Sports Information Directors View Elon Athletic Department as a Promising Opportunity for Recent Graduates

Elon University Alumni Find Success in Athletic Department Roles

Ashlee Brackett ’23 and Gray Aust ’22 are shining examples of Elon University alumni who have found success in the school’s athletic department. Both graduates have transitioned from student roles in athletics to becoming primary sports information directors for various teams within the department.

Brackett, who grew up around college sports due to her father being a Division III softball coach, always knew she wanted to be involved in college sports after graduating. She majored in journalism at Elon but explored other potential jobs in sports broadcasting and multimedia before realizing her passion for content creation and writing.

Aust, on the other hand, was heavily involved in sports organizations as a student, participating in Elon Athletics Marketing, Sports Information, and Elon Sports Vision. Shortly after graduating, he was offered a new role within the athletic department by Associate Athletics Director of Strategic Communications Jason Knavel.

Both Brackett and Aust credit the support system within the athletic department for helping them transition smoothly into their new roles. They highlighted the importance of building relationships with key members of the department, such as Knavel and Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations Jason Chandler.

As primary sports information directors, Brackett and Aust continue to find passion in their work, utilizing skills such as content creation, writing, and tracking statistics. They encourage newly graduated students interested in working in the athletics department to be open to opportunities and explore their passions within Elon’s athletic programs.

Overall, Brackett and Aust’s success stories serve as inspiration for current and future Elon University students looking to pursue careers in college sports. Their dedication, hard work, and willingness to learn have propelled them to thriving roles within the athletic department, showcasing the endless possibilities available to those with a passion for sports.