Six Days to Pack A Whole Life

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fudd Around And Find Out

Episode: Six Days to Pack A Whole Life
Date: April 10, 2026
Host: Azzi Fudd with Ashanti and Jose
Production: iHeartPodcasts and Unanimous Media

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Overview

In this deeply personal and lively episode, UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd sits down with her friends Ashanti and Jose for a bittersweet, humorous, and heartfelt reflection on her final days as a college athlete. Against the backdrop of the whirlwind transition from college hoops to the WNBA draft, Azzi unpacks the intensity of her emotions, the hectic logistics, and the many “lasts” she’s experiencing. The episode features candid talk on team culture, friendships, faith, memorable moments, and the never-ending “what the fud?” surprises of high-level sports life.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Insanely Fast Post-Season Turnaround

[02:44–04:32]

• Azzi outlines the whirlwind timeline: packing up her life in Storrs in just six days, heading to New York for the draft, and then flying straight to her WNBA market for media, physicals, meetings, and training camp.
• Quote:
  “You blink and you have a whole new life. … I only have, like, six days to pack my whole life up, say bye to everything I’ve ever known. My home, my people. So it’s gonna be like… a lot of tears.” – Azzi [03:10]

2. Coping With the End of an Era

[04:32–06:44]

• Azzi shares how hard it is emotionally to wrap up her UConn career—especially knowing there’s no next season.
• She expresses gratitude for family, friends, and the immense outpouring of love at her final game, even as she mourns how abruptly it all ends.
• Quote:
  “I've lost before... but it’s definitely a different feeling knowing there’s no next year, there’s no another opportunity... But I have so much to be grateful for.” – Azzi [05:06]

3. Last Moments & Family Support

[06:44–09:37]

• Azzi recalls the overwhelming support from her family and friends filling up the postgame hotel lounge.
• She missed the legendary "Fudd Family Barbecue" but appreciated the love at every turn.

4. UConn’s Unique Team Culture

[19:21–20:57]

• Azzi highlights the authenticity and closeness among teammates, sharing that living together on campus fostered lifelong bonds.
• Quote:
  “It’s not forced. … I know how much I’m gonna miss that. … Our team, it’s like, we just want what’s best for the team and for each other.” – Azzi [19:21]

5. Academic & Personal Growth

[16:47–17:30] [29:49–31:25]

• Azzi discusses her journey from a struggling freshman to a proud graduate and budding MBA student, crediting Professor Vishal and specific classes for changing her academic trajectory.

6. Managing the Pressure

[17:39–18:27]

• Balancing Division I basketball, NIL, academics, and social life was often overwhelming.
• Azzi leaned on her family, friends, teammates, and especially her faith to get through the toughest periods.

7. Celebrating Teammates' Awards

[11:11–12:53]

• Shouts out to Kaylee (elite scholar athlete) and Sarah (player of the year, repeatedly!) for their hard work and success.

8. Evolution as a Player

[18:30–19:10]

• Azzi notes her biggest improvements have been in defense and off-ball movement.
• Teammates tease and praise her for "locking up" opponents.

9. Faith Journey & Baptism

[22:20–25:02]

• Azzi reveals that she and a teammate were baptized the night before this episode—an emotional and monumental personal milestone.
• Credits other players (Paige, Ice) and UConn AIA chaplain for inspiring her spiritual growth.
• Quote:
  “I wanted that, and I know that I now have that. … If I didn’t have them to help me along the way, that wouldn’t be possible... I’m just really grateful.” – Azzi [24:20]

10. Fun & Fandom: UConn Men’s March Madness Moment

[13:07–14:43]

• The group relives the UConn men’s basketball buzzer-beater while Azzi was on the massage table.
• Quote:
  “We hear everyone in the lobby screaming… the way he took that [shot], no hesitation, just pure confidence. Amazing.” – Azzi [14:05]

11. Off-Court Memories & “What the Fud”

[25:37–29:02][33:28–39:51]

• Favorite non-basketball memories include movie nights, CD games, and team bonding.
• “What the Fud of the Week”: Azzi’s baptism; Ashanti meeting Michelle Obama at All-Star Weekend ("Auntie Mo").
• Quote:
  “We’re now brother and sister in Christ. That’s so special.” – Azzi [39:43]

12. Throwback Photos and Career Highlights

[33:28–38:53]

• Azzi shares stories behind fun team Halloween costumes, Steph Curry wearing her jersey for her 20th birthday, and donning a pumpkin head for a viral photo.
• She jokes about costume “fails” and relives sweet off-court moments.

