AUSTIN, Texas — College Sports Communicators (CSC) announced its CSC Unite 2026 Attendance Grant recipients and NCAA Inclusion Grant winners, naming St. Edward's assistant sports information director Yancy Flores among 22 members selected from more than 130 applicants nationwide.
Flores joined the Hilltop in August 2023 and quickly elevated St. Edward's athletics broadcasts while strengthening the department's student-worker program. During the 2025-26 academic year, she has played an integral role in launching and developing several fan engagement and event programming initiatives that have enhanced the Hilltopper game-day experience.
As a grant recipient, Flores will attend CSC Unite 2026, the association's annual convention, June 7–10 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.
Each grant includes complimentary convention registration and up to $1,000 in reimbursement for travel, lodging and meal expenses. The selection committee is composed of CSC's Executive Board of Directors, staff and leaders of special interest groups within the association.
For 15 of the 22 recipients, the 2026 convention will mark their first or second CSC Unite experience. Seven recipients bring five or more years of professional experience, while nine have been CSC members for three years or less.
Grant recipients will assist on-site during the convention with registration, social media content, ticket distribution at social events and/or operations support.
"The convention grant program reflects CSC's ongoing commitment to access, inclusion and professional development," said CSC Executive Director Jason Yaman. "We congratulate the 22 recipients selected for 2026 and look forward to their participation at the annual convention. By supporting our members' ability to attend, connect and learn, CSC continues to invest in the future of college sports communications."
The 2026 cycle marks the 11th year of the CSC convention attendance grant program. Nearly $190,000 has been distributed to 238 CSC members over the program's first decade.
The initiative began in 2014 with 10 recipients and expanded in 2015 and 2016 with grants valued at $800 apiece. In 2017, the CSC Executive Board of Directors increased the stipend to $1,000 and added two additional grants designated for ethnic minorities, bringing the annual total to 22 recipients.
Eighth Year of CSC–NCAA Partnership
In addition to the CSC Unite grants, six members from across the NCAA's three divisions will attend the convention as part of the NCAA Inclusion CSC Convention Grant program.
Now in its eighth year, the partnership between CSC and the NCAA's Leadership Development and Media Coordination and Statistics staffs aims to advocate for leadership opportunities for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including veterans, first-generation college students and individuals from rural, suburban and urban communities.
The NCAA Inclusion program includes a visit to the NCAA national office and pairs each recipient with a CSC mentor for the upcoming academic year. The grant also covers registration fees, hotel and travel accommodations.
"Investing in our profession and providing support to the future of our membership are the most important aspects of the CSC Unite Attendance Grant and NCAA Inclusion Grant programs," said Patrick Crawford, Purdue University Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications and CSC President for 2025-26. "Our convention is the greatest opportunity for professional development that so many in our membership look forward to on an annual basis. Our ability, in partnership with the NCAA, to give this opportunity to so many professionals in our space is a pivotal part of our core mission."
