INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Conference News) – Leandro Pares of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) was selected to attend the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program. Pares is one of thirty members of the program’s third class, announced by the NCAA.

Created in partnership with D3SIDA and College Sports Communicators in 2024, the Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program supports the advancement of the next generation of athletics communication leaders in Division III. 

Participants will engage in interactive leadership sessions, team-management and collaboration exercises, and discussions on the evolving landscape of athletics communications. 
After serving as a graduate assistant in athletics communications at DeSales University, a MAC member institution, Pares joined the conference office in July 2025 as the Assistant Executive Director for Communications. In this role, he oversees the conference’s communications efforts including website management, social media strategy, statistics and records, awards, broadcasting, and more for the conference’s 29 sports and 42 championships. 

“Leandro’s acceptance into the Emerging Elite Program is a testament to the impact he makes every day on our team and across the MAC,” said Megan Morrison, MAC Executive Director. “The NCAA’s investment in rising athletics communicators is vital, and Leo’s commitment to showcasing our programs and student-athletes is second to none. This recognition reflects the bright future he has in athletics communications.”

Pares has successfully expanded the narrative of the Middle Atlantic Conference, its institutions, and student-athletes. He has grown social media engagement, viewership, and continues to enhance the student-athlete experience. 

“It is a true honor to be selected for the Emerging Elite Program, and I am grateful to the NCAA for this opportunity,” said Pares. “This experience will help me grow as a professional while allowing me to learn from communicators across the country.”

Pares will travel to Indianapolis in December to connect and collaborate with 29 other young professionals.

“I look forward to bringing new ideas back to the MAC so that our member institutions can benefit. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me since my start in athletics communications as an undergraduate seven years ago,” Pares said.