News

Three Selected for DIII Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program

INDIANAPOLIS - For the third consecutive year, the Landmark Conference will be represented in the Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program, with three conference professionals selected for the 2026 cohort. 

Riley Holmes, Director of Athletic Communications at Goucher College, Emma Monismith, Assistant Director for Athletic Communications and Digital Media at Juniata College, and Griffin Schmoyer, Assistant Sports Information Director at Wilkes University, were among 30 Division III Athletic Communication professionals selected to participate in the three-day program, which will take place December 6-8 at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis. Each participant receives full funding to attend. 

"I am incredibly grateful for being selected to attend the NCAA DIII Athletic Communications Emerging Elite Program,” said Holmes. “I am excited for the opportunity to learn from professionals across the industry, build new connections, and continue to develop as a communicator and leader in collegiate athletics."

Launched in 2024, the Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program is a professional development initiative created in partnership with D3SIDA and College Sports Communicators (CSC). The program is designed to develop the next generation of Division III athletic communications leaders through professional development, networking, and skill development. 

“I am thrilled to be selected for the NCAA Emerging Elite Program,” said Monismith. “I look forward to meeting others in the industry and furthering my professional development."

“I am incredibly honored to be named to the 2026 Emerging Elite Program,” echoed Schmoyer. “It is a special opportunity for me to grow as a professional and learn from my colleagues across the country, as well as represent Wilkes University and the Landmark Conference on the national stage. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and nominated me for this program.”

The Emerging Elite Program is geared toward early-career professionals aspiring to advance to director-level roles, newly appointed athletic communications directors, and professionals committed to long-term careers in Division III athletics communications. 

“Having three of the 30 professionals selected nationally come from the Landmark Conference is incredibly exciting and something we should all be proud of,” said Landmark Conference Commissioner Katie Boldvich. “It speaks to the talented people our institutions are attracting and the collective commitment across the conference to continue challenging ourselves and getting better in this space. Riley, Emma and Griffin are each incredibly deserving of this opportunity, and I’m excited to see them represent their institutions and the Landmark on a national stage.”

Participants will take part in interactive sessions focused on leadership development, managing and growing a team, cross-development collaboration, and navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics communications. The experience also includes in-person networking, skill-building workshops, and one-time complimentary registration to the College Sports Communicators Convention in June.