From Name to Game: The Azzi Story

Summary

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Fudd Around and Find Out

Episode: From Name to Game: The Azzi Story
Date: April 2, 2026
Guests: Jennifer Azzi (Olympic gold medalist & Hall of Famer), Katie Fudd (former WNBA draft pick & Azzi Fudd’s mom)
Summary By: [Your Name]

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Episode Overview

This episode of Fudd Around and Find Out dives into the power of a name—specifically how UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd got hers, inspired by basketball legend Jennifer Azzi. Host Ashanti Plummer and co-host Azzi Fudd welcome Jennifer Azzi and Katie Fudd for a lively, personal conversation about intergenerational impact, women’s basketball legacies, and the realities of raising (and being) top-tier athletes. The episode is equal parts love letter to the women’s basketball community and practical guide for parents and players navigating the modern sports world.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How Azzi Fudd Got Her Name

(04:02–05:39)

• Katie Fudd’s inspiration: Katie shares a story of admiring Jennifer Azzi on TV as a young player, specifically recalling Jennifer’s grace, character, and sportsmanship at a US national team event.
  • "I just sat there and watched you interact with all these people... the character you displayed... I just knew right then if I ever had a girl, I would name her Azzi." — Katie Fudd (05:09)
• She chose to keep the original spelling for authenticity.
• Naming extended beyond human babies—Jennifer jokes that people even named dogs after her:
  • "It's better than having a dog named after you!" — Jennifer Azzi (07:57)
• Jennifer reflects on the emotional impact, saying it makes her feel part of an extended family.

2. Parenting and Basketball—Legacy and Lessons

(06:44–11:10)

• Katie on Azzi’s early years: "She was awful when she started... I thought she could get a free education out of this, that would be phenomenal." (07:15)
• Both Jennifer and Katie stress letting their children find passion, even outside basketball.
• Jennifer shares her memories of her supportive father and how she, in turn, tries to expose her kids to many interests.

3. Names That Inspire

(11:10–12:02)

• When asked who she’d name a child after, Jennifer says Steph Curry, calling him "one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever met... best shooter of all time." (11:17)

4. Extended Naming Impact: Community Connections

(15:27–18:41)

• Katie recounts how another family named their baby “Az” after her daughter’s championship run, reinforcing how legacies can ripple outward.
• Jennifer reflects on her own dad’s influence and the power of basketball to bring people together:
  • "You know, it brings people together. It's a really powerful sport." — Jennifer Azzi (18:11)

5. Women’s Basketball: Then and Now

(20:53–28:14)

• Cultural change: Jennifer, from Tennessee, remembers packed high school state tournaments with 10,000 fans (20:43), then feeling isolated at Stanford before they built a fan base.
• Explains how the three-point line changed the game and her coach Tara VanDerveer’s pivotal strategy: "Hey, three is worth more than two... my teammates and I lived in the gym." — Jennifer Azzi (21:37)
• Katie and Jennifer discuss the explosion in visibility for women’s basketball recruits now—social media, televised games, and role models for boys and girls.

6. Athletic Development: What’s New, What’s True

(24:46–28:14)

• Jennifer and Katie agree that better training science, access to knowledge, and role models have raised the bar.
• "You have access to everything... you can watch what the best athletes do... and you can learn." — Jennifer Azzi (25:53)
• The fundamentals haven’t changed: discipline, repetition, and mastering the basics.

7. Raising and Coaching Elite Athletes—The Real Talk

(31:41–40:05)

• Consistent effort trumps intensity. Katie’s parenting motto: “Consistent effort over time... not eight hours one day and nothing for the next two weeks.” (31:47)
• She shares her rule: if a child commits to an activity, parents should hold them accountable—like with schoolwork—and gently check in about changing interests.
• Jennifer and Katie share their approaches to developing habits without burning kids out.
• Both stress the importance of making basketball (or any pursuit) the child’s choice and encouraging consistent, small daily practice rather than rare, all-out effort:
  • "If you spend 10 minutes a day, six days a week... that's 52 hours a year. And you can't tell me you don't have 10 minutes!" — Katie Fudd (36:17)
• Both acknowledge that even star athletes aren’t always excited to practice:
  • "I don't know that there's a day that I'm like, yes, I can't wait to go for my run. It's just like, I know if I do it, what my day is going to look like." — Jennifer Azzi (39:48)
• Cultivating discipline and resilience in all areas of life.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the power of names and impact:
  "When she committed to UConn, I had so many people texting me as if she's my daughter... it's pretty cool to think about what this really kind of extended family feels like." — Jennifer Azzi (17:21)

• Visibility matters:
  "Now you've got all the players' jerseys out there and you see little boys wearing women's jerseys, which to me is a huge thing... If we teach boys at a young age to respect female athletes, they're not going to grow up to be men that tweet about getting in the kitchen." — Katie Fudd (25:17)

• Discipline over motivation:
  "Discipline: Doing what you need to do, not what you want to do." — Katie Fudd (40:02)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Azzi's Naming Story: 04:02–05:47
• Early Parenting and Coaching Experiences: 06:44–11:10
• Who Would You Name Your Kid After? 11:10–12:02
• The Baby Azzi Story: 15:27–18:41
• Basketball in Tennessee & Cultural Shifts: 20:43–22:33
• Three-Point Line Era: 21:37–23:19
• Visibility & Modern Recruiting: 24:47–25:53
• Parenting and Athlete Development Advice: 31:41–40:05

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Overall Tone & Energy

Warm, encouraging, and candid—both guests and hosts blend funny, self-deprecating parenting stories with honest professional advice and plenty of love for women’s basketball culture past, present, and future.

