On Deck 2026

The first-ever Williams On Deck conference was a huge success! Nearly 200 students and alumni attended, and 19 alumni from across the sports industry returned to campus as panelists, including Jonathan Kraft ’86, president of The Kraft Group; Mike Disner ’07, chief operating officer of the Detroit Lions; and Dave Clawson ’89, athletics special advisor at Wake Forest University.

We kicked off the conference Friday evening with a keynote conversation between Kraft and Disner, and then dove into a full slate of panels on Saturday. “The Future and Growth of Women’s Sports” featured Abi Jackson ’03, Director of Sports Operations at Athletes Unlimited, and Katie Stiffler ’07, senior director of growth and retention for NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC, who explored the facilities, contracts, and community partnerships fueling the women’s sports boom. Other sessions tackled new trends in sports media, building smarter front offices, what it takes to run a major sporting event, building a better fan experience, and using a liberal arts education in sports. 

We also had a networking breakfast with the Williams Network for Women in Sports, a pitch competition sponsored by Earth Brands, and so many great opportunities for students and alumni to meet.

A huge thank you to every alum, student, and staff member who helped make the inaugural conference one to remember. See you in 2027!