at the Men’s NCAA Final Four
The Gathering is a welcoming place for coaches’ wives to connect with women who share their common experience, and to be encouraged, inspired and challenged by hope found in Jesus Christ.
This annual event is presented by coaches’ wives for coaches’ wives during the NABC Convention at the NCAA Men’s Final Four Tournament.
“Truth and connection are so important in life — especially for coaching wives. Thanks to The Gathering for providing another dose of each!”
– A Coach’s Wife
The Gathering 2024
The 2024 program will be filled with food, games, laughter, inspiring stories and engaging discussion around each table. We will hear from coaches’ wives, Julie McKay, Liberty University and Christabell Hamilton, Louisiana State University, as they share and reflect on their personal experience in this sporting lifestyle. We will also have author, speaker, and mental health expert, Dr. Charryse Johnson, provide relevant insight and practical tips on “Finding Joy in the Journey”.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
6:00 PM Reception | Complimentary Dinner and Games
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Program “Finding Joy in the Journey”
Phoenix Convention Center – Room 301 (Third Floor of the West Building)
100 North Third Street, Phoenix, Arizona
Some may make it a “girls’ night out” feel, some may be coming straight from the airport! Be comfortable and be you! Enjoy a southwest flare.
Spread the word to your fellow coach’s wife by sharing this page or inviting her to The Gathering Facebook group!
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN PHOENIX?
Special Events
For coaches & spouses during the Men’s Basketball Coaches Convention
FINAL FOUR FAN FEST
2024 NABC Convention Schedule
Stay Connected after The Gathering
The connections you make at The Gathering do not have to end! You can experience encouragement and make new “coaching” friends all year long. Join The Gathering Facebook group or the NOC Wives Facebook group to stay connected.
What coaches’ wives are saying about The Gathering:
“Truth and connection are so important in life–especially for coaching wives. Thanks to The Gathering for providing another dose of each!”
“Thank you for investing in me as a coach’s wife. It has changed my life.”
“My faith is restored and I am newly dedicated to my role as a coach’s wife.”
“This year, I considered not coming to the NCAA Final Four, but I couldn’t stand the thought of missing The Gathering! Thank you so much for all that you all do!”
“Loved, loved, loved everything! It was great being a “newbie” at a table with lots of veteran wives! So much insight! They were amazing at giving me hope!”
“This is amazing. My first Final Four and I’m thankful for this time together with other women in the same walk of life.”
“All this time I thought I needed counseling. What I really needed was The Gathering!”
History of the Gathering
In 2006, several coaches’ wives began to talk about how much they would appreciate a safe, non-competitive, nurturing environment to connect with other coaches’ wives at The Final Four. By 2007, a planning team was assembled and The Gathering was born. At the San Antonio Final Four in 2008, over 100 coaches’ wives convened around tables to enjoy a meal, get acquainted, and be encouraged, inspired and challenged by other coaches’ wives. By 2023, our reach has expanded to over 1000 women through local events in Final Four cities and virtual programming. Although the format and theme of The Gathering varies from year to year, it is always distinctly designed to touch hearts and change the lives of coaches’ wives.
The Gathering Planning Team
Lynette Gee – Western Carolina University
Jacci Lightfoot – Nations of Coaches
Justine Lightfoot – Western Carolina University
Tara Sanchez – University of Virginia
Tracy Solomon – In Transition
Former and Founding Members of The Planning Team
Thank you to these women who have served as members of The Gathering Planning Team. They will always have a special place in our hearts.
Pamela Haith
Julie Martin
Kelly Michalski *
Julie McKay*
April Nelson*
Jackie Quinn
Leona Romar*
Tracy Solomon*
Bernadette Waters
*Beginning in 2006, these women identified and developed a common vision that became The Gathering.
Thank You to The Gathering Supporters!
Since 2008, The Gathering has been supported by Athletes in Action, Nations of Coaches, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and many generous individuals who believe in the mission and encouragement The Gathering brings to coaching families across the country.
Because of the generosity of individuals and organizations, The Gathering is presented as a free gift to coaches’ wives. If you would like to support this annual event, you can donate and designate your gift by putting “The Gathering” in the comments section.