DC's Mansfield named WHAC SID of the Year

DEFIANCE, Ohio — Defiance College Director of Athletic Communications Garett Mansfield has been named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Sports Information Director of the Year, recognizing his outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in promoting Defiance College athletics during the 2025-26 academic year.

The annual award, named the Mike Dean-Patrick Moore SID of the Year Award, is voted on by fellow athletic communications professionals throughout the conference and honors excellence in sports information, media relations, event management, and storytelling. Mansfield recently completed his fourth year at Defiance College and his second year helping guide the Yellow Jackets through the institution's transition to the WHAC and NAIA. As the primary athletic communications contact for all 22 varsity sports, he oversees DefianceAthletics.com, manages the department's social media platforms, coordinates live streaming operations, and serves in numerous game-day roles throughout the year.

During the 2025-26 academic year, Mansfield managed what is traditionally a two-person athletic communications operation as a solo department while training and developing student workers and supporting the addition of three new varsity sports. His efforts contributed to a 27 percent increase in social media growth while providing comprehensive coverage of every Yellow Jacket competition. He also led digital promotion efforts for the Defiance College Athletics capital campaign, helping generate nearly $15,000 on Giving Tuesday and supporting projects that included a new softball scoreboard.

In addition to his communications responsibilities, Mansfield coordinated the department's annual Swarm Awards celebration, secured regional and statewide media coverage highlighting Defiance College student-athletes and programs, and continued serving the campus community through leadership roles with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Spiritual Life initiatives.

"It is a great honor to be voted SID of the Year with so many talented and passionate communications professionals throughout the WHAC, and it is extremely humbling to be recognized by my peers in this way," Mansfield said. "This year presented some unique challenges, as this job always seems to do, but I am grateful for the support around me that helps me be at my best.

"My wife, Carlina, deserves special recognition for patiently and graciously enduring the long days and nights to care for our small children. I want to thank AD Tiffani Selhorst, Assistant AD Matt Gehring, as well as all of our coaches and athletic staff for their contributions to put me in the best position to do my job well. Additionally, I'd also like to thank all of our scorer's table and press box personnel, student workers, interns, and media who contribute in very important ways to our athletic events. This award serves as continued encouragement as we continue to build something special here at Defiance College."

"Few people work harder behind the scenes than Garett for our department," said Director of Athletics Tiffani Selhorst. "His passion for telling the stories of our student-athletes and programs has helped tell Defiance College's story. He works countless hours that are not always visible, but what he does is instrumental to the success of this department and college. We are extremely proud of him for being named Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Sports Information Director of the Year."

Defiance College President Dr. Richanne Mankey said Mansfield's work has helped showcase the achievements of Defiance College students while strengthening the institution's presence throughout the region.

"Garett's recognition by his peers across the WHAC is a testament to his professionalism, creativity, and unwavering commitment to Defiance College," Mankey said. "He plays a vital role in sharing the stories of our student-athletes and elevating the visibility of our institution. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for the passion and dedication he brings to our campus each day."

The Defiance College community congratulates Mansfield on this prestigious recognition and thanks him for his continued efforts to elevate the experiences and achievements of Yellow Jacket student-athletes.

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