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. 

Ken Sweeten — Southern Connecticut State University Associate Director of Athletics/Athletic Communications
 

"I'm truly humbled to receive this award recognizing 25 years in athletic communications. I'm grateful for the opportunities, the people, and the experiences that have shaped my journey. To the student-athletes, coaches, and colleagues I've worked with — thank you for allowing me to be part of your stories. To the students and co-workers that I have been fortunate to work with — thank you for making me look good! Most importantly, thanks to my wife, Jennifer, and my daughter, Kenzie, for your constant support during this often-hectic life." — Ken Sweeten, 2026 CSC 25-Year Award recipient

Ken Sweeten’s 25-year journey in athletic communications began in 2001 at Southern Connecticut State University, mentored by College Sports Communicators Hall of Famer Rick Leddy. He progressed to lead communications at Pace University in 2003, then joined Quinnipiac University in 2006, where he spent 12 impactful years rising from assistant sports information director to associate athletic director. During his tenure, Sweeten played a key role in supporting Quinnipiac’s men’s ice hockey program, including its thrilling NCAA national championship runs in 2013 and 2016.

In 2018, Sweeten returned to Southern Connecticut State University as associate director of athletics, now thriving with the Owls in his eighth year. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about mentoring the next generation, guiding undergraduate and graduate students who have gone on to secure roles in more than 50 athletic communications offices across collegiate and professional sports. His dedication to empowering young professionals has been a hallmark of his success.

With a career spanning a quarter-century, Sweeten’s commitment to athletic communications and mentorship has made a lasting impact on the industry. His experience working with student-athletes, coaches and administrators has fostered a network of professionals who share his passion for the field. As he continues to shape the future of sports communications, Sweeten remains grateful for the opportunities and relationships that have defined his journey.
 

Michael Kobylanski, Albertus Magnus College Director of Athletics: "Over the course of a quarter century, Ken Sweeten has been tireless in his work promoting the efforts of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and programs that he has been affiliated with. Equally as impressive is the rapport that he has developed with the many interns, assistants and student workers who have blossomed under his tutelage and have made their own mark on the athletic communications industry. Congrats Ken on this tremendous accomplishment and your recognition from CSC."

Greg Ott, Rider University Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Communication: "I cut my teeth in the sports communications industry working under Ken and he gave me my first full-time job at Quinnipiac. The lessons I learned from Ken can't be found in a textbook, but through real-life situations that helped me grow personally and professionally. It's not easy to endure 25 years in this ever-changing industry and it demonstrates Ken's versatility and persistence."

Emily Dorko, Adelphi University Associate AD for External Relations/SWA, past CSC Rising Star Award recipient: "In an industry defined by change, Ken Sweeten has been a steady force for 25 years — adapting, leading, and always putting student-athletes first. His continued impact on his department is a testament to his professionalism and passion for college athletics. I am humbled to work alongside him as a fellow SID in the Northeast 10 Conference and I cannot wait to see what he does in the next 25 years!"