- CSC Release

CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Jordyn Ballard has been selected as a member of the College Sports Communicators (CSC) 30 Under 30 Class of 2022. This honor was created by the association's Young Professionals Committee to recognize outstanding young professionals throughout the membership.
 
"This is a huge honor and blessing to receive this award. The best part of this job is showcasing the hard work and talent that our amazing student-athletes demonstrate every day, but I know in our profession we aren't always recognized for the work and hours we put in, so to be honored by my peers is truly a wonderful feeling" said Ballard "I wouldn't be where I am today without my family, friends and my mentors Tyson Jex, Brent Seals, Ryan Hilgemann and Paige McFeeley. I am grateful for their years of support and time that they invested in me. I thank God every day for providing me with more than I could have ever imagined and prayed for, and I am excited for all that is to come in the future."
 
Ballard began her career in athletic communications as an undergraduate student at Black Hills State. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Ballard worked as a sports information assistant, after being promoted from an intern position. A former softball player at Black Hills State for three seasons, Ballard elevates every department she works in by showcasing her true passion for telling the story of the student-athlete.
 
Ballard began working at West Texas A&M as a graduate assistant for two seasons, while earning her master's in Sports Management. She briefly left West Texas A&M and worked at Gannon University, before returning to Canyon in 2021.
 
During her time at West Texas A&M, Ballard has covered the Lady Buffs outdoor track & field national title run, the Lady Buffs softball national championship, and the Lady Buffs volleyball and basketball conference title and NCAA tournament appearances. She has led the media relations operations for nine tournaments, both regional and conference events. Ballard was also a 2019 recipient of the CSC Postgraduate Scholarship.
 
"Jordyn has been invaluable to our program and our success. Her hard work and commitment to our student-athletes is second to none" added WT Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Matt Stewart.
 
Ballard, a Colorado native, graduated cum laude from BHSU with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with an emphasis in sports media, along with a minor in marketing in May 2019. She received her master's in Sport Management from West Texas A&M in August 2021.
 
"This class represents 30 of the brightest young talents in College Sports Communicators at all levels" 2022-23 CSC President Jessica Poole said "We're thankful to the Young Professionals Committee for spearheading the effort to get this program off the ground. It's one example of the type of programming and recognition we want to do more of as we do the work to support our new organizational name and brand. Congratulations to all the deserving winners."