Meet Lauren Holtkamp, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Natalie Sago, and now Jenna Schroeder. Holtkamp, Moyer-Gleich, and Sago were the only three female referees that were active in the NBA for the 2018 season. The three were back in 2019 with the addition of Schroeder who became the sixth woman to make it to the NBA level in the history of the game.

All four are also former DII athletes.

In fact, this group of DII alum continue to make history. In 2024, Moyer-Gleich left her mark in NBA lore as part of 2024 playoff officiating crew, becoming just the second woman to referee an NBA playoff game. 

Schroeder is the most recent to join the NBA ranks. She was not only a graduate from Saginaw Valley State, but she was also the Cardinals leading scorer. Prior to her becoming a full-time NBA referee, we had the opportunity to speak to Holtkamp, Moyer-Gleich, and Sago at the conclusion of the 2018 season. Let’s look back at how these DII student-athletes are blazing a trail for future women in the NBA. 

Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day! Today we celebrate the women in sports leading us forward. Starting with Lauren Holtkamp, Ashley Moyer-Gleich and Natalie Sago; All current NBA refs and former collegiate athletes #NGWSD #LeadHerForward @WomensSportsFdn