Podcast Summary: Charmin Smith, A Woman of Many Talents
Podcast Information
- Title: No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
- Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman
- Episode: Charmin Smith, A Woman of Many Talents
- Release Date: November 17, 2023
Introduction to Charmin Smith
Timestamp: 04:55
In this episode, host Zena Keita welcomes Charmin Smith, the head coach of the California Golden Bears women's basketball team. Charmin shares her excitement about joining the show and dives into a comprehensive discussion about her extensive career in women's basketball, both as a player and as a coach.
Charmin's Athletic Journey
Timestamp: 05:39 – 13:43
Charmin recounts her journey from being a native of St. Louis to playing collegiate basketball at Stanford. She emphasized the importance of education alongside athletics, stating, “Coming to Stanford really for me was about using basketball as a means to get the best education possible” (06:29). Despite her academic pursuits in civil and environmental engineering, Charmin accelerated her coursework to graduate earlier and pursue a career in professional basketball.
She discusses her tenure in the American Basketball League (ABL) with the Portland Power and her eventual entry into the WNBA in the summer of 1999 with the Minnesota Lynx. Charmin shares her humility about her earnings in the league, noting, “Making $25,000. That's all I made” (08:01), yet she expresses pride in her role and contributions on the court.
Transition to Coaching
Timestamp: 14:39 – 25:44
After her playing career, Charmin transitioned into coaching, influenced by mentor Tara Vandiver, the esteemed head coach of Stanford's women’s basketball team. Initially hesitant, Charmin realized the profound impact coaching could have, both on her and her players. She reflects, “As a basketball coach, and particularly as a head basketball coach, I am building bridges every day and how I impact the lives of young women” (14:52).
Charmin details her early coaching experiences at Boston College under Coach Kathy Inglese, where they achieved significant success, including winning the Big East tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. This success led her back to Stanford as an assistant coach before eventually taking the helm at Cal, where she has been leading the Golden Bears for 16 years.
Activism and Social Justice Initiatives
Timestamp: 21:11 – 25:26
Charmin passionately discusses her commitment to activism and social justice within the realm of athletics. Inspired by events such as Hurricane Katrina and the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, she emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps rather than merely expressing frustration.
She shares, “We tried to do something. And even moving forward from that, we still have our Race for Change, an annual 5K...” (21:11). Charmin highlights initiatives like the Katrina Assist pledge program, which raised $18,000 for Habitat for Humanity, and the creation of the Racial Justice Council at Cal to foster education and dialogue within the athletics community.
One of her notable projects is the rebranding of the Cal Classic to the Raising the Bar Invitational, an event that features four Black female head coaches annually. Charmin states, “The bar stands for basketball activism and representation” (25:13), underscoring her dedication to elevating both the sport and social consciousness.
Personal Development Through Muay Thai
Timestamp: 16:26 – 19:07
Beyond her professional commitments, Charmin delves into her personal pursuit of Muay Thai. Initially seeking a means to stay fit, she discovered a passion for the martial art that has significantly influenced her coaching philosophy. Charmin explains, “Muay Thai is scary. It's hard, it's extremely challenging. And it's another way for me to get outside of my comfort zone” (16:44).
Through rigorous training, Charmin has developed greater confidence and discipline, traits she seamlessly integrates into her coaching. She remarks, “Just one stick and 16 ounces of water hydrates better than water alone because Liquid IV is powered by LIV Hydroscience...” (18:20), illustrating how her personal growth translates into her professional role.
Team Performance and Strategic Approach
Timestamp: 27:51 – 33:09
Charmin provides an insightful overview of the California Golden Bears' current team dynamics and strategic approach. With seven returners and six newcomers, she emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and cohesive team culture. “Last year was rough. It did not feel good,” she admits (27:51), highlighting the team's focus on rebuilding and enhancing their collective morale.
She discusses the blend of experienced players and fresh talent, such as Mikayla and Marta from successful programs, and Ioana Kremele, an exceptional shooter from USF. This strategic recruitment aims to balance continuity with new energy, ensuring the team is well-equipped to compete in the challenging Pac-12 conference.
Charmin also addresses the upcoming Pac-12 tournament, acknowledging the high level of competition and the team's aspiration to advance to the NCAA tournament. “We weren't a bad team. We just weren't a top 25 team yet,” she reflects (31:35), expressing confidence in the team's potential to overcome obstacles and achieve postseason success.
Conclusion: Vision for the Future
Timestamp: 33:09 – 34:04
Wrapping up the conversation, Zena Keita commends Charmin for her multifaceted contributions to basketball and social justice. Charmin reiterates her commitment to leading the team towards achieving their goals, emphasizing resilience and continuous improvement. “We want to get back to the NCAA tournament. This team wants post season play,” she affirms (33:09).
Zena expresses her admiration for Charmin’s authenticity and drive, concluding with well-wishes for the team's ongoing success and impact both on and off the court.
Key Takeaways
- Dual Commitment: Charmin balances a rigorous academic background with a successful athletic and coaching career.
- Impactful Coaching: She leverages her platform to foster social justice initiatives and create meaningful change within the athletic community.
- Personal Growth: Her dedication to Muay Thai exemplifies her commitment to personal development and discipline, qualities she imparts to her players.
- Team Strategy: Charmin focuses on building a cohesive and positive team culture, strategically recruiting to enhance the team's competitive edge.
- Future Aspirations: The primary goal is to advance to the NCAA tournament, with a strong emphasis on resilience and continuous team improvement.
Notable Quotes
- Charmin Smith: “I am building bridges every day and how I impact the lives of young women.” (14:52)
- Charmin Smith: “Muay Thai is scary. It's hard, it's extremely challenging. And it's another way for me to get outside of my comfort zone.” (16:44)
- Charmin Smith: “We tried to do something. And even moving forward from that, we still have our Race for Change, an annual 5K...” (21:11)
- Charmin Smith: “We weren't a bad team. We just weren't a top 25 team yet.” (31:35)
Conclusion
Charmin Smith's journey from a dedicated student-athlete to a passionate coach and activist exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have both in sports and the broader community. Her commitment to excellence, social justice, and personal growth serves as an inspiring model for aspiring athletes and leaders alike.