In the high-stakes arena of women’s basketball, a select group of players must excel not only on the court but also in their pursuit of a professional career. For those with the talent and drive to take their game to the next level, the Above the Rim Summit serves as a pivotal catalyst. Hosted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), this exclusive gathering brings together top-performing female athletes, coaches, and industry experts to share insights, strategies, and experiences crucial to success in the sport.
The Ultimate Roadmap for Women’s Basketball Standouts: A Guide to Preparing for Professional Careers
When college basketball careers end, the future can be murky, especially for those pursuing professional opportunities. The NCAA’s Above the Rim Summit provided clarity about the road ahead to 11 high-level women’s basketball players who’ve exhausted their college eligibility.
Held by the NCAA’s leadership development team at the Women’s Final Four in Cleveland, the second annual Above the Rim Summit helped attendees understand how to navigate potential professional paths in the WNBA and abroad, life beyond playing the game and various careers in athletics.
The Above the Rim Summit was presented by NCAA corporate partner Invesco QQQ. It marked the first time a leadership development event was presented by a corporate partner.
“I feel like the summit will help me going forward because it is giving me clarity on the next steps I should take, what that looks like,” said Sam Brunelle, who finished her college career as a graduate student at Virginia after three seasons at Notre Dame.
Practical Steps for Women’s Basketball Players
Introduction to the Above the Rim Summit
The Above the Rim Summit is designed to provide education and career development support to women’s basketball student-athletes. The participants will be introduced to numerous subject matter experts who will share their expertise on career navigation.
The summit provides attendees with the opportunity to engage with prominent speakers with experience in the WNBA and Europe as players and in the front office.
Throughout the four-day event, attendees engaged with several prominent speakers, including basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes, the event’s keynote speaker.
Attendees also heard from representatives of the NCAA and experts in financial management, personal development, branding and sports media.
Practical Steps for Women’s Basketball Players
Navigating the Professional Basketball World
On the basketball side, the players were exposed to a variety of perspectives on how to manage the next few months and years of their careers.
Taj McWilliams-Franklin, manager of player relations and development at the WNBA who played 20 years professionally between European leagues and the WNBA, spoke to the attendees about what professional teams look for in prospective players.
Noelle Quinn, head coach for the Seattle Storm, also provided more details about what professional coaches are looking for from players in their transition from college to pros.
Chineze Nwagbo, a former Syracuse women’s basketball standout who now works for the NFL Players Association, talked to the players about how to handle international basketball opportunities, including the nuanced challenges of taxes and visas.
Practical Steps for Women’s Basketball Players
Financial Management and Planning
The players were also exposed to a series of workshops on financial literacy and planning, led by industry experts.
“I think these workshops that we’ve had and all the knowledge that they’ve given us will help propel us into our future. We’ll be able to use all these tools at the next level,” said Maryland’s Brinae Alexander.
“What I’ve learned is, be true to yourself and don’t let anyone tell you who you are. Also, trust the process, and it’s going to be a journey. I think as long as you stay a steady track, you don’t get too high or too low, that’s how you’ll be successful.”
Practical Steps for Women’s Basketball Players
Leadership Development and Mentoring
Embracing Self-Awareness and Confidence
Attendees heard from Marie Ferdinand-Harris, a former WNBA player, Olympic gold medalist and LSU alum, on the importance of finding their voice.
“I feel like the summit will help me moving forward just with networking and knowing people, plus being able to get my name out there and also learn from others and their experiences,” said Faith Dut.
“Some of the key takeaways that I’ve learned from this summit are being confident in yourself and being self-aware. Also, never being scared or nervous to ask for help and what you want and what you want to do.”
Practical Steps for Women’s Basketball Players
Leadership Development and Mentoring
Leadership Development and Mentoring
Attendees also heard from Kalimah Johnson, a sports educator and consultant, on the art of leadership development and mentoring.
Key, a December 2023 graduate in communication studies, is vice chair of the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and SEC Women’s Basketball Leadership Council.
She attended the 2023 SEC Spring Meetings, sharing her perspective and offering input on issues that impact the college experience.
During her career, she has been a four-year women’s basketball representative for UT’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a 2020-21 graduate of the VOLeaders Academy.
The Business Side of Sports
Marketing and Branding in the Professional Basketball World
As women’s basketball players transition into their professional careers, they must navigate the complexities of marketing and branding in the professional basketball world. This involves creating a personal brand that showcases their skills, personality, and values. Effective marketing and branding are essential for securing endorsement deals, attracting sponsors, and building a loyal fan base.
One successful example of a well-branded WNBA player is Breanna Stewart, who has leveraged her dominant on-court performance and charismatic personality to build a strong personal brand. Stewart has partnered with top brands like Nike and Adidas, and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
To build a successful personal brand, WNBA players must develop a unique and compelling narrative that showcases their strengths and passions. This can involve creating engaging content on social media, participating in community outreach programs, and partnering with brands that align with their values.
