Hope College Sports Information Coordinator Mackenzie McMahon is one of 30 participants selected for the second class of the NCAA Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program by the NCAA Division III Governance staff.

These Division III athletic communicators were selected from all those nominated this fall by their leaders and peers for participation in the program. Launched in 2024, the Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program is a professional development initiative hosted annually in December at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis. In addition to the in-person program in Indianapolis, all participants will be able to receive a one-time complimentary registration to the next College Sports Communicators (CSC) UNITE convention, held annually in June.

"On behalf of College Sports Communicators, I want to congratulate this outstanding group of Division III athletic communicators selected for the Emerging Elite Program," CSC Executive Director Jason Yaman said. "These professionals represent the future of our field — innovative storytellers, dedicated collaborators, and emerging leaders who are strengthening the visibility and impact of Division III athletics. We're proud to partner with the NCAA Division III and D3SIDA in supporting their continued growth and success."

McMahon joined Hope College in 2021 as the digital communication and sports information coordinator, developing content and providing game-day coverage including press box coordination, statistical oversight, writing and publishing. She has a talent for creating compelling and engaging stories for the Hope Athletics' social media accounts and website that are enjoyed by fans, student-athletes, coaches and college staff.

McMahon was instrumental in the college's sports information team being chosen as the 2024-25 D3SIDA Region 4 Communicators of the Year, by their fellow NCAA Division III athletic communication professionals.

"We are thrilled for Mackenzie and thankful to the NCAA Division III Governance and D3SIDA staff for inviting her to this amazing program," Sports Information Director Alan Babbitt said. "Mackenzie has greatly enhanced the Hope Athletics brand with her multimedia skills. She helps us tell the story of our mission for academic success, competitive excellence and transformational experiences. We are excited to see what she learns alongside other Emerging Elite participants and incorporates into her storytelling."

Created in partnership with D3SIDA and College Sports Communicators, the program is designed to elevate the next generation of athletic communication leaders in Division III. Participants engage in interactive sessions focused on leadership development, managing and growing a team, cross-department collaboration, and navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics communications.

Thirty participants are selected each year and receive full funding to attend the program in Indianapolis. Each institution and conference office may nominate up to two participants.