Stout's Schaeffer selected to participate in "So You Want to be a Coach" program

ATLANTA - UW-Stout senior guard Sam Schaeffer has been selected as one of 80 student-athletes nationwide to participate in the "So You Want To Be a Coach" program hosted by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).

Schaffer, a senior guard from De Forest, Wis., was selected to the 22^nd class of the "So You Want To Be A Coach" program and will participate in the two-day workshop on April 3 and 4 during the WBCA Convention in Tampa.

Schaeffer has started 93 of 104 games played with the Blue Devils, has help led the team to two WIAC Championships and a Sweet 16 run in 2024. She is currently is second in the nation with a 4.7 Assist/Turnover ratio and is second in the league in total assists with 56 (4.0 a game).

The "So" program increases the understanding and application of skills necessary to secure coaching positions in women's basketball, increases the understanding and awareness of competencies necessary for success in coaching, introduces female basketball players to coaches and administrators, and raises awareness of the existing talent pool of female basketball players who have a passion and interest in coaching the game of women's basketball.

"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."

"So" participants will learn about the administrative side of coaching, recruiting, how to get hired, skill development, the importance of knowing the rules, and how to balance work and life.

Qualified candidates must have exhausted their final year of basketball eligibility at a four-year institution or have graduated within the past year and must be nominated by their WBCA-member head coach. Each participant is selected based on her academics, contributions to women's basketball on and off the court, professional resume´ and a written recommendation from their head coach.

About the WBCA
The Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of coaches to those organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit WBCA.org for more details about the association.