Indianapolis — Marywood University's Amanda Criss was selected for the second class of the NCAA Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program by the NCAA Division III Governance staff.
Criss was one of 30 participants selected for the newly formed young professionals program. She is the first-ever representative from the Atlantic East Conference to be selected for the Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program.
"We are incredibly excited for this professional development opportunity that Amanda is so deserving of," Director of Athletic Communications Jay Monahan said. "She has been a tremendous asset to us since day one, enhancing the Marywood brand with her hard work, social media skills, and positivity. Amanda helps us tell the story of the Pacers' athletic excellence and academic success.
"We are thrilled to see what she learns alongside other Emerging Elite participants in Indianapolis."
Criss joined Marywood in 2023 as the Athletic Communications and Operations Specialist. A former Division II and III softball standout at Lock Haven University and York College of Pennsylvania, she provides game-day coverage that includes press box coordination, statistical oversight, and editorial content. In her time at Marywood, she has created engaging content for the Pacers' social media accounts, significantly expanding their reach and engagement.
Criss serves as the primary media contact for Marywood's men's soccer, field hockey, women's basketball, softball, and men's lacrosse programs, as well as a secondary contact for the university's 24 other athletic teams. She also helped lead social media and recruitment outreach for the newly formed women's flag football program.
These Division III athletic communicators were selected from all those nominated this fall by their leaders and peers for participation in the program. Launched in 2024, the Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program is a professional development initiative hosted annually in December at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis. In addition to the in-person program in Indianapolis, all participants will be able to receive a one-time complimentary registration to the next College Sports Communicators (CSC) UNITE convention, held annually in June.
"On behalf of College Sports Communicators, I want to congratulate this outstanding group of Division III athletic communicators selected for the Emerging Elite Program," CSC Executive Director Jason Yaman said, "These professionals represent the future of our field — innovative storytellers, dedicated collaborators, and emerging leaders who are strengthening the visibility and impact of Division III athletics. We're proud to partner with the NCAA Division III and D3SIDA in supporting their continued growth and success."
Created in partnership with D3SIDA and College Sports Communicators, the program is designed to elevate the next generation of athletic communication leaders in Division III. Participants engage in interactive sessions focused on leadership development, managing and growing a team, cross-department collaboration, and navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics communications.
Thirty participants are selected each year and receive full funding to attend the program in Indianapolis. Each institution and conference office may nominate up to two participants.
Criss joins participants from Bryn Mawr, Stevenson, Cortland State, Western Connecticut State, Chicago, Colby, Carthage, Linfield, Bethany, Nazareth, St. John Fisher, Utica, Catholic, Brevard, Dubuque, Hope, Oswego State, Macalaster, Oberlin, Averett, Loras, Heidelberg, Rhodes, Aurora, Mount Saint Mary (N.Y.), and Berry.
