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Zena Kaeda
For the athletic I'm Zena Kaeda and this is the Athletic Women's Basketball Show. Welcome to another special edition of Athletic All Access where we sit down with the big names, bright talent and difference makers around the sport of women's basketball. I got our writers with me, Chantelle Jennings and Sabrina Merchant here to interview a very special guest out of the Big Ten OSU fans rejoice. We've got Cody McMahon in the house as of last night. The time that we're recording this, it's Thursday, February 29th, and last night, Cody McMahon and her teammates did their big one, winning the Big Ten outright over Michigan 6751. She's also the former Big Ten Freshman of the Year as of last season and has been racking up Big Ten Players of the Week since she entered the conference. Cody, welcome to the show.
Cody McMahon
Yeah, thanks for having me. Thanks for having me.
Zena Kaeda
All right, Chantel, I'll let you take it away.
Chantelle Jennings
Cody, welcome to the show. I think the only part that Xena missed there was that we learned in our research that you are a noted Grinch aficionado, which I think we'll have.
Cody McMahon
To talk about here. Yes.
Chantelle Jennings
Oh, my gosh.
Cody McMahon
I am. I am a Grinch fan. Love the Grinch.
Chantelle Jennings
Well, you had told us you're sitting at your locker.
Cody McMahon
Yeah, I'm sitting at my locker. And this is in here. There's so much other stuff in my locker, too, of the Grinch, but it's kind of.
Chantelle Jennings
That's what I was curious. How much Grinch stuff is in your locker?
Cody McMahon
There's a lot. There's kind of like the whole trash bag.
Zena Kaeda
Okay. So while she gets her things out of her locker, I just want to put it out there. I don't know what lockers are like in college basketball these days, but to have a trash bag dedicated to the Grinch is significant real estate. Y'all, like, you have shoes, jerseys, everything, but you've got a bag of Grinches. Okay, here we are.
Chantelle Jennings
And this is like an extra large one. Like the stretch trash bags that you really put stuff in. Okay. Looks like there's at least four stuffed animals in there.
Cody McMahon
Maybe there's more than four. Yeah.
Zena Kaeda
I just thought you liked the shoes.
Cody McMahon
Yeah, I mean, my shoes are kind of sitting right in front of me, too, so. Yeah.
Zena Kaeda
Oh, my God.
Sabrina Merchant
The reverse Grinch is a good look for Ohio State. With the red, it's a good look.
Cody McMahon
Yeah. But it's something about the green. It's just. It just pops more, you know?
Sabrina Merchant
It does pop.
Cody McMahon
Yeah.
Zena Kaeda
Where did this love originate?
Cody McMahon
Honestly, I'm not really sure. So, like, a couple years back Christmas, we were watching the Grinch, and, I don't know, the Grinch just. Really. Just something stuck with me. I think it's like, his personality, honestly, because, like, he just seems so mean. I mean, he is mean, but it's like he's also so sweet. And he really does have a heart, and I really like that. And he's a very honest, like, person, very brutally honest. And that's definitely how I am. So we kind of resemble each other a little bit.
Zena Kaeda
I love that. And I also want to put for the record, you're 19, so couple years back is solid teenager years.
Cody McMahon
Yeah.
Zena Kaeda
This isn't a childhood situation.
Cody McMahon
No, I was like, 16.
Zena Kaeda
Yeah, there you go. Okay. Never too late.
Chantelle Jennings
Own it, Cody.
Zena Kaeda
It's never too late.
Chantelle Jennings
Own it, Cody. Well, I'm sure most people come to the Athletic Women's Basketball show expecting to hear about the Grinch, but maybe we should talk a little bit of basketball. Cody, let's go back to the beginning. You early enrolled at Ohio State when you were 17 in January 2022. Maybe talk us through that decision a bit, because January 2022, I'd assume there was a large part of your high school years that were kind of missed due to remote learning and sort of that like, typical high school experience. And then you decide to leave a semester early to enroll Ohio State. Like, what went into that decision? How did you think that through?
