Diversity Thought Leadership Series

Past, Present and Future of Women's Basketball in Cleveland

Through the KeyBank Diversity Thought Leadership Series, The City Club of Cleveland will host a special panel discussion on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 12 p.m. highlighting the evolution of women's basketball in Cleveland.

PANELISTS

• Jessica Davis, Senior Manager of Youth Basketball Operations, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Monica Gustin, Vice President of Business Development, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission; and Executive Director, 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four
• Dan Hughes, Decorated Collegiate and WBNA Coach; and Former Head Coach, Cleveland Rockers
• Chris Kielsmeier, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Cleveland State University

In recent years, Cleveland has welcomed several major sporting events, from the NFL Draft to NBA All-Star. In 2022, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission hosted 10 national sporting events, generating $155.1 million in economic impact to the local economy.

In 2024, the nation's top women's collegiate basketball teams will compete for a national championship as the NCAA Women’s Final Four returns to Cleveland. The Land previously hosted the event in 2007, a momentous year for women in sports as it marked the 35th anniversary of Title IX. More than 25,000 people visited Cleveland during the 2007 Women’s Final Four, bringing $10.7 million to the region. Our city and team are underway preparing for next year’s tournament to ensure an even greater impact is made.

Join us for this forum that will examine the past, celebrate the present and look toward the future of women's basketball, all while focusing on gender equity and the need for continued representation within the sport.

As part of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's Velocity community programming, this annual speaker series will be hosted by the historic City Club of Cleveland, featuring pioneers in sports to discuss topics such as athlete activism, social justice, women in sports, LGBTQ+ and minorities in professional sports.

The City Club of Cleveland's livestream will be available for free beginning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Have questions? Tweet them at @TheCityClub or send a text to 330.541.5794.

For information on City Club's health and safety protocols, click here. Email info@cityclub.org with any questions.

Co-Hosts