CHRIS HERMAN

FOUNDER AND OWNER

Chris Herman is the founder and CEO of StoryIt.  A 2017 graduate of Oberlin College, Chris played quarterback at Oberlin College and was involved in several organizations on campus.  While at Oberlin, Chris saw firsthand the untapped sports media, program building and fundraising opportunities in high school and college sports.  After graduating from Oberlin with a degree in Economics and Hispanic Literature, Chris worked in finance in Cleveland, Ohio before transitioning to working full time on StoryIt in the Summer of 2018.  

Chris’ company started with a flagship product called Story of the Season, a weekly magazine, yearbook and fundraising tool for football programs.  Over the last 6 years StoryIt has evolved into a boutique sports marketing and media company which serves various high school and college sports athletic departments across multiple sports with a range of digital media and fundraising solutions. Since its inception, StoryIt has published over 500 magazine and website publications for over 100 high school and college programs across various sports, and transformed the way coaches promote their programs and players.

Chris is originally from and currently based in Washington D.C..  In his free time, Chris loves to exercise and work on his company. 

Patrick Higgins

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Patrick Higgins joined Story of the Season in the summer of 2022. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design in 2022. Patrick brings experience with a FBS football program as prior to joining Story of the Season he worked as a graphic designer for the University of Connecticut Football Program.

Patrick is an avid soccer fan and player having been involved in the sport from the age of 4. In his free time, he still finds time to play as he runs his own pick-up soccer league where he is currently the two-time defending champion. Patrick currently resides in Easton, Connecticut.

Natasha Bannister

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER / ACCOUNT MANAGER

Natasha Bannister joined Story of the Season in the summer of 2022. She graduated from Newberry College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Natasha played Volleyball professionally for the New Zealand National Team. Natasha was a standout volleyball player while at Newberry, gaining All-American status her senior year. Natasha currently resides in Orlando, Florida.

Jakob Hipolito

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER / ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jakob Hipolito joined the Story of the Season team in the summer of 2023. He graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Design. Jakob brings experience working for the SJSU Football team as a graphic design intern. Jakob is a passionate sports fan and has been playing basketball ever since he was in elementary school. In his spare time, he dances and plays the latest sports video games. Jakob currently resides in San Jose, California, his hometown

Keelyn McNamara

Director of Marketing

Keelyn McNamara joined the Story of the Season team in the summer of 2023. She graduated as Valedictorian from Trinity College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Computing with a concentration in Studio Arts. Keelyn was a midfielder for the Bantams women’s lacrosse team and achieved All-American status for Strength and Conditioning.  

During her time in Hartford, she worked within Trinity’s Athletics Communications department as a graphic designer. She now resides in North Hampton, New Hampshire. She enjoys running, spending time at the beach and walking her English bulldog, Bruce.

Kayla Hedrick

Account Manager Intern

Kayla Hedrick joined Story of the Season in the winter of 2024. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Purdue University in May 2024. Kayla played #2 Singles for her varsity tennis team and still loves to play in her free time. Kayla currently resides in West Lafayette, Indiana where she loves cheering on the Boilermakers, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.

Ashley Baumgard

Account Manager Intern

Ashley Baumgard joined Story of the Season in the winter of 2024. She recently graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science degree in Motion Pictures Production and a minor in Art. During her time at the university, Ashley worked as a social media manager for the hockey team and as a photographer for various club sports organizations on campus. Outside of her professional pursuits, Ashley enjoys playing pickleball, tennis, and golf. She also has a passion for photography. 

Anne Evans

Account Manager Intern

Anne Evans graduated from William Peace University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Anne was a member of the Women's Lacrosse team as well as the Women's swim team. In addition to graphic design, Anne is also an avid sports photographer. In her free time she enjoys watching movies, playing the guitar, and spending time with her friends.

Madison Moore

Account Manager Intern

Madison Moore joined the Story of the Season team in the spring of 2024. She graduated cum laude from Binghamton University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and minor in Spanish. Madison was a captain for the Binghamton University Division 1 Swim and Dive Team and was a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society.

During her time in Binghamton, she worked with Binghamton University’s newspaper as a graphic designer. She now resides in Long Island, New York. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time outside.

Olivia Riddock

Marketing Intern

Olivia Riddoch joined the Story of the Season team in the spring of 2024. She will graduate from Syracuse University in May 2025 with a Bachelors of Science in Creative Advertising and minor in Information Management and Technology. At Syracuse, she is a member of the ski team, works as a graphic designer for the SU Men's ACHA Hockey Team, and is involved in TNH, the nation's largest collegiate advertising group. In her free time, Olivia enjoys running and ran the Syracuse Half Marathon in 2023 and 2024. When she is not at school, Olivia resides in The 1000 Islands Region in upstate New York where she spends time boating, water skiing, playing guitar, and sewing.

Alex Oswald

Sales Development Representative

Alex Oswald joined Story of the Season in the summer of 2022. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He transitioned from being an article writer to being a sales representative at the end of 2023. In his free time he enjoys watching football, gaming and playing basketball. Alex currently resides in his hometown of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. 

Matthew Esqueda

Sales Development Representative

Matthew Esqueda graduated from Northville High School, where was an athlete in football and lacrosse throughout his high school career. Matt also actively participates in Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts . In his leisure time, he enjoys playing guitar and challenging himself with CrossFit workouts. Matthew resides in Northville, MI, where he channels his passion for sales at Story of the Season.

Aleks Keys

Sales Development Representative

Aleks Keys joined Story of the Season in the summer of 2024. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from Western Michigan University back in 2019. Aleks has valuable experience as a former Division 1 football player. Following his active playing years, he went back to his alma mater and served as an Offensive Line Graduate Assistant Coach for two years prior to joining the Story of the Season team.

Apart from his professional pursuits, Aleks finds joy in hiking, weightlifting, and attending movies and concerts. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado.

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