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Takeaways

• Raising confident athletes (especially girls) is about creating an environment of respect, discipline, and genuine love for the game.
• Names and legacies matter—who we name things and people after can ripple far beyond what we imagine.
• Modern women athletes benefit from unprecedented visibility, but the building blocks of greatness remain: work ethic, consistency, and a supportive community.

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Transcript

[Sarah Spain]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human this sports spotlight is brought to you by Capital One. Capital One offers no fees or minimums on checking accounts. Did you know that as of March of 2026, swimming great Katie Ledecky not only owns the world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, she owns the top 12 times ever and 24 of the top 25 fastest times ever. Capital One what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.combank for details. Capital One NA Member FDIC Whenever I'm

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[Sarah Spain]

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[Katie Fudd]

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[Katie Fudd]

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[Podcast Host]

Hello. Flutter around and find out. Family, welcome back. Today we have a very, very, very special guest. Two of them, we have Ms. Jennifer Az and Katie Fuv.

[Katie Fudd]

Thanks for having us.

[Jennifer Az]

Great to be here.

[Podcast Host]

Listen, I have to run through these accolades. I have to run through your intro. So Katie, I'm gonna start with you.

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah, mine's shorter.

[Podcast Host]

Everyone knows that you are az's mama. However, I'm gonna run through this awesome basketball intro of yours. So, ACC Rookie of the Year at NC State. Then transferred to Georgetown for three seasons where you scored 1671 points. Recently honored as a Big east legend at the Big east tournament that I had the pleasure to witness as the first Georgetown Hoya to be drafted in the WNBA. Come on, Katie Fudd. All right, we have Ms. Jennifer Azy, Olympic gold medalist, NCAA champion and Final Four MVP with Stanford, two time FIBA world champion, WNBA All Star and Women's basketball hall of Famer. Come on, Jennifer Az. Woo. Thank you guys so much for joining us on the pod. It is honestly an honor to host

[Katie Fudd]

with both of you. It's going to be fun.

[Podcast Host]

So first things first, AZ is named after Jennifer. Az. Katie, what did Jennifer represent for you that made you choose that name?

[Katie Fudd]

Actually, this was just in a speech that I gave the other day. First, I think we run into people when we're thinking about names that we automatically are like, we'll never name my kid that. So I wanted to do it a little bit differently. There wasn't a ton of basketball on TV growing up. I think the first thing that I saw was a documentary maybe on your 1990 national championship team. So that was first, like, wow, women's basketball on tv. And then fast forward to when I was a senior in high school. They did the, I think it was the WBCA All American game or the Nike one, I'm not sure. But it was a doubleheader with the women's national team. You guys played China. And they sat us at a table and you probably don't remember this at all, but they sat us, they came on the bus and said, who's your favorite player on the national team? And then they sat us at a table and I was super quiet, super shy and I just sat there and watched you interact with all these people. You didn't know the way that you spoke, the character that you displayed, like, just like the actual just human that you were on Top of being a really good basketball player. Plus, my maiden name is Smirkadeuffy. I have red hair. Unique things. I just like them. So I was like, that would be a really cool name for a girl. And I just knew right then if I ever had a girl, I would name her Azy. I thought about changing the spelling so people didn't butcher it and do more phonetic. But then I was like, that defeats the purpose. So we're not doing that.

[Jennifer Az]

You know what's crazy is I think naming her AZ has helped people pronounce my name correctly. So I appreciate it

[Katie Fudd]

anytime. Anything I can do to help.

[Podcast Host]

This is really. We're getting the real Ms. Jennifer Azy.

[Jennifer Az]

Look at my background here. So we're all real today.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, like, it's very real today. So, okay, you guys had met. So you guys did know each other when you.

[Katie Fudd]

We actually met too, later in my senior year. You guys were practicing Colorado Springs and I was trying out, not successfully for some USA team.

[Podcast Host]

It's okay. Used to successful.

[Jennifer Az]

Believe it or not. This is what no one ever talks about. But, you know, I tried out also in 92 and I was cut from the team. I was actually. My claim to fame is that I was the last player sent home. So I've. I was, you know, I was sent home from there as well.

[Katie Fudd]

We have something.

[Podcast Host]

A lot of things. A lot of things. So at what point, Katie, did you realize that AZ would follow in these basketball footsteps?

