Sides joining Tech Women's Basketball Tip-Off Celebration as keynote speaker
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Celebration is bringing star power to Cookeville on Saturday, October 25th, with special guest speaker Christie Sides — former WNBA head coach of the Indiana Fever and one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball. Sides’ basketball journey spans more than two decades and some of the game’s biggest stages. She began her college career at Ole Miss before transferring to Louisiana Tech, playing under legendary Hall of Fame coaches Van Chancellor and Leon Barmore, both members of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. With the Lady Techsters, she set the school record for 3-point field goal percentage (.448) and helped lead the team to the 1999 Final Four.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech Women's Basketball Tip-Off Celebration is bringing star power to Cookeville on Saturday, October 25th, with special guest speaker Christie Sides — former WNBA head coach of the Indiana Fever and one of the most respected coaches in women's basketball.
Sides' basketball journey spans more than two decades and some of the game's biggest stages. She began her college career at Ole Miss before transferring to Louisiana Tech, playing under legendary Hall of Fame coaches Van Chancellor and Leon Barmore, both members of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. With the Lady Techsters, she set the school record for 3-point field goal percentage (.448) and helped lead the team to the 1999 Final Four.
She launched her coaching career at Ruston High School before moving into the college and professional ranks. Her résumé includes assistant coaching stops at Louisiana Tech and LSU — where she was part of a staff that advanced to three consecutive Women's Final Fours — as well as Northwestern (where she later became associate head coach). Sides also spent six seasons with the Chicago Sky where she helped the team advance to the 2014 WNBA finals.
Following an initial two-year stint with the Indiana Fever as an assistant, Sides joined the University of Louisiana–Monroe staff as associate head coach beginning in 2019. She returned to the WNBA in 2022 as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Dream.
In November 2022, Sides was named head coach of the Indiana Fever. She served as head coach for two seasons and orchestrated one of the league's most impressive turnarounds, earning the Fever's first playoff berth since 2016.
Her international résumé is equally impressive. Sides was an assistant with Spartak Moscow Region, helping the club capture back-to-back FIBA EuroLeague titles and multiple Final Eight appearances. She also served as an assistant with the Slovakian Women's National Team.
Fans at this year's Tip-Off Celebration will get the rare opportunity to hear Christie Sides' story in person—and learn from a coach who's succeeded at every level of the game.
The evening will also feature dinner, fellowship, and celebration as the Golden Eagles honor the 2025 OVC Championship Team and introduce the 2025–26 roster. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are on sale now, and all tickets must be purchased in advance by Wednesday, October 15th. No tickets will be sold at the door.
- Individual Ticket – $80 (general admission seating, includes dinner)
- Couple Ticket – $150 (general admission seating, includes dinner)
Tickets can be purchased at the Tennessee Tech Athletics Ticket Office inside the Hooper Eblen Center, online at TTUSports.com > Tickets > Ordering Tickets, or by calling (931) 372-3940 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For fans, alumni, and local businesses, sponsoring a table is the best way to showcase your Golden Eagle pride while securing premium access. Opportunities are limited and only a few sponsorship tables remain:
MVP Level Table – $1,250
- Reserved VIP Table for 8 guests with dinner included
- Recognition in the program, on social media, and at the event
- Keepsakes: Championship Team Picture (8) & autographed NCAA basketball (1)
- Exclusive access: private meet & greet with the team (5:00–5:30 p.m. before doors open)
- Choice of special experience: join the team for a pre-game meal OR serve as a guest coach at practice (for 2)
All-Star Level Table – $750
- Reserved VIP Table for 8 guests with dinner included
- Recognition in the program, on social media, and at the event
- Keepsakes: Championship Team Picture (2)
Purchasing a sponsorship not only guarantees premium seating for the night but also provides direct support to Tennessee Tech Women's Basketball. To secure your table sponsorship, contact Assistant Coach Allison Clark at amclark@tntech.edu.