13. What She’ll Take With Her

[29:02–29:49]

• Azzi names her relationships—with teammates, staff, managers, and practice players—as the thing she values most from her UConn years.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the transition:
  “You blink and you have a whole new life… six days to pack my whole life up.” [03:10, Azzi]

• On gratitude after her last game:
  “I was really overwhelmed with love and attention and affection. I have goosebumps thinking about it. I’m just so grateful. I’m so blessed.” [06:20, Azzi]

• On teammate impact:
  “Everyone has touched me in such a different way this year, and it’s been… everyone is so unique, and I just love everyone.” [21:11, Azzi]

• On faith and baptism:
  “It was special to do it here before I left… with the people who introduced me, who helped me grow in my faith, who got me started. I’m about to tear up, but I’m just really grateful. It was an emotional night.” [24:20, Azzi]

• Throwback photo reaction:
  “I honestly rocked the [Hannah Montana] look.” [34:28, Azzi]

• On culture shock post-college:
  “There’s no community like [college] that mimics that—being able to live on campus, have roommates… that’s something unique.” [20:34, Ashanti]

• On team culture:
  “We above me. … Our team, it’s like, we just want what’s best for the team and for each other.” [20:21, Azzi]

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Important Timestamps

• [02:44] – Timeline from last game to the WNBA draft: six days to move out.
• [04:32] – Emotional impact of her career ending.
• [11:11] – Shout-outs to Kaylee and Sarah for awards.
• [13:07] – UConn men’s March Madness moment.
• [16:58] – Freshman Azzi would be proud.
• [17:39] – Coping with the pressure and mental load.
• [18:30] – Evolution as a player: defense and off-ball movement.
• [19:21] – Team culture and the move to individual apartments.
• [22:20] – Baptism and spiritual journey.
• [24:20] – Reflection on faith and teammate support.
• [25:37] – Non-basketball college memories.
• [29:02] – Relationships are the real takeaway.
• [33:34–39:00] – Throwback photo stories.
• [39:09] – What the Fud of the Week: Baptism and Michelle Obama.

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Tone & Style

• Warm, candid, and sprinkled with humor and team banter.
• Deeply honest about transitional life moments, vulnerability, and pride.
• Celebratory and thankful; anchored by a spirit of gratitude, humility, and joy.

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Conclusion

This episode offers a rare, heartfelt window into the life of a college star on the verge of a professional leap—capturing the excitement, exhaustion, friendships, gratitude, and surreal pace of transition. It’s as much about basketball as it is about community, growth, and stepping into the unknown—with a lot of laughs, love, and realness along the way.

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Transcript

[A]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[B]

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.

[A]

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to another episode of Fut around and find out. I'm here with my girl Ashanti. And I'm here with my brother Jose. You can speak.

[C]

Hey, guys, it's your boy.

[A]

Anyways, I'm so excited to be back. I missed you, Ashanti.

[D]

I missed you too, girly. I just want to warn everyone, my voice not great, but we have Jose here who is going to hold it down. Right, Jose?

[A]

B O B.

[C]

Hold it down.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[D]

Anyways, let's just get right into it. There's so much happening this week. I cannot wait. So much has already happened. To be honest, I don't even know where to start.

[A]

Yeah, me neither.

[D]

You know what? I'm gonna start with this tweet that I saw.

[A]

Okay, let's Do it.

[D]

By gabgg35. I hope AZ is at the beach somewhere right now. Or a lake just vibing to calm before the storm. I agree, but where are you?

[A]

Like, I wish I was at a beach, but, like, not really. And there's no calm before the storm. Just madness, storm and badness. I'm in Storrs, Connecticut. I'm still on campus. I'm at the cottage for.

[D]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

This is my last time. This is my last time at the cottage. This was my last drive at the cottage. Gabs, it's already. Oh, no, everything is. Literally everything is my last. I know. I've been saying that all season, like, oh, my last game. But no, this is like my last moments here as a college student. Yeah. So we got back. Hold on, I'm tripping. We played Friday, we got back Saturday night. I leave Friday. So it's been like. It's been a lot. I feel like I've been so busy trying to pack, trying to say goodbyes, make sure I see everyone, get everything done. My appointments, my workouts, my everything.

[D]

What is like the timeline for real? Like, Yuli, Friday you'll be in New York and Then what is it? Draft and then you're gone.

[A]

Yeah, I leave Friday. All my stuff needs to be packed up. I will be in New York for the weekend. Get drafted Monday, I think either Tuesday or Wednesday. I fly to wherever I'm drafted, and wow. Then I have media, I'm sure, like, physicals, meetings, and then training camp starts the 19th.

[D]

That is literally insane, that timeline. You blink and you have a whole new life. Oh, yeah.

[A]

I don't think people realize how quick the turnaround is for seniors going to the W. It's an insane turnaround. I've been lucky enough to be in a program where I've seen it for the last four years. We've always had someone drafted going through this, so I knew what to expect. But it still doesn't even compare until you're really in the situation. You're like, I only have, like, six days to pack my whole life up, say bye to everything I've ever known. My home, my people. So it's gonna be, like, a lot of tears. A lot of tears.

[D]

Like, also tears of joy. Right? This is something that you really wanted and you worked really hard for this moment.

[A]

Yeah, no, it'll be tears. Like, I can't even think about this weekend yet. It's purely just here, what's going on right now. But it's like. It's like I can't even really, Like, I don't have time to even, like, mourn or grieve or, like, just, like, think about this whole season. Like, my whole time. Like, I just. I have to pack. I have to, like, hang out with my teammates as much as I can. I gotta get my last appointments done. I gotta do this, I gotta do that. And then I'm gone. So I feel like. I feel like that's the worst part is you don't really have time to just absorb and take everything in and take a moment to take that deep breath. And, like, I'm obviously very appreciative, very grateful, and I have, like, little moments throughout the day, but it's like you don't have time to really just be like, yeah, yeah.

