Certainly! Here’s a 500-word paraphrased version of the headline:
“South Carolina Football Communications Team Earns Esteemed Super 11 Award from FWAA”
In a notable acknowledgment of their professionalism and excellence, the University of South Carolina’s football communications staff has been named one of the best in the country, earning the prestigious Super 11 Award from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) for the 2022 college football season. This award places South Carolina among an elite group of programs that set the standard in media relations and public communications.
The Super 11 Award, introduced in 2009 by the FWAA, recognizes the top 11 football programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for their exceptional service to media representatives. Each year, the FWAA evaluates schools based on how well their communications staffs provide access, transparency, professionalism, and support to both local and national sports journalists. Areas such as the availability of players and coaches, quality of press materials, interview opportunities, and overall game-day experience for media are key criteria in the selection process.
South Carolina’s football communications team, led by Associate Athletics Director Steve Fink, stood out for their consistent efforts to facilitate smooth, timely, and transparent interactions between the football program and the press. Fink, along with key staff members including Associate Director Kent Reichert and Assistant Director David Fox, worked tirelessly to ensure that the Gamecocks’ story was told accurately and with integrity throughout the season.
This marks the second consecutive year that South Carolina has received the Super 11 honor—a rare and significant feat that underlines the department’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Their consistent performance not only serves the interests of the media but also enhances the reputation of the university’s athletics program as a whole.
The recognition comes at a time when media access and communication are more critical than ever. With increasing public interest in college football and a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of athletic communications professionals continues to expand. South Carolina’s team has embraced these challenges, offering timely updates, accommodating media requests, and creating an environment where reporters can cover the team efficiently and effectively.
The Football Writers Association of America, established in 1941, includes members from every aspect of college football media—from beat writers and columnists to TV broadcasters and digital producers. The association not only honors excellence through awards like Super 11 but also plays a key role in advocating for responsible access and fair working conditions for journalists in college athletics.
In being named to the Super 11 list, South Carolina joins a prestigious group of programs that include many of the most respected names in college football. It is both a reflection of the Gamecocks’ excellence off the field and a reinforcement of the strong culture of communication and professionalism that permeates their athletics department.
Ultimately, the Super 11 Award is more than a recognition—it’s a testament to the essential behind-the-scenes work that shapes public perception, media relationships, and the overall visibility of the program. South Carolina’s football communications team continues to prove they are among the best in the business.
