Southern Athletic Association

Paige Ward joined the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) as Assistant Commissioner in July 2025 following a national search. With a strong background in athletic communications and a deep familiarity with the league, Ward continues to emerge as one of the nation’s best and brightest new communications professionals.

Ward ended her first year at the SAA being named to the College Sports Communicator’s prestigious 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. The 30 Under 30 designation recognizes young athletic communications professionals at all levels of college sports in
strategic, creative and digital spaces. In 2024, Ward was chosen by the NCAA’s Division III Governance Staff to attend the inaugural Emerging Elite Program for Division III Athletic Communicators. She earned a trip to the NCAA National Office for leadership training and networking, and also a complimentary pass to the CSC Convention in Orlando.

Ward currently serves on the CSC mentorship committee and is entering her first year a part of the CSC/NCAA Media Coordination and Statistics Advisory Board.

Prior to joining the SAA, Ward served as the Director of Sports Information and Promotions at Berry College. She led all aspects of athletic communications, including livestreaming, social media strategy, website oversight, and coordination with the NCAA and the SAA. Her deep understanding of the conference's values and operations allowed her to step into her current role with insight and momentum.

Ward got her start in administration at Huntingdon College, splitting her duties as both Sports Information Director and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach. She managed communications for 21 NCAA sports and two club programs, while also acting as a liaison to the NCAA and the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS).

A 2020 graduate of the University of Montevallo, Ward was a standout student-athlete and three-year member of the Falcons women's basketball team. She served as a team captain, ranked among her conference leaders in 3-point shooting, and was a three-time Gulf South Conference Honor Roll selection. She earned Dean’s List honors in her final six semesters and was actively involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Ward hails from Huntsville, Alabama. She is a CSC member who brings to the SAA a competitive spirit, a strategic mindset, and a passion for elevating the student-athlete experience.