Purdue Fort Wayne Coach Speaks at Annual Leadership Luncheon

Maria Marchesano, a Fort Wayne native, headlined the World Baseball Academy's event honoring top high school student-athletes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The World Baseball Academy hosted its ninth annual Beyond The Game Leadership Luncheon on Wednesday, honoring some of the top high school student-athletes in northeast Indiana. Purdue Fort Wayne women's basketball head coach Maria Marchesano, a Fort Wayne native and Elmhurst High School graduate, was the featured speaker at the event.

Why it matters

The annual leadership luncheon provides recognition and inspiration for high school athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. As a successful local coach, Marchesano's participation helps highlight the importance of developing well-rounded student-athletes in the community.

The details

Marchesano is in her fifth season leading the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons women's basketball team. This season, the Dons are 15-10 overall and 9-6 in Horizon League play. Last year, the team set a program record with 27 wins and advanced to the WNIT's Great 8.

  • The leadership luncheon took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Maria Marchesano

The head coach of the Purdue Fort Wayne women's basketball team and a Fort Wayne native who graduated from Elmhurst High School.

World Baseball Academy

The organization that hosted the ninth annual Beyond The Game Leadership Luncheon in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“A Fort Wayne native and Elmhurst High School graduate, Marchesano is in her fifth season leading the Mastodons.”

— Glenn Marini, Author (wane.com)

The takeaway

The annual leadership luncheon organized by the World Baseball Academy provides an important platform to recognize and inspire top high school student-athletes in the Fort Wayne community, with local coaches like Maria Marchesano helping to share their expertise and experiences.