The truth is — I still love this game
College Sports Information Directors of America
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Pictured above: Keonte' Herrera is the primary athletic communications contact for LSU’s volleyball team and softball team. Here, he is pictured courtside with Tigers volleyball head coach Tonya Johnson.
The truth is — I still love this game
by Keonte' Herrera – LSU, Assistant Athletic Communications Director [@Ke2Success](http://twitter.com/Ke2Success)
Keonte’ Herrera joined the LSU athletic department as assistant athletic communications director a little over a year ago (in September 2021). The Louisiana native is the primary contact for LSU volleyball and softball. Herrera has worked at the Division I and Division II levels in the state of Texas, with prior experience at Texas State (2019-21), St. Edward’s University (2018), Texas A&M University-Kingsville (2016-18) and Texas A&M University-Commerce (2015).
One night this fall, he woke up and jotted down his thoughts on why he continues to love the athletic communications profession, despite all the challenges and stressors and in the wake of the “Great Resignation” movement sweeping our country. Take a moment to read this thoughts on how he focuses on the “why” of being a sports communications professional and his message to colleagues in college athletics.
Why am I still here?
We all see it. Not just the mass exodus of having a traditional job around the country with the “Great Resignation” phenomenon, but even before that, the mass exodus in the industry of collegiate athletics communications. And, others in college sports professional roles.
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t considered leaving. Or even applied for other opportunities to see what is out there. Yet, I am still here in college sports communications — and by choice, I must add.
Why? When leaving for green pastures is so popular, justifiable, and acted upon, why have I chosen not to move on?
The truth is — I still love the game. Volleyball, the diamond sports, both genders of basketball, tennis, golf, track and field, and the king that is football. It’s all about sports!
I still love the game. I love being connected with my teams and documenting the journeys, no matter in what medium or form the stories are told. Don’t get me wrong: the cliché but factual response of “I love the people and relationships” is extremely important, but people are everywhere and in every profession and walk of life. It’s “sports” that is the common denominator that brings this group of people together and I still love being in the middle of the whirlwind of competing.
Keonte Herrera with his wife, Priscilla, who was a four-year softball letterman and Conference USA MVP (2011) at East Carolina University, with their children, son Malakai and daughter Ariella.
However, I do my best to be intentional in all circumstances when it comes to spending time with them, whether it’s setting up ‘daddy days’ with each kid or calling it an early day to grab lunch for my wife. Anything helps. And going back to the right fit, it's nice when my family is welcomed to my workplace and trustworthy relationships are formed to watch our kids so that Priscilla and I can go on a date. Being purposeful in making that happen has been a huge game changer in battling burnout, comparison and ultimately, defeat.
With all that being said, I understand this field is not for everyone and that nothing is forever. But, take time to reflect. Do you still love “the game” to be close to it to this degree? Are you taking the necessary steps to find contentment and being intentional for your peace of mind? Are you studying your craft enough to know what you want, what skills to develop and most importantly, go after the opportunities you deserve?
If you take the time to examine and be honest with yourself on where you stand, you may realize that it’s not your time to join the exodus and get back to loving what you do. Because it matters.
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