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. 

Jill Skotarczak — Southeastern Conference Associate Director of Communications

For the last 11-plus years, Jill Skotarczak has served at the Southeastern Conference, joining the SEC in April of 2014. In her current role as associate director of communications, she assists in all areas of the SEC's communications efforts, with primary responsibilities in the sports of volleyball, swimming & diving, gymnastics and softball.  Skotarczak assists with the execution of the SEC's social media strategy and production of original content on SECsports.com and is involved with facilitation of scheduling with SEC television partners for volleyball, gymnastics and softball.

Prior to moving to Birmingham, Alabama to work at the SEC, Skotarczak began her career on the East Coast. She spent nearly 13 years at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, holding the title of assistant commissioner / external relations before joining the SEC. She was the main contact for men's basketball, women's soccer, softball, and men's and women's rowing.

Her earlier experiences in athletic communications took place at Providence College where she was assistant director of athletic media relations from January 2000-October 2000, at Marist College as director of sports information (July 1998-January 2000) and at her alma mater, Iona College where she held the assistant SID position for nearly two years.

Skotarczak graduated from Iona in 1996 with a bachelor’s in mass communications and journalism.

Herb Vincent, Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner / Communications, CSC Past President (2020), CSC Hall of Fame (202), CSC President’s Award (2021), CSC Arch Ward Award (2019), CSC 25-Year Award (2012): "Jill Skotarczak is undoubtedly one of the most adaptable and skilled communications professionals I've had the pleasure of working with in my career, and we’ve been fortunate to have her as part of the SEC office. Jill has an exceptional ability to anticipate challenges before they arise and always comes up with innovative solutions when needed. She is deeply committed to her work and a valued friend to many in the industry. Through everything she does, Jill consistently represents the SEC with excellence and is a true asset to the world of college sports communications."

Kim Ling, retired University of Mississippi Associate Director for Communications: "Jill started at the Southeastern Conference in 2014, which coincided with my first year on the volleyball beat at Ole Miss. We worked together for several years until I retired. Jill is very professional and easy to work with and helped me out a lot in the beginning as a ‘volleyball newbie.’ Congrats to her on receiving a 25-Year Award!"

Skotarczak looking back on her career to date…  
"A wise man once told me, ‘If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.’ This has been an amazing career so far — getting to experience college athletes achieve their highest goals, supporting them when they fall short of the task and everything in between. Just like anything in life, there have been highs and lows in my career, but it all paved the way to bring me to where I am today. I have met some amazing people along the way, including those I met when I was just starting out and still get to call my friends today. I am grateful for the past 25 years, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead in the years to come."
 
 
Skotarczak’s advice and insights to share with younger athletic communicators as they manage their careers…
"For those who are early into their careers, I have a couple of suggestions. First, work/volunteer at a sporting event that is outside of where you currently work – an NCAA event or maybe a professional game in your area. This will give you the chance to see what other folks do when they run a game day or tournament as well as provide the opportunity to meet some new people that you already have a common interest with. 

Second, when you do have some down time, do something away from athletics that is just for you – be part of a trivia night in your neighborhood, visit with your favorite relative, or just go to the movies. Do something that makes you happy and allows you to recharge the batteries, shut down the engines, and get yourself back to neutral. Allow yourself time to rest up and have some fun so you can be ready to be your best self, personally and professionally."