Kelsey Plum Opens Up About Leaving the Aces, Proving Herself, and Leading the Sparks

Podcast: Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird
Episode: Kelsey Plum Opens Up About Leaving the Aces, Proving Herself, and Leading the Sparks
Date: August 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this powerful and candid episode, Sue Bird welcomes WNBA superstar Kelsey Plum to discuss her highly publicized move from the Las Vegas Aces to the Los Angeles Sparks, the origins of her competitiveness and unshakeable confidence, her journey of constant self-proving, navigating the business and pressure of today’s WNBA, and how she’s embracing being the leader on a young, hungry Sparks squad. The conversation covers family influences, overcoming adversity, elite work ethic, mental health, teamwork, league narratives, and the evolving landscape for women’s basketball today. Expect compelling storytelling, vulnerable admissions, and plenty of insight into both Kelsey’s unique mentality and the state of the WNBA.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of Plum’s Drive: Family, Upbringing, and Early Basketball Dreams

[15:32–19:04]

Kelsey reflects on being shaped by a highly athletic family, with parents and siblings excelling in volleyball and football.
From a young age, her father instilled a sense of self-sufficiency:
“He would set food. Go get it. He wouldn’t hand it, he would just set it. Gotta take it.” (KP, 15:34)
Despite being a stronger volleyball player and having no basketball in her family, Plum zeroed in on the WNBA after watching Diana Taurasi’s boldness at UConn:
“I just told my mom, I’m going to the WNBA. That’s what I want to do. There’s no plan B.” (KP, 17:26)

2. College Years, UW Growth, and the Scorer’s Mentality

[20:09–26:55]

Chose UW inspired by her sister’s journey raising Oregon volleyball to new heights, wanting to lead a program rather than joining a Blue Blood.
Finished her college career as the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, breaking the record with 57 points on Senior Night.
Plum describes the performance:
“I definitely think I always had just a level of competitiveness… that day, I woke up… I did not feel good… and then, as the game’s going, you’re like, okay, pretty good.” (KP, 21:50)
Her ambition at UW included pitching herself for a Storm internship just to be around the league (25:22).
“Looking back, it’s delusional. I never once was like, it’s impossible. Just delusional, irrational confidence.” (KP, 26:02)

3. Transition and Struggles as the WNBA #1 Pick

[27:38–31:43]

Drafted by San Antonio, but quickly felt like she didn’t fit existing plans and the “keys” weren’t handed over as with some top picks:
“When I got there, it was very clear, made clear, ‘hey, we don’t want you here, but you’re here. We don’t know what to do with you.’” (KP, 28:18)
Massive expectations carried over from her scoring numbers at UW led to “absurd” public forecasts and nightly bullseyes as a rookie:
“I remember a poll came out: how many points will she average? Everyone said 20… I remember seeing that and being like, I’m screwed.” (KP, 30:27)
Despite a strong rookie campaign by typical standards, her role and fit were always reported as uncertain.

4. Overseas Trials and Building Resilience

[34:03–35:41]

First overseas stop: Fenerbahce in Turkey, one of the toughest situations for a rookie—one she now sees as formative:
“There’s nothing you could throw at me now that would shake me emotionally… I got a lot of the hardest hits early.” (KP, 35:14)
By year two in Vegas, after a productive overseas stint, she began to understand her value and gain confidence.

5. Proving Herself in Vegas – Again and Again

[36:00–39:01]

Moved with the team to Vegas: had to overcome a head coach (Bill Laimbeer) reluctant to build around her:
“Bill was very upfront… ‘I’m trying to trade you… you’re not my type of player’… again, delusional, I said: by the end of the year, I’m gonna win that spot.” (KP, 36:56–38:08)
Played a critical supporting role as A’ja Wilson became the franchise foundation.
Refused to be discouraged:
“Chipping away. Every day. Not going away.” (KP, 38:08)

6. Adapting, Mental Toughness, and Redefining Her Game

[42:44–50:01]

