TAMPA, Fla. (August 15, 2025) – The University of South Florida Athletics branding and content creation unit earned national recognition in the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Creative and Digital Design Contest. The awards were announced during the Special Awards Luncheon at the CSC annual convention, held earlier this summer at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.
USF earned 11 national honors across six categories, highlighted by a second-place finish in game day graphics for the men's soccer Super Hero Night design and a fourth-place award in major awards and championship graphics for the football team's Hawai'i Bowl victory graphic. The video team also placed sixth in the prestigious video of the year category for its feature on Barbara Riffe's dual role supporting USF basketball, while multiple other projects earned recognition for creative storytelling, design impact and brand elevation.
USF's 11 honors tied for the fifth-most among all schools in the University Division, ranking second among non–Power Four institutions and first among American Athletic Conference programs.
"These national recognitions are a true testament to the tireless work and commitment of so many individuals behind the scenes," said Carl Schmid, associate athletic director for branding and digital strategy. "To be mentioned alongside some of the most prominent brands in college athletics speaks volumes about the strategic efforts our team has made to elevate the profile of our programs, student-athletes and the broader USF brand. Through innovative storytelling, creative content and consistent outreach across all platforms, our staff has played a critical role in positioning us on the national stage."
The annual CSC contest highlights outstanding work by members in creative and digital design. This year's competition drew 2,160 total entries across all divisions, including 930 entries in the University Division, in which USF competes.
A full list of USF's recognized entries is included below, and complete contest results are available on the CSC website.
USF Basketball's Heartbeat: Barbara Riffe's Dual Role of Support and Advocacy
6th Place in Video of the Year
Staff Involved: Anthony Goden, Brandon Kowalak & Carl Schmid
Amir Abdur-Rahim Tribute
9th Place in Video of the Year
19th Place in Special Projects
Staff Involved: Brandon Kowalak, Carl Schmid and Merissa Lynn
Men's Basketball at Wichita State Recap
5th Place in Long Form Videos / Recaps / Features
Staff Involved:
Brandon KowalakÂ
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Men's Basketball SoFlo Uniform Unveil
11th Place in Short Form Videos / Reels
Staff Involved:
Brandon Kowalak
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Men's Soccer vs Temple Super Hero Night
2nd Place in Game Day Graphics
Staff Involved:
Conner Greene
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Baseball Rafael Betancourt Preseason All-Conference
6th Place in Individual Awards, Milestone & Record Graphics
Staff Involved:
Conner Greene
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Women's Basketball Mama Dembele Stat Graphic
11th Place in Individual Awards, Milestone & Record Graphics
Staff Involved:
Carl Schmid
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Women's Basketball Jose Fernandez 25th Anniversary
12th Place in Individual Awards, Milestone & Record Graphics
Staff Involved:
Conner Greene
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Football Hawai'i Bowl Champions
4th Place in Major Awards & Championship Graphics
Staff Involved:
Conner Greene
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Women's Basketball American Athletic Conference Champions
11th Place in Major Awards & Championship Graphics
Staff Involved:
Conner Greene
