social media for the college-bound athlete

Social Media for the

College-bound Athlete

David Portney, AVCA Media Relations Manager

#AVCAConvention

Who am I?Worked at the AVCA for three years.Ithaca College class of 2009: Sport Media.Previous Employers:

New York GiantsMemphis RedbirdsOlympic News Service

Three options for social media use:

1) Don’t use it at all.2) Use it for bad.3) Use it for good.

Don’t use it at all.Nothing to gain.Nothing to lose.Occasionally post about how much homework you have.Milk toast.

One theme for all three points:

Social media is a direct reflection of YOUR personality.

The ONE question:

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REFLECTED?

Use it for bad.Speaking negatively about teachers, friends, teammates, family, volleyball (etc.).

Use it for bad.Post inappropriate photos of yourself and friends.

Use it for bad.

Use it for bad: Farmington High School

Basketball

Use it for bad.

Use it for good.Take the negatives and flip it.

For example…

Use it for good.“Why does Mrs. Smith do this to us? Biology is useless and I’ll never use it again after this class. #HomeworkSucks.”

“Swamped with homework, but Friday’s just around the corner! #WorkinHard #TGIF”

Use it for good“I hate practice.”

“Rough day at practice, but we worked out some kinks and we’ll be ready for Saturday. 7PM you all better be there!”

Use it for good.

Don’t be a phony.Gabby Reece said authenticity is the key to personal branding success.

SummaryCoaches are watching…use common sense. Before you hit send ask yourself, “How would I feel if that college coach saw this?”Flip the negative into a positive.

Questions? Comments?David.Portney@avca.org

Twitter: @DavidAPortney @AVCAVolleyball