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.

Sam Knehans – Sun Belt Conference Senior Associate Commissioner, Chief Communications and Branding Officer
Rising Star Award (University Division)

Sam Knehans is in his third year at the Sun Belt Conference, first serving as the league's associate commissioner for communications and branding before being promoted in 2022 to senior associate commissioner, chief communications and branding officer.

Sam Knehans on his Rising Star Award recognition: "I am incredibly honored to be among this year's recipients of the CSC Rising Star Award and would like to thank all of those who contributed to my nomination and who have supported me throughout the first decade of my career. I am grateful to be recognized by my peers in CSC—an organization that I have been actively engaged with since joining the athletic communications field.

I have been so fortunate to work for three commissioners — Mike Hall at the Southern States Athletic Conference, Robin Harris at The Ivy League and Keith Gill at the Sun Belt Conference — who have valued my input, encouraged my professional development and provided me with opportunities for growth within and beyond my roles.

I'd also like to thank Brad Cygan of the NAIA who gave me my start in college athletics; Matt Panto of The Ivy League, who has been a mentor and friend since I ascended to the NCAA Division I ranks; and Sean Cartell of UTSA who was my first-ever athletic communications hire and graciously spearheaded my nomination for this prestigious award."
   
Sun Belt Conference Commissioner, Keith Gill – "Sam is a star and instrumental to the growth of the Sun Belt Conference. He is a strong leader; he is smart and has innovative ideas. Our communications staff has improved dramatically, and the Sun Belt brand has experienced a terrific evolution because of Sam and his good work."

Sean Cartell, University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) Senior Associate Athletics Director, Strategic Communications – "Sam truly cares about people and about making a difference, not only where he works but for this profession as a whole. He sets an example every day of how to seek and achieve ambitious goals while, at the same time, treating everyone with respect, dignity and compassion. Sam is one of the best people I have ever worked for. He creates a work environment in which all of his staff members can be themselves and use their unique strengths to contribute to the greater team goal. The Sun Belt's rapid rise in visibility and brand recognition can be directly attributed to Sam's vision, outside-the-box thinking and work leading the communications and branding efforts for the conference."




In addition to his administrative duties at the Sun Belt as a member of Commissioner's senior staff, Knehans continues to serve as the primary communications contact for football and baseball.

Actively involved in College Sports Communicators throughout his professional career, Knehans has served as a member in the CSC Mentorship Program (2020-present) and is currently a member of the New Media (2018-present) and Advocacy (2022-present) Committees. He previously was on the NAIA-SIDA New Media and Branding Committee (2014-16) and the CSC Convention Programming Committee from 2016-20 (now the Professional Development and Continuing Education Committee).

During Knehans' tenure, the Sun Belt has produced a 232 percent increase in social media engagements, including a 66 percent year-over-year increase from 2020 to 2021 and a 100 percent year-over-year increase from 2021 to 2022.

Knehans arrived at the Sun Belt following a five-year stint as the The Ivy League assistant executive director, communications & championships. Prior to joining the Ivy League, Knehans held roles with the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Knehans previously was honored with the SSAC Administrator of the Year Award (2014-15).