The University of Southern Indiana is about to make headlines across the sports world. This Thursday and Friday, November 6–7, USI will host its annual Sport Management Summit, a two-day event bringing together some of the biggest names and brightest minds in athletics, business, and sports leadership. But all eyes are on one man — Donnie Marsh, the veteran Basketball Operations Specialist for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, who will headline the summit with a keynote speech that promises to be nothing short of explosive.
Marsh, whose career spans more than four decades across NCAA Division I and III basketball, is known for his unfiltered insights, deep leadership wisdom, and passion for developing athletes both on and off the court. His keynote, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the University Center, is expected to draw a packed audience. Following his talk, Marsh will join attendees for an exclusive meet-and-greet session — all open to the public, free of charge.
Before he became a coaching legend, Marsh made waves as a player. Drafted 52nd overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1979 NBA Draft, he was already a household name at Franklin & Marshall College, where he earned two All-American honors and led his team to the Division III Final Four. His journey from college standout to professional mentor has been defined by consistency, humility, and a devotion to faith and family — qualities that have shaped hundreds of players and coaches under his watch.
But this week, Marsh’s message goes beyond basketball. Insiders say his keynote will tackle the evolving landscape of sports leadership, the challenges of managing athletes in the modern era, and the rising influence of women’s sports — a topic he’s uniquely positioned to address, given his current role with the Chicago Sky of the WNBA.
The energy doesn’t stop there. On Friday, November 7, the summit continues with a full day of panels and networking opportunities designed to immerse students in real-world sports industry experiences. Highlights include:
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9:00 a.m. – Sport Industry Panel: Insights from USI Athletics, the Evansville Regional Sports Commission, and Alex Stein — USI’s all-time leading scorer and current pro player.
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10:00 a.m. – Women in Sport Panel: Featuring leaders from USI, University of Evansville, and the Ohio Valley Conference — a must-see discussion on representation and equity in athletics.
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11:00 a.m. – Industry Insights: Guest speakers from the Indiana Pacers, Escalade Sports, Explore Evansville, and Marsh himself.
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1:00 p.m. – Career & Networking Fair: Students will connect directly with recruiters and representatives from major sports organizations, including the Pacers, Chicago Sky, Evansville Otters, and more.
“This event is about bridging the gap between the classroom and the sports industry,” said Dr. Teresa Beam, Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. “Bringing in leaders like Donnie Marsh and the Chicago Sky gives students direct access to the people shaping the future of sports.”
Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring resumes — because this isn’t just another academic conference. It’s a launchpad.
For a university already making waves in sports education, the 2025 USI Sport Management Summit could be its biggest yet — and with Donnie Marsh at the mic, one thing’s certain: this is the conversation no one in sports can afford to miss.
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