YSU’s Trevor Parks Celebrated with 25-Year Award from College Sports Communicators

Trevor Parks, a pillar of the Youngstown State University (YSU) athletics community, has recently been honored with a prestigious 25-Year Award from College Sports Communicators (CSC). This recognition celebrates his unwavering dedication to the field of sports communications, marking a significant milestone in his career that began over two decades ago.

Parks was honored at CSC’s annual convention, “2025 CSC Unite,” held at the Orlando World Center Marriott. In total, 29 individuals were awarded the same commendation, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence in collegiate sports communications. For those familiar with Parks’s work, this award is a testament to years of dedication, skill, and love for sports.

Since 2000, Parks has been the Associate Director of Athletics and Director of Athletics Communications at YSU. Over the course of his career, he has adeptly managed media relations for the Penguins’ 21 intercollegiate athletic programs. As the 2025 football season approaches, it will mark the 26th year that Parks has been integral to promoting the football program and ensuring its visibility and engagement with fans.

His role is multifaceted. Not only does he oversee media relations, but he also coordinates broadcasts on ESPN+, plays a vital part in social media strategies, updates YSUsports.com regularly, and serves as a primary statistician for various sports. Parks’s level of engagement during home events is commendable; he is often seen wearing multiple hats, ensuring that both athletes and fans enjoy a seamless experience. His commitment is evident, as he is involved in nearly every game day operation, working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Parks’s contributions extend beyond mere logistics; he leads a dedicated team of five full-time staff members and a graduate assistant in the Athletics Communications Department. The longevity of his professional relationships speaks volumes about his management style. Most of his team members have been with him for several years, with some having worked alongside him for over two decades. This stability is not only a reflection of his leadership qualities but also emphasizes his ability to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Throughout his career, Parks has received various accolades from College Sports Communicators (formerly known as CoSIDA). Notably, between 2001 and 2008, YSU’s football game program was voted the best in the nation for Division I-AA/FCS—a remarkable achievement that highlights Parks’s effectiveness in elevating YSU’s visibility through quality communication.

Before joining YSU, Parks’s experience included a stint as the women’s sports information director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, following a two-year internship at the Nebraska Sports Information Office. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1996, having honed his craft while serving as a reporter and editor for the Daily Nebraskan. His diverse background laid a strong foundation for the transformative impact he would later have at YSU.

Outside of his professional life, Trevor Parks is deeply committed to his family. He has been married to his wife, Pennie, since 2006, and together they share a beloved dog named Rylee. Balancing a successful career while nurturing a family is no small feat, and Parks manages to excel at both, exemplifying what it means to lead a fulfilling life.

Support for Parks is plentiful within the YSU community, with colleagues offering heartfelt testimonials about his character and leadership. Jamie Hall, a colleague in the Athletics Communications Department, remarked, “For 25 years, Trevor has been a true leader, not just for our office but the entire department.” His appreciation for his staff’s hard work and his unwavering support are common themes in the praise he receives.

Another longtime colleague, John Vogel, emphasized Parks’s work ethic and the culture he promotes within the department. “He has the uncanny ability to never let us know when he’s having a tough day, making it easier for all of us to come to the office,” Vogel said. This affirmation from those who work closely with him showcases the integrity and reliability that define Parks’s legacy.

In addition to his impact within YSU, Parks’s regional influence extends to the broader networks of college athletics. His consummate professionalism and commitment shine through in every interaction, earning him respect from peers and collaborators alike. Bob Hannon, the play-by-play announcer for Youngstown State football, praised Parks for his proactive approach, stating, “He loves Youngstown State and his commitment to the Penguins is inspiring.”

As he accepts this 25-Year Award, Trevor Parks not only celebrates his individual achievements but also serves as an emblem of dedication and passion for sports communication. He inspires those around him, embodying the values of hard work, integrity, and commitment—qualities that resonate deeply within the world of college athletics.

In conclusion, Trevor Parks’s journey through the realm of sports communications is a compelling story of perseverance, leadership, and community. As he continues to navigate new challenges and opportunities, the impact he has made at Youngstown State University will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come. His dedication to fostering a positive environment for athletes and staff reflects not only his personal aspirations but also a profound love for the game and the community it serves. As we celebrate Parks’s impressive milestone, it’s clear that he has set a standard of excellence that will guide the future of sports communications at YSU and beyond.

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