Cody McMahon
Honestly, for me, it was very easy. You know, high school, my high school career, we were good, but, you know, just like state was definitely a goal, but just being honest, like, we just weren't. We weren't going to get there. So I felt as far like for me and my career that I needed to find a way to kind of get prepared for, you know, the next level. And not everybody has the opportunity to graduate high school early and kind of do the things I did. So when I had the opportunity, I immediately took it. Like, there was no really thought that went into it. I was ready to do it. And then I didn't play. Even my senior year that I was there, I just trained and got ready to kind of be here to train some more and just kind of learn. And I thought that has really helped me my freshman year and then my, you know, future years, just learning the game at a different level and just being able to, like, watch instead of actually going out there and performing. I got to really kind of just sit back and really think and, you know, really figure out what I needed to do and what I needed to learn.
Sabrina Merchant
I'm sure it helped that so many of the same teammates you have now, like J.C. and Rebecca, and I think Taylor myself was there that year too. Taylor theory. You guys have had so much continuity and just being able to build that up six months in advance. Like, how helpful was that for You.
Cody McMahon
No, it was very helpful. JC was really the first one that kind of welcomed me with open arms. She really took me under her wing, and she still does. But, yeah, I think it's really helped for, you know, the future and for us playing together, honestly, because, you know, I was on scout team, but, like, I was still helping them, you know, accomplish what they were accomplishing that year and just helping them get better. So, you know, they still. They still were very good teammates as far as that, and just kind of helping me learn and learn on the court and outside the court, you know, that next level of life.
Chantelle Jennings
What was it that you feel like you most learned? Because I also feel like anyone who does that has to have such a high level of patience and sort of seeing the big picture to not be able to travel with the team, not be able to play in the games and just sort of go to the practices and do the weight room stuff for six months before you can actually sort of have the reward of a game. Like, what were the biggest takeaways for you from that time?
Cody McMahon
I just felt like the biggest takeaways were that, like, college basketball is just different. There's so many talented players. Strong, tall, just. And everyone is good. Like, everyone is great. So just being able to understand that and just making sure that, you know, day by day and making every day count in college is very important. Practice is very important. And it kind of took me a while to understand that just because I was so, you know, young and just, I wouldn't say immature, but it was just something different. So I think the biggest thing that I learned and that I still kind of commit to my every day is just, you know, practice every day is an opportunity, and it's an opportunity to get better. And it's something that, you know, we have to do in order to take the next steps. So just making sure that we make every day count.
Sabrina Merchant
Do you think you would have enrolled early at Ohio State if you hadn't lived so close? Like, was that proximity part of the decision, you know, to make that move early?
Cody McMahon
Not really. I think I still kind of would have just enrolled early.
Chantelle Jennings
But, yeah, you've talked, and I know, not just to us, but to other people, kind of about how important your mom and your grandma have been in your life and your journey. Obviously, it wasn't a part of your calculus of kind enrolling early, but how great has it been to sort of be close to home, be close to family? I know your mom is at, like, every game.
Cody McMahon
Yeah.
Chantelle Jennings
She's beloved by Everyone at osu, how important has that been for you?
Cody McMahon
Yeah, it's very important. Especially when my grandma was kind of going through her whole sickness and all that, you know, just being close to home, being able to go back home and check on her whenever I wanted to, just being there for her, it was really cool and just something special. And then I have a baby sister too, who's three, about to turn four. So, yeah, just being home next to all my siblings, my family, it's just really cool. And it's once again, like an opportunity that not everybody has, so I definitely take advantage of it.
Sabrina Merchant
Yeah, I love that the families of the Buckeyes are like, kind of celebrities in their own right. Like, I can identify, like, the Sheldon's in the crowds and your mom.
Cody McMahon
Yeah.
