I've always loved writing! When I was younger, I enjoyed crafting short stories for friends. As I got older, this turned into a passion for communication, which led me to pursing a journalism degree at Ohio University (Go Bobcats!).
The connecting line in my work experience is storytelling. I consider it a privilege to help athletes and programs tell their stories, and I have had the honor of doing so for a variety of teams.
Currently, I am the Director of Athletics Executive Operations and Football Communications at Ohio University. In this hybrid position, I oversee all internal and external communication from the Director of Athletics office as well as serving as the primary communications contact for Ohio University's Division I FBS football program. My responsibilities are a blend of sport-specific, like managing the football website, and administrative duties, such as scheduling programming for our monthly all-staff meetings.
Off the field, I serve as a liaison between media and our football program, coordinating media availabilities, press conferences and interviews. I have similar responsibilities when working with the Director of Athletics, curating talking points for interviews and speaking appearances. Additionally, I often have the privilege of being Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez’s point of contact at athletics events, coordinating with her team prior to game day to ensure a smooth run of show.
Behind the scenes, I often step into a “ghostwriting” role. I provide drafted quotes for coaches and senior administrators, occasionally assist with email copy for marketing and donor outreach efforts and draft talking points for speaking engagements and press conferences. Additionally, I oversee Ohio football’s social media accounts, brainstorming content and captions with our student workers to ensure the program’s online presence adheres to brand guidelines.
I'm an avid reader and crafter! In 2024, I read/listened to 35 books and crocheted one baby blanket. My latest obsession is crocheting stuffed animals; a lot of people received chickens for Christmas this year. I've recently started "junk journaling" and my next goal is to learn how to make beaded flowers.
When I have time off, I enjoy visiting friends and family all over the country. In March 2025, I spent three days helping a friend drive from Billings, Montana to Columbus, Ohio. The picture to the left was taken at my favorite stop on the trip: Sue the Holstein Cow in North Dakota! This road trip marked my third cross-country drive; I'd love to tell you about the wild roadside attractions I've discovered.
Whenever I visit a new city, I make it my mission to find a library, a local bookstore and a good cup of coffee.
For any animal-lovers visiting my portfolio: this is my cat, Athena.
She's a very chatty, benevolent dictator who both wishes I was home more often and is sick of me by the time Monday rolls around.
She's a big fan of early bed times, soft blankets and Cheez-Its.
Thank you for taking the time to scroll this far on my portfolio! If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me at snewgarde@gmail.com.