The purpose of the USA Basketball Women in the Game conference is to inspire more females to a career in sport. While the content is focused on supporting college women, young professional females and high school girls, anyone is welcome to attend.
Guest speakers and panelists from a variety of sports careers will share their insights and perspectives about their journey and industry, as well as some of the characteristics that helped them to be successful and their advice for those who want to make their own path.
Attendees at the USA Basketball Women in the Game Los Angeles 2026 conference on Sunday, Oct. 4, also will get lunch, a USA Basketball shirt and a notebook.
Following the event, Women in the Game attendees are eligible to apply for the USA Basketball Women in the Game Mentorship Program, which supports mentees and connects them to each other and experienced mentors through virtual meetings.
Join USA Basketball and explore, expand and encounter your future career!
Speakers & Panelists:
Schedule:
12:30-12:50 pm: Check-In & Lunch
12:50-1 pm: USAB Welcome
1-1:30: Dawn Ellerbe: “The Power of Your Own Path”
1:40-2:25 pm: Sport Administration Panel:
- Ashley Armstrong, Deputy Athletic Director/SWA, Loyola Marymount University
- Amanda Kurtz, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations/SWA, Pepperdine University
- Dr. Denise Kwok, Deputy Athletic Director, Internal Operations/SWA, USC
- Erica Monteabaro, Deputy Athletic Director, Internal Affairs/SWA, University of California Irvine
2:25-2:55 pm: Sydney Colson: “Unlocking Your Next Chapter”
3-3:30 pm: Dr. Emily Miller: “Sports Medicine: From Passion to Practice”
3:30-4 pm: Natalie White: “Community at the Core: Building a Career in Sports with Purpose”
4:10-4:40 pm: Ruthie Bolton: “Gold Medal Mindset”
4:40-5:25: Coaches Panel:
- Tina Fernandes, Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach, California State University, Los Angeles
- Aarika Hughes, Women's Basketball Head Coach, Loyola Marymount University
- Minyon Moore, Women's Basketball Head Coach, California State University Long Beach
Parking:
Parking is available for $18. Lot 7 is closest or you could park in Lot 8. Enter Pauley on the northeast side of the building, under the blue awning that says “Pavilion Club.”
