Keynote Speaker: Arthur Smith

Creating Positive Training Environments that Develop Talent

Moderator: Donna Hayes: Westminster

Panelist: Kiesha Brown: Galloway School, Nichole Dixon: Holy Innocence, Matt Hixenbaugh: Westminster, Jordan Snellings: Mount Pisgah, Sharman White: Pace Academy

For peak performance, high challenge and high support are the name of the game. But how do you find an optimal balance between the two? How do you drive talent development while fostering a positive environment? Join a panel of accomplished coaches as they share the art and science behind their varied approaches.

Delivering to Resonate - Communicating with Gen Z Student-Athletes

Today’s coaches often cite challenges working with Generation Z (1997-2010.) Their seemingly shorter attention spans, inability to accept criticism (even if it’s constructive), and heightened need for reassurance and validation can place coaches on a tightrope. Join Betsy Butterick for this interactive workshop where you will gain insight into this unique generation. Learn about eight challenges you may face as a Gen Z coach, and work collaboratively on a toolkit for success. 

High School NIL in Georgia

Coaches everywhere are trying to keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). What do you need to know to best guide your student-athletes and organizations? How can you support your athletes in making informed decisions? Join Dr. Scott Grant of Triple Threat Leadership to hear about the trends and implications of NIL for high school athletes nationally and in the state of Georgia. Leave equipped with knowledge and tools to lead your program forward.

Building Championship Winning Cultures

Moderator: Wiley Ballard: Sports Broadcaster

Panelists: Amy Jo Eubanks: Westminster (Cross Country), Matt Hixenbaugh: Westminster (Boys Basketball) Gary Jones: Westminster (Track and Field), Sharon Loughran: Westminster (Swim and Dive, Girls Soccer), Scott Snyder (Boys Soccer)

With 60+ state championships between them, our panel of head coaches have much to share about building winning cultures. Join them as they share their stories and insights from more than 100 collective years of coaching experience. Come learn how these coaches build connections, leverage talent, and cultivate a winning mindset in their teams.

Establishing Core Values for your Program

What are your program’s core values? How might you define and utilize your values for deeper impact? Join “the coaches’ coach” Betsy Butterick for a look at the what, why, and how of a values-based approach to coaching. 

Belonging & Thriving

Coaches have long known that a strong culture of belonging can drive student experience and team performance. But creating such a culture can be challenging amid ever-increasing cultural complexity. Join Frank Brown, Westminster’s director of DEI, and Jeremiah Neal, Sport and Performance Counselor, for this session exploring the intersection of performance psychology and diversity, equity, and inclusion within the student-athlete experience. Through interactive discussions and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

Let’s Hear it from the Kids: The Perspective of Today’s Student-Athlete

Moderator: Adam Pullen: Westminster

Panelists: Grace Smith: Westminster, Reed Millner: Pace Academy, Carter Watkins: Seckinger High School, Helen Slawson: Westminster, Armstrong Jones: Westminster

Join us for an illustrious panel of current student-athletes from the Atlanta area. Hear about their sports journeys thus far. What do they find most challenging? What are their aspirations and outlooks for the future? Gain a deeper understanding of the needs, concerns, and hopes  of today's student-athletes.

What does Coaching Success Look Like? Traits that Make Coaches Great

Moderator: Brad Williams: Co-Founder of Pure Athlete

Panelists: Lacy Gilbert: Wesleyan, Jose Hernandez: Woodward Academy, Jasper Jewell: Atlanta Public Schools, Kelli Poff: Seckinger High School, Chad Wabrek: Pace Academy, Tony Watkins: Holy Innocence, Derek Waugh: Marist

An Athletic Director plays a key role in a coach’s world and in a program’s success. Join a panel of Athletic Directors from across the Atlanta area to hear how they define great coaching. What does it take to be a great coach? How has the coaching role evolved over time? What is a successful coach/ AD partnership? Gain insights from this experienced team of athletics program leaders.