Sabrina Merchant
So obviously, you know, you have a great Big Ten Freshman of the Year season. You guys make the Elite Eight last year, and then you have the opportunity to play with Team USA this off season for the U19 World Cup. And I mean, let's not bury the lead here. You hit the game winning shot in the gold medal game. But what was it about that experience that, you know, set you up for this year? Like, what did you get most out of it?
Cody McMahon
I feel like just overseas is a whole different game. You know, the rules are different, but the physicality overseas is just. It's crazy. But I mean, it's definitely right up my alley. It kind of taught me, you know, kind of how to play through contact. Not saying that I didn't know how, but it just like, just learning how to, like, kind of be more balanced and just finishing through contact off two feet, just. I'd say it really just kind of made my game even stronger as far as that element. And then just, you know, the different. The different countries playing the different. The different teams kind of just learn how the game of basketball is played from all over. It's just really cool.
Chantelle Jennings
It wasn't your first Team USA experience, but what does being around sort of a group of players, obviously your Ohio State team is super close, but, like, when you get a chance to go play with Hannah Hidalgo and Kiki Rice and all of these other amazing players from other schools that you might face during the season at some point, but to sort of in that situation where you have USA across your chest and you're all sort of together and Madison Booker was there several podcast guests, actually. That's right. What was that like? And what did you take from them?
Cody McMahon
I mean, it's really cool because when you play with usa, you're playing with the best of the best, and that's from players. And then you're being coached by the best of the best, too. And then just playing with USA across your chest with people who are making an impact at their, you know, colleges is just, it's just really cool. Like you mentioned, like Booker, Kiki, London, Hannah. It's just really cool how you think about, like, we're all on the same team. We all were on the same team at one point, just kind of being dynamic in our own ways. And it's just. It's just really cool.
Sabrina Merchant
I'm still hung up on the fact that you said it made your game more physical, which is hard for me to pick up on considering the way.
Cody McMahon
You played last year. No, yeah, it definitely did. It's just something that I had to adjust to because overseas you're not going to give a foul call on a layup. Like, it just doesn't happen. So kind of just learning how to play through physicality. Yeah.
Chantelle Jennings
Team USA is also sort of different in that you don't have the long lead up, sort of this really short period of time to get everything together. A new group of players, a coach you maybe haven't worked with before. That's kind of the opposite of your Ohio State experience, where you had that long Runway. How does that add to what you're able to do as a player? When you know Ohio State, you know, Coach McGuff has his system and you're getting into it versus going to Team USA where it's short period to run up and then you're on the floor together with players you really haven't spent a lot of time with. How does that change you as a player and how does that elevate your game at Ohio State?
Cody McMahon
I think Team USA does a really good job in challenging us with that. You know, when you have the best of the best, you know, sometimes it's hard. It's hard to do that and just trust each other. When you know, you. You're at your collegiate school and, you know, you've guys been building up a relationship for so long, but I think with Team usa, like, you know, like I said, we're all the best of the best. Like, this is what we have to do in order to be successful. So it's kind of like we just take that and we own it. USA does a great job of making sure that we're just close knit and that we consider us as family even in that short amount of time. So I think it's really Helped as far as building bonds with Team usa, But then coming back here, it's just like, if I can create a relationship with people that I've never played with before, then, I mean, I should have no problem here with this team, especially being with them every day and just, you know, making sure that they can count on me and, you know, I can count on them.
Sabrina Merchant
So you were fortunate not only to be able to play in Spain for the U19 World cup this off season, but then you guys also had your team trip to Brazil as part of the preseason. Before we get into the basketball part of it, like, what was your favorite part of just being international? Like, what did you get to do in these other countries?
Cody McMahon
The water. I love the water. Like, I love the water. So just being in the ocean for hours at a time, it was just so much fun. I didn't play while I was there just because I literally just got off the plane from Spain. But, yeah, just, like, the cultural difference and just, you know, learning. It was really fun.
Chantelle Jennings
Did you guys spend the whole time in Rio or did you get to travel around much?
