Founder

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 Storyoftheseason.com 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 8 years Storyoftheseason.com has evolved into a leading sports marketing and media company serving hundreds of high school and college athletic departments across multiple sports with a range of digital media and fundraising solutions. Since its inception, StoryIt has published over 2,000 magazine and website publications for over 250 high school and college programs and raised over $1,000,000 for sports teams.

An avid runner, Chris is currently working on running a sub 3-hour marathon. Chris is originally from Niskayuna, NY and currently based in Roanoke, VA with his fiancé Emma and GSD puppy, Coco

Chief Operating Officer

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.

Chief Marketing Officer

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 Boston, Massachusetts and hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She enjoys running, spending time at the beach and walking her English bulldog, Bruce.

Senior Account Manager / Director of Training

Jakob Hipolito joined the Story of the Season team in the summer of 2023 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design from San Jose State University. His professional experience includes an internship as a graphic designer for the SJSU Football team, where he honed his design skills and gained valuable industry insights. He continues to live in his hometown of San Jose, California.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Jakob has been deeply involved in basketball from a young age, drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant's legendary "Mamba Mentality," which he strives to embody in his own life. He also is a devoted Disney aficionado, immersing himself in its magic and creativity. Proud of his Filipino heritage, Jakob actively embraces and celebrates his cultural roots in all aspects of his life.

Senior Account Manager

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. 

Senior Account Manager

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.

Senior Account Manager

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.

Account Executive

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. 

Account Executive

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.

Marketing Associate / Video Editor

Don joined Story of the Season in Fall 2024, bringing a creative edge honed through a year of professional development. A graduate of Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in the Philippines, Don showcased a knack for design during college by creating impactful publications. This passion for visual storytelling seamlessly transitioned into their role as a Junior Graphic  Designer in the IT consumer industry, where He specialized in social media and refined his graphic design expertise.

His love for Basketball fuels his commitment to excellence, whether capturing the spirit of the moment through design or engaging audiences with compelling narratives.

Marketing Associate

Katrina Andrews joined Story of the Season in the Fall of 2024. She studied at the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts, Majored in Painting. Katrina is also a national rugby player, having represented the Philippines in both 15s and 7s rugby. Her artistic background and athletic experience inspires her work with sports teams, allowing her to combine her passion for creativity and sports. Based in Quezon City, Philippines, Katrina enjoys painting, sunset surf sessions and riding her dirt bike.  

Client Onboarding Manager

Danny Less joined Story of the Season in Fall 2024. A graduate of Illinois State University, he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences with a minor in Sociology, graduating cum laude in May 2022.

An acrobat at heart, Danny served as captain of both his university diving and gymnastics teams. During his time at ISU, he contributed to one of only two collegiate circuses in the nation as Social Chairman and Graphic Promotional Designer. After graduating, he performed professionally, traveling the globe to showcase his acrobatic talents.

Danny is currently based in Chicago, IL and enjoys long outdoor runs, coaching high school gymnastics, and exploring his creativity through painting.

Junior Account Manager

Ryleigh Mack joined the Story of the Season team in July 2024. She graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology and a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media. During her senior year at Rutgers, Ryleigh was a graphic design intern for the university’s athletics department.

Ryleigh developed a passion for sports during her time as a rower on her high school’s crew team that continues to influence her creative work. She currently resides in her hometown Ocean City, New Jersey. In her spare time, Ryleigh enjoys spending time at the beach, attending concerts, and traveling when possible.

Junior Account Manager

Maria Victoria "Mavie" Villa del Rey joined Story of the Season in the fall of 2024. A magna cum laude graduate of the Information and Communications Technology Academy in the Philippines, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Multimedia Arts and Design in August 2024. Mavie’s background reflects a dynamic blend of creativity and discipline. A former student-athlete, she spent much of her youth as a competitive swimmer and also explored her passion for design through school journalism. In her free time, Mavie indulges her curiosity by watching documentaries and reading books. She also enjoys channeling her artistic side by building figurines and creating various forms of art.

Junior Account Manager

GJ Fajilan joined the Story of the Season team in the summer of 2024. A visual artist from the Philippines, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Arts from De La Salle Lipa in August 2022, where he was a nominee for the prestigious Br. Mutien Marie Wiaux Award for Top Performing Visual Artist.

