University of Michigan to host Elevate HER Summit celebrating women in sports

The University of Michigan is bringing together some of the biggest names in women’s sports for an event focused on leadership, mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation.

The Women in Sports: Elevate HER Summit will take place Thursday, Oct. 15, at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.

The event will feature accomplished athletes, coaches and sports industry leaders sharing their experiences and advice with students, alumni and community members.

Among those helping spread the word are two women with deep roots in Michigan athletics: legendary softball coach Carol Hutchins and former University of Michigan athlete and professional golfer Debbie Williams-Hoak.

Hutchins led Michigan’s softball program for 38 seasons, becoming the winningest coach in NCAA softball history with 1,707 career wins. She guided the Wolverines to 22 Big Ten titles and the 2005 Women’s College World Series championship.

Williams-Hoak has built a career across multiple sports. A four-time Big Ten javelin champion at Michigan, she later competed professionally in golf and qualified for the LPGA Tour. Today, she helps develop young athletes through golf instruction and coaching in Southeast Michigan.

The summit will also feature a panel discussion called “Women in Sports: Pathways, Power and Persistence.”

Panelists include Google sports and entertainment executive Kate Johnson, former USA Gymnastics president Li Li Leung, Michael Jordan’s manager Estee Portnoy and sports marketing leader Casey E. Taylor.

Veteran sports broadcaster and University of Michigan graduate Andrea Joyce will host the event.

Organizers say the goal is to connect women across the sports industry while offering networking, professional development and mentorship opportunities.

General admission tickets cost $30. Current University of Michigan varsity student-athletes can attend for free with their MCard.

For tickets and more information, visit MGoBlue.com/Tickets.

Carol Hutchins and Debbie Williams-Hoak will join Local 4 to discuss the upcoming summit, their experiences in sports and what they hope the next generation of women athletes will take away from the event.