Cody McMahon
Oh, we went somewhere else, but I don't remember. But we were only there for, like, two days. The last two days. Yeah.
Chantelle Jennings
Right before the pandemic hit, my husband and I went to Brazil, and it's, like, the coolest place we've ever been. Yeah, it was, like, literally, we, like, got back into the US the day before. Like, everything started shutting down, and we're like, oh, but just like, the coolest place. And, yeah, like, the water there is just beautiful. Anywhere else I've ever been. And Christ the redeemer. I know I had seen on, you know, Instagram and all of your guys videos. Yeah, it's just like. Yeah, I think international travel, it's so great that you guys get to do it. I also feel like it's so unique that Ohio State went to Brazil this summer. Every coach I talked to is like, we're going to Italy. We're going to Italy. I was like, let me guess. Are you going to Italy? Like, Ohio State goes to Brazil. I feel like that's such a separator. So. Yeah, that's good. Maybe we should talk about some Ohio State stuff now, considering we have the leading rebounder for the Big Ten champs on our podcast right now, maybe we should get to some. Some Buckeye stuff.
Sabrina Merchant
Well, let's lead with that. You guys won the Big Ten title outright last night against Michigan, redeeming that loss from earlier in the regular season. Just what was that Moment, like, for you, being able to celebrate that, it was.
Cody McMahon
It was very special because, you know, I was here when they won Big Ten champs, but I wasn't playing and I wasn't able to make an impact like I was able to this year. So just knowing that I'm a sophomore and I've already accomplished so much with this team, and we still have so much more to accomplish, but just that with this team, it was just so special that I was able to, you know, have a huge impact in that game and then, you know, win Big Ten champs.
Chantelle Jennings
This team is pretty unique. I think when a lot of people think about the Buckeyes, we think about the press. I think offensively, though, there have been six different leading scorers for you guys at times throughout the season. Like, you guys are really versatile in depth. The depth is really obvious. What do you think makes Ohio State the most dangerous at this point in the year?
Cody McMahon
Yeah, I mean, I even feel like we have some people who still have yet to kind of, you know, hit their peak, but I feel like it's coming very soon. Like, Taylor theory, man, she is. I love her so much, and people sleep on her, I do think. But she. She's deadly. She's a deadly weapon. So we have so many players just like that who will sneak up on you, which is great for us. We have so many different scores at different levels, and we just have people who just play in their role and really love to do that, which I think is a very important thing to do when you have a team this talented.
Sabrina Merchant
I'm curious about the press, just because, you know, it's such a distinctive part of what you guys do at Ohio State, physically. What goes into that? Like, how much of those six months that you got in there ahead of time was just, I need to get in the conditioning to be able to run up and down the court the way Kevin McGuff needs me to.
Cody McMahon
Every day. Literally every day, we practice. The press, literally every day, and we do Odo. We're pressing in Odo. We go up and down, as in like, five on five. We'll do, like three minute wars. We're pressing the whole three minutes. So it's just like the little things that he incorporates in practice is to get us in shape for 22.
Chantelle Jennings
So, yeah, gosh, I feel like. And we've talked about this with a few different guests we've had on the show, but it's like, I don't think I would want to be in any college basketball practice ever, like, physically, but I especially would not want to be in an Ohio State basketball practice. Like, I could make it up and down the court like twice, but the thought of three minutes where you guys and you guys do this through full game, so 3 minutes maybe doesn't feel as bad sometimes. What do you see within the team as your role? Like, what do you most bring? Because you're one of my favorite players to watch. I think outside of just the rebounding and the points and what you bring to this team and the paint, especially, like, the amount of joy that you play with is really fun to watch. Like, you know, I think when we look at Ohio State, it's like we know we're going to see some threes, we're going to see Cody in the paint, we're going to see good rebounding, and Cody is going to smile a lot. Like, these are the things that we know we're going to see, like J.C. sheldon doing laps around people up and down the court. What do you see as your biggest contribution to the team?
