Providence College Athletics

Ivan Thomas
Photo by: Stew Milne

Ivan Thomas Selected To Participate In 2021 TopConnect Basketball Virtual Symposium

8/17/2021 11:23:00 AM | Men's Basketball

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – It was announced that Ivan Thomas, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach for Providence College, has been selected to participate in the 2021 TopConnect Basketball Virtual Symposium. TopConnect will take place on August 17 and 18 and is presented by Teamworks and INFLCR. Thomas is joined by many top assistant basketball coaches in the country for the virtual symposium.

In 2003, then VCU Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander founded TopConnect (formerly Villa 7). TopConnect provides networking and leadership development opportunities for coaches by connecting them with mid-major Athletic Directors. The selected coaches will hear from successful leaders and speakers as part of the virtual symposium's educational programming. In its fourth year, the 2021 panel includes Tina Langley, Head Women's Basketball Coach at The University of Washington, and Mike Rhoades, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

The symposium consists of several sessions, including the rapid networking "Speed Dating" session, a panel of coaches entering their second year, a panel of mid-major Athletic Directors who recently completed a coaching search, a small group setting with nationwide search firm representatives, a breakout session on the first 100 days on the job from recent head coaching hires, and navigating the media. 

TopConnect's mantra of "Connect. Prepare. Lead." expresses its purpose. 17 attendees have been hired as Athletic Director, Head Men's Basketball Coach, or Head Women's Basketball Coach since TopConnect's first year in 2018. 

-GO FRIARS!-

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