Successful Sports From Behind The Scenes
By Nikki Colonna
Staff Writer
Student-athletes work hard to perform in their sports, but behind-the-scenes, the Lynn sports media and the communication program work hard to ensure everything is set up and ready to go on game day.
A day in the life behind some of the most crucial components of the Fighting Knights’ sports world consists of a constantly changing environment, depending on the nature of what sporting event is happening.
Chad Beattie, assistant director of athletic communications, is the heart of all operations and diligently leads his team to effectively represent Lynn’s Division II athletics, making the sports media and communications program run efficiently.
“I find that the more successful the athletic programs are, the more successful the athletic media will be,” said Beattie. “With more success comes more coverage on a local, regional or national level, which in turn highlights your athletic media relations office.”
Whether there is a meeting to prepare for a sports match, a need to make a commercial, an awards banquet or a website update of scores, news and photos, the athletic communications office is always bouncing around.
The preparation and drive of the media team mirror that of the student-athletes. In fact, many student-athletes work in the office of communications behind-the-scenes outside of their own sports seasons to continue to be around the sports programs. Their passion for and interest in sports is their motivation.
“I really like working in sports media. The environment and people I work with make it enjoyable,” said Mara Notkin, senior soccer player. “[Being a sports management major and] the youngest of three, with two older brothers, sports has been a part of me; I love the atmosphere.”
The desire to get involved with communications is not limited to current Lynn student-athletes. Former athletes who cannot stay away from their love of sports stay involved in Lynn athletics through the sports media and communications program.
“I got started working with athletics because I was a former athlete but didn’t want to give up being in the sports world,” said Maria Freitas, senior, lacrosse manager. “I really enjoy working with [the athletes] and understand the life of being an athlete [and what they are invested in].”
Regardless of when one’s athletic career ends, the passion of covering sporting events and being part of the camaraderie lives on in the communications office.
“Getting student-athletes involved definitely benefits our athletic media program,” Beattie said. “They are highly invested in our success and want to make sure the latest trends are used to promote themselves and the university.”
Each of these athletes at Lynn stays competitive while appreciating the work that is done by communications to represent them, their success and their school.
