Elmira College has made a significant addition to its athletic department with the hiring of Briley Lawson as the new Director of Sports Information. This move is expected to enhance the college’s athletic communications strategy and improve the overall visibility of Elmira athletics.
Briley Lawson, a native of Georgia, comes to Elmira with a robust background in athletic communications, creative media, and event management. Her most recent role was as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University. During her tenure there, Lawson was responsible for managing live broadcasts and serving as the primary contact for several sports, including men’s and women’s lacrosse, beach volleyball, and men’s soccer. She also played a crucial role in organizing the 2025 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Championship, showcasing her ability to manage high-stakes events effectively.
Lawson’s experience is not limited to Palm Beach Atlantic; she previously held the position of Assistant Sports Information Director at the University of the Cumberlands. Here, she gained substantial experience working with multiple sports, designing graphics and media guides, coordinating national tournament coverage, and even overseeing an NAIA tournament—the 2024 Opening Round Softball Tournament. Her work involved traveling with teams for postseason play, revealing her commitment to fostering a sense of community and support around student-athletes.
“My excitement for this role is palpable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join Elmira College,” Lawson expressed. Her enthusiasm reflects a genuine commitment to collaborating with coaches, staff, and student-athletes to elevate the visibility of Elmira’s athletic programs. This collaborative spirit may prove pivotal in maximizing the potential of Elmira’s athletic offerings.
Rhonda Faunce, the Director of Athletics at Elmira, expressed her excitement over Lawson’s appointment, emphasizing that Lawson’s rich background, creativity, and national involvement through College Sports Communicators (CSC) will contribute greatly to enhancing the coverage and promotion of Elmira athletics. Lawson’s professional dedication and her practical experience are expected to resonate positively within the Elmira community, which has been known for its support of student-athletes.
Lawson’s involvement with the College Sports Communicators organization should also benefit her work at Elmira. She has participated actively in various committees, including the U Committee and the Continuing Education Committee. Her role as a panelist at the 2025 CSC Unite Convention, where she discussed crossover content strategies, demonstrates her commitment to advancing knowledge and techniques in sports information. Additionally, being named a finalist for the 2025 CSC Photographer of the Year further solidifies her reputation as a skillful content creator, particularly in visual storytelling.
Another layer of Lawson’s expertise comes from her background as a former collegiate softball player at Truett McConnell University, where she earned several accolades, including First Team All-Conference and NFCA First Team honors. Her experience as a player offers her unique insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by student-athletes, likely informing her approach to sports communications.
Lawson’s hiring is part of a broader trend in college athletics where institutions are striving to enhance their marketing and communication strategies. As schools compete for attention and support, effective sports information management has become crucial. With a fresh perspective and substantial practical experience, Lawson is well-positioned to implement innovative strategies that can help elevate Elmira’s athletic programs.
Looking ahead, the Elmira community can expect to see greater engagement through enhanced storytelling about its athletic teams and student-athletes. Under Lawson’s direction, there is potential for more dynamic content across various platforms, fostering deeper connections with fans, alumni, and prospective students. This could involve live broadcasts, social media updates, and compelling visual content that highlights the achievements of Elmira’s athletes.
Moreover, Lawson’s commitment to collaboration may lead to increased synergy among the sports teams at Elmira. By establishing a more robust relationship between athletics and the broader college community, she can enhance the experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
In summary, Briley Lawson’s hiring as Director of Sports Information at Elmira College represents a strategic move to amplify the college’s athletic presence. With her background in communication, event management, and athletic participation, Lawson embodies the qualities that can drive Elmira athletics forward. Her proactive approach, coupled with enthusiasm, suggests exciting prospects for the future. For Elmira College, this marks not just the addition of a new staff member but a renewed commitment to excellence in sports communication—an essential factor in fostering a thriving athletic community. As Lawson embarks on this new chapter at Elmira, the future looks promising for both the institution and the Soaring Eagles.
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