When Trystan Layton '23 arrived at Susquehanna University, he already knew the value of storytelling in sports. But what he didn't yet know was just how far that passion would take him—from the locker rooms of Division III athletics to the sidelines of Division I basketball, and eventually into high-level creative roles helping shape the brand of collegiate athletic programs.

Before Susquehanna: A Passion for the Game

Before stepping onto campus in Selinsgrove, Trystan had already begun building a foundation in sports media. . He was a student of the game—not just on the court, but behind the lens, in the edit bay, and across every media touchpoint.

Life at SU: Building the Toolkit

At Susquehanna, Trystan took full advantage of the university's growing sports media program and tight-knit campus community. He became a fixture within the athletic department—creating highlight reels, shooting on the sidelines, running social channels, and helping elevate the visibility of River Hawk athletics.
Whether it was filming a buzzer-beater at Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium, scripting intros for football hype videos, or working directly with coaches to capture team culture, Trystan used SU as a real-time laboratory to experiment and refine his craft.

Courses in digital media, production, and communications gave him both the technical foundation and creative freedom to grow. But it was the real-world experience—hands-on work with actual teams—that made the biggest difference.

"I always say Susquehanna was the place that let me try everything," Layton '23 reflects. "I could write, film, edit, and learn how to bring a full vision to life. And I had support from the professors, staff, and athletes every step of the way."

After Graduation: From DIII to D1

After graduation, Trystan hit the ground running. He took on roles in creative content, social media strategy, and recruiting media with athletic departments across the country, eventually landing with West Virginia University Women's Basketball as Assistant Director of Creative Content. There, he helps shape everything from player branding to highlight production to NIL education.

His work has been featured across major collegiate platforms, and he's become a trusted storyteller behind some of the most dynamic women's basketball content in the country. Whether he's leading a photoshoot, producing cinematic edits, or working with athletes to develop their personal brands, the goal is always the same: tell powerful stories through sports.

Trystan credits SU's hands-on approach and people-first environment for preparing him to thrive.

"Susquehanna taught me how to be adaptable, how to collaborate, and how to lead a project from idea to execution. I still use those lessons every day," he says.

A Message to Current Students

For students in Susquehanna's sports media program, Trystan Layton '23 offers this advice: "Say yes. Be curious. Try every role, even the ones that scare you. And remember, the relationships you build are just as important as the work you create."

From small college sidelines to nationally ranked programs, Trystan Layton '23's journey is a reminder that big opportunities often start in small, meaningful places.
From Small School Stories to Power Four Platforms

By Trystan Layton '23

When I arrived at Susquehanna, I knew I was destined for a career in sports—but I had no idea just how impactful SU would be for my future.
From Whitney Point to Selinsgrove

Before becoming a River Hawk, I graduated valedictorian of Whitney Point (NY) High School's Class of 2021. By fourth grade, I already knew that sports broadcasting was my dream. One of my early highlights was interviewing the Harlem Globetrotters for a local news outlet. That moment sparked my love for being in front of the lens—and for telling stories through sport.

My Time at SU: Opportunity, Reps, and Recognition

At Susquehanna, I found a place that let me try everything.

During my freshman year, I served as lead play-by-play commentator for many of our teams, including calling the 2022 Men's Basketball Landmark Conference Championship, which the River Hawks won at O.W. Houts Gymnasium. But by spring, I found myself falling out of love with broadcasting—and falling into love with content creation.

That summer, I transitioned into the role of Creative Director for SU Men's Basketball, where I led everything from game-day edits and motion graphics to brand storytelling and recruiting visuals. At the same time, I launched my personal brand, "Trystan Made It!"—a platform showcasing my video and design work on Instagram.

My hands-on experience led to my selection as Susquehanna Athletics' 2023 Student Media Worker of the Year, an honor I received for outstanding contributions in video, photo, and design. Whether I was scripting hype videos, managing social accounts, or coordinating directly with coaches, I was trusted to lead—and that trust made all the difference.

Academically, I joined Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Honor Society, and was honored to be part of SU's Global Opportunities Program. I spent three transformative weeks studying abroad in Morocco, an experience that broadened my worldview and strengthened my ability to connect across cultures—skills that have been invaluable in my media career.

None of this would've been possible without the support of the sports media program at SU. I can say with confidence that the hands-on learning I received directly shaped the professional I am today. Professor Kaszuba and the entire department gave me the spark I needed to make it to the next level.

Scaling Up: From DIII to DI

After graduation, I became the Graduate Assistant for Basketball Creative Content at VCU, where I worked with both Men's and Women's Basketball. I served as lead videographer and editor during home games, produced recap content, and supported additional sports like baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, and track. The fast-paced environment sharpened me creatively and professionally.
In Fall 2023, I took on a role with the PGA TOUR as a Social Media Intern at a tour stop in Henrico, Virginia. I worked inside the ropes filming for Golf Channel's "The Cut," interviewed players, and collaborated with PGA staff on video production. That experience confirmed I could perform at the highest level—and made me even more excited for what was next.

Where I Am Now: West Virginia Women's Basketball

After graduating from VCU in May 2024, I accepted a position at West Virginia University as the Assistant Director of Creative Content for Women's Basketball. I now oversee everything from media day shoots to social campaigns, highlight reels, recruiting content, and NIL support. I work directly with players and coaches to elevate our program's brand and tell stories that resonate beyond the court.

Every day, I rely on the lessons I learned at SU—how to collaborate, how to think creatively under pressure, and how to create with purpose.

My Message to Current Students

If you're a student dreaming of a career in sports media, I can't emphasize this enough: say yes early and often. Take every opportunity to create, experiment, fail, and grow. Be a Swiss army knife—learn video, graphics, writing, branding. And never underestimate the power of relationships.

The people who believed in me at SU—from professors to coaches to athletes—are a big reason I'm here today.

I'm proud to be a Susquehanna alum. It's where I built my foundation, earned recognition, and found a community that believed in my potential. I'm proof that big dreams can start in small places—as long as you're willing to chase them.