Moderator
Hannah Wing Pontikes: On-Air Host and Influencer Marketing Manager
Hannah Wing Pontikes has been an on-air host for hundreds of sporting events in DFW - including the Texas Rangers, Big 12 Football Championships & Media Days, Southern Methodist University, Dallas Pulse, COSM and more. She also created one of the first influencer marketing programs in Major League Baseball and has managed creator programs for the Texas Rangers, Dallas Open, Big 12, PBR, the Texas Rattlers, Arlington Renegades and more.
Panelist
Dayna Scherf: Vice President of Women’s Basketball for Big 12 Conference
Kendi Jean is a Fort Worth-based Americana songwriter, recording artist and performer, proudly calling herself “Motown-born & Cowtown-raised.” Since diving boots-first into the Texas music scene in 2020, she has blended soulful vocals with award-winning songwriting and the bold, rootsy energy of her band, The Smokeshow. The result is a sound she calls “fonky-tonk,” bold, funky and undeniably Texas. Her single “Your Eyes Are Lyin’” reached the top 50 on the Texas Country Music Chart and spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Texas Internet Radio Chart. Since her debut album A Real Good Handful in April 2020, Kendi has charted 14 songs across Texas radio. Named 2024 JMA Folk/Americana Artist of the Year, she is currently nominated for six JMAs, including Americana Album, Artist and Song of the Year. Kendi Jean’s music defies boxes, delivering soul, grit and pure Texas spirit.
Christen Lockett: Founder & CEO of Lockett-Up Public Relations
Christen Lockett is the founder of Lockett-Up Public Relations and a culture-forward strategist with more than a decade of experience shaping brands in sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Her ability to merge strategy and storytelling has helped athletes, executives, influencers, and businesses strengthen their presence and grow with purpose.
Alexandria Williams: Director of Marketing, Corporate Sponsorship and Merchandise for Dallas Mavericks
Alexandria Williams is a seasoned marketing and branding strategist with more than 14 years of experience driving growth, cultural relevance, and brand innovation across leading national organizations. Alexandria currently serves as Director of Marketing, Corporate Sponsorships, and Merchandise for the Dallas Mavericks, where she leads strategic initiatives that expand partnerships, accelerate revenue opportunities, and enhance brand equity. In this role, she oversees comprehensive marketing strategy and execution for major organizational campaigns including NBA All-Star Voting, City Edition launches, the 45th Hardwood Classic, and global merchandise marketing, while also leading creative direction and production for brand photoshoots.
Brie Murray: Social Media Manager for the Dallas Cowboys
Matthew McNeal is a songwriter and artist based out of Fort Worth, Texas, known for crafting a modern analog sound while blurring the lines of genre. From performing hundreds of coast-to-coast dates across the US to running a studio and record label, McNeal and longtime-collaborator Andre Black have always aimed to shine a light on the world-class artistry and culture coming out of Fort Worth. The band has released five studio albums alongside an all-star cast of studio personnel, all of which have aimed to move the needle forward in terms of creativity and storytelling with each song. When all of the elements come together - the spirit of indie rock, the passion of soul music, and the honesty of country music - Matthew McNeal and company craft a sound that is uniquely their own while being unmistakably representative of modern Texas music.
Katie Ristow: Big 12 Associate Vice President, Brand for the Big 12 Conference
Katie Ristow joined the Big 12 Conference in December of 2022 as Senior Director - Brand and was elevated to Associate Vice President - Brand in 2024. Ristow oversees, develops and deploys various marketing initiatives and branding efforts to achieve long and short-term goals. She works closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and external agencies to set the overall marketing strategy, elevate the Big 12’s brand, captivate new and diverse audiences, deliver best-in-class experiences and drive revenue.
Camille Smith, Assistant Coach, Dallas Wings
Smith rejoins the Wings after serving as an assistant coach during the 2025 season. The 13-year WNBA veteran also served as a Player Development Coach for Dallas in 2020. Smith, formerly Little, retired from her playing career in 2019 after successful stints in San Antonio, Seattle, including winning a WNBA Championship with the Storm in 2010, Connecticut and Phoenix, along with an impressive run in international leagues. Before her retirement, Smith, along with Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker, were the only three players in the WNBA with 1,500 career rebounds and over 150 made three-pointers. Smith was voted to the STORM25 – the top 25 players in Seattle franchise history as voted on by the fans and recognized during the 2024 season. Smith attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, leading the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances in her four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications from UNC.