[D]

Dang, girl. Well, I am praying for a really good transition and then for you to get, like, two seconds to breathe at some point, to think about the amazing season you've had and how far you've come. I'm really proud of you, az. You've had a really incredible season. And even though, you know, things didn't end, you know, the way we would have loved, you still had an incredible season to look back on.

[A]

Thank you. And I should have said this at the beginning of the episode, but definitely congratulations to UCLA and coach Corey. Really exciting. I mean, no one at the end of the year goes happy except for the team that wins it. So we're all sad except for them. But I've been fortunate enough to be coached by Corey before and I think she's amazing. I only have high things to say about her. So, yeah, it didn't end the way I wanted, but. But I still have so much to be grateful for. I mean, it's hard to like knowing that was my last game and ending the way it did and me playing the way I did. Not ideal, but life happens, right? You gotta move on. And for me it was the. Immediately after getting back to the hotel. I mean, like, obviously I've lost before and so I know what that felt like. I know I thought I knew what to expect, but it's definitely a different feeling knowing there's no next year, there's no another opportunity, no one more chance. No, none of that. So it was like, I'm not going to sit here and just be sad, just be mad. Like, I have so much to be grateful for. And so really trying to wrap my head around that and then having, like I said, I had so many family and friends. There was a little pool, like little pool, bar, restaurant area on our hotel. And I think my family probably took up like 70% of it. I was really overwhelmed with love and attention and affection. It was an amazing moment because I'm not at. I just ended my five year college career here and immediately this guy immediately just surrounded by everyone I love. It was such an insane feeling. I think I cried when I walked out. Just seeing everyone there supporting me. I have goosebumps thinking about it. I'm just so grateful. I'm so blessed.

[C]

Yeah, I went to Chipotle. I wasn't staying up there for that.

[D]

I hope so.

[A]

I can't. What are you even talking about right now?

[D]

You were there.

[C]

I was at Chipotle.

[A]

I was at Chipotle.

[D]

You definitely was there. We were all there.

[A]

I saw you. I don't know why he's flexing. I know.

[D]

Jose, what has it been like watching her like you've seen her from the very beginning now seeing her here about to accomplish all her dreams, Man, I'm

[C]

just ready for the party.

[D]

Oh my gosh. Speaking. You know what? Anyways, Az, you got your fit ready?

[A]

Like yes and no.

[D]

Oh my gosh. You don't know where you're gonna Wear yet for the draft?

[A]

Like, yes, but no.

[D]

Okay.

[A]

I have some fun stuff planned, some exciting stuff, but I think like a couple of them. Well, there's some custom made pieces and so I haven't, like, fully seen the finished product. And yeah, that's all I'm going to say is that it's really exciting. I have a fitting coming up, so I slowly, I'm getting more and more information about what's going on this weekend, what I'm wearing, what's happening, what's coming after that weekend. But I really haven't had time to. I didn't have the chance prior to think about that. So now, like, it's like information overload right now. But Ashanti, you're gonna love. Have you seen.

[D]

No.

[A]

Okay. No, I haven't, like, tried anything actually on yet, but just like the sketches and the pictures and the. I'm excited.

[D]

I have not seen anything. But I really hope that you call me or something because I want to see. I'm looking forward to it.

[A]

I'll think about it.

[D]

Okay. Please just call me, girl. Just call me. First of all, all I'm gonna do is scream on the phone and lose my. Oh, maybe not. Az, did you get to see your Fudd family barbecue?

[A]

No, actually, Jack sent me a video, but I never watched it. Sorry, Jack. I mean, honestly, I didn't even really realize how many people I had there at the game. Friends, family. At the game. For me, I saw a little bit of them when we walked out for our little. What do you call that? Before the game? The little, like, send off.

[D]

Send off?

[A]

Yeah. Before the game, walking to the bus, I saw so many faces, but there's so much going on, like different people, noises. I'm walking the bus, so I saw more faces than I knew was there. And I was like, oh, my gosh, I'm so loved. And then after the game, it was like an overwhelming amount of just love and support. And that was amazing. The barbecue looked so fun. I was sad I wouldn't have been able to be there anyways if I won or lost, so. But it was. I mean, you guys know how to throw a party, so you guys know how to have a good time. That is for sure.

[D]

There's a lot of people who love you, for sure. I mean, it was from little babies to grandmas and grandpas. It was packed out and cava catered.

[A]

I got to try your bowl. Really?

[D]

And it was good.

[C]

I didn't.

[A]

Why are you acting surprised?

[D]

Well, you know, listen, sis, from Cottage Cheese, even Though that's not on it. I felt like we had different palates, but that bowl was mad good. So go get your kava bowl.

[A]

It is really good. If kava had cottage cheese, I'd put that on there. I'm just saying.

[D]

Jose, but did your team get a lot of kava for these trips?

[A]

Yeah, that definitely is one of the top doordashed items when we're out. They also catered to us, so we got. The team got cava one day, which was nice because I haven't. I don't like spending money. It's like if I cannot. If I can avoid doordashing, I will eat the hotel food if it's edible. So that was. I haven't had kava and I think since I left, so it was delicious.

[D]

Az, you know what I recently saw?

[A]

What did you see?

