ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Bard junior Williams Hernandez was one of 16 students selected from a national pool of applicants to the 2026 NCAA Division III CSC Student Program. The CSC Student Program is held annually in conjunction with the College Sports Communicators Convention. Hernandez will travel to Las Vegas from June 7 to 19 for the convention. 

"I am deeply grateful to have been nominated for this program, and even more honored to have been selected," said Hernandez. "Hearing about this opportunity was almost like a dream, but not only to travel, but to be surrounded by others who have experience that could help me."

"I am extremely excited for Will to earn this amazing opportunity through the NCAA and CSC," said Sports Information Director Pearllan Cipriano. "Will is such a hard-working student worker and is always there at every sporting event. He has so much passion for Athletics and in helping the student-athletes and coaches. I am excited for him to have this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals." 

Hernandez joined the department in the Fall 2023 semester, starting as a live-stream operator and scoreboard operator. Over time, Hernandez has evolved his responsibilities, including serving as one of the lead stats inputters or spotters for all Bard Athletics games. He has become one of the main photographers and videographers producing content for the Athletics website and social media. During his junior year, he has been elevated to writing some recaps for some sports, as well as teaching some of the newer student workers in terms of stats, photography, live stream, and scoreboard. 

Hernandez added, "Without Pearllan, I wouldn't have gained a greater love with sports information and even more with being an SID/Sports Statistician. I am so grateful to Pearllan for her belief in me and for guiding me to this point. She invested in my future, spending countless late nights training me and providing the videos and templates I needed to succeed in games. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to grow alongside such talented people like her. I didn't do this alone. This belongs to the people who supported me even when I was just a freshman. I am honored to represent the people who have guided me to this point. My journey in sports information has been one of the most significant parts of my life and will continue to be."

"These moments weren't just about work. They were about building the person I am today and with the help of everyone I am proud to be who I am today. And just like Pearllan opened doors for me, I hope to use the skills I gain through this program to eventually guide the next group of students who, like me, are looking for their place in the world of sports from doing stats to other behind-the-scenes work," said Hernandez.

Hernandez is the second Bard Sports Information Student Worker that have been selected to the NCAA Division III CSC Student Programming since Caleb Blake in 2024. 

In February, athletics directors, sports information directors, and conference offices nominated ethnic minority and/or female students. Program participants who met the following criteria were given preference:

• Female and/or ethnic minority students,
• Current junior class academic standing;
• Work experience in a campus or conference athletics communication/sports information office; and
• Strong interest in a career in Division III athletics communication (sports information).

Selected students are fully funded to experience Division III specific programming and the CSC Convention. Participants will explore potential careers in sports information and athletics communication. The program is designed to assist students in charting their career paths, as well as provide an opportunity to network and learn from current athletics communication professionals. The goal is to build a pipeline of talented female and ethnic minority candidates, with an interest in Division III athletics communication to ultimately diversify the division.