Beth Gattuso, an organizational development consultant with the City of Phoenix, said on March 16 that the upcoming 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four represents more than just a major sporting event for the city. Gattuso credits her background in basketball for shaping her approach to leadership and professional growth.
The event is seen as an opportunity to highlight the broader impact of women’s sports and leadership within the community. Gattuso said, “Basketball and sports really has given me a lot. It allowed me to go to college. It allowed me to see the world.”
Gattuso played basketball in high school and college before moving into coaching, which took her around the globe. She emphasized that while winning was important, it was not what mattered most. “Creating experiences and developing communication and connection with people, that is really what is important,” she said.
After two decades working for the City of Phoenix, Gattuso now focuses on developing leaders across departments and building collaborative teams behind the scenes. She noted changes over time in opportunities for women: “When I was growing up, there were not a lot of women in leadership roles,” she said. “There have been a lot of developmental programs and mentorships. I have seen it. I know women’s sports has seen it. There are a lot more people in leadership roles, especially in administrative roles. And I only see it getting stronger.”
Gattuso participates in programs such as Mentor Phoenix to mentor emerging city leaders and hopes to support future generations. “I am so grateful for everything that sports has given me,” she said.
As Phoenix prepares for the Women’s Final Four from March 19 through March 22, Gattuso’s experience highlights how involvement in athletics can influence careers beyond sports.
