AUSTIN, Texas - Washington and Lee University Athletics Broadcaster and Multimedia Creative Specialist Ryan Connell was named one of 18 finalists for the Inaugural FloCollege College Sports Communicators (CSC) Spotlight Award, FloSports announced on Wednesday afternoon. 

The FloCollege CSC Spotlight Award celebrates communicators and CSC staff who go above and beyond to elevate their student-athletes, athletic programs and institutions through strategic storytelling, advocacy and a commitment to excellence. The award highlights individuals who set the standard in the profession by building meaningful relationships, producing impactful content, enhancing broadcast quality, navigating crises with professionalism and championing the achievements of those they serve.

Now in his fourth year as the Athletics Broadcaster and Multimedia Creative Specialist, Connell oversees all operations of the Washington and Lee Sports Network while helping elevate the department's digital and social media presence. He has created and produced countless interviews, highlight packages, feature stories, and social media graphics for all 24 varsity programs, while also serving as the host of "Generals in :60" and the primary play-by-play voice of Generals Athletics. 

Connell's creativity extends beyond traditional broadcasts. He regularly develops unique feature content, including alumni and coaching tree segments, donor-focused season recap videos, end-of-year team highlights, and special feature productions recognizing major student-athlete achievements. His work has strengthened engagement among alumni, recruits, donors, and fans while enhancing visibility for W&L student-athletes.
 

Under Connell's direction, the Washington and Lee Sports Network has grown significantly, producing nearly 600 live events over the four years that have reached more than 250,000 viewers worldwide, including coverage of over 50 ODAC and NCAA Championship events hosted at W&L. 

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Connell leads a team of more than 10 student workers and has recruited, trained, and mentored student broadcasters, camera operators, and production assistants. Through hands-on instruction and real-world experience, he has helped students build professional communication and broadcasting skills that extend beyond athletics. 

Connell has also contributed nationally through his work with NCAA Championships, serving as the play-by-play voice of the 2024 NCAA Division III Field Hockey National Championship and as the NCAA's lead social media contact for five national championship events, including the 50th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. 

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As the ODAC’s winning nominee, Connell advanced to the national ballot alongside 17 other athletics communicators representing institutions across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. The recipient of the inaugural Spotlight Award will be announced at the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention and honored during the FloCollege Reception on June 9 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This year's finalists represent the 18 FloCollege partner conferences from 2025-26 across the country: 

Division-I

• Monmouth University (CAA) – Andrew Kurtz

Division-II 

• American International College (NE10) – Seth Dussault
• Cal State San Bernardino (CCAA) – Curtis Fraser
• Carson-Newman (SAC) – Adam Cavalier
• Daemen University (ECC) – Mike Miranto
• Ferris State (GLIAC) – Rob Bentley
• Trevecca Nazarene University (GSC) – Gregory Ruff
• University of Findlay (G-MAC) – Kyle Niermann
• West Texas A&M (LSC) – Brent Seals

Division-III

• Case Western Reserve University (UAA) – Jon Schwartz
• George Fox University (NWC) – Antonio Arredondo
• Heidelberg (OAC) – Jeff Garvin
• Keene State (LEC) – Ryan Hearn
• LeTourneau University (SCAC) – Andrew Mindeman
• MIT (NEWMAC) – Miles Roberts
• Moravian University (Landmark) – Elliot Schott
• Occidental (SCIAC) – Joe Perrino
• Washington & Lee (ODAC) – Ryan Connell

Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.