Organizational updates: Jenny Carnes joins governing board, Dan Hughes, Mandy Tyler to advisory board
The Basketball Embassy added three valuable pieces to its leadership structure in the spring, with San Antonio Sports Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Jenny Carnes joining the governing board, while 2X WNBA Champion head coach Dan Hughes and San Antonio Spurs consulting team dietician Mandy Tyler head to the advisory board.
“As TBE finds itself on the heels of two of the toughest years its had since its inception, we knew not only would we need support and strategic assistance as we climb back out into the world to do good by the game, but we also knew we needed passionate, driven, and dedicated individuals,” TBE president Chris Dial said. “We found those characteristics in our three newest board members.”
Carnes, a former All-American on the University of the Incarnate Word’s nationally ranked basketball team, has been with San Antonio Sports since 1999 and has an extensive list of accomplishments in her illustrious career. In 2020, Carnes was named the San Antonio Express-News Sportswoman of the Year and has served as executive director in both the men’s and women’s NCAA Final Four organizing committees.
“Jenny Carnes has been a trailblazer in her career here in San Antonio and abroad,” Dial said. “She’s got a vast knowledge of not only basketball, but how sports can impact and positively affect communities. She’s dedicated her profession to supporting endeavors and initiatives that align with completely with what TBE is trying to do. We’re really fortunate and honored to have her serve on our governing board.”
Joining TBE’s advisory board is legendary WNBA coach Dan Hughes, who became a fixture in the San Antonio basketball community when he served as head coach and general manager of the San Antonio Stars from 2005-2009 and 2011-2016.
“When I think about ambassadors to the game, Dan Hughes is one of the best examples of that that comes to my mind,” Dial said. “Coach Hughes has been an incredible advocate for women’s empowerment through sport and the game of basketball. I’ve been really humbled and fortunate that Dan has been as kind to me personally in my quest to be a better coach, a better mentor, and a better person. As an advisory board member, he’s going to continue, but in a more formal role, to help TBE traverse what will undoubtedly be hurdles and obstacles in our path as we move forward to connect and build community and to grow new ambassadors to the sport of basketball.”
Mandy Tyler is the consulting team dietitian for the San Antonio Spurs and Austin Spurs and has experience working with athletes at the collegiate and high school levels. In addition to being a Sports Dietitian, Mandy is actively involved in the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council and is on the Board of Directors for CHEF – Culinary Health Education for Families.
“As The Basketball Embassy continues to provide a holistic approach to community development and empowering youth and emerging leaders, we recognized the necessity of emphasizing sports-related nutrition and diet,” Dial said. “Not only do these elements contribute to better players, teams, and programs, but generally are a large component of a better quality of life. In that, we feel very fortunate to have someone like Mandy, who is not only extremely knowledgeable and familiar with the dynamics of a basketball player and their needs, but also someone joining our advisory board that’s passionate about helping people and that approaches her craft with a unique drive and willingness to share. We’re glad Mandy’s on board and look forward to what the future holds for The Basketball Embassy.”
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