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Hope’s McMahon Attends 2025 DIII Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Mackenzie McMahon, Sports Information Coordinator at Hope College, was selected to attend the 2025 Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program, held this month at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis.

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Launched in 2024, the Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program is a professional development initiative designed to support and advance the next generation of athletics communication leaders across NCAA Division III. The program is developed in partnership with Division III Sports Information Directors of America (D3SIDA) and College Sports Communicators (CSC).

Participants took part in a series of interactive leadership sessions, team-management and collaboration exercises, and discussions centered on the evolving landscape of athletics communication. The experience also emphasized in-person networking and skill-building workshops, and includes a complimentary one-time registration to the College Sports Communicators Convention to be held next June.

The Emerging Elite Program is a nomination-based opportunity for professional staff, with athletics directors, senior woman administrators and conference offices submitting nominations for eligible athletics communicators.

McMahon began working at Hope College in October 2021 as the Digital Communication and Sports Information Coordinator. She transitioned into a full-time role as Sports Information Coordinator in July 2022 and has since played a key role in advancing the department’s digital presence and storytelling efforts.

23907A member of College Sports Communicators, McMahon earned recognition in nine categories in the 2024–25 CSC Creative and Digital Design Contest. Her honors included a first- and second-place finish in the Best of Division III category for game notes in football and women’s basketball, as well as a runner-up finish in the Major Awards and Championships Graphics category for Volleyball’s Eva Hartung, NCAA Elite 90 Award. McMahon also serves on the CSC Creative and Digital Design Contest Committee.

“The Emerging Elite Program was an incredibly valuable opportunity to learn from and connect with peers across Division III who are passionate about elevating athletics communication," McMahon commented. "I’m grateful for the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues from across the country and this experience provided practical tools and fresh perspectives that will strengthen how we communicate and showcase Hope College athletics moving forward.”

McMahon's selection to the Emerging Elite Program reflects both her professional accomplishments and her continued commitment to excellence in athletics communication at the Division III level.