[D]

It was like a picture of Sarah who stole your poster, which was super cute. And then I saw that you went back and took Sarah's. Where'd that poster end up going?

[A]

That poster is currently in my apartment on the wall to wake up and first thing I see is her beautiful face. Just inspires me every morning, so.

[D]

Inspires you to be great.

[A]

It truly does.

[D]

I'm weak.

[A]

I fortunate to have some really incredible teammates. So Kaylee won the elite scholar athlete award. So we got to cheer her on, give her her flowers, which I think is awesome because I mean, as teammates, we know. We see everyone in study hall. We see Kaylee is constantly on her computer. I look at her computer and I'm like, what are you doing? That does not look. It's just a lot going on. So I know she's a little smarty pants, but to have her recognized, give her a little shout out to give her her flowers. Like, being a student athlete is hard and excelling in both areas, super difficult. Definitely not talked about enough. So I'm super proud of her. And she makes it look easy. She really does shout out, Kayleigh. She's our little nerd. We have a few of those actually on the team. But then Sarah strong. Oh, my gosh. It was like award after award after awards, and she deserves every single one of them and more. But that was. We, I think we went to like three ceremonies for her and it was. We'd mess with her. We'd be like, oh, Sarah, like, it's so hard having the best player in the country on your team. Like, you have to go sit there and cheer you on and clap for you and be proud of you. Like, it's so hard I mean, like, we're gonna go through every single word. She won. List them all.

[C]

Go ahead. Speed. Right?

[D]

Beats her. Wait, I can. I can summarize it. Ready? Player of the year, Player of the year. Player of the year.

[A]

Player of the year. Player of the year. Player of the year. Player of the year.

[D]

Player of the year.

[A]

Player of the year. Player of the Year.

[D]

Congrats, Sarah.

[A]

Yeah, and shout out to her strong. She's. She's the goat.

[D]

Did you get a chance to watch the UConn men? When I think it was a freshman that hit that crazy shot. Then, oh, my goodness, that was insane.

[A]

So we were watching the game, I had my massage, so I had to go upstairs and. Masseuse. Massage therapist masseuse. That's. You got it right. Anyways, her name, massage therapist Karen. She is the best ever. She has a no phone policy. Like, no touching people on the table, no talking to them, no distracting them. Like, let them rest. Let them be in peace. Let them enjoy in their massage. I'm like, karen, the game. There's like five minutes left. They're going on a run. Like, can I please watch during the massage, she's like, don't tell anyone. She'd kill me if she heard me saying this one. But I'm like, face down, phone on the floor. We're watching together. Everyone is in the lobby. We're on the floor upstairs, so we can hear them all yelling. And they're a little bit ahead of us, so they start screaming as soon as they go on a run. We're watching. We're like, okay, something good's about to happen. Something's good about happen. They hit that shot, Karen, and I start screaming, and now she's giving my massage. We hear everyone in the lobby screaming. I later saw that the girls were watching their room, came down to the lobby and did, like, the UConn chant. We had our families there. We had. The UConn band and cheer team were in the lobby watching, too. The girls came down, they started the UConn chant in the lobby. It was super cute, but it was. That was a crazy game. And I'm super, super proud for them. Super proud of Braylon. That was an insane shot. And the way he took that, no hesitation, just pure confidence. Amazing. Nuts.

[D]

It was wild to watch. I was screaming as well.

[A]

Yeah. To watch that like that, that literally is March madness. That is the epitome of. So to watch that live. Amazing.

[D]

And I love it because he's brand new freshman to the team. Like, it had to be Him. It had to be him.

[C]

Foreign.

[E]

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[F]

On the Serving Pancakes podcast, conversations about volleyball go beyond the court.

[D]

Today we have a little best friend compatibility test.

[F]

Okay, how long have we been best friends for? Since the day we met. As the League1 volleyball season heads towards its final stretch, there's no better time to tune in. We really are like yin and yang, vodka and tequila. You'll hear unfiltered analysis, behind the scenes stories and conversations with leaders making an impact across the sport. Today we have Logan by Nike. I feel like our fan base in general is very connected. Just like a comforting feeling getting to play at home. Whether you're following the final push of love season or just love the game, serving Pancakes brings you closer to the action and the people shaping the future of volleyball. Jordan Thompson had that microphone out. God forbid we make mistakes or cuss at our coach like one time or two times. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search serving Pancakes and listen. Now this has been Serving Pancakes and we'll catch you on the flip side. Okay?

[A]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[D]

So, Az, you had an incredible last five years at UConn. Let's take a trip down memory lane real quick. How would your freshman year Az describe the player and person you are now?

[A]

Is this like pre freshman year or post freshman year? Az?

[D]

Post freshman year.

[A]

I think I would be. I mean, I know I'd be proud. Yeah, I would say proud, especially the way I was my freshman year. I was not proud at all how I played just anything about that year, honestly. So I'd be proud that, you know, like I figured it out a little. Still more to figure Out. But I've grown a lot. I. Yeah, I'd definitely be. Proud would be the word I'd say.

[D]

Jose, please. Was there ever a moment where balancing school and basketball felt overwhelming? And if so, how'd you get through it?

