Las Vegas, Nevada - Three members of the Denison Athletics Communications team have been honored for their hard work to close the 2025-26 year. Director of Athletics Communications
Ashleigh Jones, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications and Digital Media
Hailey Owens, and Denison Sports Network student worker Annie Kim were all recognized in their respective spaces.
Ashleigh Jones was presented with the Rising Star Award, an accolade delivered annually to College Sports Communicators members in the University Division (NCAA DI) and in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian institutions) – with 10 years of service or less, for their work at their institution. She, alongside fellow recipient Lance McKenzie (University of Calgary), was recognized for their work in the athletics communications space who exemplify service, dedication, energy, and enthusiasm to the profession.
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Jones started her journey at North Central College as a graduate assistant, then moved to DePauw University as an Assistant Director, and later to Associate Director of Athletics Communications. After five years, Jones had the opportunity to lead her own team as the Director of Athletics Communications at Denison University, a position she was hired for in January of 2025. In her short time as a Big Red, Jones has been a part of five national championship teams, run a student workforce of over 50 students in the Denison Sports Network, and oversaw seven NCAA postseason tournaments held in Granville.
Hailey Owens was recognized this past December in the CSC 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. The honor recognizes emerging athletics communications professionals at all levels of college sports in strategic, creative, and digital spaces. Owens was named an honoree among her peers from multiple divisions across the country for her work in the creative field.
Arriving in Granville in March of 2025, Owens has revamped Big Red athletics' digital storytelling, elevating social media and graphics across multiple platforms. She has been part of five national championship teams, telling their stories through the Big Red athletics website and social media, and has raised the bar for media in the athletics communications space.
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Hailey Owens pictured front row, second to left
Denison Sports Network student worker Annie Kim placed in the top three in Hype/Pre-Game Video and Video of the Year categories for her women's basketball Final Four hype video and National Champions hype video. In the Hype/Pre-Game Video category, she placed third overall, second in Best of Division III, and second in Best of Student Workers. Click here to watch the National Champions Hype Video.Â
In the Video of the Year category, she placed third in the best of student workers category. Click here to watch the Final Four hype video.
