top of page

Reflections

​

"The presentation was very interesting and informative on how to take the next steps and look for opportunities."

- Heather Jensen

​

"I like how she talked about taking jobs that may not be what you want to do but they get you on the right track."

- Alexis Heuchert

All in the Plans: How to Successfully Operate Sporting Events

Andrea Travelstead

Manager, Youth Division
USA Basketball
​

About Andrea:

Andrea Travelstead joined USA Basketball in October of 2013 as the national team program coordinator. In May 2013 she moved into a new position with the youth division as a program coordinator for youth development, and in November 2016 she was promoted to youth development program manager.  Travelstead’s responsibilities in the Youth Development division include managing all youth events including: coach academies, youth clinics, open court programs, regional camps, tournaments and other player initiatives as well as sponsor servicing. 

 

As the National Team Programs Coordinator, Travelstead managed the USA Basketball database of former and current players, coaches and staff; organized player contracts and participation forms; made hotel and travel arrangements; and handled all aspects of operations and preparations for team trials, training camps and competitions.

 

Prior to coming to USA Basketball, Travelstead held a position in soccer event operations for Elite Tournaments in Baltimore.  Her additional experiences include working at Kilsyth Basketball Association, a sport club with 14,000 participating members in Melbourne, Australia.  At Kilsyth, her responsibilities included game-day management for the semi-professional men's and women's teams and serving as Tournament Director for the Australian Schools Championships, Basketball Australia’s nationwide high school tournament. 

 

Travelstead was a graduate assistant coach at Illinois Wesleyan University from 2010-2012, while earning her master’s degree in sport management from Illinois State University (2012).  At Illinois Wesleyan University, she helped the team to back-to-back Final Four appearances and the 2012 NCAA Division III National Championship.

 

A 2009 graduate of DePauw University, Travelstead was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team that won the 2007 NCAA Division III National Championship, posted an overall 110-15 record and claimed three Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships. 

 

Photo and Bio Courtesy of USA Basketball

Three Keys to Managing a Successful Sport Event

​

  1. Most of your work to ensure a successful event will happen behind the scenes or before the event even starts.

  2. Organization and multi-tasking are fundamental. Find a process that works for you and be ready to juggle the inevitable and unexpected curve balls.

  3. Events are experiences. You are building a feeling and a memory for your audience to enjoy.  Details matter!

​

​

"Planning and processes combined with problem solving on the fly make for a golden final product."

 

- Andrea Travelstead

bottom of page