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A sense of purpose and optimism filled the air at last week’s WINS Forum as leaders from across the sport industry gathered to share their insights, sparking inspiration among the aspiring professionals in attendance.

While the daylong forum included networking sessions, classroom visits and informal social activities, the fifth annual event was headlined by its afternoon panel. This lively discussion featured Kyle Lubrano, chief mission delivery officer at Players Health; Tamika Tremaglio P’25, managing partner of TA Sports Ventures and former executive director of the National Basketball Players Association; and Theresa Wenzel, president of the professional volleyball team Atlanta Vibe. Their informative and honest conversation was guided by panel moderator Chanelle Smith-Walker ’15, senior manager of creative strategy at Wasserman.

Associate Professor Shaina Dabbs, who directs the WINS initiative, noted that the forum’s 175-plus attendees benefited from the panel’s diverse expertise and career journeys, which provided a holistic perspective on current trends and challenges in the sports sector.

“The panelists’ impressive backgrounds and commitment to advocacy inspired both students and industry educators alike,” Dabbs said.

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Dabbs added that there were several key takeaways from the panel. Tremaglio discussed the impact of sports globalization, particularly in the Middle East, while Lubrano emphasized the importance of player safety and the need for policies to oversee compliance. Wenzel shared insights into launching a new professional women’s sports team, and Smith-Walker reflected on her own early career successes in the NFL and SEC.

At the conclusion of the discussion, students had the opportunity to ask questions, yielding additional insights into the field. More than a few students were taken aback when Tremaglio name-dropped LeBron James and Steph Curry while discussing her past work in professional basketball circles.

A new addition to the WINS Forum program this fall was the inaugural Career Catalyst Roundtable Workshop, where students rotated through tables led by professionals on topics such as personal branding, allyship, online media presence, and effective networking. This event provided students the chance to interact closely with professionals, fostering connections and gaining insights into diverse career paths.

“My heart remains full from a day of connecting, engaging and learning with alumni, industry professionals, students, faculty and guests,” Dabbs said. “Each year, the WINS Forum grows more impactful — a gift that keeps on giving to all of us — the gift of relationships, knowledge and empowerment.”

All photos by Aidan Blake ’26.