BRYN MAWR, PA- Bryn Mawr College Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Maggie Balderstone has been named to the 2025 NCAA Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program, as announced by College Sports Communicators (CSC).

    Balderstone is one of 30 NCAA Division III athletic communicators chosen for the second class of the program, which recognizes outstanding early-career professionals in the field. The initiative, created in partnership between CSC and the NCAA, is designed to provide mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities for emerging leaders in Division III athletic communications. The participants receive full funding to attend the program at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.



Since joining Bryn Mawr in 2024 as the Athletic Communications Fellow, Balderstone has made a lasting impact on the department's visual storytelling, digital engagement, and commitment to inclusion. Elevated to Assistant Director in August 2025, they oversee communications and creative strategy for all 12 varsity programs, working closely with coaches, student-athletes, and staff to amplify the achievements of Bryn Mawr Athletics.

In their time with the Owls, Balderstone has helped to develop updated social media and brand guidelines, enhance live broadcasts, and expand student worker opportunities within the communications team. They have also been instrumental in advancing gender inclusion initiatives for gender-nonconforming and LGBTQ+ student-athletes, serving as one of the department's Athlete Ally staff advisors and leading educational efforts around inclusive language and representation in sports.

Lauren Gusikoff, Bryn Mawr's Director of Athletic Communications, said "From the moment I met Maggie, I could see their potential and knew they'd bring passion to everything they do. Maggie has worked incredibly hard to help elevate Bryn Mawr Athletic Communications to where it is today, and they are truly deserving of this opportunity."

Through their work, Balderstone continues to champion the power of inclusive communication in athletics, reflecting Bryn Mawr's mission to celebrate student-athletes both in competition and in the community.