Peter Funk, an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Evansville, has been selected to take part in the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, a gathering that brings together emerging leaders in college basketball for professional development and networking.
The symposium, presented by Just Play Sports Solutions, will be held on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is designed to expose participants to a range of experiences that shape successful careers in collegiate athletics.
Over the course of the event, attendees will work alongside athletic directors, conference commissioners, search‑firm executives and other industry decision‑makers, gaining insight into leadership development, hiring practices, the first 90 days in a new role, fundraising strategies and the broader strategic landscape of college sports.
Since TopConnect launched in 2018, more than 50 assistant coaches and assistant athletic directors have leveraged the program to secure promotions, underscoring its role as a catalyst for advancement in the sport.
Connect. Prepare. Lead.
The three‑word mantra of 'Connect. Prepare. Lead.' captures the symposium's mission, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, sharpening skills and stepping into leadership with confidence.
For Funk, the invitation represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives back to his home program, where he continues to contribute to the development of student‑athletes at the University of Evansville.
The event also highlights the growing collaboration between academic institutions and private sector partners, as evidenced by the involvement of Just Play Sports Solutions and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in delivering a curriculum that blends theory with practical application.