Jenna Marina, UCF associate director of athletic communications, was recently honored with national story of the year accolades from the College Sports Information Directors of America.
Marina’s “Everyday Champions” story about soccer player Megan Fish and the way she honors and remembers her late father was chosen as the top story in CoSIDA’s annual Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest.
“Ms. Marina’s depiction of the close bond and uplifting relationship between Ms. Fish and her father was uplifting and beautifully written,” said one national judge. “The way the story flowed and how it was artfully constructed left the reader with a pleasurable experience.”
Marina said the credit belongs to Fish, a junior from Summerville, S.C., for opening up about her relationship with her father.
“The overwhelming response we received when it was published – and continue to receive – is unlike anything else I have experienced,” Marina said. “I think this honor belongs more so to Fish for her willingness to share her story and her spirit. I am very lucky to have the opportunity work with her and other Everyday Champions like her on a daily basis.
To see the story: http://www.ucfknights.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/082013aab.html.
Marina also teamed up with UCF multimedia reporter Chip Fontanazza to bring home a second award from the CoSIDA writing contest. Their entry was selected as tops in the “Story With Video” category. They combined to profile the Labbadia family in the lead-up to UCF’s Coach To Cure MD game this past fall.
To see the story: http://ucfknights.com/news/2013/9/26/Coach_To_Cure_MD_Hits_Home_for_UCF_Family.aspx.
“The Labbadias are the most gracious and wonderful people,” Marina said. “They remind us all how sports can have an impact off the field. Hopefully, as awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy grows, with those like Brendan and his family championing the cause, one day we will be able to find a cure.”