Beyond the Game: A Business Lunch with Bendigo Spirit

In sport and in business, the rules are the same: lead, adapt, win.

Join us for lunch with Olympians and Bendigo Spirit basketball stars Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo, plus their coach Kennedy Kereama, for a panel interview and Q&A on how elite sport has shaped their approach to leadership, resilience, and building winning teams.

Fresh off their 2024 WNBL championship, Bendigo Spirit are proof of the power of strong relationships and leadership in any team - sport or business. Griffin will share insights from her time as team captain, as well as career highlights including being named MVP and winning silver at the 2017 Asia Cup, and taking home gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Tolo will reflect on her extensive career as a five-time WNBL Champion, her bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and her time competing in the WNBA. Together with Coach Kereama, they’ll also share their off-court achievements and the life lessons that apply far beyond the game.

As trailblazers in professional sport and role models for women in leadership, Kelsey and Marianna know what it takes to perform under pressure, overcome challenges, and unite a team behind a common goal. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or striving for personal success, you’ll leave with practical strategies and fresh motivation to lift your game.

Seats are limited — book now to secure your place!

More About your Speakers:

Kelsey Griffin -

Kelsey was born in Anchorage, Alaska and started playing basketball at high school. She attended at the University of Nebraska where she received several accolades before being drafted in 2010 at #3 in the WNBA draft.

Kelsey played basketball in Europe before heading to Australia in 2012 were she played for the Bendigo Spirit. The Spirit won the championship that season as well as the following year.

In 2015 Kelsey became an Australian citizen and represented Australia at a number of international tournaments. Most notably she was involved in winning a silver medal at the Asia Cup and a Gold Medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Kelsey went to Canberra to play for the Canberra Capitals, where alongside Marianna Tolo, they won back to back championships.

In 2022 Kelsey returned to play for the Bendigo Spirit and in March this year the team returned to the finals for the first time in 10 years and won the championship, the 5th in Kelsey’s career.

Besides the team and personal accolades, Kelsey is well known for her leadership and her commitment to the Bendigo community. She holds a Master of Teaching and is finishing her MBA in October.

In the off season, Kelsey can be found at mountain bike parks around Australia

Marianna Tolo -

Born in Mackay, Queensland, Marianna had her passion for sport ignited after meeting Olympic Gold medallist Cathy Freeman.

At 16, Marianna got a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport which laid the foundation for her professional career.

Marianna played in the Womens’ National Basketball League for the Canberra Capitals where in her time with the team she won 4 titles (two with Kelsey). She spent several years playing basketball abroad in the WNBA after being drafted by the LA Sparks as well as spending time dominating in Europe.

She fulfilled her life long dream and has represented Australia at several international events including but not limited to, World Championships, Asia Cup as well as playing in three Olympic Games! Most recently, Marianna was a huge part of the bronze medal winning team at the Paris Olympics.

In 2024 Marianna came to Bendigo to play for the Bendigo Spirit where she was a massive part of the championship winning team.

While also receiving many team and personal accolades, Marianna is known for her resilience, leadership and dedication to Basketball.

In the off season when not representing her country, Marianna can be found in the bushland around Bendigo with her gold detector hunting for gold.

Also check out other Sports events in Warrnambool, Meetups in Warrnambool.