Ohio State Legend Katie Smith to Headline SSI Women in Sports Business Event, Awards
By Brea Spencer
Sat, October 10, 2026
Updated Sat, October 10, 2026 at 8:58 PM
(FILE) Ohio State legend Katie Smith to headline SSI Women in Sports Business event, awards
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) —
Katie Smith, an Ohio State legend, Olympic gold medalist, and Basketball Hall of Famer, will headline an afternoon at The Ohio State University focused on women in sports, leadership, and impact.
Smith is set to appear at the Sports and Society Institute’s Women in Sports Business event and 2026 SSI Awards, which will also kick off the institute’s programming leading into the 2027 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Columbus. Organizers aim to highlight the growing influence of women's sports and create engagement opportunities for students and the community with leaders shaping its future.
As part of the program, Smith will participate in a panel discussion exploring leadership, career paths, opportunities, and challenges across the dynamic sports industry. The conversation is expected to bring together female leaders and industry experts sharing experiences and fostering connections for the next generation.
The 2026 Sports and Society Institute Awards will recognize individuals whose leadership, research, partnerships, service, and professional contributions have fostered unity between sports and society.
Awardees include: Katie Smith, Dru Hancock, Vince Doria, Gary Petit, Chris Knoester, and Brian Turner.
The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at the WOSU Ross Community Studio Theatre located at 1800 Pearl Street from noon to 2:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.