After more than a decade leading communications at Piedmont University, Danielle Percival is stepping away to begin a new chapter as Assistant Commissioner of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Percival joined Piedmont in 2014 as the department’s first full-time communications assistant and spent the next 11 years building the program’s national presence. Her work behind the scenes and on the sidelines helped shape the stories of countless Lion athletes and launched the careers of many student workers.
“I began my time at Piedmont by finding a job but fell in love with a career,” Percival said.
Building the brand
With on-camera experience from Troy University and as an ESPN sideline reporter, the Alabama native quickly helped Piedmont’s broadcast network build a national brand that landed multiple times on SportsCenter’s Top Ten.
From launching broadcasts to telling deeply personal stories like Anna Lassiter’s cancer victory, Percival became known for her passion and perseverance.
“I don’t think anyone will forget how she battled and fought through so much adversity at times to always bring the Piedmont Athletic Department to fans beyond the walls of these facilities,” said former director and coach Timmy McCormack.
A storyteller and mentor
“Although we are sad for the loss to our department with Danielle’s announcement, we are all so excited for her to start this new chapter in her life,” Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Peeples said. “Everyone could see her talent for storytelling, but Danielle also did an amazing job mentoring the student-athletes.”
Peeples credits Percival with helping to launch many of those students into careers in athletic communications.”
Percival starts her new role with the SCAC this month. The league’s office is located in Suwanee, Georgia.
“I will miss the Piedmont family,” she said. “My time with the Lions will always be special.”