Discusses learning adaptability and perseverance through USA Basketball tryouts (a Survivor-like process, constantly being cut):
“I’m just gonna find a way… Adaptability is a skill. I had to become adaptable—with my game.” (KP, 44:42)
Overseas training and a serious Achilles injury led her to focus on physical transformation and build a pro-level work ethic—especially after working with renowned trainer Susan Borchardt: “Work with Susan is to be fit as fuck.” (SB, 51:12) “Step on the court and know: ‘I’m faster, stronger, in better shape, and I’ve endured more hell than you have.’” (KP, 51:38)
Her adaptability across roles and teams became a personal point of pride:
“You could put me in any situation, with any coach, with any players… I’m not just gonna figure out how to make it work, I”m gonna thrive.” (KP, 54:29)

7. The Aces’ Dynasty Run: Coming Off the Bench, the Delusion of Confidence, and Championship Mentality

[59:45–70:49]

2021: Embraced a sixth-player role and was named Sixth Woman of the Year, improving her efficiency and confidence.
Frustrations at times about being overlooked or underused, yet she “doubled down” and waited for opportunity.
2022: New coach Becky Hammon initially slotted her for a bench role, which Plum took as motivation:
“I set the phone down and almost lost it. I told [Becky], ‘I’m the best guard you have, and I will win that spot, so keep an open fucking mind’… First day in camp… I dominated.” (KP, 64:43)
Discussions about playing in one of the game’s best backcourts with Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, and the challenges/ego bumps of going back-to-back for championships:
“Candace told me—after you win, everyone’s ego goes up a bit, and they all come back wanting more stats, more points, but really, you’re probably gonna do exactly the same.” (KP, 69:14)

8. Overcoming Adversity—Personal and Professional—& the Choice to Move On

[73:30–78:21]

The hardship of the 2024 season: personal struggles (including her public divorce) and feeling her role becoming marginalized while sacrificing for the team: “I showed up and played, and had the best attitude I could, because that was awful. Just straight up awful. To experience publicly like that.” (KP, 73:30)
With four Olympians, sacrifices for the “super team” eventually led to feeling capped out, underappreciated, and needing a new environment: “I felt like my growth was kind of capped in Vegas… can I ever reach the capacity of the player I know I can be?” (KP, 75:05)

9. Navigating the Modern WNBA: Media, Narratives, Burnout, and Respect

[82:17–96:06]

The media and attention around the league now are at an all-time high—sometimes making the mental side of being a WNBA star monumental.
The pressure and “parlay culture” of gambling and social media:
“You don’t hit the over… you’re getting burned. That’s crazy. It’s a new world we’re in.” (KP, 84:42)
On her controversial All-Star “Team Clark” joking comment, which landed awkwardly in a new, aggressively scrutinized environment: “Honestly, hindsight 20 20—I should’ve known it was a way more serious moment… I was just making a joke.” (KP, 85:58)
On feeling undervalued/overlooked in media conversations and amongst her peers:
“If you just read the impact or the stats, I think people would be like, ‘Oh!’… I think I get hit for lack of efficiency—super fair—but not everyone gets held to the same standard.” (KP, 87:28)

10. Choosing LA and Embracing Leadership/Legacy with the Sparks

[97:02–104:34]

Her move to LA was about scratching a leadership itch, requiring the ultimate “bet on myself”: “If you really believe you can impact winning at the highest level, only one way to find out.” (KP, 97:48)
Relationship with coach Lynn Roberts was key (“You’re my person. Let’s do this.” KP, 97:49)
The trade was not simple and required months of patience—and conviction
New role as a leader is “harder” than expected—being responsible “at a different level.” But she’s proud of how she’s handled the bumpy start as the Sparks try to build playoff momentum (101:33).
Leadership model is “lead by example, belief, and empowerment” for young players, wishing she’d had more vets to confide in as a rookie.

