SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Northwestern Director of Athletic Communications Bradley Laackmann has been named the Dave Rebstock/Great Plains Athletic Conference Sports Information Director (SID) of the Year in his first full year in the role. A vote of the league’s SIDs determined the selection.
It was a busy first year, as he managed Northwestern Athletics website that was consistently in the top five of pageviews nationally, athletic streams that averaged over 1,000 viewers per event, and implemented new technologies such as FanWord, an AI-powered writing tool.
“I’m incredibly proud of Bradley and the work that he has done this past year leading a new staff of sports communicators at NWC,” said Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops. “Bradley is deeply committed to the Christian mission of Northwestern. He embraced a new role with a shared innovative vision, telling the story and mission of Raider Athletics in unique ways, connecting with a broader audience.”
Under Laackmann’s leadership, Northwestern’s athletic communications team saw significant growth over their social presence in his first year, including an almost 350% increase in reach through Instagram. The department also successfully nominated four CSC All-Americans, 39 GPAC Athletes of the Week, and hosted the Opening Round of the NAIA Softball Tournament.
“It is an honor to be recognized by my peers with this award,” Laackmann stated. “I would like to thank Tony Hoops for his outstanding leadership, Austin West and Noah Godsell for bringing innovative ideas to the table, and our team of student employees for the important roles they fill on game days. This is a team effort, and I am grateful to collaborate with the students and staff of Northwestern College each day.”
Covering all 20 sports for the Red Raiders, Laackmann’s influence is seen in all areas by inputting stats, writing pre- and post-game articles, broadcast commentary, interviews, and more to make sure the Raiders stand out. Laackmann’s innovative approach to the sports communications industry has provided him the opportunity to give back to the profession, leading a discussion at a BOSCA regional event and presenting at the national BOSCA conference this summer.
Laackmann has led Northwestern’s athletic communications department since July 2024 after holding the interim title for sixth months. Prior to that, he had served as Assistant Director since 2022.
Laackmann now advances to the national ballot for the NAIA SID of the Year Award, which will be announced in September.
