For Julie Smulders, basketball was more than just a game—it was a foundation. The former UBC Thunderbirds player, now Chief Operating Officer of Willoughby Asset Management Inc., credits sport with shaping her into the leader she is today.

"Sport taught me resilience, confidence, and how to work with others. It has helped me so much in my career and in building relationships," says Smulders.

After graduating from Lord Byng Secondary in 1998, she spent two seasons as a UBC Thunderbird, and eventually took her talents overseas to play professionally in Holland. Today, she's using her experience to support the next generation of athletes. As one of UBC women's basketball's most engaged alumni, she's a fixture courtside at most games—but that wasn't always the case.

"I wasn't always as involved. For a while I was focused on my career, building my profession, and then I took a moment to think about how I could give back. I really love coming out and seeing the next generation. The least we can do is support them and help create an easier road for them."

That sense of responsibility fueled her latest initiative. In July, Smulders co-founded She's Got Next, a non-profit professional women's network, alongside her partner, marketing executive Jill Tracy. The idea took root after Smulders and Tracy attended the Canada West Women's Basketball Finals in Abbotsford last April and were struck by the lack of fan support for female university athletes. Just weeks later, they traveled to the U.S. for the NCAA Women's Final Four and saw firsthand the massive attention and enthusiasm surrounding that women's event. The contrast was undeniable.

"It became so evident that we can do so much more to help bridge the gap and elevate women's sport in Canada. A few months later, we brought a group of like-minded women together and shared our vision for She's Got Next. It has been exciting to watch this initiative take shape and it's clear that we can achieve so much more together."

The member-driven organization is focused on elevating women's sports in Canada while also paving the way for women to step into leadership roles in their careers.

"At the heart of this is community. We want to connect members with each other and with student-athletes. Our members range from varsity to national team athletes and professional women. We focus on hosting events, supporting women's sports, and being a platform to help women further their professional goals."

One of the upcoming events Smulders is especially passionate about is the INDOCHINO U SPORTS Women's and Men's Final 8 Basketball Championships presented by Victory Creative Group, taking place from March 13-16 right here on UBC's campus. This marks the first time a university has hosted the men's and women's national basketball championships together—a significant step toward increasing visibility for women's athletics.

"Hosting both tournaments in the same location creates buzz and helps with gender equity. I'm excited to see the university and hopefully the entire Lower Mainland sporting community rally behind this tournament. I encourage everyone to get your tickets and come out to watch some amazing basketball. It would be great to see UBC become Vancouver's team, the same way it happens in the States."

Smulders and She's Got Next have partnered up with UBC Atheltics to host a 'Breakfast with Champions' to coincide with U SPORTS Nationals. This now sold-out event is a celebration and conversation with the leaders, athletes, and students shaping the future of women's sports and leadership. Attendees will get to hear from leaders who are shaping Canada's new women's pro sports leagues in a panel discussion. 

With She's Got Next gaining momentum and UBC at the forefront of hosting historic events, Smulders is proving that the power of sport extends far beyond the court. Her commitment to mentorship, community, and the future of women's sports is inspiring a new generation to push boundaries and aim higher.
 
To join the excitement of the Final 8 Basketball Championships, you can find out the schedule and how to get your tickets here.