LA JOLLA, Calif. – Jeff Tourial, Associate Athletic Director for Communications, has been recognized with a Bronze Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), an international honor celebrating outstanding achievement in higher education communications, marketing, and advancement.

Tourial received the award in the Communications and Storytelling category for the feature Producer, Photographer, Statistician: These Tritons Do It All, which was also featured in the Spring 2025 issue of UC San Diego Magazine under the title Team Players. The recognition highlights Tourial's commitment to telling meaningful stories that elevate the people who make UC San Diego Athletics successful beyond the competition itself.

The award-winning feature shifted the spotlight away from the action on the field and toward the student employees working behind the scenes to power Division I athletics. Through the stories of student broadcast producer Alexandra Mirman, athletics photographer Arwyn Guinto, and statistician Samantha "Sammy" Woodward, the project showcased the dedication, professionalism, and passion of the students responsible for bringing Triton Athletics to life for fans and viewers on ESPN+.

Produced in collaboration with UC San Diego University Communications, the feature included a four-page magazine story, an online article, and a documentary-style video captured during live athletic events.

Reflecting on the recognition, Tourial emphasized that the honor belongs to the students and colleagues whose work inspired the story.

"It's a true honor to be recognized by CASE with a Circle of Excellence Award, and this really belongs to Alexandra, Arwyn, Sammy, and every student working behind the scenes who helps UC San Diego Athletics shine," Tourial said. "These are the people who often go unnoticed, and as UC San Diego completed its transition to Division I, telling their story felt more important than ever. I'm also deeply grateful to my talented colleagues in UC San Diego University Communications, whose expertise and creativity made this work possible. Knowing that this piece can serve as a model for how Athletics can tell our story to a much broader audience through the magazine and all of the university's channels makes this recognition even more meaningful."

Since joining UC San Diego in 2019, Tourial has played an instrumental role in shaping the department's communications strategy during one of the most significant periods in its history. As Associate Athletic Director for Communications, he oversees media relations, digital communications, social media strategy, and storytelling efforts for the Tritons' 24 sports while helping position the department on the national stage throughout its transition to NCAA Division I.

His leadership has emphasized authentic storytelling that highlights not only athletic success but also the experiences of the scholar-athletes, coaches, staff, and student employees who define the department.

The CASE judges praised the feature for its creative perspective and its focus on an often-overlooked group within collegiate athletics.

"We appreciated the creative approach to athletics storytelling, especially the way the piece elevated the students in support roles who help student-athletes shine," the judges wrote. "A group often overlooked in collegiate athletics, the strong photography and thoughtful hook made this a useful example for campuses looking to tell the stories of the entire athletics operation."

The Circle of Excellence Awards are among the most prestigious honors in higher education advancement, recognizing exceptional work in communications, alumni relations, fundraising, marketing, and advancement services. The annual awards celebrate projects that strengthen institutions through creativity, innovation, and impactful storytelling.

During his time at UC San Diego, Tourial has helped shape the department's identity through strategic communications and innovative storytelling during a transformative era for Triton Athletics. From the university's transition to NCAA Division I to historic team and individual achievements, his work has elevated the visibility of UC San Diego Athletics while ensuring the people behind those milestones remain at the heart of every story.

The CASE Circle of Excellence Award reflects Tourial's commitment to telling stories that extend beyond wins and losses. By highlighting the student employees whose work is essential to the success of every competition, the award-winning feature celebrated the collaborative spirit of UC San Diego Athletics and demonstrated how thoughtful storytelling can amplify the impact of an entire department.

As the Tritons continue to build their Division I legacy, Tourial's leadership and dedication to sharing the experiences of the university's scholar-athletes, staff, and campus community continue to shape how that story is told.

Fuel the Future of Triton Athletics
Invest in the success of UC San Diego's nearly 550 Triton scholar-athletes. Support the Triton Athletic Fund or the sport of your choice by visiting TritonAthleticFund.com.