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CSC Rising Star Award
Presented annually to College Sports Communicators members in the University Division (NCAA DI) and in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian institutions) – with 10 years of service or less whose work at their institution, conference office or intercollegiate athletics-affiliated association and service, dedication, energy and enthusiasm to the profession make that
individual a "rising star" in athletics communications. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee.
Emily Dorko – Adelphi University, Associate Athletic Director of External Relations and Senior Woman Administrator
Emily Dorko has worked at her alma mater, NCAA Division II Adelphi University, since February 2017. Hired as associate athletic director of external relations, she also became the department's senior woman administrator (SWA) in November of 2019.
A Message from
Emily Dorko, 2024 Rising Star Award Recipient – "
It's an honor to receive an award by an organization that has seen a significant amount of change in the past several years. While the recognition is appreciated, I am humble in thinking that the work I've done alongside my colleagues has only begun to scratch the surface for our industry. I believe that my situation is unique - serving as the SWA while also being part of our communications staff - as I am given an opportunity to advocate firsthand for my counterparts in the NE10 with the Athletics Council. Being able to have that "seat at the table" has allowed me to speak on behalf of the SIDs in the conference to temper expectations and shed light on the ever-growing list of responsibilities that communications folks in general are continuing to take on."
Gallery: (2-20-2024) Emily Dorko, Rising Star
Director of Advancement at Adelphi, Adam Siepiola –
"I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Emily for this award. She has been a rising star in college athletics for quite some time. Emily's passion for college athletics and relentless work ethic have allowed her to continually raise the bar of every aspect of Adelphi she has touched and I am excited to watch her continued pursuit of excellence."
Adelphi Head Softball Coach, Kate Whalen –
"As a former two-sport athlete at Adelphi, Emily's successful career as a student at Adelphi unsurprisingly propelled her into a head SID position right out of graduate school. Her dedication to college athletics and unmatched work ethic put her in a position to earn a deserving role as an Associate Athletic Director at Adelphi very early on in her career. I was fortunate to become Emily's colleague when she returned to Adelphi as the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations and continue to collaborate with her since moving on. Emily is so very deserving of this recognition."
In her position, Emily oversees all communication efforts for the department, including the branding and marketing strategy for all social media platforms. The primary sports information contact for volleyball, women's lacrosse, men's lacrosse, cross country/track and field, men's basketball and swimming and diving, she also is the sports administrator for baseball, volleyball, cross country/track and field and women's bowling.
The liaison to Adelphi's Alumni Relations and Advancement departments, she also works on special events while also collaborating with University communications and marketing colleagues. Each year as she assists in these areas, Adelphi has seen an increase in the amount of donations given on its annual Giving Day.
As a member For the Northeast-10 Conference, she served on the committee to launch a conference-wide digital network, NE10 NOW.
In 2017 and 2019 she served as the primary sports information contact for Adelphi's Division II women's lacrosse national champions, a program that has seen nine titles since 2004.
Dorko returned to her alma mater after nearly two years at nearby NYIT where she served as assistant athletic director for strategic communications.
A native of Matamoras, Pa., Dorko is a double alumna of Adelphi, receiving a bachelor's degree in marketing and her M.B.A. in marketing from the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. She was also a two-sport athlete, lettering in volleyball (2009-2012) and softball (2010-2013). She was also named National Fastpitch Coaches Association First Team All-America in her final season at Adelphi, and holds the program record for career steals (106) while ranking fourth in career hits and fifth in career average.