Romeoville, Ill. – Lewis University women's basketball head coach
Dodie Dunson Jr. has been selected as a host committee ambassador for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend, which will take place in Chicago from July 24-25.
As one of 14 ambassadors, Dunson will help promote the event while supporting community initiatives throughout Chicago. Alongside fellow ambassadors, he will celebrate the continued growth of women's basketball and help highlight Chicago as one of the nation's premier basketball cities. Along with Dunson, Carla Berube (Northwestern University), Ashleen Bracey (University of Illinois Chicago), Tethnie Carrillo (Dominican University), Corry Irvin (Chicago State University), Clarissa Flores (Level Sporting Club), Michelle Gardner-Bilek (University of Chicago), Kira Mowen (Knox College), Morgan Paige (Loyola University Chicago), Jill Pizzotti (DePaul University), Carissa Sain (Illinois Tech), Zaphoria Smith (Wilbur Wright College), Deon Thomas (Roosevelt University) and Oliver Wiseman (Benedictine University) will also serve as ambassadors for the event.
"I'm truly honored to serve as a host committee ambassador for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend," Dunson said. "This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the continued growth and impact of women's basketball while representing both Lewis University and the city of Chicago. I'm grateful to be part of an event that shines a spotlight on the remarkable athletes, coaches and leaders who continue to elevate women's sports, and I look forward to helping inspire and empower the next generation."
Entering his second season with the Flyers, Dunson has established himself as a leader dedicated to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. This past season, he guided the Flyers to 18 wins and saw
Ally Cesarini (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to earn the accolade. She was not the only member of the Flyers to earn postseason honors as
Yahaira Bueno (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) was named to the All-GLVC Second Team and
Mallory Ramage (Mattoon, Ill./Loyola Chicago) was tabbed to the first team.
For the latest news and updates on Lewis Women's basketball, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @lewiswbball on Instagram and @LewisWBBall on X.
