PURPOSE
- Equip women with practical leadership tools and confidence to lead in basketball and beyond
- Learn from inspiring women who’ve broken barriers in sport globally
- Understand individual leadership styles through DISC analysis
- Build a powerful network of women ready to step forward and lead change
- Develop leadership identity, vision, communication skills and understand strengths and how to use them.
APPLICANTS
- Women aged 18–30
- Based in regional Australia
- Involved in basketball as coaches, referees, officials, or administrators
- Passionate about growing their leadership capability and impact
PROGRAM
- Duration: 8 sessions over 2 months
- Delivery Mode: Virtual (online)
- Session Length: 90 - 120 minutes
SESSIONS
Sessions facilitated by Barbara Kendall - (x4)
Olympic gold medalist and leadership expert Barbara Kendall will guide participants through personal growth and leadership development, including:
- DISC Leadership Analysis – Understand your unique leadership style and how to work with others
- Leadership Identity & Purpose – Define your “why” and vision for impact
- Values-Based Decision Making – Make tough calls with confidence and integrity
- Communication & Influence – Elevate your voice and presence in any setting
- Sessions with Global Leaders in Women’s Basketball and mentors - (x4)
Interactive storytelling and leadership insights from women around the world who’ve stepped up, smashed glass ceilings, and made bold moves in the sport.
TOPICS
- Leading under pressure
- Challenging the status quo
- Turning adversity into strength
- Championing equity and inclusion in sport
- Access to mentorship
OUTCOMES
- A clear leadership identity and development plan
- Real-world confidence to step into leadership roles
- Skills in communication, collaboration, and decision-making
- A strong network of empowered women across regional Australia
Additional
Each participant will receive:
- She Hoops Workbook – Leadership tools, reflection exercises & session recaps
- DISC Profile Report – Personalized leadership style insights
- Mentoring
- She Hoops T-Shirt – Represent your place in the sisterhood
- Access to She Hoops Network – Ongoing connection and opportunity across Australia
SCHEDULE
October 7 – 1st Facilitator Session with Barbara Kendall
October 14 – 1st Mentor Session with Dee Kantner
October 21 – 2nd Facilitator Session with Barbara Kendall
October 28 – 2nd Mentor Session with Donna Orender
November 4 – 3rd Facilitator Session with Barbara Kendall
November 11 – 3rd Mentor Session with Sami Whitcomb & Ezi Magbegor
November 18 – 4th Facilitator Session with Barbara Kendall
November 25 – 4th Mentor Session with Sandy Brondello
PRESENTERS & SPEAKERS
Barbara Kendall (facilitator)
Barbara Kendall is an Olympic gold medallist, world champion, and one of New Zealand’s most celebrated athletes. A five-time Olympian in windsurfing, Barbara won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, silver in 1996, and bronze in 2000. Beyond her remarkable sporting career, she has become a globally respected advocate for athletes and women in sport, serving on the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission and Women and Sport Commission.
Barbara is a renowned leadership facilitator and motivational speaker, known for her dynamic, authentic approach to empowering others. Through her work, she inspires individuals to embrace their strengths, lead with purpose, and turn challenges into opportunities.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Keynotes can be delivered as traditional presentations or as interactive Q&A sessions facilitated by Lauren and Tess. Barbara Kendall may also suggest tailored questions for speakers to ensure alignment with program themes.
Donna Orender
- Former WNBA President (2005–2010) who grew the league’s visibility, sponsorship, and attendance
- Long-time PGA TOUR executive managing global media rights
- Former pro basketball player and founder of Generation W
Dee Kantner
- One of the first two women to officiate in the NBA (alongside Violet Palmer)
- Veteran NCAA and WNBA official with over 30 years of experience
- Former WNBA Supervisor of Officials and Olympic basketball referee
- Inductee of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and champion for gender equity in officiating
Sandy Brondello
- Head Coach of the Australian Opals and two-time WNBA Champion Coach
- Former WNBA All-Star and Olympian with three Olympic medals
- Respected for her leadership, strategic mind, and team-building success
Sami Whitcomb
- 2025 WNBL MVP & two-time WNBA Champion
- Olympian who overcame non-traditional pathways to reach the top
- Advocates resilience, self-accountability, and leadership through adversity
Ezi Magbegor
- WNBA All-Star and Defensive First Team honoree with the Seattle Storm
- Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympian, helping the Opals to a bronze medal
- Euroleague MVP candidate
- Known for her humility, work ethic, and leadership on and off the court
*Application closes 13th September, 2025.