11. Sparks Future: Mentoring, Playoffs Push, and Adapting to the “Head of the Snake”

[104:41–113:02]

Raves about young star Rickea Jackson’s talent:
“Birdie, the other day in practice… she blocked a guy at the rim. I’ve never seen that before.” (KP, 104:41)
Describes the difference between being a role player versus “head of the snake”—greater responsibility, higher stakes, and need for patience.
The team is finally healthy and making a push for the playoffs; Plum credits on-court chemistry, playing faster, and scorer confidence.
Aims for team success first:
“The playoffs—winning and impacting winning. That would be awesome. That’s success for now.” (KP, 113:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On her mindset and confidence:
“My dad has a delusional level of confidence in everything... delusional, irrational confidence. I mean, you could say I still do now.” – Kelsey Plum (17:26, 26:02)
On repeatedly having to prove herself:
“Every turn I’ve had to basically, like, win whoever over—teammates, coaches... as hard as it’s been, it’s definitely been worth it.” (KP, 66:23)
On the impact of a championship:
“The first thing you think of is, I want to do this again... why not, why can’t we do this again?” (KP, 68:39)
On the challenge of leading a rebuilding team:
“It’s harder. Leading is harder. Being responsible at a different level… what you say, what you do—what you don’t say, what you don’t do—drastically affects outcomes.” (KP, 100:55)
On her move to LA:
“You get one swing at it… If you really believe you can impact winning at the highest level—only one way to find out.” (KP, 97:48)
On mentoring young teammates:
“I try to lead by example… looking back, I wish I had more vets that I could lean on to encourage me and empower me. That’s how I try to lead now—just belief.” (KP, 103:14)
On being overlooked and peer voting:
“Do I think I’m underrated?… I think people value you now, but I think there are times when players and their impact is overlooked.” – Sue Bird (91:03)
On her self-perception as a player:
“It’s never really about shine... it’s more about feeling like I’m the glue here. Call it what it is.” (KP, 93:02)

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:02] – Sue’s rundown of 2026 draft picks and playoff-seeding gamesmanship
[07:34] – Kelsey Plum’s cameo in Happy Gilmore 2, improv on set
[11:03] – Sue questions Kelsey’s drive, “Have you arrived?” (personal fulfillment)
[15:32] – Family upbringing and roots of Plum’s confidence
[21:50] – Dropping 57 in record-breaking NCAA performance
[28:18] – Drafted by San Antonio, initial misfit & culture shock
[35:14] – Overseas adversity and grit at Fenerbahce
[36:56] – Bill Laimbeer’s bluntness: “not my type of player,” trade rumors
[44:42] – Making the World Cup team: adaptability as a survival skill
[51:12] – The impact of trainer Susan Borchardt – mental and physical edge
[54:55] – Achilles injury: relief, growth, and the mental reset (2020)
[64:43] – Proving herself to Becky Hammon to win the starting role
[69:14] – Candace Parker’s wisdom about chasing repeat titles
[73:30] – Dealing with personal life turmoil (public divorce) and feeling capped
[84:42] – Navigating new media attention and “parlay”/gambling pressure
[85:58] – The “Team Clark” All-Star incident
[97:48] – Why she chose the Sparks: legacy, leadership, risk
[101:33] – Challenges of new leadership role
[104:41] – Rickea Jackson’s shot-blocking: “never seen that before”
[113:02] – Personal and team goals for present season: playoffs and impact

Tone & Takeaways

The episode spotlights Kelsey Plum’s blend of honesty, humor, and relentless self-belief, as well as her refusal to be boxed into any one role or narrative. From candid stories of feeling overlooked to moments of vulnerable self-doubt, Plum lays out the constant push-pull of proving herself in a high-pressure, ever-evolving league. The tone is raw, lively, and often hilarious, with both Sue and Kelsey quick to poke fun at themselves, recall league “war stories,” and dissect not just stats but what it actually means to “arrive.” Their camaraderie, respect, and inside perspective make this a must-listen (and must-read) for anyone interested in athlete mindset, women’s sports, and the realities behind building a basketball legacy.

This summary omits all advertisements, sponsor reads, and outro credits to focus solely on content.

