WASHINGTON – Georgetown University women's basketball players
Dorothy Adomako (Midlothian, Va./Cosby),
Anita Kelava (Zagreb, Croatia / Croatian National Team / Maine),
Brianna Jones (North Babylon, N.Y. / North Babylon / Louisville) and
Morgan Smith (Upper Marlboro, Md. / Riverdale Baptist) were chosen to represent Georgetown at the BIG EAST Conference's Transition Game Weekend in New York City. The interactive program, which ran Sept. 8-9, aimed to assist current women's basketball student-athletes in the transition from college player to emerging professional, both on and off the court.
"We were excited to host the the Transition Game program once again this year," said Tracy Ellis-Ward, BIG EAST Associate Commissioner for Women's Basketball. "We take pride in the fact that the Transition Game has become an anticipated experience for our women's basketball student-athletes. They had a unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals and BIG EAST alumnae who imparted valuable information about life after basketball."
All 10 BIG EAST schools sent women's basketball student-athletes who have been selected at the institution's discretion. Approximately 30 student-athletes attended, along with leaders from across the conference's campus administration.
"I had a wonderful time at Transition Game up in New York," said Smith. "It was great to see some of my fellow BIG EAST competitors in a different light and actually get some time to bond in a new environment. I'm so happy to be a part of the league and really commend their effort to help prepare us for our future."
The BIG EAST Transition Game schedule included panels comprised of former BIG EAST standouts, WNBA and collegiate leaders from the court, the sidelines and in the front office and renowned media personalities. Student-athletes enjoyed interactive sessions on mock interviews and assessing personal strengths. The program included a visit to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan and dinner at an iconic New York City restaurant.
The weekend's first panel, "Playing at the Next Level," featured speakers who combined for 15 All-BIG EAST honors, including four-time honoree Shenneika Smith. Smith, a St. John's graduate, was one of three speakers who were WNBA draft picks, along with DePaul grad Jessica January and current New York Liberty standout Bria Hartley. Moderator and Georgetown alumna Monica McNutt was also a two-time All-BIG EAST pick who now has a career in broadcasting.
"I had a wonderful experience this weekend at the BIG EAST Transition Game in Times Square," said Adomako. "It was awesome getting to meet and hear from the different panelists, talk about playing at the next level and life after graduation. I appreciate the BIG EAST giving us the opportunity to network with professionals in our future careers."
Current Division I official, Geraldine Smith joined Vice President of the Connecticut Sun Amber Cox, Providence Associate Head Coach Priscilla Edwards and Hilary Heieck, principal at Triple H Communications, to discuss career opportunities in the world of basketball. Former Seton Hall student-athlete and current BIG EAST Digital Network women's basketball analyst Christine Motta moderated the panel.
The student-athletes also participated in a StrengthsQuest exercise, a personal assessment focused on building each individuals' natural strengths, along with a series of mock interviews. Additionally, student-athletes attended a Beyond The Court session.
"I had great time at the BIG EAST Transition Game," said Jones. "It gave me and my fellow participants a chance to learn not only from the speakers at the event, but also from each other. After this weekend I feel that I have more confidence in how to be better prepared for my future and potential career path."
