For many former student-athletes, life after sports can feel disorienting. But for Tyler McDonough, sports remain an integral part of his everyday life.
As the Assistant Sports Information Director and Director of Branding and Digital Media at CSU Pueblo, McDonough is not only shaping the university’s athletic narrative, but also keeping his passion for sports alive.
Raised in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, just outside of Austin, McDonough made his mark as a standout basketball player and golfer at Llano High School. His talent on the court and course earned him recruitment offers in both sports, but he ultimately chose to pursue golf at East Texas A&M, where he also majored in Mass Media & Journalism.
It was during his college years that McDonough’s love for sports media took shape. Working in the Sports Information Department (SID), he gained hands-on experience announcing games, writing recaps, taking photos and managing social media. He even hosted his own nightly radio show, showcasing his versatility in broadcasting.
“I always knew I wanted to stay involved in athletics after college as a broadcaster or a member of the media, and I was able to be a PxP Broadcaster for ESPN prior to coming to CSU Pueblo as an Assistant Sports Information Director,” said McDonough.
For McDonough, sports media is more than just a career; it’s a calling. Staying close to the action and giving student-athletes and coaches the spotlight they deserve is what keeps him going.
“I love making them look good in forms of sports media however I can,” McDonough said. “I know the kids and coaches love the exposure. Who says CSU Pueblo can’t operate (from the side of media) like an Ohio State, or Alabama, or a major Division 1 powerhouse?”
This kind of thinking highlights McDonough’s desire to improve CSU Pueblo’s visibility in the media. Whether through high-quality content, engaging social media or top tier game coverage, he strives to put the university’s athletics on the map.
The life of a Sports Information Director is far from glamorous. During the athletic season, downtime is rare.
“There is no off time,” McDonough said. “You’re going 90 miles an hour at all times. One sport ends and another picks up.”
For McDonough, the long hours are worth it. “The job never feels like work even though it’s demanding and time-consuming,” McDonough said.
Despite his current success, McDonough has his eyes set on even bigger goals. His ultimate dream is to become a big-time PxP announcer or eventually transition into basketball coaching. His current role gives him a unique perspective, offering an insider’s look at the daily lives of athletes and coaches, a perspective that will serve him well should he pursue either path.