[A]

I mean, definitely. I think there's a lot of things that we do that we make look easy. But being a D1 athlete, being a student, dealing with NIL, and then also having your friends, your family, your personal life to deal with as well, like, that's a lot. You're 18 to what am I? 23 counts 24. 18 to 23. 24. Figuring out who you are, you're on your own. Like, that's a lot to figure out, not a lot to navigate. I think for me, getting through all that, like, whether it was a year I was hurt and it was, you know, rehab stuff I was going through, or on the court, I think just leaning on my family, leaning on my friends, my teammates and my faith have been the biggest thing.

[D]

I love that. It's beautiful.

[C]

What's something about your game that's evolved the most during your time here? What would you say you've really, like, gotten better at what?

[A]

I just can't take you serious. Why do you look like that?

[D]

Yo, he's been killing me the whole time. Look at his faces. I'm trying to ask questions. You deeply unserious.

[A]

My defense has gotten better. I think my off ball movements and just being able to play and not like being able to read the game and play. Let's say.

[C]

I could see that.

[A]

Thanks.

[C]

I can see that.

[D]

I'm not gonna lie. You was locking up this year.

[C]

Mm.

[D]

I definitely saw that you was locking up your a lot. You know, you was guarding the best player. That's all I'm saying. Next.

[A]

You're welcome.

[D]

What made your team culture unique compared to what people see from the outside?

[A]

Well, I think every year I've been here, it's just how close we are, and it's genuine. We love to hang out together. There's not much else to do here more but hang out. Like, whatever you're doing, you're going with a teammate. Whether it's to the movies, whether it's to the mall, whether it's movie. Like, whatever you're doing, it's with a teammate and it's genuine. It's not force. It's not. We all live. I think one of the biggest things that we live together, I feel like with Nil and everything going on, people are getting away from that. They want their Own apartment. They want this. All this alone time in their own space. And I feel like that just takes away from the college experience. I'm dreading that about next week. This is my last couple days. Getting to walk down the hallway, barge into someone's room, lay in their bed, watch a movie. I'm not gonna have that. I know how much I'm gonna miss that. So I think our closeness, but being able to kind of put your individual pride aside on the court and just have that team mentality that we. Above me. And I think that's also rare to find in this day and age of college basketball and nil. Like, everyone wants the attention, wants the awards, and our team, it's like we just want what's best for the team and for each other.

[D]

I think that's beautiful. And I think people don't realize that experience, the college experience, is very unique. Once you leave, there's no community like that that mimics that example. Like, being able to live on campus, being able to have roommates like that, that's something unique to the college experience. So who are the teammates that had the biggest impact on you?

[A]

I feel like someone new each year, but at the same time, everyone has had an impact on me. I think my freshman year, like, my little crew was Paige, Caroline, and Amari. We get a little nickname for ourselves. It was just. That was our little crew. It was cute. Sophomore year, I got really close with Lou and Dorca. I would say Ine is just someone. I had two years with her. She's someone I'm. I'm grateful for all my teammates, but she's someone I talk to every single day. I look back and I'm like. I thank her because I'm like, I would not have gotten through that year. I was hurt without her and Colleen, like, the way I would go through rehab and come back. I'd be looking forward to, like, getting to have movie nights with them, play fortnite with them, like, go get acai bowls with them. Just like that was the highlight of my everyday post rehab. And then, like, getting to meet Caitlin Chenla. It's just like, everyone has touched me in such a different way this year with kk, getting close with her and Kelis and Sarah. Like, I feel like I really got close with everyone this year, and it's been. Everyone is so unique, and I just love everyone. I love them all. I love them all. Actually, I would also add to that.

[C]

She would like to add to that.

[D]

Okay, lawyer.

[A]

I wasn't really gonna bring this up. But you know what? Why not? Because I'm proud. I'm excited. So me and another one of my teammates got baptized last night, and it was.

[D]

You didn't even tell me.

[A]

I know. I was so nervous. I was so, like. I've never really, like, spoke. I get nervous when I was gonna cry about it. And so I've been going to AIA since sophomore year, and I've seen the way Tina Charles came back, and she kind of. She had lunch with us one day my sophomore year, and she was telling us about AIA and Diane, who's run aia, she's the chaplain for the Connecticut sun, and just how that kind of, like, changed her life. And I think it was me and Ice and someone else at that table, and we're like, what is aia? And so she introduced us, started that, planted that seed, and I started going, and I was falling asleep in church, whatever. Like, it took me a minute to get there. Last year, I really started to lock in my faith. And meeting with Diane and accepting Jesus in my life, all of that good stuff, all that great stuff. And I would say your question. What? Teammates had the biggest impact on me, seeing the way that Ice and Paige have been, just being able to see their kind of transformation and their growth and their walk with God and their journey. And, like, I have. It's. It's been so clear. It's been so visible. So you can see the difference in them as people, and it's incredible. You can see, like, just the peace that they have, the lightness that they're able to walk with. And I wanted that, and I know that I now have that. But I know that without them kind of planting that seed and being someone to introduce me to God and to church and to AIA and drag me along with. Even when I was falling asleep and just keep me persistent, like, eventually it clicked, but if I didn't have them to kind of help me along the way, that wouldn't be possible. So, I mean, shout out to Diane and John at a. For being able to make the baptism work, because that was. This is my last week here, and they squeeze all this in. And so I wanted. It was special to do it here before I left with the people who introduced me, who helped me grow in my faith, who got me started. Yeah, I'm about to tear up, but I'm just really grateful. It was such an emotional night. It's been such an emotional last week, but I feel like that was. Like, this week is a lot, but it's been Everything, it's been perfect. I'm so grateful. And so I would say those are teammates, Paige and Ice and KK and Ash, Caroline, who have inspired me, helped me, and that I can talk to and not just be teammates, not just be like UConn sisters, but also sisters in Christ with.