[Katie Fudd]

You know, I think when you have kids, you just want them to be happy, right? You want them to find their passion. And for az, we tried a bunch of different things. And she took the basketball, I think, because it was more social. She really liked her teammates and that. That drew her to the game and kept her loving practices and that kind of stuff. I thought she was awful when she started. Tim claims he knew she'd be good or whatever, but, like, she was awful. I would say she played in a tournament when she was in third grade and she played. She played two years up anyhow, but with a sister program, our point guard's dad's program. Our team wasn't going to nationals and his team was. We asked if he could have AZ and Carly. And at that tournament, she really, like, just kept stepping up in ways that I didn't know she was capable of. And I was like, oh, okay, she could get a free education out of this. That would be phenomenal. Right? And that was like the end game at that point. Didn't think anything past that. Like, we just won't have to pay for college. And that's.

[Podcast Host]

I know that's right. Save a, save a bill. So Jennifer, like what was your reaction when you found out that someone named

[Katie Fudd]

their daughter after you?

[Jennifer Az]

Well, it's better than having a dog named after you. The AD at Stanford named his dog Az and then at first I thought it was a joke because it's like that's such a big deal. Like that's, I don't, I didn't take it lightly. It was like, wow, that is, that's amazing. And I think Katie, even hearing you talk about maybe feeling like you had a sense of me and who I was versus just, you know, an athlete on the court or something and that makes it, I think feel even that much more special. And I had the opportunity to meet Katie and Az when I was coaching at usf and so I got to meet, you know, more really meet you. Right. Like maybe our paths crossed but just seeing what a great parent that you were with her and obviously continue to be, but that was kind of early on in her journey and you know, you never know how your kids are going to turn out. And I can totally relate to just wanting your kids to be into something that they love, that they're passionate about. Like I have a 9 year old son and he is all about basketball right now. We tried tennis, he was really good at it, but he wanted the social part too. And so it's just fun to see, I think, where your kids can go. And I think Katie, you guys have done a tremendous job with your daughter because you know that doesn't happen just by chance. That's your support, your love, your being there for her and you know, giving her your all. And I think when you look at successful kids like your daughter, you have at least one parent, if not obviously two behind them, believing in them, you know, more than anything, unconditionally.

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah, it definitely takes a lot of time and effort. But with anything, right, Any kind of parenting takes time and effort. Yeah, we're fortunate that, you know, our kids are fortunate to have to involve parents. Some days probably they think it's not so fortunate but, but down the line they'll reflect and take it.

[Podcast Host]

Jennifer, you also have a five year old daughter, correct?

[Sarah Spain]

Did she play basketball?

[Jennifer Az]

So she's now getting into it. She, she's almost six. But you know, I actually coached both kids soccer teams and that was sort

[Katie Fudd]

of crazy because love that.

[Jennifer Az]

But I had my son's group for like four years and I think we lost maybe two games and it was so much fun and him to go through it together because it's not my sport. So it was like we were really kind of doing it together. But I got to influence him and his group of friends with all the great things that I learned, you know, from sports, and that taught me as a, you know, as a human being. Now, my daughter, when I started coaching her, she was just jumping on my back and wanted nothing to do with it. And, you know, so we'll see where she ends up. But she really has. Seems to now take a liking to basketball. And, you know, we have. At one point, my son said, mom, how many hoops do we have in the house? And I was like, okay, I don't know, like nine. You know, they're, like, hanging over the shower and. But it's not just us. It's him. He, you know, wants to shoot every chance that he gets. And so I think my daughter's seeing all this and really how much fun we have with it, you know, so we'll see if it. If it sticks for her. But she also likes to dance, she likes gymnastics, and, you know, I think my job is to expose them and find what, you know, what they really end up liking.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, if you were to name a child, your child, say, if you had another one after a basketball player, who would it be?

[Jennifer Az]

I mean, me and probably everyone in the world but Steph Curry. I mean, you know, some form, like, you know, Steph, you know, one of the. Stephanie something in that family. I just. I think that he is one of the greatest human beings that I've ever met. And, you know, what he's able to do and the way that he impacts the world is really second to none and obviously best shooter of all time.

[Katie Fudd]

I will say before we met him that we did name our dog after him. And when AZ was at USA Basketball tryouts, his mom was there with Cambrink's mom. And I was like, hey, just letting you know we named our dog after your family.

[Jennifer Az]

There we go. That's. Maybe I'll adopt that. Since I am due to get another dog, I think pretty soon.

[Katie Fudd]

So, yeah, I love to see it.

