A Game-Changing Executive Director, Builder of Sports Business Transformation, and Women’s Athletics Strategist, Danielle Donehew is advancing women’s sports through business innovation and sustainability, ensuring its future potential is fully realized for generations to come.

As Executive Director of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), Donehew has been at the forefront of women’s sports leadership. Only the third person to lead the WBCA in its 40-plus-year history, she has expanded its influence, strengthened its community, and amplified its national impact. Her deep commitment to leadership and business acumen has propelled the WBCA to new heights, solidifying its role as a key driver in shaping the future of women’s athletics.

With over 20 years of leadership in the sports industry, Donehew is a powerful advocate for equity in women’s sports. As a Board Member for both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, she has played a crucial role in preserving the sport’s rich history and promoting its lasting impact.

Before her time at the WBCA, Donehew served as Associate Commissioner for Women’s Basketball at the American Athletic and Big East Conferences, where she elevated the sport’s visibility through strategic media and television partnerships. As Executive Vice President of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, she helped establish the team as a leading franchise, excelling in both competition and community engagement.

Her career was profoundly shaped by her experience at The University of Tennessee, where she managed basketball operations for legendary coach Pat Summitt, contributing to six Women’s Final Four appearances and two national championships. Inspired by Coach Summitt’s legacy, Donehew continues to advise The Pat Summitt Foundation, support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, and promote leadership education through the Pat Summitt Leadership Group.

A standout student-athlete at Georgia Tech, Donehew was named an ACC Legend and received the Mary Jo Haverbeck Award for exceptional service to the sport. With a BS in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MS in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee, she brings strategic and operational expertise to every role she undertakes.

A steadfast advocate for truth, integrity, and the transformative power of sports leadership, Donehew balances professional excellence with personal commitment, making her a driving force in the continued evolution of women’s sports.