CONWAY, S.C. – Coastal Carolina associate head coach Ryne Lightfoot has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 TopConnect Basketball Symposium taking place at the Marriott Village at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Monday, June 9.  

The three-word mantra of "Connect. Prepare. Lead." identifies the purpose of TopConnect.

Developed by ETSU Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander, TopConnect identifies the top assistant basketball coaches in the country and connects them with mid-major Athletic Directors, providing tremendous networking and leadership development opportunities for both parties. 

In its eighth year, TopConnect develops educational programming that enables these top assistant coaches to hear from a diverse range of successful leaders and speakers. 
   
Panel discussions include: 
• The Hiring Process and Thereafter 
• Perspective of First-Time Head Coaches 
• NIL From Multiple Perspectives 
• House Settlement 
  
The fan-favorite "Speed Dating" returns, allowing for rapid networking between assistant coaches and administrators.  
  
Since the inception of TopConnect in 2018, more than 50 assistant coaches and assistant athletic director participants have been promoted to the next chair of head coach and athletic director as well as conference commissioner.