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[Sarah Spain]

This sports spotlight is brought to you by Capital One Venture X Card, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports. Did you know that as of March of 2026, swimming great Katie Ledecky not only owns the world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, she owns the top 12 times ever and 24 of the top 25 fastest times ever with Venture X. Enjoy easy to use premium benefits like a 300 annual Capital One travel credit. Plus you can earn unlimited double miles on every purchase terms. Apply SeeCapitalOne.com for details. Brought to you in part by Vital Farms let's talk Eggs Vital Farms Pasture raised eggs to be exact. My favorites. The only kind I've got in my fridge. No joke. And here's why. These aren't your average eggs. The hens live on open pastures with fresh air and sunshine all year long. They forage on local grasses and stretch their wings. They're living their best life. That care really shows in the taste. I I love mine scrambled with a little butter or whipped up into a fancy frittata. And here's something most people don't know. You could trace your eggs back to the farm they came from. Seriously. Side of the carton, you'll find the farm name. Type it [e-mail] farm and you'll get a 360 degree peek at the pasture. Plus Vital Farms is a certified B corporation, which means they're committed to improving the lives of people, animals and the planet through food. Eggs you could feel good about. So next time you're in the store, look for the black carton in the egg aisle and visit vitalfarms.com to learn more. Vital Farms Good eggs, no shortcuts this is Sarah Spain from Good Game with Sarah Spain. As a former college athlete, there were many moments where I second guessed myself. It's natural when you're under pressure. When I had those moments of self doubt, I found that the smallest thing can steady you like a smile. Not because it's easy, but because it reminds You. You belong here. You've put in the work. You can handle this. Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games, helping them build confidence and self esteem while competing for scholarships. The Colgate Women's Games is the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate knows that resilience is. Is the key to better performance. And sometimes resilience takes the shape of a smile. So if you ever doubt yourself, remember your smile is your strength.

[Podcast Host]

So, yes, the tradition of naming pets and children after the AZ name and other talented basketball players. Katie, recently AZ just met baby az. Could you tell us more about that?

[Katie Fudd]

So one of our former players played at University of New England after the Final Four last year. She sends me a picture from Facebook saying, look what I see. This is one of my teammates kind of thing. And it said, Az Allen Porter, born 421. And I was like, no way. Like that. Is that just another family name or, you know, there's got to be some other connection. So she reached out and asked her if she was actually named after Az, and she's like, oh, my gosh, 100%. Well, she's at a thousand percent. Yes. And so they came over last night so that AZ could meet az. My AZ is a soup. Like, she loves kids, loves babies. So you could pretty much get her to do anything if you have a child in front of her. And so actually, Liz, the mom, said that the dad, Jay, is the one last a year ago September, when they found out they were having a girl. He's the one who suggested naming her az. And then she joked around. She's like, all right, well, if they win the national championship, let's do it. And then they won. And then AZ got the mop. So then she was like, all right, that's it. So she was born two weeks to the day of the national championship game, and she's a cutie.

[Jennifer Az]

I love it.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, my goodness. That's awesome. Look, it started with you, Jennifer. Now we got kids named after az. Baby Az gonna be super baby Ab. Az.

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah. And there definitely are multiple dogs and cats named as well.

[Podcast Host]

So 100. I've definitely seen that all over socials, like, who knows?

[Katie Fudd]

But I will say, back in the day, when I did it, I was like, yo, is she gonna think, like, I'm stalkerish?

[Jennifer Az]

Like, I. I think it's. I think it's amazing. You know, when she committed to UConn, I had so many people texting me as if she's my daughter, it was like, you know, it's like, congratulations. I'm like, wait a minute. Like, I. I met her once. I think she's awesome, you know, but it's. It's pretty cool to, you know, think about what this really kind of extended family feels like. It's. It's. It's pretty awesome. And I know I lost my dad in early 2024, and he was sort of that original girl dad, like, you know, for me, growing up in the 70s and 80s when there wasn't, you know, obviously no WNBA, nowhere really to go, but he saw how much I loved it, and he put a hoop in our driveway that was slanted and, you know, he had to kind of, I'm sure, borrow money to even get the hoop. And, you know, and he really was that person in my life that encouraged me to go to Stanford that, you know, just believed in me. And so I think, as this name, if you will, continues, It's. It's pretty cool for me, you know, And I don't know where my son will, you know, will end up, but my dad and I actually put together his first hoop. I was coming back from a trip from India, so we're, you know, working together, putting his little hoop together. And it's just fun to see what basketball does. You know, it brings people together. It's. It's a really powerful sport.

[Katie Fudd]

Agree. And you messaged Az. I don't know if it was when she first made the USA team or something. You messaged her, emailed or something, and she's like, mom, Jennifer, Az emailed me. So she thought that was super cool.

[Jennifer Az]

Well, I'm as proud as I can be from afar. Like, I just think that, you know, she has incredible character. Her game speaks for itself. I'm sure she will be an Olympian, which is no pressure, but, you know, she's on that track, and we believe it's outstanding.

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah, that's definitely her dream. She'd like to be there.

[Podcast Host]

So, Jennifer, I have a question. Are you an inductee of the 2026 Tennessee Sports hall of Fame class? Are you?

[Jennifer Az]

Yes, I am. Are you?

[Podcast Host]

Oh, my goodness. Congratulations.

[Jennifer Az]

Yeah, unfortunately, I can't make it fair. We've got the nines event in Las Vegas, but, yeah, it's pretty big honor there because Tennessee sports are everything. So.

