Seattle University women’s basketball head coach Joan Bonvicini recently attended an elite, invitation-only leadership program at Columbia University. She was one of 30 college women’s basketball coaches invited to attend The Center for Coaching Excellence.

"The Center for Coaching Excellence at Columbia University provided coaches with resources to become better leaders, mentors and administrators for our basketball programs,” said Bonvicini.

“We were inspired by the faculty and speakers to become better stewards of our game. I am excited to share and implement some new ideas into our program. I am so appreciative to the WBCA for selecting me and to Seattle University for allowing me to attend this conference."

The two-and-a-half day program provided a unique learning experience and networking opportunities for some of the nation’s top collegiate women’s basketball coaches. The conference featured lectures and panel discussions from some of the top experts in collegiate athletics.

The faculty in attendance included Julie Roe Lach, Vice President of Enforcement, NCAA; Kevin Anderson, Athletics Director, University of Maryland; Marilyn McNeil, Athletics Director, Monmouth University; Greg Christopher, Athletics Director, Bowling Green State University; Sherri Coale, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Oklahoma; Erik Johnson, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Boston College; Geno Auriemma, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Connecticut and Head Coach, USA Women's Basketball; Robin Green Harris, Executive Director, Ivy League; Carolyn Schlie Femovich, Executive Director, Patriot League; Beth DeBauche, Commissioner, Ohio Valley Conference and Noreen Morris; Commissioner, Northeast Conference.