Why I Wrote Communication & Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics
For years, I have watched students struggle with the cost of textbooks. In the field of sports management and athletic administration, the problem is particularly glaring. Traditional textbooks are often priced outrageously, sometimes costing students hundreds of dollars for a single course. As an educator, I have always believed that financial barriers should not stand in the way of learning. That belief is what led me to write Communication & Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics—a high-quality, affordable textbook designed specifically for students in my COMM 4507 course at Southern Utah University.
By publishing through Kindle Digital Publishing (KDP), I have been able to offer this textbook for under $7—the lowest price on the market for a resource of this kind. But beyond the affordability, there’s another reason I chose this model: every dollar from the book’s proceeds goes directly into a scholarship fund for students studying sports management at SUU. This isn’t just a textbook; it’s a way to give back and ensure future students have more opportunities in this ever-evolving field.
A Textbook That Puts Students First
Unlike many traditional sports administration textbooks, Communication & Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics is designed specifically for my course and tailored to the needs of students preparing for careers in the field. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical evolution, current trends, and future trajectories of intercollegiate athletic administration. But more than that, it combines theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, providing students with both the academic foundation and the practical insights necessary for success in the industry.
Each chapter is structured to align with the learning outcomes of COMM 4507. Topics include:
- The business model of college sports
- NCAA governance and compliance
- Financial structures in collegiate athletics
- Title IX and gender equity
- Recruitment and retention of student-athletes
- The role of media and broadcasting rights
- Ethical dilemmas in collegiate athletics
- Future trends and challenges in the industry
By bridging theory with real-world case studies, the book encourages students to engage critically with the material and reflect on their own career aspirations within sports administration. The goal is not just to provide knowledge, but to inspire and equip students to become effective leaders in intercollegiate athletics.
Why I Chose Kindle Digital Publishing (KDP)
Traditional publishing is expensive, slow, and often inaccessible. By choosing KDP, I was able to:
- Keep costs low: The digital format allows students to access the book instantly without the markup of traditional print publishing.
- Ensure accessibility: Students can read the book on any device, from laptops to smartphones, eliminating the need for heavy textbooks.
- Update content easily: College athletics is a rapidly changing field, and with KDP, I can update the book as needed to keep up with new developments and trends.
- Fund scholarships: By cutting out traditional publishing costs, every dollar from book sales goes directly to supporting students in SUU’s sports management program.
Supporting the Next Generation of Sports Administrators
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project is knowing that the proceeds from Communication & Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics are making a real difference. Every purchase contributes to a scholarship fund designed to help students in SUU’s sports management program.
Higher education is expensive, and I’ve seen firsthand how financial burdens can limit students’ opportunities. Whether it’s helping a student afford tuition, cover travel expenses for an internship, or gain access to additional learning resources, the scholarship fund is there to support their journey. I want students to focus on learning, growing, and pursuing their passion for sports administration—not worrying about how they’re going to afford their books.
The Future of Affordable Education
I firmly believe that education should be as accessible as possible. While writing this textbook was a labor of love, I see it as just one step toward a larger goal: reducing financial barriers for students who are passionate about sports administration and communication. If other educators in our field adopt similar approaches, we can work together to challenge the outdated model of overpriced textbooks and ensure that high-quality educational resources remain within reach for all students.
To my students, colleagues, and fellow educators—thank you for supporting this initiative. Whether you’re using the book in class, recommending it to others, or simply sharing the message of affordable education, you’re helping to create a more equitable learning environment for everyone.
For those interested in learning more about Communication & Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics, it’s available now on Kindle Digital Publishing for less than $7. And remember—every purchase helps support future students pursuing careers in sports management.
Book Information:
Copyright © 2024 Hayden Coombs.
ISBN: 9798884792807
Publication Date: August 15, 2024
Pages: 217
Coombs, H. V. (2024). Communication and administration of intercollegiate athletics. KDP.
Printed by Kindle Direct Publishing in the United States of America.
Hayden Coombs 