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.

Ashleigh Jones – Denison University Director of Athletics Communications
 

“I'm honored to join an elite list of Athletics Communications professionals that I've looked up to and tried to emulate throughout my career so far. Having such amazing mentors throughout my first seven years of my career has shaped how I approach problems, find solutions, and develop relationships with those across not only the industry but at my university. This award is an exclamation point to the work that I've done so far, and I'm excited to take this momentum and encourage my ever-growing network to push through the hard to get to the memorable moments.” — Ashleigh Jones, 2026 CSC Rising Star Award, College Division recipient

Jones fell into the Sports Communications industry after working two years in healthcare. She discovered sports information in her second year of graduate school at North Central College. While at NCC, Clark Teuscher took a chance on her and introduced her to the Athletics Communications industry. 

A year later, Jones landed at DePauw University, where she worked as the Assistant and then Associate Director of Athletics Communications alongside CSC Hall of Famer Bill Wagner. After five years as a Tiger, Jones got the opportunity to take the next step and run her own office at a fellow North Coast Athletic Conference institution- Denison University. 

Since her start in Athletics Communications, she has grown student workforces from the ground up, created on-campus semester- and summer-internship programs, and been an active member of the CSCU committee. 

Her focus on building community and buy-in amongst her staff and students has helped her in each stage of her career and has led to her receiving notable awards. She was named to the MOAA Rising Stars Program, earned the Inaugural Rising Star award at DePauw University, and in 2024 was named to the inaugural NCAA Division III Emerging Elite Program.
 

Keonte’ Herrera, LSU Assistant Communications Director: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside Ashleigh across multiple committees. Her eagerness to serve, willingness to step in wherever needed, and genuine heart for developing future professionals in our industry make this recognition incredibly well deserved.”

Bill Wagner, DePauw University Assistant Athletics Director for Athletics Communications: “Ashleigh epitomizes what the Rising Star Award is all about. Her energy and enthusiasm coupled with her ability to establish and build relationships have not only made her invaluable to both DePauw and Denison, but they've elevated the profession at both institutions. Her mentorship of our student staff helped them develop self-confidence and explore their futures more deeply. All of this was accomplished through initiatives she created in addition to her day-to-day athletics communications responsibilities. Ashleigh is the future of the organization. A bridge between sports information and athletics communications and a beacon to those new to the profession.”

Madeline Cummings, The University of the South Director of Athletic Communications: “Ashleigh is someone who truly radiates positivity and lifts up everyone around her. She greets people with a genuine smile and is always willing to help in any way she can. She’s an incredible listener who encourages others to learn and grow while continually striving to grow herself. Ashleigh is not only a wonderful colleague to collaborate with and share ideas alongside, but she also genuinely cares about people beyond the workplace. Her kindness and authenticity make her someone people truly value both professionally and personally, and I, along with many others, am lucky to call her both a colleague and a friend.”

Amanda Phillips, Oberlin College Director of Athletics Communications and Game Day Operations: “Ashleigh works tirelessly to support and promote the Big Red community, the North Coast Athletic Conference, and the sports communicators industry as a whole. The love and care she dedicates to her craft are unmatched, and she is actively elevating the next generation of sports communicators through her leadership. Ashleigh is a one-of-a-kind professional, colleague, and friend!”