RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — A familiar face across the Great American Conference is joining the league office, as GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt announced the hiring of Court Haygarth as the Associate Commissioner for Communications.

Haygarth brings extensive GAC experience to the conference staff, having earned his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and his master’s degree from Henderson State University. He joins the league office following a tenure as the Director of Athletic Communications at Oklahoma Christian University.

"Court is a tremendous fit for this position," said GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt. "His skill set provides a great blend of traditional communication abilities and a savviness for the changing realities of the modern media landscape. It's exciting to have one of our own join the conference office staff."

Prior to his time at Oklahoma Christian, Haygarth spent four years in the athletic communications department at Henderson State. After serving two years as the Graduate Assistant Sports Information Director, he was elevated to Director of Athletic Communications for his final two years in Arkadelphia.

In that full-time role, Haygarth oversaw media relations for all 14 Reddie varsity sports and more than 450 student-athletes. He drove award nominations at the weekly, regional, and national levels while enhancing the department's digital and social media presence. During his time as a graduate assistant, he managed primary contact duties for volleyball, softball, tennis, and swimming & diving, while serving as the primary statistician for football, basketball, volleyball, and softball.

Haygarth also served as a volunteer coach for the Henderson State women’s golf team during the 2024 spring postseason, helping guide the Reddies to the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals at Orange County National Golf Center in Orlando, Florida.

"I’m thrilled for Court and his wonderful family," said Shawn Jones, Southern Mississippi Senior Deputy Athletic Director and former Henderson State Athletic Director. "The conference made a home run hire. Everyone associated with the Great American Conference will benefit from Court’s talent, work ethic, and passion for the GAC."

Haygarth began his athletic communications career at Oklahoma Baptist, working three years as a student assistant before managing primary contact duties for men’s and women’s tennis, swimming & diving, and STUNT as a senior. He also covered prep basketball, baseball, softball, cross country, and wrestling as a sports reporter for the Countywide & Sun in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, from 2017 to 2019.

A native of Edmond, Oklahoma, Court and his wife, McKenna, reside in his hometown with their two daughters, Marty and Camry.