[D]

I'm unwell.

[A]

I'm sorry. I just did a lot of talking. I'm sorry.

[D]

I'm unwell. That is so beautiful. My fault, yo. Oh, my gosh. The girls who get it, get it. Okay. That is awesome. That is so awesome. But I was also baptized in college, so that is a huge, huge decision, and I'm so proud of you, and I think that's, like, one of the best decisions of your life.

[A]

Okay, Jose, please ask a question.

[C]

What were your favorite non basketball memories in college?

[A]

I mean, we've had some incredible movie nights. Like, we've had some really good ones. I could probably give some good psychological thriller movie recs if anyone wants them. But I'd also say we've had some incredible CD games and just, like, bonding moments. So I would say some of those.

[D]

What's a moment you're proud of? That never showed up in the box score.

[A]

Anytime I see someone dive on the ground for a loose ball, that, like, when it's Kaylee on the ground, Sarah on the ground, Ash, kk. Whenever I see them on the ground, because those are. That's like effort plays. That's like, literally them telling you, like, how much they want to win. Like, they're putting their body on the line for the team. And I try to get on the floor sometimes, but it's a little more difficult for me. So, like, when I see them doing it inspires me to want to get on the floor. She's also. There was one I set up flare screen on Ash one time. We had been working on it in practice. Not me setting flare screen on Ash, but just like, flare screen setting them in general. And I set one on Ash. She got an open 3. She hit it, and there's a clip of it. We watched it in film, and we just, like, turn and smile at each other because we were like, that was a great screen, and that was a great shot. But I was very happy about that. I was very proud of that screen.

[C]

In the five years you were at UConn, who challenged you the most in practice? Other than me? No, I'm kidding. I was never there, but I still would be. Who challenged you the most?

[D]

I want to know who's hard to guard and who was guarding Locking you

[C]

up and who just couldn't guard you.

[A]

I like to know that Kelise can't guard me. She tries. She really tries her best. That's her soul. She tries her hardest, but she can't.

[D]

Oh, my God, I can't wait to this come out.

[A]

I mean, honestly, most of the time we play against practice guys, but I will say, when we play against each other, Nika was the worst to be on the other team against, like, the worst. I'll never forget playing. We had a three on three tournament one year. It was literally a bloodbath. That is someone that you want on your team and you never want to play against. Hardest to guard. I mean, Sarah strong, like, there's no guarding her unless you foul her. Challenge me the most. Yeah, I don't know. I mean, it's like, I guess the coaches and the coaches and their drills, what they ask. But then the practice guys, they show up every single day, make us better, compete, never make things easy on us. In fact, they try way too hard sometimes, but that's what makes us better. So I love our practice squad. There's some of them that, like, they show up every day and they take pride in what they do, and they're doing it for free. They're doing that for us. So I really, really appreciate them. I'm gonna miss them a lot.

[C]

Is it like every practice? Are you like. Are you busing the practice squad, or is it like a healthy mix of both?

[A]

They have their moments, for sure.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm gonna leave it at that. They have their moments for sure. Yeah. All right. You gotta stop. That was good.

[D]

You gotta stop. Good job.

[A]

That's what you're supposed to do.

[D]

All right. When you think about leaving, what's one thing you're taking with you that has nothing to do with basketball?

[A]

All the relationships that I've built with, I mean, obviously my teammates, they're stuck with me forever. But even just the staff, like the support, obviously, coaches too. I will always keep in touch with them. I'll be asking them, I'm sure, for advice and whatnot these next couple months. But the support staff, the relationship I've built with them, some of the managers, some of the practice players, I feel like I've been really fortunate to just have such a great group around. We always talk about the team and the coaches, how amazing they are. But the support staff that's around us, the managers, the practice, everyone behind the scenes, that helps get everything done, they are such incredible people, and I love them all. So definitely My relationships, all of them. I never want that to end.

[C]

And your five years at UConn, do you have a professor that might have impacted you?

[A]

Like, I really just can't take you seriously. But yes, I did. My professor was one of the last classes I took my undergrad before I graduated. It was, I don't even remember what the title of the class was anyways. His name was Vishal. It was like a personal finance. It was like an introduction to Personal finance class. They started it so like athletes and students could get that little intro to like who weren't in business and finance majors could get a little intro. And it was, I think his first time teaching it, the first time having it. And it was. He made it so fun. Like, he made it so fun. He might have said my name wrong for a little bit, but that's okay. He was awesome. And you could tell he loved teaching. And it was a bunch of athletes in the class. I was in it with Ash, Alex was in the class, some other men's players. But just like his passion for teaching made it exciting to learn. And that is the reason why I ended up getting my almost getting. I'm almost there guys. Deciding to get my mba. I was going to do sport management for grad school. And then I took this class spring semester right before I graduated and I was like, hold on, talk to my academic advisor. I was like, I know I have no prior business, no prior business knowledge, but is it possible? Like this class has really made me interested and so I, I definitely need to write him a thank you note and let him know just the impact he's had on me because I am super excited to be finishing up my degree now with my mba. And I wouldn't have done that if it wasn't for him.

