CLEVELAND – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced Tyler Gillum, head coach of the Savannah Bananas, as a featured speaker at the 61^st Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Gillum will address all attendees on Monday, June 8, at 4 p.m. PT, in the Association-Wide Featured Session sponsored by Ameritas.
 
"Now more than ever, NACDA and its Affiliate Associations are an especially important resource for members across the country to lean on as we come together to write the next chapter of intercollegiate athletics," said NACDA President Sean T. Frazier, Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation at Northern Illinois University. "The Annual Convention remains one of the premier places for professional development, and kicking off the 2026 event with Tyler Gillum will provide us all with an energizing and motivating message to inspire creativity and thoughtful leadership in any role."
 
Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to inspiring and helping others achieve their dreams. His mantra—"Bet on yourself"—has been the driving force behind his exceptional journey, which has inspired over a million people in both sports and business. From a childhood growing up on the rodeo circuit to being the head coach of the Savannah Bananas, Gillum's story is one of resilience, vision, and servant leadership.
 
Gillum's college baseball coaching career spanned from 2010-22, during which he recruited, developed, and built championship teams. He wasn't just a coach who focused on baseball skills; he created environments where athletes could thrive, grow, and ultimately achieve their dreams. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2018 when he became the head coach of the Savannah Bananas. There, he worked alongside owner Jesse Cole to develop a new innovative sport called Banana Ball, a unique brand of baseball designed to entertain and engage fans like never before. The combination of being "Fans First," having fun and developing players has led to championships, Hall of Fame inductions and playing in America's biggest stadiums.
 
Gillum's impact isn't limited to the baseball diamond. As a speaker, he uses his platform to inspire both individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. He teaches audiences how to implement actionable plans for success, blending the lessons of sports with business strategies. Through stories and hands-on advice, he encourages people to live with a "do for one what you wish you could do for many" mindset and create "never forget moments" for those around them. Regardless of the type of role you hold within sports or business, Gillum's message is clear: Bet on yourself, and always remember to serve those around you.
 
NACDA & Affiliates Convention attendees from all Associations are encouraged to attend Gillum's Featured Session, which will also include recognition for several of NACDA's prestigious awards, including the James J. Corbett Memorial Award, NACDA Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and the Robert Vecchione Corporate Partner Award.
 
Hotel and Convention registration for #NACDA26 will officially launch on Tuesday, February 24. Visit nacda.com/convention for more information and resources as they are available.
 
About NACDA: Now in its 61st year, NACDA is the professional and educational Association for more than 24,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,300 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. NACDA manages 19 professional associations and four foundations. In addition to virtual programming, NACDA hosts and/or has a presence at seven major professional development events in-person annually. The NACDA & Affiliates Convention is the largest gathering of collegiate athletics administrators in the country. For more information, visit www.nacda.com.