DI Women's Basketball Champ Info

20245WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR

2025 NCAA® WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR®

Tampa Bay | Amalie Arena | April 3 - 6

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Beyond the Baseline

 
Beyond the Baseline includes talks, panels and guest speakers designed to empower and equip women in sport and business with tools for personal and professional success. Located in Tourney Town, this event is FREE and open to the public!
 
Click HERE for security and bag policy.
 
Location
Tampa Convention Center | Tourney Town
333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
 

Schedule of Events

Quick Navigation:  Thursday I Friday I Saturday I Sunday
 
All times are ET and subject to change.
ThursdaY, April 3
Time (ET) Session Topic
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Team Tampa Bay's Front Office
Step inside the dynamic world of sports leadership with Tampa Bay’s top industry professionals.
This engaging panel will showcase the key decision-makers and trailblazers shaping the region’s
sports landscape. From marketing and sponsorships to operations and community engagement,
learn firsthand how these leaders navigate challenges, drive innovation, and create lasting impact
within professional and collegiate sports. Whether you're aspiring to work in sports or seeking
insights into front-office leadership, this session will provide valuable takeaways on building a
successful career in the business of sports.
 
Moderator: Rushia Brown, WNBA Legend and Beyond the Baseline Host
 
Panelists: 
  • Elizabeth Frazier | Lightning Foundation
    • Executive Vice President, Community Development & Social Impact
  • Kourtney Sanchez |Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Chief Impact Officer
  • Rafaela Amador Fink | Tampa Bay Rays & Rowdies
    • Chief Public Affairs Officer
  • Christina Unkel | Tampa Bay Sun
    • President & General Manager
  • Kris Pierce | University of South Florida
    • Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Operating Officer/Senior Woman Administrator
  • Michelle Gervais | Blank Rome
    • Partner
 
     
Friday, April 4
Time (ET) Session Topic
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee Q&A and Autograph Session
Hear from the 2025 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees.
A 30-minute panel will be followed by a 30-minute autograph session.
 
Moderator: Rushia Brown, WNBA Legend and Beyond the Baseline Host
 
Panelists: 2025 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees
 
     
SAturday, April 5
Time (ET) Session Topic
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
 
Success in any industry isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who
is in your corner. This session breaks down the critical differences between
mentorship and sponsorship and why both are essential for career growth.
Mentors provide guidance, advice, and support, while sponsors actively
advocate for your advancement, opening doors to new opportunities. Learn
from industry leaders about how to cultivate meaningful mentorship relationships,
identify potential sponsors and leverage these connections to elevate your career.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to champion the next generation, this
discussion will provide valuable strategies for professional growth and leadership development.
 
Panelists: 
  • Lauren Gstalder | USF Women in Leadership in Philanthropy
    • Executive Director
  • Yvonne Fry | Workforce Development Partners
    • Founder & CEO
  • Celeste Roberts | The Skills Center
    • Executive Director
 
Noon - 1:00 p.m. ESPN
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. iHeart Radio Podcast presented by Capital One
     
Sunday, April 6
Time (ET) Session Topic
11:00 a.m. - Noon
 
From College Courts to Paralympic Podiums:
Insights from Team USA's Wheelchair Basketball Athletes
 
Join us for a panel discussion with members of the U.S. Paralympic men's and women's
wheelchair basketball teams as they share their journeys from collegiate competition to
representing the nation on the world stage. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and
unique experiences that have shaped their athletic careers.
 
Moderator: Jean Merrill, Director of Inclusion, NCAA
 
Panelists: Members of Team USA Paris 2024 Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball Team
  • Trey Jenifer
  • Fabian Romo
  • Emily Oberst
   
All times are local and subject to change.
 
BTB
 
 
 
 
 

 

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