FREDERICK, Md. - Joe Alston has been named Hood College Athletics' Assistant Sports Information Director under the NCAA "Pathways to Excellence Grant" as announced by Director of Athletics Dr. Susan Kolb. Alston will also serve as the director of multimedia for the department as of August 1.

Alston is no stranger to the department as he has spent the last seven years as a contributor to the athletic department from a student-athlete to interim Sports Information Director back in 2023.

"Joe has been a solid contributor to our department and has grown in each role that he has been given," said Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications Matthew Gelhard.

"Through this grant, he can continue to showcase his talents that will enhance the department and give back to a community that he loves."

The Macungie, Pennsylvania native spent over two years in Hood's Sports Information office as a graduate assistant. With the Blazers, he took their social media presence off the ground with the program's new style and coverage of the athletic teams. Alston also handled in-game statistics for men's and women's lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer while facilitating Instagram, X and Facebook platforms during his time. 

As an undergraduate, he was a four-year member of the men's lacrosse team under current head coach Brad Barber. The midfielder played 41 career games and was an influential part of the squad as a player, teammate and student-athlete.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Design and Visual Communications from Hood in 2023 and then his Master of Arts degree in Business Management and Marketing in 2025 from the college. Alston is also the founder of the clothing brand, "Bleached Outfitters" that he had turned into a known brand in the Frederick and DMV.