RSC Communications
Kevin Taylor
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — The River States Conference is pleased to announce that Karina Graziani from Carlow (Pa.) University has been selected as the 2020-21 RSC Sports Information Director of the Year. Graziani just completed her third year as sports communications manager at Carlow.
The River States Conference SID of the Year award was established in 2014-15. It annually recognizes an honoree for outstanding service and dedication to the sports information role in promotion of their student-athletes, school, conference and the NAIA. It is voted on by athletic directors and SIDs within the conference.
“Karina is truly deserving of this recognition,” said George Sliman, Director of Athletics at Carlow. “She goes above and beyond in helping anyone and everyone in any way she can. She creates positive, productive relationships, not only across campus but also with RSC colleagues and at the national level with the NAIA, USCAA and professional organizations such as CoSIDA.
“Her diligence and consistency with sports communications has elevated our student experience and has greatly improved the profile and perception of Carlow athletics.”
Graziani was hired at Carlow prior to the 2018-19 school year and became a full-time employee in February 2019. Since then, she has elevated Carlow’s sports communications efforts in many ways and served the department in several capacities to improve Celtics athletics.
“I am beyond honored to receive this award,” said Graziani. “There are so many brilliant SIDs in our conference who are deserving of this award, and I look up to and admire their support, encouragement and dedication to the profession. I would like to thank my Athletic Director, George Sliman, for offering me the opportunity to launch my career at Carlow over three years ago. I would also like to thank RSC SID, Kevin Taylor, for his trust and encouragement that led me to pursue athletic communications while at Point Park.
“I want to give a special shoutout to my CoSIDA mentor and friend, David Alexander, at the College of St. Rose (N.Y.). I cannot thank you enough for all of the calls, texts, emails and words of wisdom you’ve imparted along the way. To all of my fellow SIDs in the RSC — thank you. Thank you for your time, talents, advice, patience and inspiration. It is always a pleasure to work alongside you at championships and know that I can call you up any time with questions or concerns. I am truly learning from the best in the business! Special thanks to all of my student workers and my broadcasters — Josh Rowntree and Sean Meyers — for making my job easier and helping share Carlow Athletics with our fans and families.”
Graziani is the sports information contact for all 14 of Carlow’s sports teams. She recently oversaw the design of the Carlow athletics website prior to the 2020-21, the first time the Celtics had an athletics-specific site. She is responsible for the editing of the website and managing Carlow’s athletics social media, broadcasts and statistics.
Graziani is also the recruiting coordinator for the Carlow athletic department assisting coaches with recruiting and NAIA eligibility. She is also involved in transportation, logistics and other administrative duties that keep the office operating at a high level.
Specifically during the 2020-21 school year, Graziani stepped up to provide help with COVID-19 protocols such as required screenings and helping the athletic trainers with whatever was needed.
Graziani served the RSC when she provided coverage at the RSC Softball Championships this season. She was a part of the crew that brought live stats and broadcasts for all games at neutral site Vienna, W.Va. Earlier during the school year, she was featured by CoSIDA during Thank Your SID Week.
YEAR BY YEAR — RSC/KIAC SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
2020-21 — Karina Graziani (Carlow)
2019-20 — Kyle Wright (IU East)
2018-19 — Dylan Brown (Midway)
2017-18 — Dylan Brown (Midway)
2016-17 — Kyle Wright (IU East)
2015-16 — Randy Payton (Rio Grande)
2014-15 — Kevin Taylor (Point Park)