ST. PAUL, Minn. – A veteran Eagle will be taking on more responsibility in the Athletic Department as David Pederson has been hired as the new Assistant Athletic Communications Director and promoted to Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.
 
"I am beyond excited to begin this new position as the Assistant Athletic Communications Director, and to continue in my role as an assistant coach for the UNW Men's Basketball team," said Pederson. "This university and athletic department have blessed my life in so many ways. I have had the pleasure of working in this department as a student, and this past season as a part time employee. God has blessed me with the opportunity to join this athletic staff on a full-time basis, and I can't wait to see what happens in this upcoming athletics season."
 
David started his professional career at UNW as a Men's Basketball Student Assistant Coach, working from his freshman year in 2014 all the way through to the end of his senior year. Pederson starting out doing traditional manager tasks like running the clock, but he worked his way up. By his junior year, Pederson was in every meeting with Coach Grosz and his staff and took an active role in recruiting, social media management, and coaching during both practices and games. The Eagles won two UMAC titles and three UMAC Tournament championships in this time, highlighted by a 2015 Sweet 16 appearance. In 2018, David graduated from UNW with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications.

"I'm very excited to have David join the Athletic Communications Department as a full time assistant," said Jordan Benson, Assistant Director of Athletics for Athletic Communications. "David is a tremendously talented professional with a work ethic that is second to none. His addition to the department will allow us to advance our coverage and promotion of the programs and student-athletes here at Northwestern to the next level."

While working with the Men's Basketball team during his undergrad, Pederson also worked as the Sports Director for UNW's student radio station for two years. As a senior, David took on a Sports Information internship, learning from former UNW Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations & Operations Jay Hilbrands who now works in the Pac-12. Pederson was a key part of the Eagle Sports Network as he did broadcast commentary for every football, volleyball, soccer, and baseball game for two years, coordinating the set up and tear down for those broadcasts.
 
"As the new Assistant SID, I will have the opportunity to work with all of the programs here at UNW and am looking forward to helping broadcast the amazing talents these student athletes display daily," said Pederson. "Also, as I continue with the Men's Basketball program, I get the chance to continue working with Coach Grosz and his staff. I have a deep love for this program and am thankful for the ability to continue working with these special student athletes. What a fantastic opportunity to continue the job I love, and to add new responsibilities within the athletic department."
 
Following his graduation from Northwestern, Pederson earned a Men's Basketball Graduate Assistant position at the University of Dubuque in 2018. As a Spartan, the Eagle alumnus continued his education while gaining more work experience, such as creating scouting reports and being in charge of the team's social media content creation and management. Pederson helped Dubuque to the conference tournament in his first year, and the Spartans had two highlight wins over Top 25 teams during his tenure. David's two years at Dubuque has left a lasting impact on the program, as he recruited two classes of student-athletes that have powered the Spartans to a No. 7 national ranking and an undefeated season this past year.
 
Pederson graduated from Dubuque with his Master's in Communication in the spring of 2020. After two years in Iowa, David found his way back to Minnesota and the UNW Men's Basketball team where he worked as a Volunteer Assistant Coach. Now in his second stint with the Eagles, Pederson was in charge of game planning and implementing that game plan at team practice. In addition, he was the most active assistant in recruiting, did every opposing team scouting report for each game, coordinated film, and ran the team's social media accounts. Pederson's work helped the Eagles to win their 12^th UMAC Tournament Championship and their second NCCAA National Championship in program history in 2021.
 
"We are thrilled to have David continue with the team in this new role," said Tim Grosz, Head Men's Basketball Coach. "He was big part of our National Championship run this past season. His work ethic, energy, knowledge of the game, and genuine care for the players will help the program be the best it can be."
 
In addition to his volunteer role with Men's Basketball, Pederson also game managed many events this past spring. Additionally, David did commentary work for the live stream broadcast of multiple athletic events. At the end of this past May, Pederson helped coordinate the UMAC Baseball Tournament as well as the NCAA Baseball Regional Tournament that Northwestern hosted for the first time in school history.
 
"I am excited and looking forward to having David on staff full time," said Dr. Matt Hill, Director of Athletics. "He has been a tremendous help in his part time role. His knowledge of athletics, sports information, and broadcasting along with his phenomenal work ethic will be a benefit to all our student athletes, coaches, and fans."
 
Along with his passion for athletics and professional experience, Pederson's faith is a core aspect to who he is. In his time as a UNW student assistant, David served with the rest of the Men's Basketball team on a missions trip to Spain in 2016. At Dubuque, Pederson coordinated with the FCA to start a pregame Bible study; the first for the Spartans basketball program.
 
"I graduated from UNW, and have a deep belief in what this University stands for," said Pederson. "Many members of my family have attended this school including my father, and my brother who is currently a student and works with us on the basketball team. The UNW athletic department combines athletics and a love of God with a fantastic slogan: "Compete With Purpose". Competing with purpose is what I strive to do in my life, and I am beyond excited to be working in this athletic department full time."