Meet Liz Wacienga: Director of Athletic Communications

Hometown:

Fairport, N.Y., outside Rochester

Education:

M.S., Athletic Administration, The College at Brockport, State University of New York

B.S., Sport Management, State University of New York Cortland

Liz is responsible for promoting Panther athletics through the website, social media and local, regional and national media outlets. She serves as the primary media relations contact for all varsity sports, acts as the official statistician and maintains a historical record for athletics.

waciengalizWhy did you to choose the athletic communications field?

“As an undergraduate, I quickly realized the sport management degree was very broad, and I could do almost anything with it. I got a job as the scoreboard operator for the baseball team my freshman year.  Each semester, I became more involved and started working with additional teams, including football and ice hockey. I fell more in love with what I was doing and knew this was what I wanted to do.”

What was your first job?

”I spent four summers as a Girl Scout camp counselor.  I can cook a mean five-course meal on a campfire.”

What are your goals for your first six months on the job?

“My biggest goal is to launch a new webcasting program for our home games. We’re also in the middle of a big surprise for our Panther fans.”

What was your favorite class in high school?

“My high school was very unique in that it had a large business program.  I took sport management, sport marketing, e-commerce and accounting classes and credit those classes with leading me to this career path.”

What have you learned from a mentor?

“I’m very fortunate to have numerous mentors across the nation in this field.  They’ve all taught me something I bring to the office or game every day.  I’ve learned everything from patience to organization to teamwork, and most importantly, that I should never be afraid to try something new. If you don’t push yourself, how can you get better?”

What were your first impressions of Kentucky Wesleyan and Owensboro?

“I came from a school with 8,000 students, so Kentucky Wesleyan is certainly smaller than I am used to.  I love how energized the entire faculty and staff are. It seems like everyone strives to get better every day, and everyone pushes each other to be their best.

Owensboro is a lot like my hometown.  What really blew me away was how nice everyone is here – so welcoming and very helpful!”

What is your favorite weekend activity?

“Being from western New York, I love exploring the outdoors, whether it be hiking or biking.  I’m also not opposed to curling up with a good book or catching a game on ESPN.”

Favorite TV shows?

“I frequently watch ‘NCIS: LA,’ ‘Law and Order: SVU’ and ‘Designated Survivor.’”

Pro teams you follow?

“I am a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan, so I was very pleased with this season.  Being an hour from Buffalo, I’m unfortunately a Bills and Sabres fan. When it comes to basketball, I have to stay loyal to my Orangemen – Go Cuse!”

Is there a place you want to explore in Kentucky?

“I’m not familiar with the state yet, but I’ve heard that the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a cool place to visit.  I did visit Louisville this past summer and would love to go back and check out the Mega Cavern, especially the zip lines!”

Is there someone you would like to meet? What would you ask them?

“Jackie Kennedy. I would like to know how she faced and handled obstacles in her life after the death of President Kennedy.”

What does The Wesleyan Way mean to you?

“The Wesleyan Way speaks volumes to me.  The four principles encompass so much. I support the Wesleyan Way 100% and am thrilled that I’ve already seen it in our scholar-athletes, faculty and staff.”