By: Pierce Feltner, communications intern
The 2018 WBCA Convention in Columbus, Ohio, was a success. That wouldn’t have been possible without the help of four key people who played a vital role in the execution of this year’s convention.
Pierce Feltner, Jasmine Grier, Jessica Pace and Mariah Turner — the four members of the 2018 Betty F. Jaynes Internship Program class — worked side by side with WBCA staff planning, organizing and operating every aspect of the four-day event, which is the largest gathering of coaches of women’s and girls’ basketball in the world.
The Betty F. Jaynes internships allow for young and upcoming leaders in the sport industry to improve their skills, expand their network, and learn at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. This year, four young professionals came to the WBCA office in Lilburn, Georgia, to serve as the marketing/sponsorship activation, awards and special projects, convention logistics, and communications interns.
Reflecting on her time at the WBCA, Mariah Turner, conventions logistics Intern, said, “This position has given me the opportunity to meet new people in the sports industry. I have definitely learned a lot on how to network with other people.”
The WBCA encourages its interns to learn new skills and meet people in the industry throughout their time with the association. The WBCA Convention plays a massive role in this. The interns play an essential role in the programming of the event. It is an experience each intern can use to show future employers their skills and accomplishments that are applicable in any setting. It is a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in the women’s basketball industry.
Jessica Pace arranged and facilitated the WBCA’s “So” Program. She scheduled speakers, activities and mock interviews for the participants. The former Cumberland University standout gained skills and experience she will use as she attempts to secure a director of basketball operations position at the collegiate level.
“What I enjoyed most about my time at the WBCA was getting to learn about the association and make so many connections with different coaches in the industry,” said Pace, the awards and special projects intern. “I also enjoyed the ‘So You Want To Be A Coach’ program. Being able to be in control of a program from beginning to end was a great experience.”
The Betty F. Jaynes internships also help the participants develop their skills and improve their career readiness in an office setting.
Jasmine Grier played a key role in the activation of all WBCA partnerships and sponsorships. She worked with the Women’s Final Four teams and the WBCA’s sponsors to during the 2018 WBCA Convention to ensure all contractual obligations were fulfilled. In the office, the Indiana State graduate developed marketing ideas and helped implement marketing strategies.
“This position has helped me become more task organized and has taught me to prioritize my tasks,” said Grier, marketing/sponsorship activation intern. “That has been one of my biggest weakness in the past. This position has given me another tool on my tool belt.”
Communications intern Pierce Feltner wrote and posted all the WBCA’s press releases for the 2018 award season. He also helped with the facilitation of the inaugural Naismith Starting 5 presentation. His work was also seen on social media with the Wade Watch Spotlight campaign throughout the NCAA Division I women’s basketball season.
“I came here looking for an opportunity to gain experience while simultaneously learning more about the athletic communications field, which is exactly what the WBCA offered,” said Feltner. “This has been a very enjoyable and fruitful experience for me.”
All four interns contributed in different ways and played vital roles for the WBCA this year. The were integral in the planning and execution of the 2018 WBCA Convention, marketing and award presentations. Feltner, Grier, Pace and Turner were all extremely important to the WBCA’s success during their six months in Lilburn, Georgia.
Click here to learn more about the internship program.