Cody McMahon
I mean, I feel I just bring the, like, excitement, obviously, as far as, like, my game, everyone knows what I bring, but outside of that, I just feel like there's so much joy in the game of basketball. And I feel like sometimes we take it too serious just because we are so competitive. And I feel like I'm the one that just breaks that, like, just I love to have fun on the court. I'm a very emotional player. So you're definitely going to tell that, you know, I'm excited or if I'm upset about something. But, yeah, I just feel like I bring the joy and just the excitement in the game. Yeah, I just feel like I make it fun.
Sabrina Merchant
It seems like since the calendar turned to 2024, obviously you guys are undefeated. You've been having just improved performances throughout that. And we kind of saw the same thing from you last year where, like, once it hit January, it was Cody time again. Is there something about, like, Big Ten that brings that out in you or is just like feeling your way throughout the team? Like, what is it that's allowed you to make that switch?
Cody McMahon
I mean, I just feel like right now it's kind of like win or go home for both Big Ten and NCAA Big Ten. I mean, we have an opportun, you know, win again and win another trophy. So I feel like it's win or go home at this point, and I just want to leave everything on the floor.
Chantelle Jennings
So now that you have that one trophy, like, you're obviously a competitive person, but now that you've, like held the Big Ten trophy, like, how much more do you want another one now?
Cody McMahon
So much more. Like, I wanted it bad before, but just being able to hold it and just think, like, we could have so many more. Yep, I want it. I want it.
Chantelle Jennings
Looking ahead to this weekend, you guys travel to Iowa City to play Iowa. It's going to be a game day game. There's going to be a ton of attention on it. Just as there was when you two faced off in Columbus, an overtime game that you guys won. You had 33 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two blocks. That game, like Sabrina said, it was Cody time. How hype are you for this game this weekend?
Cody McMahon
I'm super hyped. I just feel like the attention of these kind of games just brings so much more energy for me. This is what I love, you know, this is what I love. And to do it in front of a huge crowd, a crowd that's booing you, honestly, is just. I'm excited. I'm excited. I love that. I love that energy. And to be just one of the most energetic Ohio State players on the court in front of a huge crowd of Iowa fans, I just. I can't wait.
Sabrina Merchant
We talked to Hannah about this last week, actually, in terms of posing crowds, just how does that crowd in Spain at the gold medal game compare to places that you've played before?
Cody McMahon
So far, I would say the crowd in Spain, if I had to guess, would be like the crowd in Iowa. Just from hearing from my teammates, they said I was this crazy, crazy atmosphere to play in. So I can only imagine, you know, playing in Spain. Playing Spain, like in Spain was a home game for them. So it was. It was packed. It was packed and the arena was huge. And I'm telling you, there was not an empty space. So I feel like that's how it's going to be in Iowa. So I'm very excited.
Chantelle Jennings
Even just in your two and a half years, I guess, although you weren't traveling with the team during your gray shirt year, like, even in this time, how have you as a player sort of felt the game grow within women's college basketball?
Cody McMahon
Yeah. I mean, from being here and then to now, I feel like it's grown so much. And the opportunity for women in college sports right now is just through the roof. Like, I feel like this is a really a high peak for nil opportunity and just, you know, opportunity as far as us getting more views from just others and other sports and, you know, the men's sports now, you See, like, in the men's games, they're just talking about women's basketball concepts, which is something that you never used to hear about or see. So I feel like it's just going to continue to grow from here.
Sabrina Merchant
Yeah, I know you're a big. Just basketball fan in general, so is there anybody, like, you have your eye on that you try to model your game out of or who gives you inspiration when you're on the court?
Cody McMahon
I definitely say LeBron as far as, like, an NBA player standpoint, and then wnba. I say this a lot, but I just feel like there's so much you can take away from WNBA players just because it's just so different. And I feel like just WNBA is, like, a different level of basketball, and it's just really cool to see, like, just the talent in the wnba, and I feel like it's really overlooked, too. So I think it's really cool to kind of just learn from multiple people in the league.