[Katie Fudd]

Yes, we played in Tennessee when I was in high school. Where were we? We were. There was a North and a South, and now I can't remember where we were. Of course, I'm blanking But basketball was just. It was amazing. Like, we had good fans at our high school, but we went to watch another game and we had to park at the middle school and take a shuttle over because it was just a packed house. So that was really cool. Then we got back to the Hotel Greenville. So it was north and South Greenville. We're playing each other. We got back to our hotel, and the people behind the desk at the hotel were talking about the game, which, you know, that's like, you know, early, like 94, 95, somewhere in there. So that was different. Right? You just didn't get a lot of people like, that weren't basketball people, just general population people talking about women's basketball. And then I had someone come up to me that second year that we were there, and they just. They smirk it, Duffy, I'm gonna name my dog after you. And that's why I was like, really?

[Sarah Spain]

That's great.

[Podcast Host]

Thank you so much.

[Jennifer Az]

Yeah, we had, in my high school, at our state tournament in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we had 10,000 people. Crazy, crazy. And that was back. I wouldn't even say when, but, you

[Katie Fudd]

know, so then was that hard for you to leave that, go to Stanford out in, like, the wild, basically, where there's not as much interest in women's basketball?

[Jennifer Az]

Very hard. I remember my first game there, and I'm thinking, like, when did the fans show up? Because, you know, they don't tell you during recruiting there's, like, no fans. And it wasn't when everything was broadcast at that time. And they're like, oh, we're lucky if, you know, friends and family are in town. So the team, I think before I was part of Tara Vandiver's first recruiting class. So, you know, they were building. And the year before, I think the team had won three to five games or something. You know, we were 500 my freshman year. And so it was scary for me. And then being, you know, I still had a Southern accent. I'm from Tennessee. I go out there, I think everybody's smarter and better, and we're terrible. And, you know. And then one thing led to another, and TAR ended up, you know, recruiting some of the best classes in the country. And within, you know, three years, we won the national championship and we were selling out Maples Pavilion. So literally went from, I'm telling you, I could count the fans on two hands from that to 8,000 fans again, a game at Maples Pavilion. And I always say that Tara's a genius because she said, hey, three is worth more than Two, because the three point line came in between. You probably remember this, Katie, but between my freshman and sophomore year, that's when the three point line came in. And she said, the only way we're going to win is if we can shoot threes. So my teammates and I lived in the gym and we learned how to shoot threes because it just extended everything. And that's kind of how we, we ended up winning. But it was hard. It was a, it was a really hard adjustment.

[Katie Fudd]

That is crazy.

[Podcast Host]

I can't imagine a brand new, like, rule, like a brand new.

[Jennifer Az]

Right.

[Podcast Host]

Like, huge, like, literally you were playing basketball at a really high level at the time, like one of the highest levels. To have something that big change and be a part of the game. And now it's forever part of the game. That is amazing.

[Katie Fudd]

And that's pretty cool to say that you were in it. I guess it's like if you were six on a side basketball. Yeah, that was a little.

[Jennifer Az]

That's even more drastic, right? But no, that was cool. And I think UConn crazy. Our, our record held for years and we shot over 50% from the floor. Like, we just literally shot. And I think UConn broke our three point record somewhere in the, like maybe 20, 15 or 16, somewhere around there. But it held for a long time. Yeah.

[Katie Fudd]

What, 23. That should, you should get even more, for sure.

[Podcast Host]

So, Jennifer, you also are a Naismith Basketball hall of Fame finalist. Congratulations.

[Jennifer Az]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host]

And I know there's an opportunity for you. I believe you're going to get recognized or air during the Final Four. What does it mean to be recognized by the Naismith hall of Fame?

[Jennifer Az]

Well, I'm not exactly recognized yet because, you know, I feel like I'm like always a bridesmaid. I've been, I've been a finalist, I don't know, a few years, a few different times. And, you know, my big thing, I think with the Naismith hall of Fame and I'm actually on one of their committees right now, is seeing more of a women. As, you know, we go into the future because you've now, you now have all of these generations and, you know, you're going to need a place for, you know, for all the great athletes that have, you know, come, you know, not just from my generation, but now throughout until this, you know, current day.

[Katie Fudd]

Just being nominated is really cool. Competitor in you is like, I need.

[Jennifer Az]

As if I'm in. I'm not, you know, like so.

[Podcast Host]

Well, we're believing, we're believing right I

[Katie Fudd]

feel like this is. You're eventually going to be in regardless. Like, yeah, it's gonna happen.

[Podcast Host]

This is happening. Okay, so we talked about the huge change while you were playing, adding the three point line. How do you think it's different? Like the path for top women's basketball prospects now versus when you guys were both playing?

[Katie Fudd]

I didn't. I mean, I think everything has changed so much. Not necessarily for the better. I think there's a lot.

