College Sports Information Directors of America

25-Year Award
Presented to College Sports Communicators members who have completed 25 years in the athletics communications profession. Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee. 

Paul Capobianco — University of Wisconsin Assistant Director of Brand Communications

Paul Capobianco has been with Wisconsin since 1999, where he has served as athletic communications contact and now brand manager for men’s ice hockey since 2003. He began his time at Wisconsin as the women’s hockey contact for the first four years in program history, has served the rowing programs for all but three of his years at UW, and now also handles men’s soccer media relations duties.

The teams handled by Capobianco have enjoyed great success with the men’s hockey program winning the 2006 NCAA championship and the 2010 squad reaching the NCAA title game. Wisconsin has produced seven Hobey Baker Award hockey finalists during that time, including the 2010 and 2021 winners, the first two in Wisconsin history. In rowing, the women’s lightweight rowing team captured five national titles, while the men’s rowing program boasts one national title during that time, as well.

Capobianco worked with the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, serving as mixed zone supervisor at Peaks Ice Arena and assisted for the medal games at the E Center for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in ice hockey. Capobianco served as media coordinator for the 2023 and 2016 NCAA Frozen Fours in Tampa, Florida, and has worked at other major sports events in the Major League Baseball, National Football League and the NCAA. 

Before Wisconsin, Capobianco served as a graduate assistant sports information director at Minnesota State University, Mankato from 1997-99. He began his athletic communications career at Stony Brook (N.Y.) University.

A 1996 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Capobianco was a member of the Fighting Irish’s 1994 NCAA champion fencing team, earning three letters with the squad.

Capobianco, his wife, Laurie, and their children, Rose, Colin and Lily, reside in Madison.

Brian Posick, University of Wisconsin Hockey play-by-play announcer, Learfield/Badger Sports Network: "The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department is fortunate to have a man like Paul Capobianco. He always has the best interest of the University and its athletes at heart. His dedication, professionalism and attention to detail are second to none. And, on a personal note, I can honestly say that in my 40 years in broadcasting, no one has been more helpful to my career than Paul Capobianco. Thank you, Paul, and congratulations on 25 years as a College Sports Communicator professional. You are the best!"

Justin Doherty, University of Wisconsin Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Communications, CSC Hall of Fame (2013), CSC Arch Ward Award (2011), CSC Past President (2010), CSC 25-Year Award (2015): "I’ve known Paul ever since he came to Wisconsin. He epitomizes everything I value in a co-worker. He’s got a great work ethic, he’s totally dependable and he’s got a common sense intelligence about him. Paul is a team player and has shown dedication to Wisconsin Athletics (and the New York Rangers) for many years. I appreciate CSC for recognizing his years of service to our profession and our university. It’s well-deserved."

Patrick Herb, University of Wisconsin Assistant AD of Strategic Communications - Football: "Paul Capobianco is truly one of the special professionals in our industry. Intensely loyal and dedicated, with a trustworthiness and professionalism that could never be questioned. Over his career, he has seen an incredible transformation in our trade and not only adapted, but evolved to be valuable across any number of areas. Paul has also been a tremendous mentor to countless future communications experts at Wisconsin and we’re all proud to call him a teammate."

Capobianco on his career to date…
"It’s been an absolute dream to make a career in college athletics. There’s such passion from everyone and that makes working with fellow communicators, coaches, student-athletes and staff so great because most put everything they have into it. We are lucky in that there are so many stories and special moments that we get to help make happen, experience and share with others. I’m a fan for life of the schools and the people."

Capobianco shares tips and advice for fellow college athletics communicators…
"You need flexibility, a willingness to continue learning and thick skin to succeed in this profession. You also need internal drive and to want the best for your athletic department and student-athletes. Maybe most importantly, you need interests outside the profession. You’ll spend lots of time working, but have to find ways to get away, refresh your mind and body and spend time with the people who matter to you the most to last."