Sabrina Merchant
As far as that, the LeBron Ohio state connection, like, obviously makes sense. Has he, like, I don't know, connected with you guys at all this season or since you've been with the Buckeyes?
Cody McMahon
Not this season, but I think it was last season versus Tennessee. He posted tmike on his story, and then he sent us a pair of beats. Ohio State beats.
Chantelle Jennings
So, yeah, I was gonna bring up. I won't ruin anyone's anonymity here, but last year when we were doing the player polls during the Sweet 16, and I forget who you said this to, Cody, but one of the questions was, is there a player that you kind of mold your game after? And it was interesting to talk to players because sometimes they would give us a name and it would be like, huh, I don't really see that. And then you said LeBron, and it was like, yep, that's fair.
Cody McMahon
Yeah, that's LeBron. Yeah.
Chantelle Jennings
Yeah. I hope you don't feel like we're. We're ruining your anonymity here, but. No, that feels fair. I don't want to look too far ahead. Obviously, you have Iowa this weekend, the Big Ten tournament in Minneapolis next week. But looking to the postseason, the NCAA tournament, having played in it last year, what did that experience teach you that you're bringing to it this year?
Cody McMahon
I just feel like this time period is something different. You're gonna get every team's best, because, like I said, it's win or go home. So you can't look down on a team just because of their seed or just because of their ranking. Or just because of the name of the school. I mean, you know, everybody's in this tournament for a reason, so you gotta give it your best shot every game. You cannot take games off or else you're going home.
Chantelle Jennings
I also just feel like the parody this year. It's like every week you guys have mostly avoided this, but top four top 10 teams are getting upset by unranked teams or lower ranked teams every week. And it just feels like the parody in women's basketball right now is growing to a level that I think we're going to see more upsets in this postseason. I think, you know, there will be a time when it's not all ones and two seeds in the final four. I don't know if we're there yet, but it just does feel like it must be such a fun time to be in the middle of this as a player right now.
Zena Kaeda
Cody, I'm not gonna lie. When you said about Brazil and Spain, the water, as a person, that is from France originally, I literally thought you meant, like, the drinking water because it is known to be more mineral. I was like, wait, really? That is such a fascinating thing to.
Cody McMahon
Remember now, swimming in it.
Zena Kaeda
I was. I was like, the water. But, you know, she is an athlete, so she's probably guzzling water. So, like, that makes sense. I'm very happy you cleared it up with the oceans. I was like, thank you so much. I have been holding that in since you said that. And I was just like, what is happening?
Cody McMahon
Well, that's my fault. That's my fault.
Zena Kaeda
No, no, no, no, no. You're fine.
Cody McMahon
You're fine.
Zena Kaeda
This is my mind going always. Okay. Before we get out, we always want to do our quick hits with our guests. And it's basically just me asking you some yes or no, easy one word answers things of that sort. I'm going to add one more just because I see your hands, and I'm a person that appreciates some good acrylics. Okay. I love some good nails. I love. I love the nails. For those of you listening, you can't see, but she's got. Cody's got some really pretty nails going on. What's the color scheme here on your nails?
Cody McMahon
So I actually need them done, but these are for Valentine's Day, and it's. Yeah, pink and white with some hearts on the middle three fingers. Something very cute and different. I'm not a pink girl, but I think this. This eats. Yeah, that eats.
Zena Kaeda
It definitely eats. And I want to know, when did you start playing with acrylics? Because let me tell you, as a person that used to play basketball, I don't know. I never played with acrylics. I don't know how this generation does it. I am fascinated by it. It's amazing to me, but I don't know if I know a pain more excruciating than having a basketball. Hit your acrylic any. I just don't know if I know a pain that hard. So how do you play with your nails?
Cody McMahon
So actually, I had to switch to gel X because acrylic was. Was hurting. Really, y'all.
Zena Kaeda
She told me to just get my money up. She just told me to get my money up.
