College Sports Information Directors of America

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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.

Katie Gonzales – Illinois Wesleyan University, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

In the last two-plus months, Katie Gonzales has been recognized with three leadership positions or honors. In addition to receiving a 2024 CSC Rising Star Award, Gonzales was recently elevated to chair of the prestigious CSC Academic All-America® Core Program Committee in November, after serving as vice chair and operations director in earlier committee roles. On January 12, 2023, Gonzales was recognized as one of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) Administrator Award recipients, earning the Emerging Leader Award and receiving a $1,000 professional development grant.

A Message from Katie Gonzales, 2024 Rising Star Award Recipient – "I am incredibly honored to be recognized by CSC with the Rising Star Award alongside outstanding colleagues in a profession that is ever-changing. This award is a testament to the outstanding mentors and colleagues I have worked alongside throughout my career, who have and continue to make me the best I can be. I am fortunate to have worked in athletic departments with great student-athletes, coaches, and administrators that value and support athletic communications."
   
Illinois Wesleyan University head softball coach, Tiffany Prager – "Katie is a lifelong learner and constantly striving to do her best for our student-athletes and department. I don't know anyone who works harder or longer. She's tireless in enhancing our student-athlete experience and coaching and administrative experience as well.

"She's always looking out for others. She's not only involved with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Committee but has her hand in so many different areas. She's really trying to make sure everybody's story gets heard."

Illinois Wesleyan University Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant, Meredith Mahoney – "What I have learned and been able to accomplish in two years is all possible because of how talented Katie is, and how much she cares about those around her. Katie brings a mindset into the office every day of how to get better in the field, how to make all around her better, and how to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience. She constantly pushes us to want to be the best at what we do, and that energy can be seen throughout our department. She is someone who will continue to try to push everyone she works in this field to be better than they were yesterday."



Gonzales, who became Illinois Wesleyan's first female director of athletic communications, is in her fifth year as IWU's Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, serving as the primary contact for football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, and softball. Since starting her position, Gonzales's responsibilities have since expanded to include the marketing and sponsorship of IWU athletics. She has hosted and served as liaison for the the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball first, second, third, and fourth rounds.

She serves as Chair of Illinois Wesleyan's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Committee and is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin's Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

A 2014 graduate of Loras College, she was a student intern in the sports information office before moving into the assistant director of athletic communications role as a senior. She earned her master's degree in sports management from Eastern Michigan University in 2017 before transitioning into an assistant director of athletic communications position at EMU, her position prior to the Illinois Wesleyan appointment.