Podcast: Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird
Episode: Kelsey Plum Opens Up About Leaving the Aces, Proving Herself, and Leading the Sparks
Date: August 15, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of Plum’s Drive: Family, Upbringing, and Early Basketball Dreams

[15:32–19:04]

Kelsey reflects on being shaped by a highly athletic family, with parents and siblings excelling in volleyball and football.
From a young age, her father instilled a sense of self-sufficiency:
“He would set food. Go get it. He wouldn’t hand it, he would just set it. Gotta take it.” (KP, 15:34)
Despite being a stronger volleyball player and having no basketball in her family, Plum zeroed in on the WNBA after watching Diana Taurasi’s boldness at UConn:
“I just told my mom, I’m going to the WNBA. That’s what I want to do. There’s no plan B.” (KP, 17:26)

2. College Years, UW Growth, and the Scorer’s Mentality

[20:09–26:55]

Chose UW inspired by her sister’s journey raising Oregon volleyball to new heights, wanting to lead a program rather than joining a Blue Blood.
Finished her college career as the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, breaking the record with 57 points on Senior Night.
Plum describes the performance:
“I definitely think I always had just a level of competitiveness… that day, I woke up… I did not feel good… and then, as the game’s going, you’re like, okay, pretty good.” (KP, 21:50)
Her ambition at UW included pitching herself for a Storm internship just to be around the league (25:22).
“Looking back, it’s delusional. I never once was like, it’s impossible. Just delusional, irrational confidence.” (KP, 26:02)

3. Transition and Struggles as the WNBA #1 Pick

[27:38–31:43]

Drafted by San Antonio, but quickly felt like she didn’t fit existing plans and the “keys” weren’t handed over as with some top picks:
“When I got there, it was very clear, made clear, ‘hey, we don’t want you here, but you’re here. We don’t know what to do with you.’” (KP, 28:18)
Massive expectations carried over from her scoring numbers at UW led to “absurd” public forecasts and nightly bullseyes as a rookie:
“I remember a poll came out: how many points will she average? Everyone said 20… I remember seeing that and being like, I’m screwed.” (KP, 30:27)
Despite a strong rookie campaign by typical standards, her role and fit were always reported as uncertain.

4. Overseas Trials and Building Resilience

[34:03–35:41]

First overseas stop: Fenerbahce in Turkey, one of the toughest situations for a rookie—one she now sees as formative:
“There’s nothing you could throw at me now that would shake me emotionally… I got a lot of the hardest hits early.” (KP, 35:14)
By year two in Vegas, after a productive overseas stint, she began to understand her value and gain confidence.

5. Proving Herself in Vegas – Again and Again

[36:00–39:01]

Moved with the team to Vegas: had to overcome a head coach (Bill Laimbeer) reluctant to build around her:
“Bill was very upfront… ‘I’m trying to trade you… you’re not my type of player’… again, delusional, I said: by the end of the year, I’m gonna win that spot.” (KP, 36:56–38:08)
Played a critical supporting role as A’ja Wilson became the franchise foundation.
Refused to be discouraged:
“Chipping away. Every day. Not going away.” (KP, 38:08)

6. Adapting, Mental Toughness, and Redefining Her Game

[42:44–50:01]

Discusses learning adaptability and perseverance through USA Basketball tryouts (a Survivor-like process, constantly being cut):
“I’m just gonna find a way… Adaptability is a skill. I had to become adaptable—with my game.” (KP, 44:42)
Overseas training and a serious Achilles injury led her to focus on physical transformation and build a pro-level work ethic—especially after working with renowned trainer Susan Borchardt: “Work with Susan is to be fit as fuck.” (SB, 51:12) “Step on the court and know: ‘I’m faster, stronger, in better shape, and I’ve endured more hell than you have.’” (KP, 51:38)
Her adaptability across roles and teams became a personal point of pride:
“You could put me in any situation, with any coach, with any players… I’m not just gonna figure out how to make it work, I”m gonna thrive.” (KP, 54:29)

7. The Aces’ Dynasty Run: Coming Off the Bench, the Delusion of Confidence, and Championship Mentality

[59:45–70:49]