Cody McMahon
That's it. But is more flexible so that it hurts. Doesn't break as easy as acrylic. Now, Rebecca, my teammate, she gets acrylics, and I'm telling you, she breaks a nail every practice. Yes.
Zena Kaeda
What?
Cody McMahon
Yeah.
Zena Kaeda
That's crazy. That is pain like I've never known. Okay, that is. Thank you for letting me know that. I just wanted to. I wanted some insight, but this is very helpful. Okay, let's get into the quick hits, folks. Cody, what is your favorite basketball sound on game day?
Cody McMahon
Favorite basketball sound on game day? Probably the crowd. Yeah, the crowd.
Zena Kaeda
That makes sense. That makes sense. Okay. Favorite basketball move.
Cody McMahon
The spin move. The spin move.
Zena Kaeda
Yeah, we could have told y'all that. Okay, most used phrase or saying doesn't have to be basketball related, but what's the thing you say the absolute most?
Cody McMahon
Well, I can't say the thing that I usually say the most, but probably and one. Even if it's not a foul, I'm gonna say and one.
Zena Kaeda
Yeah, I love that. Okay, if you were not in sports, what profession would you like to attempt?
Cody McMahon
Well, I would love to attempt being an orthopedic trauma surgeon, but.
Zena Kaeda
Oh. So school.
Cody McMahon
School, that is. Yeah, that is.
Chantelle Jennings
So this is the most interesting answer yet. We've got it right.
Zena Kaeda
By far. I am locked in.
Cody McMahon
Yeah, that's more like a dream. But I'd want to be, like, an analyst and, like, a sports broadcaster. But the orthopedic trauma surgeon is just like a dream. I would never.
Zena Kaeda
But yeah, orthopedic. Not just surgeon, y'all. Trauma surgeon. This is like coming into the ER like, you are fixing things, like, wow. And where did that come from?
Cody McMahon
Watching the Grinch.
Zena Kaeda
No, I'm joking.
Cody McMahon
I don't know, honestly. But yeah, it's something that I've been saying, like, for a long time now. Like, even when I was, like, a little young. So. Yeah.
Zena Kaeda
Okay. Wow. Again, you win for that answer. We have not had a good answer like that. All right, and then last one, what is your biggest basketball?
Cody McMahon
Ick. I promise this is not targeted to anyone, but like when they play with the bows in their hair, like, girl, this is basketball. Not cheer. Like, and then sue when they do like the little ponytail bun thingy in the back, you know what I'm talking about? Yeah, that's it too. I think that's it.
Zena Kaeda
So hairstyles, certain specific hairstyles. I respect it. I respect it. This is good. Thank you, Cody. These have been some amazing, amazing quick hit answers. I appreciate you joining us today. And Chantelle, Sabrina, thank you for the great interview. Again, this is a great conversation. And you know, as Cody said, like, y'all know who I am, Y'all know what I'm doing, Y'all know where we're coming, but we just wanted to get a little bit more out of you and we appreciate you joining us on the athletic basketball show.
Cody McMahon
Yeah, thanks, guys.
Zena Kaeda
Of course. Of course. So everyone listening. Hit that subscribe button on our show if you want to hear more interviews like this. Leave us comments if you have any topics you'd like for us to cover or questions for our amazing writers. But for now, for Chantelle, for Sabrina, and for Cody, I'm Zena Kaeda thanking you for your ear and encouraging you to keep listening, keep learning, and keep loving the game because that's the only way we're going to keep growing it. All right, until next time.
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Episode Title: The Athletic All-Access: Ohio State's Cotie McMahon
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Hosts: Zena Kaeda, Chantelle Jennings, Sabreena Merchant
Guest: Cody McMahon, Ohio State Women's Basketball Star
In this engaging episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Kaeda, Chantelle Jennings, and Sabreena Merchant welcome Ohio State University's standout player, Cody McMahon. Fresh off Ohio State’s decisive Big Ten championship victory over Michigan, Cody shares insights into her journey, her impact on the team, and her experiences both on and off the court.
