The Seneca Nation is a sovereign Native Nation and the largest nation of the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. The Seneca people have lived on the lands in what is today the western part of New York State for time immemorial, and have made countless contributions to the region’s history, culture, and economy. Today, the Seneca Nation has more than 8,500 enrolled members, most of whom live on several distinct territories in Western New York.
Widely regarded as one of the most passionate and dedicated sports professionals in Western New York, Craig Rybczynski currently serves as the Senior Director of Operations and Communications for the Rochester Knighthawks, a position he was honored to accept in August 2025.
His journey with the Knighthawks began in 1999, when he was named Director of Communications. For two decades, he led the team’s communications strategy—developing media policies, building community and business partnerships, and delivering impactful storytelling through feature writing, video content, and television and radio broadcasts.
Rybczynski’s work earned him recognition as the National Lacrosse League’s Public Relations Executive of the Year in 2006 and the Knighthawks’ Seventh Man Award in 2018-19 for his dedication and commitment to the franchise.
In 2019, he transitioned into a new role as Lacrosse Operations Manager with the expansion-era Rochester Knighthawks, helping lay the foundation for a new chapter in the franchise’s history. That experience prepared Rybczynski for his current senior leadership position, where he continues to support the organization’s growth both on and off the floor.
In addition to his front office duties, Rybczynski has proudly served as the radio and television play-by-play voice of the Knighthawks for 23 seasons. In 2020, he was honored with the NLL’s Tom Borrelli Award as Media Person of the Year. He is the longest-tenured broadcaster in league history, setting a record by calling his 400th consecutive NLL game in 2024.
Beyond the Knighthawks, his experience includes working with the Rochester Americans (AHL), the Rochester Rhinos soccer club, and Major League Lacrosse’s Rochester Rattlers and Hamilton Nationals. Rybczynski also had the privilege of serving on the media teams for Team USA at the 2011 World Box Lacrosse Championship and Team Canada at the 2015 tournament, as well as broadcasting at the 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championships.
Rybczynski has also contributed to the growth of the sport at the collegiate level, serving as co-commissioner of the Upstate Collegiate Box Lacrosse League (UCBLL) for five years. The league has proven to be a key feeder for the NLL, with 13 players drafted from its ranks. In 2025, the UCBLL Hawkeyes captured the 2024 National Collegiate Box Series National Championship.
The Hamburg, NY, native is a proud graduate of Mercyhurst University and holds a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
He resides in Greece, NY, with his wife, Amy, and sons Jacob and Carter.