Tennis Canada has officially announced Dawn Staley as the keynote speaker for the 2025 UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference. Staley, a champion both on and off the court, will take the stage on August 5 at Toronto’s Sobeys Stadium during the National Bank Open’s Championship Week.
This year’s conference, themed Stronger Together, highlights the importance of unity in creating lasting change for women and girls in sports.
Dawn Staley to Lead Gender Equity Conversation at UNMATCHED 2025
As one of the most respected voices in sports, Dawn Staley brings unmatched experience and advocacy to this year’s event. The University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Head Coach has made headlines not just for her victories but for her outspoken commitment to equality.
Staley is the first Black woman to win three NCAA National Championships as a coach. She’s also an Olympic Gold medalist and a dedicated advocate for gender equity in athletics. Now, she adds UNMATCHED 2025 keynote speaker to her growing list of achievements.
Stronger Together: A New Chapter for UNMATCHED Conference
For the first time, the conference moves to the VIP Lounge presented by Audi at Sobeys Stadium, offering an elevated experience for attendees. The new location sits at the heart of the National Bank Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.
This year also marks a milestone for the event. Staley will serve as the first keynote speaker from outside the tennis world, following a respected lineup that includes Billie Jean King, Maria Sharapova, and Venus Williams in previous years.
A Champion for Equality Beyond the Court
While Dawn Staley’s athletic record is remarkable, her advocacy work has had lasting impact. In 2021, she publicly called out the NCAA for the unequal conditions at women’s and men’s basketball tournaments. Her bold stance led to immediate improvements.
Her leadership has earned her major honors, including the Billie Jean King Leadership Award in 2022 and the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2023 ESPYs. Staley’s participation in this conference strengthens its growing reputation as a platform for meaningful change.
“Dawn is the epitome of an equity advocate, and she perfectly embodies this year’s conference theme, Stronger Together,” said Eva Havaris, Senior Vice President of Tennis Development and Partnerships at Tennis Canada.
Tennis Canada’s Game. Set. Equity. Initiative Moves Forward
The UNMATCHED Conference is part of Tennis Canada’s broader Game. Set. Equity. strategy, which focuses on advancing gender equity across all levels of the sport. This includes leadership positions, player development, media coverage, and community programs.
Earlier this year, the organization released its GSE Impact Report in honor of International Women’s Day. The report shares early outcomes from their initiatives and outlines the next steps as they work toward their 2027 equity goals.
Tickets for UNMATCHED 2025 are now available, offering sports fans and equity advocates a chance to learn, connect, and be inspired by Dawn Staley and other change-makers.