The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted segment about Cody’s unique personal interest—her admiration for the Grinch. Chantelle Jennings reveals, “You are a noted Grinch aficionado” (06:20), leading to Cody enthusiastically discussing her Grinch-themed locker.
Notable Quote:
Cody McMahon (06:54): “I am a Grinch fan. Love the Grinch.”
Zena Kaeda humorously remarks on the significance of having a Grinch-themed trash bag in her locker, highlighting Cody’s ability to blend personal quirks with her athletic identity.
Cody delves into her decision to enroll early at Ohio State at 17, explaining that it was a straightforward choice driven by her aspirations in basketball. She emphasizes the strategic move to prepare for collegiate sports, stating:
Notable Quote:
Cody McMahon (09:07): “It was very easy. High school was good, but we just weren't going to get to state. So I needed to prepare for the next level.”
She also highlights the invaluable support from her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, which allowed her to stay close to home and maintain a strong personal foundation during her transition to college athletics.
Cody discusses her significant role in Ohio State’s success this season, including her performance in winning the Big Ten outright. She reflects on the team's versatility and depth, attributing their strength to having multiple leading scorers and a cohesive unit that plays within coach Kevin McGuff’s system.
Notable Quote:
Cody McMahon (19:18): “We have so many different scores at different levels, and we have players who just play their role and love to do that.”
Cody also touches on the rigorous training involved in mastering Ohio State’s pressing strategy, emphasizing daily practice and conditioning that prepare the team for high-stakes games.
Cody shares her enriching experience playing for Team USA in the U19 World Cup in Spain. She discusses the heightened physicality and the diverse playing styles encountered, which have enhanced her adaptability and resilience on the court.
Notable Quote:
Cody McMahon (13:27): “Overseas, the physicality is just crazy. It taught me to play through contact and finish stronger.”
Her time with Team USA also fostered strong bonds with other elite players, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and mutual trust—lessons she seamlessly integrates back into her collegiate play.
Cody reflects on the significant growth in women’s college basketball, noting the increase in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and the rising visibility of the sport. She believes this momentum will continue to elevate the game, offering more exposure and resources to female athletes.
Notable Quote:
Cody McMahon (24:09): “The opportunity for women in college sports right now is just through the roof. It’s a high peak for NIL opportunity.”
Additionally, Cody draws inspiration from both NBA star LeBron James and WNBA players, appreciating the different levels of basketball and striving to incorporate diverse techniques into her game.
Looking ahead, Cody expresses immense excitement for the upcoming game against Iowa City, anticipating a vibrant and charged atmosphere similar to her experiences in Spain. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and giving her best in every game, especially with the postseason just around the corner.
Notable Quote:
Cody McMahon (23:01): “I’m super hyped. I love that energy. I can't wait.”
She also shares her strategic mindset for the NCAA tournament, emphasizing that every team is formidable and that no game should be taken lightly.
Favorite Basketball Sound on Game Day:
Cody McMahon (30:00): “Probably the crowd.”
Favorite Basketball Move:
Cody McMahon (30:09): “The spin move.”
Most Used Phrase:
Cody McMahon (30:21): “And one.”
Alternative Profession:
Cody McMahon (30:39): “Orthopedic trauma surgeon.”
Biggest Basketball Pet Peeve:
Cody McMahon (31:35): “Hairstyles that interfere with the game, like bows or ponytail buns.”
The episode wraps up with Cody expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her journey and insights. The hosts invite listeners to subscribe for more in-depth interviews and continue supporting the growth of women’s basketball.
Final Quote:
Zena Kaeda (32:25): “Keep listening, keep learning, and keep loving the game because that’s the only way we’re going to keep growing it.”
Key Takeaways:
This episode offers a comprehensive look into Cody McMahon’s life as a rising star in women’s basketball, blending personal anecdotes with professional achievements, and providing inspiration for aspiring athletes and fans alike.