NEW YORK – The BIG EAST Conference will host its inaugural Transition Game Program Sept. 17-18 in New York City. The interactive program aims to assist current women’s basketball student-athletes in the transition from college player to emerging professional, both on and off the court.
All 10 BIG EAST schools will send women’s basketball student-athletes who have been selected at the institution’s discretion. Approximately 30 student-athletes are expected to attend, along with leaders from across the conference’s campus administration.
"The transition from college to the real world is exciting but daunting, and our newly created Transition Game program will offer student-athletes from our women's basketball programs additional tools to assist them in the journey," said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. "We have lined up some of the most respected people in the women's game to provide insights and information and to build on the tremendous experiences these young women gained while a part of the BIG EAST."
The BIG EAST Transition Game schedule will include panels comprised of former BIG EAST standouts; WNBA and collegiate leaders from the court, the sidelines and in the front office; and renowned media personalities. Student-athletes will also receive instruction from a nationally acclaimed expert in personal branding. The program will include a visit to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan and dinner at an iconic New York City restaurant.
WNBA Chief of Basketball Operations & Player Relations Renee Brown and former WNBA standout and Olympic Gold Medal winner Teresa Weatherspoon highlight the weekend’s first panel regarding playing at the next level. Weatherspoon currently serves as the Director of Player Development for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, while Brown has worked in the WNBA front office since its inaugural campaign.
DeNita Turner, President and CEO of Image Builders, Inc., will host a panel on etiquette and personal branding and how to create a positive image in a variety of campus and social settings. She has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, the NBA and WNBA.
Doris Burke, a Providence graduate, acclaimed sideline reporter and analyst, joins former DePaul standout and FOX Sports and YES Network talent Sarah Kustok, along with New York Liberty analyst for MSG Network and former Marist all-star Julianne Viani on a panel to describe their paths from on the court to in front of the camera.
Panels continue on Sunday when the student-athletes hear from current NCAA and WNBA referee Tiara Cruse; former Ohio State standout and current New York Liberty Associate Head Coach and television analyst Katie Smith; and Executive Vice President of Global Marketing Partnerships for the NBA, Emilio Collins. The group will discuss additional career opportunities in the world of basketball.
The student-athletes will conclude with a series of mock interviews, moderated by leadership development consultant Cathy Maher Smith, and facilitated by Paula Buckhaulter, Assistant Director of Championships & Alliances for the NCAA; and Jose Duverge, Senior Manager of Business Development at Soccer United Marketing.
About the BIG EAST
The BIG EAST Conference is an association of 10 nationally prominent colleges and universities that foster healthy athletic competition, community service and the pursuit of excellence in academic environments. The athletic programs of BIG EAST institutions provide national-caliber participation opportunities for more than 3,000 student-athletes on over 180 men’s and women’s teams in 22 sports. Established in 1979 and headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST’s members are located in seven of the country’s top 35 largest media markets and include Butler University, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John’s University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University.