MIES (Switzerland) – Hosted by Greydy Diaz and featuring retired NBA referee Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, the webinar focused on the mental toughness and communication skills needed for referees to remain calm and effective under high-pressure game conditions.

The January 2026 Women in Officiating webinar was far more than a technical drill. It was a masterclass in the mental strength needed to succeed at basketball’s highest levels.

As the game gets faster and the stakes climb, a referee’s greatest strength is their ability to stay calm while emotions run high. The session broke down exactly how elite referees keep their cool when the game is on the line and every pair of eyes in the arena is watching.

 

 

Experience & Insight

Our host, Greydy Diaz, was joined by Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, a retired NBA referee. She was a role model for many, becoming only the third female referee hired by the NBA in 2013. Lauren offered a rare look behind the curtain, sharing how she prepared mentally long before the first whistle blew and how she handled the intense spotlight of the professional stage.

The webinar was full of breakthrough moments, but these key takeaways truly captured the spirit of the session:
•    "The goal is to bring a sense of calm—not just to yourself, but to the entire atmosphere of the game."
•    "Preparation is the cure for panic. When you practice your communication as much as your positioning, pressure becomes something you can handle."

 

Watch the Full Webinar

 

FIBA