After its successful debut in 2017, the USA Basketball Women in the Game initiative will return in 2018 with a conference set for April 7-8 at the Windward School in Los Angeles.

The USA Basketball Women in the Game initiative educates high school girls, college-aged women and young, female professionals about career paths in the sports industry and how to turn a passion into an opportunity. Guest speakers from a variety of sports business fields will share their personal career journeys, essential characteristics to succeed in their roles, practical strategies to get started in the industry and how to sustain a position in a highly competitive sports industry.

Attendees will meet and hear from accomplished females who excel in their careers by exhibiting positive leadership and a dedicated work ethic.

The schedule on April 7 will include presentations from guest speakers, as well as breakout sessions and small group discussions between speakers and attendees. On Sunday, April 8, participants will engage in coaching and event management workshops, before helping to conduct a youth basketball clinic from 12:30-1:30 p.m. (PDT).

The cost to attend the conference is $65, which includes all sessions, USA Basketball giveaways and lunch on April 7.

In addition to the two-day event, the 2018 USA Basketball Women in the Game initiative for the first time will provide attendees the opportunity to apply for entry into the USA Basketball Women in the Game mentorship program. The six-week program will connect conference attendees (mentees) with experienced professionals in the sports industry (mentors) to help develop future female leaders in sports. Weekly discussion topics will guide the interaction between the mentee and mentor through phone and email communication. Participants who register for the conference will receive more information about the optional mentorship program.

Registration for the April conference is available online (through April 6 or once capacity is met), and more information about the USA Basketball Women in the Game initiative can be found at usab.com/youth/usa-basketball-women-in-the-game.

A second USA Basketball Women in the Game Conference is planned for September 2018 on the East Coast, and more information on that event will be announced at a later date.