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. 

Kyle Schwartz — Ohio Valley Conference Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications
 

"I have enjoyed every minute of my career to-date. I have been able to work alongside some truly great professionals as well as fantastic coaches and student-athletes. This profession has allowed me to be a part of so many unique and memorable experiences and events, that sometimes in the moment I take for granted, but always make me the envy of my friends who do not work in the profession. I also feel blessed to have gotten to work at one place for almost 20 years. The Ohio Valley Conference holds a special place in my heart and a true family atmosphere that makes me love going to work every day." — Kyle Schwartz, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient

Kyle Schwartz has been a member of the Ohio Valley Conference staff since November 2006 and currently holds the title of associate commissioner for strategic communications. He’s in charge of publicity efforts for the conference, serves as the media coordinator for the OVC’s annual basketball and baseball tournaments and is also responsible for coordinating special events for the conference. Additionally, Schwartz is the staff liaison to the men’s and women’s golf coaches and serves as tournament director for the OVC Golf Championships.

He served as the local media coordinator for the 2014 Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four and the media coordinator for the 2012 and 2018 men’s basketball first/second round events in Nashville. Schwartz also assisted with media coordination efforts for the 2026 FCS National Championship Game held in Nashville. Since 2009, he has annually served as a timeout coordinator for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Prior to the OVC, Schwartz worked at the University of Northern Colorado (2002–06) and Southeast Missouri State University (2000–02), where he received his master’s degree in administration. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky in 2000. He and his wife, Angella, have a son, Harrison, and reside in suburban Nashville.
 

Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Associate Athletic Director for Sports Information: "I cannot envision a more deserving recipient of this award than Kyle Schwartz. He is a consummate professional, colleague and friend. He is absolutely elite at his job and is the most prepared communicator that I have worked with in two-plus decades. Keeping a full plate of duties and responsibilities at all times, Kyle makes sure that things never slip through the cracks and often goes above and beyond to offer assistance. Communicators who have moved on to new jobs have told me on multiple occasions that the one thing they miss is working with Kyle. That is a true testament to the impact he has on this profession. If we all strived to be more like Kyle, public relations in the collegiate athletics realm would be in great hands."

Travis Tellitocci, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Commissioner: "Kyle Schwartz is one of the most genuine and hardworking professionals I have had the opportunity to work with. His integrity, work ethic, and trustworthiness truly set him apart. Kyle's commitment to serving the student-athletes, coaches, sports information directors and members of the media over the last 25 years has earned him widespread respect throughout the industry. He has consistently gone out of his way to provide the resources and support others need to do their jobs effectively. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Kyle and deeply appreciate the dedication he brought to helping others succeed."

Greg Walter, Ohio Valley Conference Acting Commissioner: "It is a privilege to help recognize Kyle Schwartz for this prestigious honor that is a testament to his outstanding career in intercollegiate athletics.  Kyle is a skillful communicator who serves as an effective and tireless advocate for the OVC and its student-athletes. His creativity, proactivity and capacity in overseeing the Conference's media operation add immense value to the league. Kyle is also an incredible colleague and teammate, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our staff is more successful and our work environment is more fun. Congratulations and kudos to Kyle on this achievement!"