By Justin Tran, Sept. 24, 2024
Cal Poly Pomona’s Director of Athletics Brian Swanson announced the addition of former Azusa Pacific University student-athlete Delaney Gearing as the new assistant director of athletic communications.
Gearing will work alongside Alex Kline, CPP’s current director of athletics communications, to cover the department’s 11 collegiate sports by writing press releases, updating the athletic website and overseeing home events.
Gearing competed for the Cougars swim and dive team for five seasons and spent one season on the water polo team while earning her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
During her time at APU, Gearing said developed a passion for sports communications while interning with the university’s athletics department, where she gained hands-on experience in media relations, event coverage and graphic design.
Gearing pursued a Master of Science in physical education emphasizing sports management from APU while working as a graduate student for the athletic department during the 2023-2024 academic year.
She further refined her sports information skills through assisting in various tasks related to compliance, internal affairs and budgets including organizing the 2023 PacWest Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Retreat.
Gearing most recently served as the communications and championships intern for the PacWest Conference, where she gained experience in media coverage and storytelling for various athletic events.
This role involved photography, graphic creation and collaborating with different departments to enhance the visibility of the conference’s championships.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping athletes and supporting their journeys,” said Gearing. “I want to create an environment where student-athletes feel seen and valued. Sharing their stories is crucial because it showcases not just their athletic accomplishments, but also their personal growth and dedication.”
Gearing said she believes social media is a powerful tool for storytelling and intends to enhance the department’s social media presence.
“I want to use it to connect with our community and share the incredible achievements of our teams and athletes,” said Gearing. “My goal is to foster a sense of pride among our supporters and inspire future students to join our athletic programs.”
Kline attributed Gearing’s unique background as a former collegiate athlete to her ability to connect deeply with the student-athlete experience, a key priority for the department.
“Delaney understands the pressures and challenges our student-athletes face,” said Kline. “Her experience gives her a distinct advantage in relating to them and effectively telling their stories. We’re not just reporting stats; we’re highlighting the passion and hard work behind those numbers.”
The addition to the Broncos athletics team aims to highlight the athletic achievements of CPP teams while creating a greater sense of community within the university.
Gearing said she plans to engage with athletes to capture their personal journeys and aspirations, enhancing the overall narrative around CPP athletics.
As the athletics department looks forward to a promising season, Gearing’s contributions are expected to create a more robust communications strategy, allowing for more comprehensive coverage of athletic events and achievements, according to Kline.
“Our department has a rich tradition and history of success,” said Kline. “With Delaney on board, I’m confident we’ll elevate our communications and celebrate our student-athletes like never before. We’re excited to see how her fresh ideas and enthusiasm will impact our program.”
With her background and enthusiasm for sports communications, the addition of Gearing will elevate the visibility of the university’s athletic programs while fostering a community among student-athletes, fans, and alumni alike.
Feature photo courtesy of CPP Athletics