The coordinating producer of Elon Sports Vision contributed to in-arena content for the national championship weekend held in Tampa, Florida.
The University of South Carolina may hold the longest active streak of Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four appearances with five. But right behind them? Elon’s Annika Cronin – with two.
For the second consecutive year, the coordinating producer of Elon Sports Vision worked behind the scenes of the NCAA Women’s Final Four, this time in Tampa, Florida, where she joined the NCAA’s in-arena game presentation team during the national semifinals and championship game, held April 4 and 6 at Amalie Arena.
Cronin served as an associate producer in the arena’s control room, working with Van Wagner, a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency that oversees game presentation for the NCAA. Her role involved helping the Amalie Arena production crew display timely and engaging content on the venue’s video boards throughout the weekend.
“It was really rewarding to help produce a cohesive and exciting show for such a major stage,” Cronin said. “I loved being part of a team that made the in-venue experience memorable for fans.”
Cronin’s journey to Tampa began the year prior in Cleveland, where she also supported the Women’s Final Four. There, she built strong connections with Van Wagner staff – including producer Hannah Taylor – who later invited her to rejoin the team for the 2025 tournament.
“It was quite a changeup in pace and what I did but very rewarding,” she said. “Each experience has challenged me in new ways and pushed me to grow.”
One highlight from her Tampa trip came during the pre-event content shoot, where Cronin led video interviews with coaches and players from all four participating teams, including eventual winner, UConn.
“Getting to interact with some of the most influential people in women’s basketball was unforgettable,” she said.
Back at Elon, Cronin plans to share one key lesson with fellow students: trust in your own ability.
“You’re placed in these opportunities for a reason,” she said. “Even if you have doubts, lean into the challenge. There’s always room to grow in ways you didn’t expect.”
Cronin, a Kent State graduate, is in her first year as Elon Sports Vision’s coordinating producer. In her role, she leads a team of more than 60 students, ensuring high-quality live sports broadcasts of university contests and hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring broadcast professionals.