[Podcast Host]

I mean, Katie fit in sports, but

[Katie Fudd]

I just think there's more access and visibility, and I think it's easier for coaches to see who players are. I think it's easier for players to figure out where they want to go, if they want to take the time to find the right place for them. I know for me, and probably for you too, like, you're getting recruited and you've never seen these people play, right? You can't watch them on tv. You know, you have to go there and watch a game in person. And most of the time that wasn't happening. Most of our parents couldn't just drop things and travel like that. So I think just the visibility and I think. I don't think. I mean, now you've got all the players jerseys out there and you see little boys wearing, you know, women's jerseys, which to me is a huge thing, is if we teach boys at a young age to respect female athletes, they're not going to grow up to be men that tweet about getting in the kitchen.

[Podcast Host]

You know, I know that's right, Katie. Because they could cut all that out because women can do all the things that men can do. What do you think, Jennifer?

[Jennifer Az]

I agree completely. I think there's more, just more access. I always tell kids when I talk to them, if they want to be good at anything, they have access to everything. I mean, I feel like I'm more handy around the house because I can just watch a YouTube video, right? You can watch what the best athletes do now at whatever, whatever sport or whatever thing you're interested in and you can learn. And so I think there's just more knowledge even. Even in training. I think the way that the athletes train now is a lot smarter. It's a lot more functional. You know, that I think helps just the game itself in. In the way that, you know, the way that people are able to train. But I think, you know, basketball is still basketball, right? You. A free throw is a free throw. That has not changed in, you know, since I was playing, Katie was playing. So there are some Fundamental things that you have to do. Like, my son, like, he'll want to go as far back as he can and launch it. And his little. It's amazing, actually, how far he can shoot from. But as I've been. He's allowed me to kind of work with him a little bit. Is like no master, like, two feet from the basket. Like, there's some principles of getting good at this that are. That are the same. But what I noticed, and Sue Bird said this a while ago, the ball handling, I think, is one of the things that's changed a lot. Like, we were minimal dribbles. I mean, if. If you. You get from A to B and you, you know, you have two dribbles max or whatever it is, which I still think is good because the ball moved a lot. But just the way that athletes now can handle the ball, I think has changed a lot. And they're bigger, stronger. Like, I think the athleticism is. Is definitely there.

[Podcast Host]

More technology, more knowledge, how to become a better athlete. Jennifer, what do you see in AZ's game that feels familiar?

[Jennifer Az]

I think if, you know, I don't know that it's necessarily like. I mean, she can shoot the ball. Like, that's a. You know, that's a given. But she's. She's definitely a stronger player than I was. Like, she is so physical, so strong. You know, she can play multiple positions and. But I would say that if there's a common thread between us, it's the desire to win. It's that whatever you're doing, you're gonna try to win, and you're gonna try to get the most out of the people around you and be that team player. And ultimately, the goal is to win a championship, right? Like, as much as she has the accolades, as much as there's a lot going on, I see her as someone that is a winner and that wants to win.

[Podcast Host]

I know she's gonna love hearing this back.

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[Sarah Spain]

This sports spotlight is brought to you by Capital One Venture X Card, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports. Did you know that as of March of 2026, swimming great Katie Ledecky not only owns the world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, she owns the top 12 times ever and 24 of the top 25 fastest times ever with Venture X. Enjoy easy to use premium benefits like a $300 annual Capital One travel credit. Plus you can earn unlimited double miles on every purchase. Terms apply. See capitalone.com for details. Brought to you in part by Vital Farms Let's Talk Eggs Vital Farms pasture raised eggs to be exact. My favorites. The only kind I've got in my fridge. No joke. And here's why. These aren't your average eggs. The hens live on open pastures with fresh air and sunshine. All year long. They forage on local grasses and stretch their wings. They're living their best life. That care really shows in the taste. I I love mine scrambled with a little butter or whipped up into a fancy frittata. And here's something most people don't know. You could trace your eggs back to the farm they came from. Seriously. Side of the carton you'll find the farm name. Type it [e-mail] farm and you'll get a 360 degree peek at the pasture. Plus, Vital Farms is a certified B corporation, which means they're committed to improving the lives of people, animals and the planet through food. Eggs you could feel good about. So next time you're in the store, look for the black carton in the egg aisle and visit vitalfarms.com to learn more. Vital Farms Good Eggs no Shortcuts this is Sarah Spain from Good Game with Sarah Spain. As a former college athlete, there were many moments where I second guessed myself. It's natural when you're under pressure. When I had those moments of self doubt, I found that the smallest thing can steady you like a smile. Not because it's easy, but because it reminds me you. You belong here. You've put in the work. You can handle this. Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games, helping them build confidence and self esteem While competing for scholarships, the Colgate Women's Games is the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate knows that resilience is. Is the key to better performance. And sometimes resilience takes the shape of a smile. So if you ever doubt yourself, remember your smile is your strength.

[Podcast Host]

Katie, what part of your experience did you try to pass down to az? And is there anything you wanted to go differently?

