WESTERVILLE, Ohio — This week, Muskingum junior Lauren Hertle was one of 16 Division III student-athletes who attended the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Convention in Orlando, Florida, as part of the 2025 Division III College Sports Communicators Student Program. 

Established in 2017, the CSC Student Program was developed by the Division III governance staff in partnership with College Sports Communicators. Held annually in conjunction with the CSC Unite Convention each June, the program provides selected students with full funding to attend the convention and participate in Division III-specific programming. 

During the three-day programming, participants engaged in sessions exploring potential careers in sports information and athletics communication. The program aims to help students chart their career paths, build networks, and learn directly from current professionals in the field. A key goal of the initiative is to create a pipeline of talented female and ethnic minority candidates interested in Division III athletics communication, ultimately diversifying the division.

Each student-athlete was paired with a mentor that works in athletic communications at a Division III institution or conference office. Before and during the program, mentors helped mentees create goals, network and provide resources and support both inside and outside of the convention. 

“My biggest takeaway from this experience is how important having real and authentic conversations can be and how they can turn into amazing opportunities," said Hertle. "Also, seek discomfort when you feel the most uncomfortable, scared, or nervous because you never know what will be on the other side of it unless you try. It was an honor to represent Muskingum University and the Women’s Soccer program, and I hope to be able to attend many more conventions in the future as I navigate my career in college athletics!”.

To learn more about the Division III CSC Student Program, click here.