioned myself doing the same or something along those lines.
 
Favorite social media platform
AG: Instagram but shifting towards TikTok
 
Unique item on your desk
AG: Its not on my desk, but under my desk is a foot elliptical
 
Can’t start my mornings without …
AG: Iced coffee!!