[Katie Fudd]

I think just the work ethic, right. And just put in, you know, I always say consistent effort over time is what we're going for. Not eight hours, one day and, you know, nothing for the next two weeks. So just, you know, consistently do a little bit more, whether it's spend, you know, 10 minutes a day doing bull handling or shoot an extra 25 shots after practice. Like, those are the things we started with when she started playing. And that was more just to kind of teach that life lesson of. Of hard work and persistence, whether she was going to be good at basketball or not. So I think that. And I think that took maybe a little bit too well. I think sometimes she needs to breathe and not be so hard on herself and so try to be so perfect. But, you know, what did I want to be different? I wanted her to be in an environment where women's basketball was respected, and I think that's more prevalent nowadays than when I played and where I played. But I think there are still some schools where, you know, men's basketball, football take, like, way higher priority, and the women kind of get, you know, left to the side a little bit. So I wanted her to be somewhere where she felt valued, where she felt like the work and effort that she put in. Although she can't jump as high as the guys and dunk that, you know, that that extra time they're putting in is the same. And I wanted that to be respectful.

[Podcast Host]

Not yet. Because the ladies. The ladies is dunking now. Yeah, the ladies is dunking now.

[Jennifer Az]

You know, I feel like I should just talk to you offline, too, and pick your brain more, Katie, because, you know, it's interesting with two things. When I was coaching, I was head coach at USF for six years, and I. All the players told me they want to play professionally. So I was like, well, if you're going to listen to anyone, listen to me, because I've done it. So I would say, like, okay, meet me 15 minutes before practice. Stay with me 15 minutes after practice, one or the other, and I can help you get there. And it was, again, to your point, Katie, it's those little, you know, that. That 15 minutes suddenly is like, you know, 50 hours if you really, you know, if you start to add it up. And so that's, I think, how you master a skill. And in my. In my time at usf, two players did it. So those two players ended up being our most successful players. And with Macklin, with my son, now, I'm cautious to not really try to coach him, let him kind of ask me. But what I've told him is kind of the same thing. We both wake up early in the morning. Do you want me to rebound for you? Because you'll get a lot out of 10 or 15 minutes where I can just rebound for you, pass it back to you, whatever. And then I heard him bragging to his friends, my mom and I get up and we shoot for an hour every morning, which is not true, but I think instilling those behaviors early without. Again, I'm going to call you offline, because without overdoing it, right? Because, you know, you've been successful, so you know what it takes. But I'm. I guess maybe. Can I ask you the question? Like, where's the line that you feel like you didn't overstep to where she would just kind of not want to do it anymore, or was there a line?

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah, I definitely can't say that it was all smooth and easy, but I do think. And I. So I do. I train. That's what I do. So I see a lot of parents come through, and then, like, it kind of just makes me twitchy a little when parents are like, well, I'm not gonna force my kid to practice outside of whatever. And I'm like, but you're paying for them to play. You're paying for them to train. You're taking time out of your day to drive them to practice, to stay in the gyms all weekend on tournaments, to pay to get in, like, they owe you a little something. And so, you know, I said, so if your kid comes home and doesn't want to do math homework, you're good with that, right? Like, that's cool, because we're just gonna let them do what they want to do. And they said, no, they got to do their math homework. And so my. My thought is, if they. If they say, you want to play something, or you say, this is my goal, it's our job as parents to hold you accountable until you change that goal. Right? So if you say you want to be good at basketball, we all know there's days we don't want to get up and do what we're supposed to do, but because we built the life habits and the discipline, we get up and do it and that's what success looks like. And so I think more importantly than whether you reach your goals or not is building that, that life habit. You say you want, you say you want to be a three point shooter. Well, in order to do that, we've got to master two feet and out. I was literally just talking to a Division 1 player the other day about that. I'm like, we're going to make you a great shooter. You're super quick, your handles are great. But in order to do that, we shot for half an hour from like four feet and in, and her arm got tired. I'm like, you clearly don't shoot enough if your arm's tired after, after doing this. But it's like master all the little details, hone in on every little thing in here. And as we move out, then we don't have those out there. But I think that goes back to the access to know things and to see things these kids have. It's immediate gratification for everything. And so you can just go on YouTube and watch something. You can go on Instagram and see what you want to see. Watch a reel, do a TikTok, Boom. Everything's right there and you're getting validated right there. And so they go spend 10 minutes on something and they think, well, okay, I did 10 minutes, I'm good, I should be good. And the understanding of that, it takes so much longer, you know, to master that skill. And I, like you said, 15 minutes is like 50 hours literally. When I run clinics, I tell kids, let's do a math equation. If you spend 10 minutes a day, six days a week, give yourself one day off. 10 minutes a day, six days A week. So that's what, like 10 reels, however long a reel is, right? Six times a week, you know, six times 10 is how much 60. And then how many weeks are in a year? 52. Okay, well what's that equation come out to? And yeah, it's like 3200 something or it's just 62 hours. What is it, 52 weeks in a year? Yeah, 52 hours. And that's 10 minutes a day. Yeah, yeah, right. And you can't tell me you don't have 10 minutes a day. And if you miss one day, do 20 the next. But it, it all, it'll all balance out. But it's just the, the willingness to Be consistent. The willingness to say, this is my goal and I have to, you know, slowly work to get there. It's not an immediate gratification thing. So it's, it's funny that you said it the exact.