During his time at De La Salle Lipa, GJ honed his creative talents as Director of Graphic Design for the Interactive Artists of Multimedia Design (2020) and later as Photography Advisor (2021). In 2023, he expanded his horizons, joining MEGA—the Philippines' first and largest homegrown fashion magazine brand—as an Editorial Multimedia Artist, where he contributed to print editorials, creative direction, and design asset creation.

Now based in Batangas City, GJ channels his artistic passions into content creation: exploring street and food photography, movie reviews, and a growing interest in beauty and makeup.

Junior Account Manager

Lisandro Irinco joined the Story of the Season team in the spring of 2024. He graduated from the University of the City of Manila, where he served as the creative director for the Association of Civil Engineering Students in 2021. The following year, he held the same role for the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers - Manila City Chapter.

In high school, he was also a campus journalist and layout artist for the school newspaper, The Torres Torch. In addition to being a graphic designer, Lisandro is a licensed civil engineer who enjoys roller skating and exercising in his spare time. He currently resides in Manila City.

Junior Account Manager

Carl Mendoza joined the Story of the Season team in the summer of 2024. He graduated from Far Eastern University Manila with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a concentration in Filmmaking. Carl's professional experience includes working as a multimedia artist for Kaya-Iloilo FC, one of the top soccer teams in the Philippines.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Carl enjoys watching soccer, films, reading, and playing games. He also has a passion for filmmaking and photography.

Junior Account Manager

Joe Layola joined Story of the Season in the fall of 2024. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Advertising Arts, from the University of San Carlos in the summer of 2024. Joe brings valuable experience in graphic and publication design. From 2018 to 2020, he worked as a layout artist for his alma mater’s student news organization, Today’s Carolinian. He then moved into commercial publishing, serving as a layout artist and graphic designer for Lantawan, a Philippine-based architecture and design magazine, from 2019 to 2022.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys experimenting with culinary arts, trying new ingredients and cooking techniques. He is also a passionate volleyball fan, closely following both local and international leagues. Joe currently resides on the island of Cebu in the Philippines.

Junior Account Manager

Q Teodoro joined Story of the Season in fall 2024. They studied at De La Salle University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies with a Minor in Entrepreneurship. Q served as the captain of DLSU women’s table tennis team and led them to back-to-back University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) championships. They also represented the Philippines in international tournaments. Q worked as the team’s social media graphic designer and as an assistant director for creatives in a campus organization.

Outside of work, they enjoy creating digital art, gaming, and everything Spider-Man. Q is also an avid dog lover, sharing their apartment with their Chihuahua, Churrito, while their other dogs—Chanson, Sparky, Zeus, and Dolcē—live at their parent’s home.

Sales Development Representative

Sales Development Representative

Intern

Jenny Dou joined Story of the Season in the spring of 2025. She graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts, focusing on Graphic Design. During her time in school, Jenny worked as an editor for Emanata Comics and enjoyed skateboarding and playing badminton. She currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia, and spends her free time drawing, bookbinding, and exploring scenic areas.

Intern

Donte graduated in April of 2023 from Grand Valley State University, with a Bachelors in Fine Arts with an emphasis: Graphic Design. Donte is a former Varsity High school Athlete and is very passionate when it comes to sports and design. During his time at Grand valley, he worked with the promotions office and worked with clients on a daily basis. He gained experience in customer relations and being able to create high quality work in a fast paced environment. Donte has experience working in the sports industry from working with Slice Management and Optimal Sports Management, focusing on content creation and enhancing his editing and photoshop skills. Donte currently lives in Holland Michigan, and enjoys playing basketball, walking trails and going to the gym

Intern

Emma Hinkle joined the Story of the Season team in the Spring of 2025. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in May 2024. She currently resides in her home state of North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys watching horror movies, reading, and crocheting. 

Intern

Ashley Madden joined Story of the Season in the winter of 2025. She graduated Cum Laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Ashley is a lifelong multisport athlete, achieving her longtime goal of a basketball scholarship before a shoulder injury permanently sidelined her in 2018. She would classify herself as a sports enthusiast, priding herself in always being up to date on the latest news in the sports world. Ashley enjoys golfing, learning how to play hockey, and hanging out with her husband, Walter, and their new daughter, Lucy.

Intern

Intern

Julia Wilk joined Story of the Season as an intern in the spring of 2025. A graduate of Hudson Valley, she earned her Associate’s of Applied Sciences, majoring in digital media, graduating cum laude in May 2024. In high school, she was a valued member of both the volleyball and basketball teams, excelling as the point guard. Outside of creative work, Julia enjoys traveling, hiking, snowboarding, and weightlifting.