College Sports Information Directors of America

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.

Keonte’ Herrera — LSU Assistant Communications Director 
Rising Star Award (University Division)

In his ninth year in the profession, and his third as an assistant communications director at Louisiana State University, Keonte' Herrera is an active leader in a number of CSC's most active committees.

Herrera joined the LSU Communications staff in September 2021 and is the primary communications contact for volleyball and softball.

Herrera also has a leadership role within the Black College Sports Information Directors of America (BCSIDA), introducing new initiatives to and for the group. Herrera is currently vice-chair of CSC's Career Services Committee, charged with helping professionals find their first, or next, job and providing professional development to help CSC members advance. He is part of the team creating and producing the committee's regular social media content, including the CSC "Monthly Install." He also serves as a member of the CSC U Committee, which develops programming to educate new members of the profession and college students considering careers in athletic communications.

He is also a member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) and serves on the organization's Awards Committee.

Prior to LSU, Herrera had a two-and-a-half-year stint at Texas State University, where he covered six championship runs, including three for the volleyball program (2019-21), two for track and field (2019), and one for men’s basketball (2020-21). Herrera began his career in the NCAA Division II ranks with stops at Texas A&M University-Commerce (2015), Texas A&M University-Kingsville (2016-18), and St. Edward’s University (2018).

Since joining CSC as a student in 2015, Herrera has moderated and served as a panelist for several webinars as well as at CSC's annual convention, CSC Unite, in 2024 in Las Vegas. He has volunteered at both the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl and has worked games for the NFL's New Orleans Saints.

Herrera earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2014 and a master's degree in coaching, sport, recreation and fitness administration from Angelo State University in 2016. Herrera is married to Priscilla [Velasquez] Herrera, a four-year softball letterman and C-USA MVP (2011) at East Carolina University. The couple and their children, Malakai and Ariella, reside in Baton Rouge.


 

Michael Bonnette, LSU Associate AD/Communications: "We couldn’t be more excited and proud of Keonte’ for earning this prestigious honor. Keonte continues to be a valuable member of our staff and he’s a tremendous representative of not only our department, but LSU. His dedication, loyalty and commitment to the teams he works with is evident in his work and the relationships he has developed with the coaching staffs and student-athletes. 

One of Keonte’’s unique traits is his ability to connect with our student assistants — he’s a role model always eager to assist and provide guidance to that group. We are very fortunate to have Keonte as a member of our staff and this honor is a tribute to the impact he’s had on LSU and our profession."

Scottie Rodgers, Cotton Bowl Vice President of Communications, 2025 CSC Hall of Fame inductee and 2025 Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award recipient, CSC President’s Award (2021, 2024), CSC 25-Year Award: "Keonte’ is the epitome of a rising star in our profession. His willingness to grow, take on challenges and seek knowledge from others more senior in the business are characteristics that are allowing him to establish himself as a respected professional and an evolving leader with a bright future."

Airis Thomas, Winston-Salem State University Sports Information Director: "Keonte’ is beyond deserving of the Rising Star Award. He excels in everything he does in his role and is fantastic to work with in the various organizations. His goal set mindset and vision to keep BCSIDA fresh and unique is admirable. He put the spark back into the organization. With him adding the professional development pieces and having people focus on being aware of our everyday needs is astonishing. 

Being able to go to Keonte just to voice our opinions and know he will take our ideas back to the right people is amazing. I’m so glad I know him and get to work alongside him in this wonderful organization. Congratulations Keonte on your well deserving award, keep being great."