WORCESTER -- WPI women's basketball senior Kayleigh Carson (Seymour, CT) was among 66 student-athletes from across the nation selected to participate in and graduate from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) "So You Want To Be A Coach" program during the organization's annual convention held in Phoenix, Arizona, in April.

Now in its 23rd year, the WBCA's prestigious professional development initiative is designed to prepare aspiring coaches for careers in women's basketball by providing education, mentorship, and networking opportunities with leaders throughout the sport. Participants are nominated by their head coaches and selected based on academic achievement, contributions to women's basketball on and off the court, professional experience, and recommendations from coaches.

Carson represented WPI as one of only 66 graduating student-athletes chosen nationwide for the highly selective program.

The two-day workshop focused on developing the next generation of women's basketball coaches through sessions covering recruiting, administrative responsibilities, career advancement, skill development, NCAA rules education, leadership, and work-life balance. Participants also had the opportunity to interact with collegiate coaches and administrators from across all levels of the sport.

"The WBCA community of coaches each year invests in young, aspiring coaches through the 'So You Want To Be A Coach' program," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "We have high expectations for these graduating student-athletes and the future contributions they will make to the game of women's basketball."

A member of the WPI women's basketball program for four seasons, Carson helped the Engineers compile 41 victories over the past three campaigns while serving as a valuable contributor and teammate within the Crimson and Gray program. Her selection to the WBCA program reflects both her commitment to the sport and her interest in pursuing opportunities within the coaching profession following her collegiate career.

Participants in the WBCA's "So You Want To Be A Coach" program must have exhausted their final season of eligibility at a four-year institution or graduated within the previous year. Each participant is nominated by a WBCA-member head coach and selected through a competitive application process.

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association, founded in 1981, serves as the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels. The organization provides educational resources, networking opportunities, leadership development programming, and advocacy for the advancement of the sport.

For more information on the WBCA's "So You Want To Be A Coach" program, visit the WBCA website.