Diana Koval Honored with Prestigious 2026 Mary Jo Haverbeck Award

Diana Koval, Associate Athletics Director for Communications and Public Relations at the University of South Carolina, just received the Mary Jo Haverbeck Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) for 2026. This honor recognizes her long-standing impact on collegiate women’s basketball.

Koval arrived at USC in September 2007. Since then, she’s played a huge part in raising the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball program to national prominence under head coach Dawn Staley.

This award highlights Koval’s dedication to the sport. She’s known for her skill in media relations, publicity, and storytelling—all of which have shaped the program’s success.

Diana Koval’s Journey at the University of South Carolina

Koval started at USC as an assistant director in September 2007. Her commitment and drive led her to become Associate Athletics Director in November 2024.

She’s been a steady force behind the scenes, managing media relations for women’s basketball as the program flourished under Coach Staley. Koval’s leadership has been a constant through the team’s rise.

Key Contributions to the Gamecocks’ Success

During her time at South Carolina, Koval has been instrumental in:

• Managing media relations for the women’s basketball program, keeping communication and publicity running smoothly.
• Promoting players like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston for national player of the year honors.
• Encouraging Coach Staley to get on social media early, which helped make Staley the most followed women’s basketball coach in the country.

The Gamecocks have appeared in 13 NCAA tournaments, won three NCAA titles (2017, 2022, 2024), reached seven Final Fours, and claimed multiple SEC championships during Koval’s tenure.

The Impact of Diana Koval’s Work

Koval’s influence goes far beyond the court. She’s built strong relationships with the media and shaped the narrative around the Gamecocks’ success.

USBWA Executive Director Malcolm Moran pointed out her attention to detail and cooperative spirit, both of which have made a difference in media coverage of the team.

Recognition and Praise from Peers

Coach Dawn Staley has praised Koval’s support and professionalism. Staley says Koval works tirelessly behind the scenes to promote and protect the team’s brand.

Sports journalist David Cloninger noted Koval’s consistency and her willingness to help local media, even as national attention grew. Steve Fink, South Carolina Senior Associate Athletics Director, also highlighted her role in building the brand for one of the country’s most recognized programs.

Koval’s knack for forming strong relationships in the sports media world and her willingness to mentor younger communications staff make her presence at USC hard to overstate.

Diana Koval’s Professional Background

Before USC, Koval built up years of experience in sports information and athletic communications. She earned her bachelor’s in business administration from North Carolina in 1993, then worked at a brokerage firm in Charlotte for three years.

She went on to get her master’s in sport management at Connecticut, graduating in 1997. Her background is anything but typical, and it shows in her work.

Previous Roles and Experience

Koval worked in sports information at Elon, Western Carolina, and Saint Louis. These experiences gave her the skills she now uses every day at USC.

At USC, she’s also worked with the golf programs, men’s tennis, and served as a secondary contact for football early on. Her ability to jump into new roles and excel says a lot about her versatility and love for sports communications.

The Mary Jo Haverbeck Award

The Mary Jo Haverbeck Award, named for the pioneering Penn State sports information director, honors those who’ve made a big impact on collegiate women’s basketball. The USBWA has given this award every year since 2015 to folks who show exceptional dedication to the sport.

Past Recipients of the Award

Previous recipients of the Mary Jo Haverbeck Award include:

• 2015: Sue Donohoe, NCAA
• 2016: Caroline Williams, USA Basketball
• 2017: Barb Kowal, College Sports Information Directors of America
• 2018: Danielle Donehew, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association
• 2019: Nora Lynn Finch, Atlantic Coast Conference
• 2020: Harry Perretta, Villanova University
• 2021: No recipient selected
• 2022: Debby Jennings, University of Tennessee, USA Basketball
• 2023: Lindy Brown, Duke University
• 2024: Rick Nixon, NCAA
• 2025: Rose DiPaula, University of Maryland

Now, Koval joins this impressive list. Her work and commitment to collegiate women’s basketball have truly set her apart.