Trailblazing Coach Dawn Staley to Keynote UNMATCHED 2025
Dawn Staley, the first Black coach to win three NCAA basketball championships, will headline the 2025 UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference. The event, presented by National Bank, takes place August 5 in Toronto.
Staley, a legendary athlete and advocate, has spent years fighting for equality in sports. Her keynote marks the first time UNMATCHED features a speaker outside tennis, following past icons like Billie Jean King and Venus Williams.
Conference Moves to National Bank Open Venue for Enhanced Experience
This year’s UNMATCHED conference will be held in the VIP Lounge at Sobeys Stadium during the National Bank Open’s “Championship Week.” The new location promises a premium experience for attendees.
The theme, Stronger Together, highlights the power of unity in advancing women’s sports. Tennis Canada’s Eva Havaris said, “Dawn Staley perfectly embodies this year’s message.”
Staley’s Legacy as a Champion and Change-Maker
As a player, Staley won three Olympic gold medals and was a six-time WNBA All-Star. But her biggest impact came as a coach. She led Team USA to Olympic gold and made history with three NCAA titles at South Carolina.
In 2021, she exposed unequal facilities at the NCAA tournament, forcing changes. Her advocacy earned her the Billie Jean King Leadership Award and the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
UNMATCHED Conference Drives Real Change in Sports Equity
UNMATCHED is part of Tennis Canada’s Game. Set. Equity. initiative, which pushes for gender equality in tennis. The 2025 event continues this mission with Staley’s powerful voice leading the conversation.
Tickets are now on sale, offering a chance to hear from one of sports’ most influential leaders. Those interested can learn more and register through Tennis Canada’s official website.
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