Steven Asher, associate head coach of Butler women's basketball, has been selected to participate in the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, an exclusive gathering for rising leaders in collegiate basketball. Scheduled for June 8 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the event aims to enhance professional development through educational sessions and direct engagement with industry leaders. Asher joins 50 other coaches to network and learn from athletic directors and conference commissioners, emphasizing the importance of leadership in intercollegiate athletics. The symposium, now in its ninth year, has facilitated professional growth for hundreds of coaches and administrators, enhancing the leadership pipeline. This year鈥檚 programming includes practical strategies for navigating new roles and fundraising within collegiate athletics.

By the Numbers
  • 50 rising leaders in collegiate basketball will attend the symposium.
  • Since its inception in 2018, over 100 participants have advanced to higher leadership positions.
State of Play
  • The symposium is recognized as a premier event for networking and professional growth in college athletics.
  • TopConnect has established partnerships with corporate sponsors like Just Play Sports Solutions and others to support the event.
What's Next

Asher and other participants are likely to leverage their experiences at the symposium to seek advancement opportunities within their careers and influence the future landscape of collegiate athletics.

Bottom Line

The 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium serves as a vital platform for cultivating the next generation of leaders in collegiate athletics, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship and networking in achieving career advancement.