Texas Tech University Athletics
DeRoo invited to TopConnect Basketball Symposium
June 08, 2026 | Women's Basketball
LUBBOCK – Texas Tech women's basketball associate coach Erik DeRoo is among a distinguished group of basketball coaches throughout the nation who are participating in the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium today at UNLV.
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Entering his sixth season at Texas Tech, DeRoo helped lead the Lady Raiders back to the NCAA Tournament last season and a 26-8 overall record. DeRoo was promoted to associate coach before the start of the successful season after also working under head coach Krista Gerlich as an assistant coach for two seasons and initially joining the staff as the Director of Player Development before the start of the 2021-22 season. Tech surpassed expectations last year, being picked 13th in the Big 12 Preseason Poll but would go 12-6 in conference play to finish fourth. Tech was ranked in the AP Top 25 for 12 straight weeks and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 13 years.
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The invitation-only TopConnect Basketball Symposium brings together 50 rising leaders in women's and men's college basketball for professional development and networking experience. Through educational sessions, leadership presentations, and TopConnect's signature speed dating, participants will engage directly with athletic directors, conference commissioners, search firm executives, and industry leaders from across the country.
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Participants were identified through recommendations from athletic directors, head coaches, search firms, and other leaders throughout intercollegiate athletics.
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"TopConnect continues to serve as one of the premier opportunities in college athletics for coaches and administrators to connect, prepare, and lead professionally," said TopConnect Director Dr. Richard Sander. "This year's coaching cohort represents some of the brightest leaders in our game, and we are excited to provide an environment that fosters relationship-building, mentorship, and career development."
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Now in its ninth year, the TopConnect Basketball Symposium has become one of the most respected leadership development opportunities in college athletics. Since its inception, TopConnect has connected hundreds of coaches and athletics administrators, helping facilitate professional advancement opportunities while strengthening the leadership pipeline throughout intercollegiate athletics.
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The 2026 symposium will feature programming focused on leadership development, the hiring process, navigating the first 90 days in a new role, fundraising strategies, and insights from executive search firm leaders. Participants will gain practical knowledge while expanding their professional networks through meaningful interactions with decision-makers from across the collegiate athletics landscape.
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The symposium is made possible through the support of title sponsor Just Play Sports Solutions, along with corporate partners Spiideo, Catapult, and Van Wagner.
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Women's Basketball Participants: TopConnect Basketball Symposium
Steven Asher, Butler
Kait Cresencia, Lehigh
Erik DeRoo, Texas Tech
Eric Gracia, ETSU
Kaity Healy, St. John's
John McCray, UIC
Chantel Osahor, Gonzaga
Eryc Pittman, South Alabama
Alison Seberger, Kent State
Jeremy Thompson, Fairleigh Dickinson
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