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CSC Women to Watch Feature Archive
This is another feature of our 2024-25 CSC Women to Watch series, a series which spotlights a variety of female members in our association. CSC Women is a subdivision of College Sports Communicators, dedicated to serving the women in the athletics communications and creative field. CSC Women aims to encourage, empower and educate, while providing a positive and united presence for women in our field, both veterans and newcomers, and serving as their collective voice.
CSC Wind Down Wednesday Zoom chats
Monthly, CSC Women hosts Wind Down Wednesdays, informal Zoom chats in the late afternoon/early evening on the first Wednesday of the month. The time is 8 PM (ET) / 7 PM (CT) / 6 PM (MT) / 5 PM (PT).
Join other female CSC members for discussions, idea-sharing and problem-solving assistance, and some light-hearted trivia and giveaways, too! All CSC female members are emailed a link to the Zoom chat (they are also posted in the #CSCWomen Slack channel.)
CSC Women to Watch
Rachel White
Horizon League Assistant Commissioner of Communications & Broadcasting
by Alivia Dieterlen, CSC Assistant Director of Communications and Creative Content
Rachel White has this month’s CSC Women To Watch spotlight. She joined the Horizon League in July 2017 and was recently promoted to Assistant Commissioner for Communications & Broadcasting. White is also a member of the CSC NCAA Division I Cabinet, an advisory committee comprised of twelve Division I members.
The University of Central Florida grad served as a broadcasting intern for the UCF Knights athletic department while on campus. Prior to joining the Horizon League, she was a multimedia coordinator and athletic communications intern at Siena College.
White is a member of Women Leaders in Sports and Women in Sports and Events (WISE).
White working the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four with Brett Kramer and Allie Hayes.
What made you decide to work at a conference office? Share a bit about your career path to your current position.
RW: After working on campus while in college and for a year after, I wanted to see college athletics from a different perspective and landed with the Horizon League in 2017. I really fell in love with working closely with the communications teams on several campuses every day and being part of our championships, which are such an important moment for our student-athletes.
How has your background in broadcasting helped you in your career?
RW: Part of my role in the League office is to work with our member institutions with their ESPN+ productions and manage our championship talent. I often pull from my own experience working on broadcasts, both as talent and behind the camera, to help problem solve issues that come up on the quality control side and also to make sure that our League messaging is carried through to viewers watching our competition.
White promoting the Horizon League at a Youngstown State (YSU) Tailgate Show.
What do you love the most about your job?
RW: I would probably have to say I love working on our championships and administrating our awards the most since we really get to highlight the impressive accomplishments of our student-athletes. I also enjoy working in a fairly small office while still interacting with a large group of people at our 11 institutions.
…love least about your job?
RW: Navigating the challenges of crossover season as we balance highlighting the start of basketball season within our fall championship season. Then doing it all again in the spring with winter championships and spring sports beginning.
The Horizon League team on the Final Night of the 2023 #HLSD Championships. L to R: Jessica Kumke, Chris Neuman, Maddie McConnell, Rachel, Alivia Dieterlen (CSC, formerly Horizon League).
You were recently part of a “brand recharge” at the Horizon League, what was that like? How has it changed how you tell the stories of your student-athletes?
RW: We started with a lot of meetings and conversations, wanting to make sure we really figured out the “why” behind the new visual elements as well as our new major pillars of the Horizon League experience. Once we had everything in a great place and were able to roll it out to our membership and the public, it was really rewarding to receive positive feedback and it has been exciting to continue to move forward with the implementation of all the elements.
You recently attended the Women Leaders in Sports Institute for Advancement (IA), the premier "level one" leadership development program for women in sport, in Kansis City, MO. What were some insights you brought back? How have you applied your experience there to your career?
RW: Women Leaders IA really helped me develop my leadership skills and energy, confidence and presence in the workplace. I have used the advice and tips on presenting your best self each day to help me in my new role with the League and to become a better role model and leader for our younger staff members.
White celebrating with the Core Crew of the 2023 #HLGOLF Championships in Florida.
What’s your best advice to young female professionals who are beginning their careers in athletic communications?
RW: First, I would say to go for it! There are a lot of rewarding aspects to this career when you find the right fit and position for you. I would add to not be afraid to try new tasks and raise your hand for opportunities, even if they may not seem exactly related to your long-term goals. Finally, make sure to find a mentor you can trust to have a sounding board for advice and feedback as you grow.
You’ve been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana for almost two years now. Can you talk about what that’s been like and some of the involvement you’ve had?
RW: It has been a great experience to be a Big Sister! I have a little sister named Abbey who I spend time with about twice per month. Abbey is not big into sports so she helps get me out of my comfort zone with art classes, laser tag and trips to the arcade that I probably wouldn’t choose on my own while I help her navigate the challenges of middle school and have some fun!
White checking in for #CSCUnite24 in Las Vegas. L to R: Jessica Kumke (Horizon League), Alivia Dieterlen (CSC), White.
Rapid Fire with Rachel:
Last movie you went to see: We Live in Time
Best concert you've ever been to: Ed Sheeran
Favorite sport to watch: Volleyball
Favorite TV show you’ve binged: Bridgerton
Go-to lunch spot: District Tap
You have a free evening, what are you doing? Either at the movie theater or at home watching TV or sports
If there was one place you could travel to right now, where would it be? Italy
What is something that most people do not know about you? I have read about 40 books so far in 2024.
White enjoying a Trip to Raymond James Stadium with her parents and sister.
White running the 2023 #HLVB Championship with Horizon League staff members.
L to R: Alivia Dieterlen (CSC), Maddie McConnell, White.