Changes in leadership often spur the creation of new organizations and policies, and while this practice is most common in the corporate and political sectors, it can nevertheless be seen in places as wide-ranging as the halls of The Nest.

Case in point: shortly after then-assistant football coach Chip Gregory was promoted to head football coach and athletic coordinator in mid-January, he announced the creation of the first athletics media team in school history.

“The purpose of the Athletics Media Team is to serve as a vital communication arm of the athletics department, showcasing the achievements, events, and stories within the athletic community,” Gregory said. “Its main goal is to engage and inform the audience about the happenings in the sports world.”

The team members will aim to accomplish that goal through a variety of methods. 

“Students on the team can expect hands-on experience in sports media production, including content creation, social media management, and event coverage,” Gregory said. “We want them to gain practical skills, build a portfolio, and develop a deeper understanding of sports communication. On a day-to-day basis, the team might engage in tasks such as creating social media posts, conducting interviews with athletes and coaches, attending and covering games and events, editing videos or articles, and collaborating on content strategies to engage the audience effectively.”

Gregory says that what motivated him to create the team was the recognition that the athletics department needed to raise its profile.

“The catalyst for creating the [team] was [my]recognition of the need to enhance communication and storytelling within the athletics department,” Gregory said. “By establishing this team, we aim to elevate the visibility and coverage of our athletic programs.”

Although the team will begin with only three handpicked members, Gregory says that this was done intentionally and with the futures of both the team and the industry in mind.

“The initial selection of three team members was done with efficiency in mind, allowing for a focused and cohesive start,” Gregory said. “However, we do envision the team growing larger in the future as the demand for content and coverage increases.”

Above all, Gregory wants the students chosen for the Athletics Media Team to be set up for future success.

“We hope that students on the team will take away valuable skills, industry knowledge, and a sense of accomplishment from their experiences,” Gregory said. “Additionally, we aim for them to foster a passion for sports media and storytelling that can guide their future endeavors.”