CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) will be well represented this December in Indianapolis after three were selected to attend the second annual NCAA Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program.
Alex McCombs of the University of Dubuque and
Alexis Ponce of Loras will attend the professional development program.
In 2024, the Division III governance staff created the Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program in partnership with D3SIDA and College Sport Communicators (CSC). The Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program will be held annually in December in Indianapolis at the NCAA National Office.
“I am so excited to have the A-R-C so well represented at the second annual Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program,” said
Ali Wilson, A-R-C Assistant Commissioner and D3SIDA Representative. “This program will offer professional development and networking opportunities for Alex and Alexis to continue to help them excel in their careers in athletic communications. The pool was full of over 75 excellent applicants and I am grateful these two emerged to the top and have the opportunity to attend.”
Topics discussed throughout the program will cover a variety of topics for professional development areas that may include leadership training, networking, positioning yourself to oversee staff, collaborating with others, navigating expanded roles and responsibilities, and much more.
In addition to the in-person programming in Indianapolis, all participants will be able to receive a one-time complimentary registration to the next College Sports Communicators Convention held annually in June. The 2025 CSC Convention will take place June 8-11 in Orlando, Florida.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
