Sage Athletics

ALBANY, N.Y. - Our hearts are heavy as we share that Ann Bready King, Director of Athletic Communications at Russell Sage College, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston surrounded by her loving family.

“The Russell Sage College community is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own,” said Trish Cellemme, Vice President for Student Life. “Ann King single handedly built our athletic communication function and dedicated the last 14 years of her professional life to our student athletes.  Ann cared deeply for our students.  Her hard work and determination was for them, because she wanted to ensure that they had the best athletic experience possible.  Ann was a dedicated professional and her commitment to Sage was unmatched.  We will miss her kind heart, her attention to detail and her passion for sports.”

“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences, and the deepest sympathies of everyone at Russell Sage, to Tracy and Robert as well as to the Bready and King families,” added James Lyons, Director of Athletics. “Ann came to Russell Sage almost 15 years ago, and made an immediate impact on the athletic department and the college.  Her work ethic and dedication to our student athletes were equally matched by her professionalism and her love for her craft.  Our hearts are heavy due to the loss of our friend and colleague, but our memories will be forever full of examples of her kindness, willingness to serve and help others, and of her smile and friendship.”

King Named an Empire 8 Conference Legend | College Sports Communicators Tribute | Ann King Reflection from D3SIDA President Amie Canfield | EAST-COMM Mourns the Loss of Ann King

A legend in the Sports Information/Athletic Communications field, King was in her 37th year as a sports information director and her 15th season at Russell Sage College, where she was hired as the institution's first full-time Director of Athletic Communications in the summer of 2009. Prior to that, King spent 17 and a half years as Sports Information Director at The College of New Jersey and six years as SID at her alma mater, Drew University.

Ann was extremely active with the College Sports Communicators, formerly known as CoSIDA, the profession’s national organization. She was elected to the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 2006, and was named the first recipient of the organization's Warren Berg Award in 2003. She was also selected as the 2018 recipient of the CoSIDA Mary Jo Haverbeck Award, which is presented annually to an association member who is a pioneer in the field of sports information who has mentored and helped improve the level of ethnic and gender diversity within CoSIDA.

For all Ann’s professional skills, her innate kindness and unwavering willingness to help others will be her legacy. She would do anything for anyone, without hesitation. Ann was an extremely loving and passionate person, touching the lives of many through work and her personal life. She had a unique ability to connect with others, no matter their background.

In her free time, Ann cherished spending time with her family and friends. In recent years she rediscovered her passion for riding and showing horses. She also greatly enjoyed gardening and traveling, having ventured to 47 states in the United States.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.