2021: Embraced a sixth-player role and was named Sixth Woman of the Year, improving her efficiency and confidence.
Frustrations at times about being overlooked or underused, yet she “doubled down” and waited for opportunity.
2022: New coach Becky Hammon initially slotted her for a bench role, which Plum took as motivation:
“I set the phone down and almost lost it. I told [Becky], ‘I’m the best guard you have, and I will win that spot, so keep an open fucking mind’… First day in camp… I dominated.” (KP, 64:43)
Discussions about playing in one of the game’s best backcourts with Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, and the challenges/ego bumps of going back-to-back for championships:
“Candace told me—after you win, everyone’s ego goes up a bit, and they all come back wanting more stats, more points, but really, you’re probably gonna do exactly the same.” (KP, 69:14)

8. Overcoming Adversity—Personal and Professional—& the Choice to Move On

[73:30–78:21]

The hardship of the 2024 season: personal struggles (including her public divorce) and feeling her role becoming marginalized while sacrificing for the team: “I showed up and played, and had the best attitude I could, because that was awful. Just straight up awful. To experience publicly like that.” (KP, 73:30)
With four Olympians, sacrifices for the “super team” eventually led to feeling capped out, underappreciated, and needing a new environment: “I felt like my growth was kind of capped in Vegas… can I ever reach the capacity of the player I know I can be?” (KP, 75:05)

9. Navigating the Modern WNBA: Media, Narratives, Burnout, and Respect

[82:17–96:06]

The media and attention around the league now are at an all-time high—sometimes making the mental side of being a WNBA star monumental.
The pressure and “parlay culture” of gambling and social media:
“You don’t hit the over… you’re getting burned. That’s crazy. It’s a new world we’re in.” (KP, 84:42)
On her controversial All-Star “Team Clark” joking comment, which landed awkwardly in a new, aggressively scrutinized environment: “Honestly, hindsight 20 20—I should’ve known it was a way more serious moment… I was just making a joke.” (KP, 85:58)
On feeling undervalued/overlooked in media conversations and amongst her peers:
“If you just read the impact or the stats, I think people would be like, ‘Oh!’… I think I get hit for lack of efficiency—super fair—but not everyone gets held to the same standard.” (KP, 87:28)

10. Choosing LA and Embracing Leadership/Legacy with the Sparks

[97:02–104:34]

Her move to LA was about scratching a leadership itch, requiring the ultimate “bet on myself”: “If you really believe you can impact winning at the highest level, only one way to find out.” (KP, 97:48)
Relationship with coach Lynn Roberts was key (“You’re my person. Let’s do this.” KP, 97:49)
The trade was not simple and required months of patience—and conviction
New role as a leader is “harder” than expected—being responsible “at a different level.” But she’s proud of how she’s handled the bumpy start as the Sparks try to build playoff momentum (101:33).
Leadership model is “lead by example, belief, and empowerment” for young players, wishing she’d had more vets to confide in as a rookie.

11. Sparks Future: Mentoring, Playoffs Push, and Adapting to the “Head of the Snake”

[104:41–113:02]

Raves about young star Rickea Jackson’s talent:
“Birdie, the other day in practice… she blocked a guy at the rim. I’ve never seen that before.” (KP, 104:41)
Describes the difference between being a role player versus “head of the snake”—greater responsibility, higher stakes, and need for patience.
The team is finally healthy and making a push for the playoffs; Plum credits on-court chemistry, playing faster, and scorer confidence.
Aims for team success first:
“The playoffs—winning and impacting winning. That would be awesome. That’s success for now.” (KP, 113:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On her mindset and confidence:
“My dad has a delusional level of confidence in everything... delusional, irrational confidence. I mean, you could say I still do now.” – Kelsey Plum (17:26, 26:02)
On repeatedly having to prove herself:
“Every turn I’ve had to basically, like, win whoever over—teammates, coaches... as hard as it’s been, it’s definitely been worth it.” (KP, 66:23)
On the impact of a championship:
“The first thing you think of is, I want to do this again... why not, why can’t we do this again?” (KP, 68:39)
On the challenge of leading a rebuilding team:
“It’s harder. Leading is harder. Being responsible at a different level… what you say, what you do—what you don’t say, what you don’t do—drastically affects outcomes.” (KP, 100:55)
On her move to LA:
“You get one swing at it… If you really believe you can impact winning at the highest level—only one way to find out.” (KP, 97:48)
On mentoring young teammates:
“I try to lead by example… looking back, I wish I had more vets that I could lean on to encourage me and empower me. That’s how I try to lead now—just belief.” (KP, 103:14)
On being overlooked and peer voting:
“Do I think I’m underrated?… I think people value you now, but I think there are times when players and their impact is overlooked.” – Sue Bird (91:03)
On her self-perception as a player:
“It’s never really about shine... it’s more about feeling like I’m the glue here. Call it what it is.” (KP, 93:02)

