Chris Sabato | Through My Lens

College Sports Communicators

A former collegiate track and field athlete, Christopher Sabato’s role as Assistant Athletics Director at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon is much different than your “traditional” SID. Chris is responsible for graphic design, photography, and social media for Willamette as well as the athletic department’s brand and identity. Chris came to Willamette as a pole vault coach. Chris coached Katie Mariman to a school-record 11’5.75” vault and also coached six of Willamette’s top ten female pole vaulters. Chris took on SID-related tasks while coaching before eventually transitioning to his current role and out of coaching. As an athlete, Chris competed in the sprints, long jump, and was all-conference in the pole vault during his collegiate career at Alfred University, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 2002. In November’s Through My Lens series, CoSIDA intern Brandon Jones speaks with Chris about his career journey while also discussing current topics in the sports information industry. At the end of the episode, Chris offers his advice to young professionals entering the industry. Through My Lens is a monthly feature sponsored by CoSIDA’s Executive Board of Directors as part of its Racial and Social Justice initiative in conjunction with CoSIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through member stories, the series illustrates the differences and similarities that make us stronger as people and professionals. See more at CoSIDA.com/ThroughMyLens.