Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird Episode 3: The Jackie Young Interview Release Date: May 30, 2025
Introduction
In the third episode of Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird, Hall of Famer Sue Bird sits down with Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young. The conversation delves deep into Jackie's journey in the WNBA, her evolution as a player, and the dynamics within the team that have propelled the Aces to success. This engaging interview offers listeners a comprehensive look into the life and career of one of the league's standout players.
Early Career and College Days
Jackie Young reflects on her high school and college basketball experiences, highlighting her natural ability to attack the basket and her initial hesitance to shoot three-pointers.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [11:01]: "Yeah. I could still get to the basket, honestly, like, just try to get to the rim."
Sue Bird probes into Jackie's recruitment process, revealing that there was no external pressure for Jackie to stay in-state, as her heart was set on attending Notre Dame.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [11:19]: "I didn't feel it. At least I knew I wanted to go to Notre Dame for a long time."
Jackie discusses her time at Notre Dame, emphasizing the supportive environment and the impact of playing under Coach Kayla McBride.
Transition to the WNBA
Leaving Notre Dame after three years, Jackie explains the tough decision driven by her desire to support her family financially.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [22:02]: "I wanted to help my family. If I could do that a year earlier, then that's what I was going to do."
Sue Bird shares insights into Jackie's draft night experience, describing it as life-changing and filled with intense emotions.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [25:01]: "It was life-changing. I have my mom, my brother, and my sister there with me."
Jackie was selected by the Las Vegas Aces and discusses her initial challenges, particularly adjusting to the role of a point guard, a position she was not accustomed to during her college years.
Evolution of Her Game
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Jackie's transformation into a proficient three-point shooter, a crucial development for her career and the team's strategy.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [45:08]: "I flipped my mindset and then I just got in the gym and I was just working my butt off, you know, every day so that I had confidence to shoot in the games."
She credits Coach Becky Hammon for instilling the importance of shooting three-pointers, leading to a substantial improvement in her shooting percentages.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
Jackie emphasizes the influence of her teammates, particularly Asia Durr, who took her under her wing from the start. She highlights the collaborative environment fostered within the Aces, where every player contributes to the team's success.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [29:07]: "Asia took me under her wing and just showed me the way she had just gone through it."
Sue and Jackie discuss the impact of veteran players like Chelsea Gray, whose leadership and experience have been pivotal in the team's continued success.
Overcoming Challenges
The conversation touches on the team's setbacks, including playoff losses and player injuries, and how these challenges have served as learning experiences that fuel their drive to win championships.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [34:50]: "It definitely motivated us. We want to be on the other side of this."
Jackie also shares personal challenges, such as playing through a knee injury during the Olympics, and the mental resilience required to perform under such circumstances.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [51:15]: "I tried to finish the rest of the season. Ended up being trash, obviously, but I'm..."
Achievements and Recognition
Jackie proudly discusses her accolades, including being voted the league's Most Improved Player, and her role in leading the Aces to back-to-back championships.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [47:21]: "I’m proud of being the most improved player that year. It shows how much work you put in."
She acknowledges the hard work of her teammates and coaching staff, attributing the team's success to their collective effort and unwavering commitment to the championship goal.
Looking Forward
As the conversation wraps up, Jackie shares her thoughts on the future of the Las Vegas Aces, especially following recent trades. She expresses excitement about new teammates like Jewel Lloyd and the continued pursuit of excellence.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [55:13]: "Jewel is great. She’s my teammate, you know, so being on this side of it with her and not having to guard her."
Jackie concludes by reaffirming the team's championship mentality and the sacrifices they make to achieve their objectives.
Notable Quote:
Jackie Young [56:18]: "We all have the same goal. Whatever that takes, whatever that looks like, whether it's on the defensive side, the offensive side."
Conclusion
This episode of Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird offers a profound insight into Jackie Young's professional journey, her growth as a player, and the intricate dynamics of the Las Vegas Aces. With candid discussions, memorable quotes, and a heartfelt narrative, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to excel in the WNBA and the relentless pursuit of greatness by Jackie Young and her team.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the points in the provided transcript where the quotes were taken.