USI to host Sport Management Summit keynote by WNBA Chicago Sky’s Donnie Marsh

The University of Southern Indiana will host its annual Sport Management Summit Thursday and Friday, November 6-7, featuring keynote speaker Donnie Marsh, Basketball Operations Specialist for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, and a veteran coach with more than 40 years of experience at the NCAA Division I and III levels. 

Marsh will deliver his keynote address and participate in a meet-and-greet from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Thursday, November 6 in University Center Rooms 2219-2220. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Before beginning his coaching career, Marsh was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 52nd pick in the 1979 NBA Draft following a standout playing career at Franklin & Marshall College, where he was a two-time All-American and led his team to the Division III Final Four. His leadership and mentorship have defined his decades-long coaching journey, reflecting a deep commitment to faith, family and developing young athletes. 

The Sport Management Summit continues Friday, November 7, with a full day of industry panels and a career networking fair. Sessions include: 

• 9-9:50 a.m. - “Sport Industry Panel” with representatives from USI Athletics; the Evansville Regional Sports Commission; Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) Athletics; and Alex Stein, USI Men’s Basketball all-time leading scorer and current professional basketball player

• 10-10:50 a.m. - “Women in Sport Panel” featuring professionals from USI Athletics and University of Evansville Athletics; USI’s Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center; and the Ohio Valley Conference

• 11-11:50 a.m. - Industry insights from the Indiana Pacers, Escalade Sports, Explore Evansville, the Great Lakes Valley Conference and Marsh

• 1-2:30 p.m. - Career and Networking Fair for USI students with representatives from leading organizations including the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Sky, Escalade Sports, Evansville Otters, Explore Evansville and more

“The Sport Management Summit is an exceptional opportunity for students to engage with industry leaders and gain invaluable insights into the world of sports business,” said Dr. Teresa Beam, Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. “By bringing together professionals from across the sports industry, including the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, we’re providing real-world experiences and meaningful connections that can launch careers.” 

Students are encouraged to wear business casual attire and bring copies of their resumes for networking opportunities.  

The USI Sport Management Summit is presented by the Department of Kinesiology and USI's Sport Management Club in the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. For more information about the USI Kinesiology and Sport Program, visit USI.edu/kinesiology.