GREENWOOD, Ind. – Now in his 10th year in athletic communications, Lance McKenzie is the first professional from a Canadian institution selected to receive CSC's Rising Star Award.

McKenzie is in his eighth year in the athletic communications office at the University of Calgary. He served as the Dinos' digital media coordinator from 2017 to 2021 and was promoted to manager of communications in 2021, where he leads the communications efforts for the Dinos' 18 U Sports programs.

Prior to returning to his alma mater, McKenzie spent one year (2016-17) as communications coordinator for the Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, and one year (2015-16) in communications and sales for the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League.

McKenzie has earned Calgary four Canada West Sports Information Awards, earning honors for Top Feature Story and Top Photo in 2019 and Top Social Campaign awards in 2020 and 2025.

McKenzie has served as the U Sports liaison for the CSC Academic All-America Core Committee since 2021. He presented an Educational Lounge session on visual storytelling at CSC Unite 2023 and has presented on continuing education panels for the CAN CSC.

McKenzie was named to CSC's 2022 "30 Under 30" class.

McKenzie earned his bachelor's degree from Calgary in 2015, where he also served as a student assistant in the communications office. He earned a master's degree from Ohio University in 2022.

About the Rising Star Award
Presented annually to College Sports Communicators members in the University Division (NCAA DI) and in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian institutions) – with 10 years of service or less whose work at their institution, conference office or intercollegiate athletics-affiliated association and service, dedication, energy and enthusiasm to the profession make that individual a "rising star" in athletics communications. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee.

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