Sammi Wellman Awarded CSC Unite 2026 Attendance Grant

Riverside City College proudly announces Sammi Wellman, Director of Sports Information for Riverside City College Athletics, has been selected as a recipient of the CSC Unite 2026 Attendance Grant from College Sports Communicators (CSC).

The nationally competitive grant supports athletics communications professionals in attending CSC’s annual convention, providing access to professional development, industry trends, and networking opportunities across all levels of collegiate athletics.

“I was excited to learn I was selected as a recipient of the CSC Unite 2026 Attendance Grant,” Wellman said. “This is my first time winning a grant of any kind. I’m very involved with CSC as the chair of the CSC U Committee and the second vice president of 2YSIDA, and I’ve attended the convention many times before. But I wasn’t sure I would be able to go this year — I didn’t think it was in our budget.”

Wellman’s selection reflects her ongoing leadership and dedication to the profession. In addition to her role at RCC, she serves nationally through CSC and advocates for greater representation and resources for two-year institutions in athletics communications.

On a personal level, attending CSC Unite 2026 provides an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and strengthen professional relationships. Professionally, it offers exposure to innovative storytelling techniques, evolving digital trends, and best practices that directly enhance how RCC highlights the achievements of its student-athletes.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is telling the stories of our student-athletes,” Wellman shared. “By attending CSC Unite 2026, I hope to be inspired to tell those stories in new ways and on new levels. The convention helps me stay current with trends from all over college athletics, especially in a constantly evolving field.”

Historically, national programming has often centered on four-year institutions, but that is beginning to shift. Increased participation from two-year colleges — including another grant recipient from Mt. San Antonio College — signals growing recognition of the vital role two-year institutions play in collegiate athletics.

“While it’s always exciting to learn from the four-year schools — especially some of the big-name programs — sometimes those practices don’t translate to our level,” Wellman said. “I’m excited to connect with other two-year SIDs to see what works for their campuses and how I can implement that here at RCC, or even improve on it.”

Beyond her professional development, Wellman remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of athletics communicators. Through her leadership on the CSC U Committee, she helps coordinate national webinars and an annual summit designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students with tools for success in sports communications.

“I’m very passionate about helping those interested in athletics communications get their start,” she said. “If anyone at RCC is interested in pursuing opportunities in athletics communications or sports media, I’d love to talk to them and help any way I can.”

Riverside City College congratulates Wellman on this national recognition and looks forward to the continued impact of her leadership in amplifying the stories and successes of Tiger student-athletes. For more information about RCC Athletics, visit RCC Athletics.