DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont's athletic communications team has been recognized as the Division III Region 6 Staff of the Year, announced by the D3SIDA organization.
The award recognizes the outstanding work of the Piedmont athletic communications team during the 2024-25 academic year, led by Assistant AD of Communications Danielle Percival, alongside Director of Athletic Communications Joseph Garwood and Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Davis Barlow.
The Region Staff of the Year awards were voted on by D3SIDA members.
"It is an absolute honor to be recognized by our peers for the work we have done at Piedmont," said Percival. "While our staff is no longer intact, this is a true testament to the team-first attitude the three of us shared and the power of working together toward common goals. We capitalized on the moments that matter and I'm proud of the work we accomplished."
Garwood remains on staff for the 2025-26 season, leading the athletic communications department following Percival's departure to become the Assistant Commissioner of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Association (SCAC). Barlow currently serves as the Assistant Sports Information Director at Life University.
Region 6 includes departments within the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi.
The six regional awardees will be discussed in August by the D3SIDA board, and the board will vote on and select the 2024-25 D3SIDA Communicator(s) of the Year from those finalists.
An excerpt of the supporting letter, written by Collegiate Conference of the South Associate Commissioner Tyler Williams-Bell is below:
Piedmont University's Athletic Communications team has demonstrated exceptional storytelling and community engagement, highlighted by a truly powerful and emotional moment shared across their social media platforms involving women's tennis student-athlete Anna Lassiter. After successfully completing her cancer treatment, Lassiter had the opportunity to ring the bell in front of her Piedmont family. This moment, captured and shared by the athletic communications team, became a symbol of hope, strength and the unwavering support of the Piedmont community.
The post generated an impressive 3,000+ likes, 37 saves, 175 shares and a remarkable 73,000 views. Reaching over 40,000 accounts, it amplified Anna's courageous journey and shined a light on the importance of community in overcoming adversity.
In addition, the story titled No One Fights Cancer Alone was published on PiedmontLions.com on April 5, 2024 and re-published by the NCAA on April 19, underlying the support of the Piedmont community as Anna began her battle.
Links to coverage:
• Anna Lassiter's Ring the Bell Moment):
• NCAA Article: Link
• Piedmont Athletics Articles: No One Fights Cancer Alone: Anna Lassiter Battles Leukemia with Support from Piedmont Women's Tennis Family
Anna Lassiter Returns to the Court, Celebrates Senior Day After Leukemia Battle