By Allison Hernandez, Staff Writer
Newman University’s new sports information director, Daphne Williams, comes to the role with experience in both athletics and communications.
Williams’ journey to a career in sports information began during her days as a student at Washburn University, where she played basketball and earned a degree in mass media with a double minor in coaching and studio art.
"I grew up 30 minutes down the road in Halstead, Kansas," Williams said. "After being a student athlete, I wanted to keep sharing student athlete stories, and what better way to do that than being a sports information director?"
Williams said she originally planned to take her career in a different direction.
"After I graduated from Washburn I thought I wanted to coach, so I was reaching out and then stumbled upon Newman,” Williams said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to get back here, be close to family, and see if I wanted to pursue coaching."
Williams has been at Newman for two years, working on the women's basketball staff and contributing to the sports information office covering a wide variety of sports including soccer, tennis, women’s basketball and triathlon. During the 2022-23 season, she served as the main contact in the sports information office for several sports and later took on the role of women’s basketball graduate assistant during the 2023-24 season under head coach Amy Briggs. Williams earned her MBA from Newman in May 2024.
Now, in her role as sports information director, Williams said she is excited about the potential to elevate Newman’s athletic programs further.
"Every day there's something new. You don't come in here and know what your schedule looks like," Williams said. "You get to meet all the student athletes, share their stories, and watch all the sports."
In her new position, Williams said she plans to focus on enhancing Newman’s athletic visibility, particularly through social media.
"Social media is such a big thing. I think once you establish your social media, you can really grow," Williams said. "Continuing to spread the word through social media channels and our website and making sure people outside of campus know about us is key."
Williams said one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing others succeed and being able to promote that success.
"Even from when I was a basketball player at Washburn, I've always had more joy seeing other people succeed than myself," Williams said.
Williams said she remains committed to her passion for storytelling.
"There’s nothing better than getting to share the stories of our student athletes and watching them succeed," she said. "It is what I love most."
Collaboration with student-athletes is also an important part of Williams' vision. She said there are opportunities for students interested in sports media to get hands-on experience.
"We have possibilities for internships,” Williams said. “A couple of student athletes already come in here a few days a week and help on game days.”
Williams said that those hoping to start a career in sports have to have drive.
“You really have to love it. You’re going to have to sacrifice a lot, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to work in sports,” she said. “Not everyone gets the opportunity to do it, so if it's something you really want, you’ve got to put in the time and effort and have a passion for it."
PHOTO: Courtesy, Unsplash
