Athletic Communications
The Rockhurst University Athletic Communications Department serves as the primary source of information for all 22 varsity athletic programs. The department is responsible for overseeing media relations, athletic publicity, digital content, live event coverage, statistical reporting, and the promotion of Rockhurst student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs.
Working closely with coaches, student-athletes, university staff, and media representatives, the department is committed to providing accurate, timely, and professional coverage of Rockhurst Athletics while strengthening the University's presence at the local, regional, and national levels.
Responsibilities include managing the official athletics website, coordinating media requests and interviews, producing game previews and recaps, maintaining historical records and statistics, overseeing photography and videography, managing social media platforms, and supporting live broadcasts through the Great Lakes Valley Conference Sports Network (GLVCSN).
The department also provides hands-on opportunities for Rockhurst students interested in sports media, broadcasting, journalism, photography, marketing, and athletic administration.
Athletic Communications Staff
Jacob Lawson — Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Communications
Email: jacob.lawson@rockhurst.edu
Phone: (816) 609-8276
Oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of Rockhurst University's Athletic Communications Department, serving as the primary contact for media relations and communications across the University's 22 varsity sports. Responsible for managing the official Rockhurst Athletics website, coordinating press releases, game previews and recaps, maintaining team rosters, biographies, statistics, and historical records, and ensuring accurate and timely coverage of all athletic programs.
Directs the department's digital media and social media strategy, including content planning, graphic design, photography, videography, student-athlete features, and promotional campaigns. Coordinates team media days, professional headshots, and creative content initiatives while maintaining the department's digital photography and media archives.
Oversees game-day communications operations, including NCAA statistical reporting, live statistics, public address announcing, broadcast personnel coordination, and media coverage for home athletic events. Works closely with coaches, student-athletes, university personnel, the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), and NCAA representatives to manage athletic communications, promote individual and team accomplishments, and support conference and national recognition opportunities.
Additionally, trains and supervises workers and game-day personnel involved in photography, statistics, social media, broadcasting, and content production. Collaborates with athletics administration and other university departments on special events, postseason coverage, marketing initiatives, and the continued development of Rockhurst Athletics' digital presence and overall brand.
Paul Payton — Athletics Communications Specialist
Email: paul.payton@rockhurst.edu
Phone: (913) 954-7105
Assists with the technical and broadcast operations of Rockhurst Athletics, primarily overseeing live streaming, broadcast equipment, and game-day production through the GLVC Sports Network (GLVCSN). Responsibilities include troubleshooting streaming technology, supporting live event broadcasts, and assisting with the management and maintenance of the official Rockhurst Athletics website. Serves as the primary contact for Women's Volleyball, Women's Soccer, Men's Basketball, Men's Volleyball and Softball.
Piper McGuire — Communications Graduate Assistant
Supports the Athletic Communications Department with a primary focus on social media management and the promotion of Rockhurst University's 22 varsity athletic programs. Assists with day-to-day coverage across official Rockhurst Athletics social media platforms, including game-day updates, final scores, student-athlete achievements, promotional announcements, and special events.
Works closely with the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications to develop and execute social media content strategies, coordinate coverage of athletic events, and increase engagement across digital platforms. Assists with gathering photos, videos, and other creative materials while helping maintain a consistent and professional presence for Rockhurst Athletics.
Also, assists with student-athlete features, media days, special projects, and additional communications responsibilities based on departmental needs.
Callie Knott — Athletics Photographer
Serves as a primary photographer for Rockhurst University Athletics, providing photography coverage for home athletic competitions, department events, and special occasions across the University's 22 varsity sports. Responsible for capturing high-quality action photography, student-athlete moments, team celebrations, and behind-the-scenes content that highlights the Rockhurst Athletics experience.
Works closely with the Athletic Communications Department to provide visual content for official social media platforms, the athletics website, game recaps, promotional materials, and student-athlete recognition. Assists with athletic media days, team photography, special events, and other creative projects throughout the academic year.
Plays an important role in maintaining consistent visual coverage of Rockhurst Athletics while helping build and organize the department's photography archive for current and future use.
Opportunities With Rockhurst Athletics
Interested in working behind the scenes of NCAA Division II Athletics?
The Rockhurst University Athletic Communications Department welcomes students interested in gaining real-world experience in sports media, broadcasting, photography, digital marketing, and game-day production. Students can develop professional skills, build portfolios, and work directly with Rockhurst athletic teams while contributing to the coverage of NCAA Division II competition.
Available opportunities include:
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Sports Photography: Capture game action, student-athlete portraits, team events, and behind-the-scenes moments.
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Videography: Film highlights, interviews, promotional features, and social media content.
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Social Media & Creative Content: Help manage athletics social media page, create graphics, and produce engaging content.
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Live Stream Production: Assist with cameras, production equipment, and broadcasts on the GLVC Sports Network.
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In-Game Statistics: Learn NCAA statistical software and help record official statistics for home competitions.
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Sports Writing & Media Relations: Write game recaps, previews, athlete features, and website releases.
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Graphic Design: Develop promotional graphics, game-day visuals, and digital content for Rockhurst Athletics.
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Athletic Media Days: Assist with photography, interviews, lighting, setup, and content production.
Previous experience is helpful but not required for every position. Training and guidance may be provided based on the role.
Positions and assignments depend on departmental needs, student availability, and applicable university employment requirements.
Interested?
Contact:Â Jacob Lawson -Â jacob.lawson@rockhurst.edu
Students are encouraged to include their name, major, year in school, areas of interest, relevant experience, and general availability.
Media Relations Policy
All media requests involving Rockhurst University student-athletes, coaches, or athletic staff should be coordinated through the Athletic Communications Department. This includes interview requests, media coverage, photography, videography, and other media-related inquiries.
Media representatives, photographers, and other individuals seeking access to Rockhurst athletic events for professional coverage are encouraged to contact the Athletic Communications Department in advance to arrange appropriate access and discuss event-specific guidelines.
Individuals requesting media access should provide their name, affiliated organization, event they wish to cover, and the nature of their coverage. Access to restricted areas, including sidelines and competition areas, is subject to approval by Rockhurst Athletics.
Photography Policy
Media Request Contact: Jacob Lawson - Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Communications
Anyone taking photographs must adhere to the following policies:
- All photographers associated with the media are asked to remain a reasonable distance from the playing area.
- Parents/friends must gain permission from the Athletics Department to take photographs along the sidelines.
- An individual cannot profit off the sale of photographs of any Rockhurst University student-athlete. This will negatively affect the eligibility of the student-athlete.
- An individual cannot profit off the sale of photographs that display the official Rockhurst University logo.