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:02] – Sue’s rundown of 2026 draft picks and playoff-seeding gamesmanship
[07:34] – Kelsey Plum’s cameo in Happy Gilmore 2, improv on set
[11:03] – Sue questions Kelsey’s drive, “Have you arrived?” (personal fulfillment)
[15:32] – Family upbringing and roots of Plum’s confidence
[21:50] – Dropping 57 in record-breaking NCAA performance
[28:18] – Drafted by San Antonio, initial misfit & culture shock
[35:14] – Overseas adversity and grit at Fenerbahce
[36:56] – Bill Laimbeer’s bluntness: “not my type of player,” trade rumors
[44:42] – Making the World Cup team: adaptability as a survival skill
[51:12] – The impact of trainer Susan Borchardt – mental and physical edge
[54:55] – Achilles injury: relief, growth, and the mental reset (2020)
[64:43] – Proving herself to Becky Hammon to win the starting role
[69:14] – Candace Parker’s wisdom about chasing repeat titles
[73:30] – Dealing with personal life turmoil (public divorce) and feeling capped
[84:42] – Navigating new media attention and “parlay”/gambling pressure
[85:58] – The “Team Clark” All-Star incident
[97:48] – Why she chose the Sparks: legacy, leadership, risk
[101:33] – Challenges of new leadership role
[104:41] – Rickea Jackson’s shot-blocking: “never seen that before”
[113:02] – Personal and team goals for present season: playoffs and impact

Tone & Takeaways

This summary omits all advertisements, sponsor reads, and outro credits to focus solely on content.

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of Plum’s Drive: Family, Upbringing, and Early Basketball Dreams

2. College Years, UW Growth, and the Scorer’s Mentality

3. Transition and Struggles as the WNBA #1 Pick

4. Overseas Trials and Building Resilience

5. Proving Herself in Vegas – Again and Again

6. Adapting, Mental Toughness, and Redefining Her Game

7. The Aces’ Dynasty Run: Coming Off the Bench, the Delusion of Confidence, and Championship Mentality

8. Overcoming Adversity—Personal and Professional—& the Choice to Move On

9. Navigating the Modern WNBA: Media, Narratives, Burnout, and Respect

10. Choosing LA and Embracing Leadership/Legacy with the Sparks

11. Sparks Future: Mentoring, Playoffs Push, and Adapting to the “Head of the Snake”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Tone & Takeaways

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of Plum’s Drive: Family, Upbringing, and Early Basketball Dreams

2. College Years, UW Growth, and the Scorer’s Mentality

3. Transition and Struggles as the WNBA #1 Pick

4. Overseas Trials and Building Resilience

5. Proving Herself in Vegas – Again and Again

6. Adapting, Mental Toughness, and Redefining Her Game

7. The Aces’ Dynasty Run: Coming Off the Bench, the Delusion of Confidence, and Championship Mentality

8. Overcoming Adversity—Personal and Professional—& the Choice to Move On

9. Navigating the Modern WNBA: Media, Narratives, Burnout, and Respect

10. Choosing LA and Embracing Leadership/Legacy with the Sparks

11. Sparks Future: Mentoring, Playoffs Push, and Adapting to the “Head of the Snake”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Tone & Takeaways