Olympic Beach Volleyball Medalist Brandie Wilkerson Headlines Speaker Lineup at She's Got Game Gala, presented by RBC on May 2

Guelph, Ont. (April 15, 2026) - The University of Guelph, Department of Athletics is proud to announce an inspiring lineup of featured speakers for its highly anticipated She's Got Game Gala presented by RBC, taking place on May 2, led by Olympic silver medalist and global beach volleyball star Brandie Wilkerson as the evening's keynote speaker.

A trailblazer on and off the court, Wilkerson brings a powerful story of athletic excellence, advocacy, and impact to the Gala, which celebrates women and girls in sport, leadership, and community.

Brandie Wilkerson: Keynote Speaker

Brandie Wilkerson, an iconic RBC Canadian Olympian has emerged as a formidable force in women's beach volleyball. Brandie just made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics securing the first medal for a women's Canadian team! As an Olympic silver medalist and a World Championship Silver Medalist her status as a history maker continues to rise.

Wilkerson shattered barriers as the first biracial women to represent Canada at the Olympics in her sport of beach volleyball. On the sand, Brandie boasts multiple back to back blockers of the year awards on both the AVP & FIVB circuits respectively and most recently at the Olympics. Brandie has officially cemented herself year after year as the best blocker in the world.

A true MVP in every aspect, Wilkerson's influence transcends sports, as she champions racial and gender equality. In a remarkable move, Wilkerson has established a scholarship covering one year of club volleyball fees for up-and-coming BIPOC athletes, showcasing her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in sports through her "Project Worthy." initiative. Her goal is to amplify representation in the sports she loves.

Follow Brandie's Travels on IG @ https://www.instagram.com/bvuilleumier

Brandie Wilkerson holding a volleyball on a beach volleyball court

Tara Slone: Master of Ceremonies

Guiding the evening as Master of Ceremonies is Tara Slone, one of Canada's most respected and recognizable broadcasters. Slone's career spans music, acting, and sports media, beginning as the lead singer of Juno‑nominated rock band Joydrop, and a finalist on Rockstar: INXS, before transitioning into film, television, and broadcasting.

A seasoned storyteller, Slone spent five years hosting Breakfast Television Calgary, followed by eight years co‑hosting Rogers Hometown Hockey alongside Ron MacLean—helping redefine national sports broadcasting in Canada. She is also the creator and host of Top of [HER] Game, a Sportsnet series spotlighting powerful stories of women in sport. Currently, Slone works as a host, reporter, and contributor for the San Jose Sharks and NBC Sports Bay Area, bringing her signature insight and authenticity to audiences across North America. She also hosts two weekly shows on SiriusXM: No Filter (Canada Talks), a women-focused program, and No Offense, But … (Poplandia), a lively pop culture panel.

Tara Sloan pictured in a living room with a view of a city in the background

Rebecca Parker: Gryphon Student‑Athlete Speaker

Representing the next generation of excellence in sport is Rebecca Parker, a fifth‑year Criminal Justice and Public Policy student‑athlete at the University of Guelph. Parker delivered a historic performance at the 2026 OUA Track and Field Championships, capturing double gold in the women's pentathlon and long jump while setting a new OUA pentathlon record with 4,234 points.

Her championship meet included event records in both the 60m hurdles and long jump, earning her the prestigious Dr. Wendy Jerome Trophy as the meet's most valuable performer. Parker continued her success on the national stage with a silver medal finish at the U SPORTS Championships, contributing to a U SPORTS women's team championship title. Her story embodies the perseverance, balance, and ambition at the heart of the She's Got Game mission.

Gala Details

The She's Got Game gala raises critical funds to support women's athletic scholarships. We look forward to welcoming everyone who continues to champion our student-athletes and women's varsity programs. Tickets are still available, see below details.

Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 5-9:30pm
Location: Creelman Hall, University of Guelph
Tickets: Tickets/Tables now on available: click here
Tickets on sale until Friday, April 24 @ 5pm.

General Questions: Please email gryphon.events@uoguelph.ca
Learn More about the She's Got Game Initiative visit: she'sgotgame.ca

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