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CSC Women to Watch Feature Archive
This is part of our 2025-26 CSC Women to Watch series, a series which spotlights a variety of female members in our association. CSC Women is a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Member Resource Community, 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 Women to Watch
Analicia Croonquist
Bakersfield College Program Manager-Athletic Communications and Media
by Colby Shannon, CSC Intern
Analicia Croonquist is the College Sports Communicators' woman to watch for the month of November! Croonquist is in her 5th year with Bakersfield College as Program Manager-Athletic Communications and Media and previously held employment with the Bakersfield Train Robbers (a baseball team part of the Pecos League) and California State University, Bakersfield athletics.
A 2014 alum of the University of California - Santa Cruz, Croonquist received her bachelor's degree in politics before getting a certificate in sports media and communications. In 2017, she started her post-graduate program at Concordia University of Texas, where she finished with a master's in sports administration in 2018. She is also involved in the CSC Women member resource community, participating in numerous events throughout the year.
As a junior college department chair, Croonquist has spoken openly about how personal lives can affect the professional schedule. She has an 18 month-old daughter that is very loved by her family. The birth of Bianca brought challenges to Croonquist that many female professionals experience during early motherhood. In a LinkedIn post shortly after giving birth, Croonquist said "I have missed out on important family/friend events because I had to cover games. Now with a baby, I have the worst mom guilt. I cry a lot for missing out on small milestones and thinking of what I might miss in the future."
Learn more about what it takes to be a mother and a collegiate athletics professional in our Q&A with Analicia Croonquist below.
Croonquist operating the video board for women's volleyball and catching up on recaps from earlier doubleheader soccer games.
What inspired you to enter the field of college athletics communications?
AC: My former boss at CSUB, Isaac Comelli, introduced me to the operations side of athletics while I was working as a GA in marketing. They offered me an opportunity to assist in his area, and I ended up really enjoying the work.
What differences have you seen in both your personal and professional life before and after motherhood?
AC: I've learned to really value my time. In the past, I didn't mind staying late, but now I make a conscious effort to set boundaries. If something can wait until tomorrow, I leave it for the next day. When I'm at home, especially spending time with my child, I no longer respond to work emails or calls unless it's truly an emergency.
Croonquist and her football broadcast team before the final game of the season.
Is there a female sports professional you admire, or who has inspired you? What do you admire most about them?
AC: There are many people who have inspired me, but one in particular is Sammi Wellman from Riverside College, who works in the same field. She was an incredible support during my early postpartum days while I was balancing work and motherhood. As a fellow mom, she truly understood my struggles and was there for me even when I just wanted to cry, lol. Another person who continues to be an amazing resource is Shelby Scott from Allan Hancock. She's about to become a mom herself, and I'm excited to return the favor!
Is there anything you would tell your younger self to inspire her or give advice on what the future may be?
AC: Life doesn't always go as planned, and it will throw you plenty of curveballs along the way. But learning to pivot and adapt has shown that everything works out in the end, one way or another. Being open to change will open doors for you.
Croonquist's first year in the business at Bakersfield. She expressed her excitement and relief for finishing her first year at a school with a football program.
What aspirations do you have for your future in sports communications?
AC: Honestly, I truly enjoy the space I'm in right now, but my priorities have shifted toward my family. Balancing motherhood with the demands of being an SID isn't easy; there's a reason you don't see many mothers in this field. It requires a tremendous amount of time and dedication. For now, my goal is to keep giving my best to both my family and my career, and to continue making an impact in this role for as long as I can before it's time to hang it up, but hopefully, that won't be anytime soon
What have you found most challenging about balancing family obligations with work-life and how has your motivation towards work changed since starting a family? Do you have any advice for athletics communicators who are looking to balance parenthood with work-life?
AC: It's definitely challenging, but having a strong support system, both at home and at work, makes all the difference. My husband has been the rock of our family, often stepping up as a solo parent on long nights and bringing our daughter by on weekends when we have home events. Setting clear boundaries is also key. Communicate openly with your coaches; many of them are parents too and will come to understand and respect that your time is valuable.
Croonquist getting every angle during a men's soccer match.
Quick Hitters with Analicia:
Your dream job as a kid: President of the United States
If you could travel back in time and relive one moment from your life, what would it be and why? When I studied abroad in Italy while in college. I wish I had taken advantage of the cheap travel once you are in Europe, lol. I went to a few other countries, but now looking back, I should have done more because I had no bills, career, or real responsibilities back then.
Favorite family tradition: Thanksgiving at my parents' house
Favorite professional sports team: Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite flavor of ice cream: Vanilla, because you can add all the toppings your heart desires.
What's a fun fact that not many people know about you? I have an identical twin sister, and my husband has a fraternal twin brother.
Favorite fall activity: Watching football on Sundays at home and now raising my daughter to be a bird fan as well!
Croonquist checking the production setup before going live for a wrestling match.
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Croonquist getting ready to head out for her 7th and 8th game of the week.
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