The Indiana Hoosiers Women’s Basketball team is beginning their March Madness run as a #4 seed in the NCAA tournament. Although millions will tune in to watch the tournament, most won’t see the behind-the-scenes MVP, Briana Schomaeker, Indiana University Women’s Basketball Director of Player Development. Schomaeker plays a huge role in the team’s success by organizing their logistics and day-to-day schedules, but her superpower is providing the team with compassion and empathy.

Leading with Compassion and Empathy

“I think our student-athletes know that I am a safe space. I don’t need anything from them (other than food orders, lol). But I am a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, I am their biggest fan and supporter,” Schomaeker said. “I do my best to always lift them up when they feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. I have been in their shoes, and I know what it’s like to feel some of their day-to-day pressures.”

For Schomaeker, building strong relationships with student-athletes is crucial; cultivating trust and rapport keeps this foundation strong for success on and off the court.

“As a staff, we do our best to make sure they always feel our love and support, and I think that is why we have been able to be successful.” Briana Schomaeker, Indiana University Women’s Basketball Director of Player Development

Logistics & Basketball

Each day as Director of Player Development is different, with its own unique challenges and triumphs. Schomaeker loves that this position allows her to build a relationship with each and every student-athlete, helping them navigate success on and off the court. Building these relationships with the student-athletes helps Schomaeker in the other part of her job – logistical team management. Additionally, tools like Teamworks Hub, help bring the team together by streamlining communications, sharing calendars, and holding each other accountable. 

“I am always planning, so Teamworks certainly comes in handy. It can be a little hectic and sometimes things are out of your control, but I do my best to make sure everyone in my travel party is well taken care of.”

Travel is hectic during basketball season and certainly during the Tournament as the Hoosiers make their run. The Hub Travel feature optimizes the trip-planning process, making the whole process faster and easier, even during chaotic times. To keep all her student-athletes in the know about schedule updates or time changes, Schomaeker utilizes her favorite Hub feature, message blast.

“Before Teamworks, I had at least 5-7 different text messaging groups that I would have to send messages to when we had changed the itinerary. But now, with the message blast, I am able to reach out to everyone and still have specific groups if I need to, all in one click,” Schomaeker explained. “ I also appreciate the feature of making changes to the itinerary from my phone. As you know, itineraries change multiple times throughout the trip, so it’s nice to be able to make real-time edits and changes.”

We are here to help MVPs like Briana Schomaeker with the logistical details, allowing her compassion and empathy to truly lead the way in developing players. We wish Indiana the best of luck in their journey throughout the Tournament.

Powering The Madness

Teamworks proudly powers the Men’s & Women’s college basketball tournament. For more information on how Teamworks and our Hub product can help your unsung heroes like Briana Schomaeker, visit here.