[Jennifer Az]

No, I, like, I mean, I think, I think there's just some principles, there's life principles in order to be successful. And you know, those are the things I want to, I want to teach my kids too. And it's funny you said that about the video because just because you watched it, you're not accomplishing anything unless you take it and go do what they were doing in the video, you know?

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah, I will say so with Azy, we constantly kind of just checked in with her, right? We were, you know, do you still want to do this? Do you. You know, and it's hard when you're the hardest working player in your group, right? And I would, I would tell her like, call up such and such, see if she wants to come to the gym with us. And sometimes we get takers and other times we wouldn't. And I just say, well, that's why you're you. And let's go. And about eighth grade, she called somebody to go work out and they didn't want to go. And I was like, well. And she looked at me and said, I know mom, that's why I'm me. Let's go. You know, and it just, but, but at that point, you know, once again, I said early on, like, she got good enough for us to not have to pay for college. Okay, great. And so, you know, in seventh, eighth grade when, you know, the days were hard and she didn't want to work out, I would flat out say if, if you don't want to do this and you don't want to be great like you, you just want to like maintain status quo. You could get a Division 1 scholarship right now. Like, you can just stay as good as you are, you don't have to get any better and you're getting a free education and that's winning, like, that's huge. But if you do want to do those things and we have to continue to push, but it's your choice. And you know, she'd always just say let's go. But, but yeah, it wasn't, it wasn't like she wasn't skipping to the gym every day.

[Jennifer Az]

And I believe that. I mean, I think about even myself. I'm sure you as well. Like there are days where I was like, well, if, if we're gonna win, I, we gotta Go. You know, it's just you, right?

[Katie Fudd]

Grab your bag and let's do this.

[Jennifer Az]

Even now, like, I run every morning. There's. I don't. I don't know that there's a day that I'm like, yes, I am. Can't wait to go for my run. It's just like, I know if I do it, what my day is going to look like. And if I don't do it, I know what my day is going to look like. So. Yeah, right.

[Katie Fudd]

Discipline. Doing what you need to do, not what you want to do.

[Podcast Host]

All right, listeners, you heard it here first. It takes a lot of bit of discipline, dedication, sacrifice, and just getting up and getting it done. And that is something you can apply to all parts of your life, not just if you are a basketball player. Ladies, thank you so much. Jennifer, Az, thank you for joining us. Katie Fudd, thank you so much for having us. I think that, that, that's a wrap, ladies.

[Jennifer Az]

Yeah, this was. This was wonderful. And Katie, I am gonna. You're gonna get texts from me, hey, what do I do here when he's doing.

[Katie Fudd]

Yeah, yeah, you got my number.

[Jennifer Az]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Send your. Send your son to Katie. Katie's already trained people at a gym I work at. Everybody loves them. Just send them. All right, you guys, that is a wrap. Thank you so much, Jennifer and Katie, for joining us on this week's pod. Thanks for having us, listeners. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to FUT around and Find out wherever you get your podcast.

[Katie Fudd]

Fut around and Find out is a production of I Heart Women's Sports and Unanimous Media. Executive producers are Jesse Katz, Eric Payton, Sharla Sumter, Brigitte and Stephen Curry. Co executive producer is Kalena Maria Kutney. Producers are Mike Coscarelli, Grace Fellow Hughes and Mackenzie Fitzpatricher. And co producers are Kurt Redmond, Maya Howard, and Jaclyn Scher. This podcast is edited by Mike Coscarelli and hosted by me, Az Fudd and Ashanti Plummer.

[Gatorade Advertiser]

Whenever I'm headed out to a workout first thing in the morning or getting ready to yap about sports with the girls, I'm drinking Gatorade lower sugar. I've always been a Gatorade girly, but I don't always need more sugar in my life. So Gatorade lower sugar is Perfect. It has 75% less sugar than regular Gatorade and all the electrolytes. It hydrates better than water and has no artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Try Gatorade Lower sugar today available on Gatorade.com and in stores nationwide.

[Sarah Spain]

Brought to you in part by Vital Farms. Let me tell you why Vital Farms Pasture raised eggs are the only eggs I have in my fridge. The hens? They're living the good life. Fresh air, sunshine, and wide open pastures. I use my Vital Farms for my famous frittatas and you could trace your eggs back to the farm they came from. Check the carton for the farm name, pop it into vitalfarms.com farm and boom, you're looking at the pasture. So next time you're in the store, look for the black carton in the egg aisle and visit vitalfarms.com to learn more. Vital Farms Good Eggs, no shortcuts this is Sarah Spain from Good Game with Sarah Spain. When I competed in track and field at the collegiate level, there were times I second guessed myself. That's why it's important for female athletes to have a space to build confidence and self esteem. Colgate supports female athletes of all levels through the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. By supporting female athletes, Colgate hopes to put more smiles out into the world. Colgate, your smile is your strength.

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[Katie Fudd]

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