[C]

Shout out. Professor Vishal.

[A]

Yeah, cool guy. He's a cool guy.

[E]

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[F]

On the Serving Pancakes podcast, Conversations about volleyball go beyond the court.

[D]

Today we have a little best friend compatibility test.

[F]

Okay, how long have we been best friends for? Since the day we met. As the League1 volleyball season heads towards its final stretch, there's no better time to tune in. We really are like you, Yin and yang, vodka and tequila. You'll hear unfiltered analysis, behind the scenes stories and conversations with leaders making an impact across the sport. Today we have Logan led me. I feel like our fan base in general is very connected. Just like a comforting feeling getting to play at home. Whether you're following the final push of love season or just love the game, serving pancakes brings you closer to the action and the people shaping the future of volleyball. Jordan Thompson had that microphone. Oh, God forbid we make mistakes or cuss at our coach like one time or two times. Open your free iHeartradio app. Search serving Pancakes and listen. Now this has been serving Pancakes and we'll catch you on the flip side, okay?

[A]

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[D]

All right, you guys, we're gonna get into our fighting games. Our first fighting game. We have some throwback pictures.

[E]

Az

[D]

the first one is your Hannah Montana Halloween. Please describe this and let us know what's happening.

[A]

Okay, so Sack does something every Halloween. So all of the teams, it's called Sack o lantern and it's for little kids in the area for the faculty and staff with young kids. Each team picks to pick a theme. Like people are minions, People are superheroes or cats or zombies, whatever. So we did pop stars and, you know, celebrities as our theme, our team's theme. And one of my friends was just Hannah Montana. Either she was being Hannah Montana that year. She was Hannah Montana last year. So she had this perfect wig and all her costume pieces. Still, she let me borrow them and I feel like I honestly rocked the look.

[C]

Honestly. Look, you look like her. I'm not gonna lie. In this photo, I wasn't even.

[D]

It's the glasses for me.

[A]

Montana. If she has some melanin.

[C]

The glasses are a ton of color. I don't know why.

[A]

It's also perfect. Oh, I didn't see the skirt.

[D]

Okay, next picture. Stephen Curry wearing your jersey to a press conference for your 20th birthday.

[A]

That was insane.

[D]

Fire.

[A]

Yeah. I think someone sent it to me and I was like, is this AI. Is this real? I don't even think like, chat. He didn't tell you I was that. I think I. Like, there was talk about like, maybe he would, but like, you know, this guy's busy. He's got a big closet. I don't know if he was actually gonna do it. He didn't have to. And so that made my day. It was really sweet of him. He did not need to do that at all. And really cool.

[D]

That's pretty goated, I'm not going to lie.

[A]

My jersey right now.

[C]

The go.

[A]

No.

[D]

Yeah, that's pretty Go.

[C]

Whoever. Whoever he's wearing on her on his. On his jersey.

[A]

What?

[D]

We can't hear you, Jose.

[C]

I said whoever, whoever's on his jersey. That's cool too.

[D]

But oh, my goodness, it's one of my personal favorites. A and the CD wig. Are you at press conference?

[A]

Yeah. This was after we beat like the whole time the all time winning record. Not we he, him and CD but after that game. So we had those shirts of him. Oh, yeah.

[D]

Wait.

[A]

Yeah. Was that when they became the most like winning coaches? I'm pretty sure.

[C]

I think so.

[A]

Through the shirts with coach's face on it. CD Bob's like, it had to just shout them both out, you know, have him on your shirt, her on your hair. I did not eat. I know. I'm self aware. I know when to give one up. And it's this did not eat the blonde Bob.

[D]

It wasn't. It wasn't.

[A]

It wasn't.

[D]

You ain't shaking. You ain't activated.

[A]

That was.

[D]

You got to activate the Bob.

[A]

That was the issue.

[D]

Yeah, girl, now I know.

[A]

Activated.

[D]

It's all right. It's all right. Halloween this year. Az, you dressed up as a student. How did we get here?

[C]

Oh, Lord.

[D]

Well, I feel like you talked about it a little bit. Like it wasn't just you, it was a couple of your teammates.

[A]

Yeah, it was the whole team. Yeah. Like I. Yeah, this looks pretty natural. This is like all from someone else's closet, which I think is amazing. That was fun. Like, you know, I wasn't. I mean, I was still pretty cold. I didn't have that much clothes on. But like, you know, my stomach wasn't out. I wasn't like, had to worry about like my butt out. Like, I don't know how girls do that at Halloween, you know, no shade. Do whatever you want, but I was comfy. I will say this is a good Halloween.

[D]

You look good. Girl, now you can switch it up. Okay. And the last one. You in this pumpkin head.

[A]

This is actually really fun.

[C]

What is this?

[D]

Where is this?

