AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific University has named Marcus Dawal Jr. as its new Sports Information Director. The 2022 alumnus brings a wealth of experience in athletic communications back to his alma mater.

"Azusa Pacific has always been a special place for me, and I'm honored to return in this role to help tell the stories of our incredible student-athletes," said Dawal. "As a former Cougar, I know firsthand the passion and excellence that define Azusa Pacific Athletics, and I'm excited to showcase that through dynamic media coverage, storytelling, and engagement with our community."

Dawal returns to Azusa Pacific after serving as the Director of Athletic Communications at Oral Roberts University, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the media presence of ORU Athletics during a historic year. He led communication efforts for ORU Baseball's 2024 Summit League Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, overseeing media relations, game coverage, and social media storytelling that significantly elevated the program's visibility.

Additionally, he chronicled the record-breaking achievements of ORU Cross Country's Abraham Chelangam, whose dominant performances led to Summit League titles and a qualification for the NCAA National Championships. Dawal also helped highlight ORU Men's Soccer's championship chase, a season that saw Luis Flores and Omar Mora transition into professional careers in the USL.

Prior to his time at Oral Roberts, Dawal served as the Assistant Athletic Director of Strategic Communications at Hawai'i Pacific University, where he oversaw media relations for all 15 athletic programs. He also gained valuable experience as a Broadcast Intern with the Oakland Athletics, a Sports Information Graduate Assistant at Concordia University Irvine, and a Marketing Intern with Orange County Soccer Club during its 2021 USL Championship-winning season.

"We are excited to welcome Marcus back to Azusa Pacific," said Athletic Director Gary Pine. "His experience at multiple levels of sports communications, along with his deep connection to our university, makes him a great leader, fit to elevate our athletic storytelling.

A Bay Area, California, native, Dawal graduated from Azusa Pacific in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, where he was an All-PacWest 800m runner for the Cougars' track program. He later earned a Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine in February 2024.