College Sports Information Directors of America

Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the athletics communications profession (as of July 2025) who are retiring or leaving the profession. Years of service vetted by the Special Awards Committee. 

Rick Nixon — NCAA Associate Director, Media Coordination and Statistics

Rick Nixon, NCAA associate director, media coordination and statistics, will be retiring in August after almost 40 years in athletics communications.

Since 2006, Nixon has overseen media operations for the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship and Women’s Final Four, working with administrators, coaches, media and broadcast partners to promote the tournament, resulting in unprecedented growth and interest in the game of women’s basketball. In addition to his primary role with women’s basketball, Nixon also has managed media coordination for other NCAA championships, including the Division I, II and III Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships and Division I and II Field Hockey Championships.

Nixon began work at the NCAA after spending 19 years (1987-2006) as assistant athletic director for media relations at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). With UTSA as the host institution for many NCAA Division I championship events, Nixon served as host media coordinator for the 1998 and 2004 Men's Final Four, 2002 Women's Final Four and men's basketball regional championships in 1997, 2001 and 2003 at San Antonio's Alamodome.

Recipient of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Mary Jo Haverbeck Award at the 2024 Women’s Final Four in Cleveland, Nixon also received a College Sports Communicators 25-Year Award in 2013.

Nixon was the press officer for the United States Olympic Committee for the 2003 World University Games, for swimming, in Daegu, South Korea, and for men’s basketball in 2006 at the event held in Izmir, Turkey.

A graduate from Trinity University in San Antonio in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, and film, Nixon and his wife Cathy recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in March and the birth of their first grandchild last October. They have two sons, Christopher and Michael.

Lynn Holzman, NCAA Vice President of Women’s Basketball: "Rick's long-time involvement and unwavering commitment to NCAA championships and communications have been pivotal in elevating the profile of women's basketball. His dedicated efforts in expanding awareness and media coverage have not only enriched the sport but also played a crucial role in its growth and recognition."

Doug Feinberg, Associated Press National College Women’s Basketball Writer, United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Hall of Fame Class of 2025: "As long as I've been covering women's basketball Rick has been the go-to guy at the NCAA. Whether it was answering questions throughout the season or helping schedule an interview, Rick has been the consummate professional. He also has been a great advocate for media at the NCAA and has made our jobs as easy as possible. Congratulations to Rick on this award and on an outstanding career."

Lisa Peterson, University of Oregon Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer: "Rick Nixon is one of the reasaons I enjoyed my experience working on the NCAA Women's Basketball Committee. He is the ultimate professional and an even better person. He is incredibly knowledgeable, provide great insights and went to great lengths to ensure I was prepared with information. More important, Rick is easy to work with and a great person to be around. He is more than deserving to receive this award. Congratulations, Rick!"

David Worlock, NCAA Director of Media Coordination and Statistics /  Division I men's basketball championship media coordinator, CSC Hall of Fame (2020), CSC 25-Year Award (2018): "Very few people can match the promotion and behind-the-scenes contributions to the game of women’s basketball than Rick Nixon. Through his work with coaches, administrators, media and broadcast partners, Rick has been an integral part in the rising popularity of the sport in his 19 years as the media coordinator for the Division I women’s basketball championship. 

A valued member of the NCAA’s media coordination and statistics staff, Rick has also served as the day-to-day field hockey statistician and as the media coordinator for the men’s and women’s golf championships. But it’s with women’s basketball where Rick has made his most significant impact, assisting with the increasing coverage the game has received through his tremendous work and unparalleled professionalism. Rick also spent 19 years as assistant athletic director for media relations at UTSA, giving him nearly four decades working in the sports information profession. Congratulations to Rick for his outstanding career."

Nixon on his career...
"I am extremely thankful for my time on campus at UTSA and for the great opportunity provided to me at the NCAA since 2006. It is amazing to look back that I have been doing this for almost 40 years and to realize that I began in athletic communications at the time of the facsimile machine. To still be doing this today is a testament to those with whom I have worked and in making a daily effort to stay relevant in an ever-changing environment. Couldn’t have made it without the support of my family and friends on this journey, and I will always value the many relationships made along the way."

Advice to fellow athletic communicators…
"Athletics communications continues to evolve and those who will be successful are the most nimble, versatile, responsive and effective communicators. Being a good writer still matters, so always be looking for ways to improve that skill set."