Media Training and Storytelling
Media training and storytelling are critical components of a WNBA player’s personal brand. By developing strong media skills, players can effectively communicate their message, build their brand, and connect with fans and sponsors. Storytelling is also essential, as it allows players to share their experiences, passions, and values in a compelling and authentic way.
One example of a WNBA player who has effectively utilized media training and storytelling is Elena Delle Donne, who has been featured in numerous media outlets, including ESPN and CNN. Delle Donne has also written a memoir, “My Shot: Balancing It All and Standing Tall,” which shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and achieving success.
To develop strong media skills, WNBA players must practice articulating their message, handling tough questions, and being comfortable in the spotlight. They must also be willing to share their story, including their passions, values, and experiences, in a way that resonates with their audience.
Career Navigation and Transition
Preparing for the Draft and Beyond
As WNBA players prepare for the draft, they must also consider their long-term career goals and aspirations. This involves developing a plan for their transition into the professional basketball world, including securing a agent, negotiating contracts, and building a support network.
One example of a WNBA player who has effectively navigated the draft and transition process is A’ja Wilson, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. Wilson has gone on to become a dominant force in the league, earning multiple All-Star selections and winning the 2020 WNBA MVP award.
To prepare for the draft and beyond, WNBA players must stay focused and adaptable, continuously working on their skills and seeking guidance from experienced professionals. They must also be prepared to make sacrifices, including relocating to a new city and adjusting to a new team and coaching staff.
Building a Support Network
Building a support network is critical for WNBA players, as it provides them with a foundation of guidance, encouragement, and accountability. This network can include family members, friends, coaches, and mentors, who can offer valuable advice and support throughout their career.
One example of a WNBA player who has built a strong support network is Sue Bird, who has credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the challenges of her career. Bird has also sought guidance from experienced professionals, including her agent and coaches, who have helped her make informed decisions about her career.
To build a strong support network, WNBA players must be intentional about seeking out guidance and support from trusted individuals. They must also be willing to ask for help when needed, and be open to constructive feedback and criticism.
Mental Health and Wellness
The Importance of Mental Health in Professional Basketball
Mental health and wellness are critical components of a WNBA player’s overall well-being, as they navigate the high-pressure world of professional basketball. By prioritizing mental health, players can improve their performance, build resilience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
One example of a WNBA player who has prioritized mental health is Brittney Griner, who has spoken publicly about her struggles with depression and anxiety. Griner has sought treatment and support, and has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in sports.
To prioritize mental health, WNBA players must be willing to seek help when needed, and be open to talking about their struggles. They must also prioritize self-care, including exercise, nutrition, and relaxation techniques, to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Building Resilience and Adaptability
Building resilience and adaptability is essential for WNBA players, as they navigate the ups and downs of their career. By developing coping skills and a growth mindset, players can overcome obstacles, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook.
One example of a WNBA player who has built resilience and adaptability is Diana Taurasi, who has overcome numerous injuries and setbacks throughout her career. Taurasi has credited her resilience and adaptability with helping her maintain a long and successful career in the WNBA.
To build resilience and adaptability, WNBA players must be willing to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and seek guidance from experienced professionals. They must also prioritize self-care, including exercise, nutrition, and relaxation techniques, to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation of Women’s Basketball Stars
In the realm of women’s basketball, the “Above the Rim Summit” has been a beacon of excellence, showcasing the talents of top players and setting the stage for a brighter future in professional sports. This groundbreaking event brings together the best of the best, providing a platform for women’s basketball standouts to share their experiences, impart valuable insights, and exchange knowledge with peers from around the world. As the significance of this summit becomes increasingly apparent, its implications extend far beyond the basketball court, influencing the trajectory of women’s sports and the lives of young athletes everywhere.
The “Above the Rim Summit” is more than just a celebration of greatness; it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and progress. By providing a safe space for women to share their stories, the summit helps to break down barriers and challenge conventional norms. As we look to the future, the lessons learned from this remarkable event will undoubtedly shape the course of women’s basketball, inspiring a new generation of players, coaches, and fans to strive for excellence in their own unique ways. As the gap between the haves and have-nots in women’s sports continues to narrow, the “Above the Rim Summit” will remain a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, perseverance, and a shared passion for the game.
As the boundaries of what is possible in women’s basketball continue to expand, we must ask ourselves: what’s next? What challenges, what triumphs, and what breakthroughs lie ahead? The “Above the Rim Summit” has set the bar high, but we can only imagine the heights to which women’s basketball will soar. One thing is certain: with the collective energy and momentum of this remarkable event, the future of women’s basketball is brighter than ever.