Event to celebrate women’s basketball
WNBA champion and University of Texas legend Fran Harris will bring the inaugural EXALT® Fest to Columbia July 31–August 1, 2026 featuring five women’s basketball experiences for athletes and fans including a women’s basketball documentary screening, women’s fantasy camp, elite skills clinic, free youth clinic and a pro-ready combine.
Women’s basketball participation and fan interest continue to grow nationwide, but post-collegiate playing opportunities remain limited. EXALT was created to bridge that gap by combining basketball competition, career & biz development, financial literacy, community and fan engagement into one ecosystem.
“We’re laying the foundation for an event that I believe can/will become the premier women’s basketball, community and fan festival in the world,” said Harris. “Columbia is THE place to pilot EXALT FEST.”
Harris is partnering with Kristen Dickerson — local high school (Dreher) basketball coach and former owner of the semi-pro Carolina Crusaders — to launch EXALT FEST, Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Columbia.
The weekend tips off Friday (6:00 – 8:00 PM) with a 50-min screening of Harris’s women’s pro basketball documentary, A League of Our Own. Q&A discussion with Harris follows the screening at RC Wellness Center – 306 Flora Dr. – Columbia, SC 29223.
Saturday features a full day of programming (pick one or all) – ALL events at Providence Park 578 Anders Dr, Columbia, SC 29180.
• 8:00 – 9:30 AM — Fantasy Basketball Camp for adult women 30+
• 10:00 – 12:00 PM — NEXT LEVEL Camp for girls in grades 8–12
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM — FREE Youth Clinic for COED players ages 8-12
• 5:00 – 8:00 PM — PRO READY Combine for elite college-bound, college and post-collegiate players
Registration and tickets available now at ExaltFest.com.