[A]

This isn't our prospectus facility. Before. I think this was my. Nash was there, so maybe it was my.

[C]

It was two years ago.

[A]

I think it was my junior year.

[C]

You look strong.

[A]

Before I got hurt.

[D]

High key.

[C]

Look at the shoulders and the arms like frame.

[A]

I am strong. Anyways, we tried to take pictures shooting and what they didn't tell, like the. It's not a helmet. It's not tight, it's loose. Like when you look up, it just slides. So it. I shot one time. It just hit me in the face. I made Ina. She was there. I made her put it on. I think of a video of it. She shot the ball and she. Like, no one wore. I didn't warn her, obviously. And so she went and shot and it just slid. Smacked her in the face and she fell.

[C]

I know for a fact, but it

[A]

made for a really cool photo.

[D]

Yeah, we definitely need that big.

[C]

Not a single ball winning the hoop.

[A]

Are you a pumpkin carver, Ashanti? I am.

[D]

I am a pumpkin carver. Yep. But the process sometimes is a little smelly.

[A]

That's okay. Ugh.

[D]

I don't like how Ugh. But yeah, I'm a pumpkin carver. It's fun. He put the little candle in.

[C]

Who carved those pumpkins?

[A]

I think Peter carved this one.

[C]

What a guy. That's a big guy.

[D]

All right, so that's a wrap of our throwback picks from your UConn pass. Next, we're moving on to our what the fud of the week. For those who don't know our what the fud of the week is something that happened this week that made you say, what the F, Jose, you got one.

[C]

It was going to be something else, but now that I found out AZ has been baptized, that might be my what the fud of the week.

[D]

Oh, man. That was my. What the fuck?

[C]

I mean, I could definitely say that's

[D]

a great one, but that's a great one.

[C]

Yeah, I'm proud. I'm proud that she's now a child of God. I mean, she always has one, but. Oh, she just a.

[D]

You have a what the fun of the week.

[A]

That's my what?

[C]

She surpasses me every day. You know, she always just.

[A]

We're the same here. We're now brother and sister in Christ. That's so special. It is.

[C]

So that's my what the fud. Yeah, I'm. I'm flooding proud.

[D]

Mine too.

[A]

I'm flooding proud. That was good. Thanks, Jose. My what the butt of the week. Like, I guess losing. I woke up Sunday morning and I'm like, oh, this wasn't a bad dream. This is real life. Yeah, I'm really back in sweet spread again. Okay, that's cool. Then what about my day?

[D]

Yep, that'll do it.

[A]

That'll do it. What the fudge?

[D]

All right, y'. All, that's our what the fuds of the week.

[A]

And this being our last pod. Not my last pot at the cottage, like, on campus. What the fud? That's just so many what the fuds this week, it's crazy. Yeah, for sure.

[D]

You almost threw the incident in a frenzy when you said last pot, though,

[A]

I'll tell you that. If we would have paused right there and cut. No more pod.

[D]

Internet on fire. I mean, that's a wrap, friend.

[A]

Oh, nice.

[D]

Another what the fud? I met Michelle Obama and the pictures dropped this week.

[C]

Oh, yeah, I saw that.

[A]

I did see that. I was really confused.

[D]

Yes.

[C]

What was that for?

[D]

You're like, did she come to the game?

[A]

I know. I was like, whoa. So she met her in Phoenix?

[D]

No, I met her at All Star Weekend. She is a part of a company with Stephen Curry, Plessy. And because I am a part of the Plessy family, we got a chance to meet her and sit down with her and chat with her for about an hour. It was crazy. Honestly, one of the best experiences, and honestly, after being a child of God is my biggest flex. My biggest flex, you know, obviously being a child of God, second biggest flex. I met Michelle Obama, and I'm claiming that she's my auntie.

[A]

There you go.

[D]

I started that. Auntie Mo, I love you. If you ever see this

[A]

Auntie Mo. I think we look alike. Okay, I see it.

[D]

This is a picture of us. I see we got a favor.

[A]

I'm here for it.

[D]

You like? If you love it, I love it.

[A]

I remember you talking about this on a different episode, though, so it's really cool. The picture.

[D]

Yeah, for sure. I'm happy.

[A]

But yeah, definitely. What the.

[D]

Definitely some great what the fuds this week.

[A]

Oh, for sure. And there'll be some good ones next week, too.

[D]

Oh, girl, I can't even wait. The outfits, the draft, like, the team.

[A]

Well, we'll just keep everyone listening and watching. On your toes. Waiting. You have to fud around and find out this weekend, see what happens. But, yeah, I'm so happy to be back. I missed you guys. Thank you, everyone, for listening for watching today's episode. That is a wrap. We will see you all next week. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to Fight around and find out wherever you get your podcasts. See you guys next week Again.

[C]

Fire Cut It

[A]

Put 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 Fuse and Mackenzie Fitzpatrick and co producers are Kurt Redmond, Maya Howard and Jaclyn Schoeninger. This podcast is edited by Mike Coscarelli and hosted by me, Az Fudd and Ashanti Plummer.

[E]

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 flavor, sweeteners or colors. Try Gatorade Lower Sugar today available on Gatorade.com and in stores nationwide.

[B]

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

[A]

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