NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion senior guard Kelsey Thompson has been selected to participate in the 2025 “So You Want To Be A Coach” program held by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
The WBCA’s “So You Want To Be A Coach” program assists female collegiate basketball players who are interested in pursuing a career in coaching women’s basketball by providing them with professional development and career advancement through education, skills enhancement, networking and exposure opportunities. The program also increases awareness regarding the availability of talented female basketball players who want to coach.
“Being selected for ‘So You Wanna Be Coach’ is an honor and an opportunity I don’t take lightly,” said ODU forward Kelsey Thompson. “Being coached by Delisha Milton-Jones has played a huge role in shaping my desire to pursue a career in coaching, as she consistently leads with accountability, authenticity, and a deep commitment to player development both on and off the court. Watching how she builds relationships, challenges us to grow, and holds us to a championship standard has inspired me to want to impact the next generation the same way.”
The WBCA’s “So” program was created to provide female student-athletes with an enriching experience that lays the foundation for a successful career in coaching.
The objectives of the program are to increase the understanding and application of skills necessary to secure coaching positions in women’s basketball. They teach this while increasing the understanding and awareness of competencies necessary for success in coaching.
The WBCA will introduce female basketball players to coaches and administrators. They also raise awareness of the existing talent pool of female basketball players who have a passion for and interest in coaching the game of women’s basketball.
To be eligible for acceptance to the program you must be an athlete who has exhausted her final year of basketball eligibility at a four-year institution or graduated within the past year. You must be a women’s basketball player who wants to pursue a career in coaching, be a credit to the sport of women’s basketball both on and off the court, be nominated by her head coach who must be an active WBCA member, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
“As a women’s basketball student-athlete who hopes to build a career in coaching, this opportunity represents a meaningful step toward my long-term goals,” added Thompson. “I’m excited to learn from experienced professionals, expand my network, and gain insight into what it truly takes to lead at the next level. This program reinforces why I’m passionate about building relationships and learning more about the game of basketball.”
The 2026 program will be held in-person during the WBCA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, it will take place from Wednesday, April 1, through Friday, April 3, 2026.