Podcast Summary: No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Episode Title: The Athletic All-Access: Seimone Augustus
Release Date: May 28, 2024
Host: Chantelle Jennings
Guest: Simone Augustus

Introduction

In this compelling episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Chantelle Jennings and Ben Pickman engage in an in-depth conversation with basketball legend Simone Augustus. The discussion delves into Simone's transition from a decorated playing career to her new role as a coach at LSU, her experiences with Team USA in the Olympics, and her insights into the evolving landscape of women's basketball.

Returning to LSU: A New Chapter in Coaching

Simone Augustus shares her emotional journey back to her alma mater, LSU, where she has joined the coaching staff under Kim Mulkey. Reflecting on her mixed emotions, Simone states at [06:55]:

"Nervous, excited. I mean, every emotion you can think of. Very excited or happy to be back home, obviously, but just ready to get this journey started."

She contrasts her professional coaching experience with the collegiate level, emphasizing the shift from managing seasoned professionals to guiding young student-athletes. Simone highlights the importance of understanding the student-athlete balance, noting:

"You're pouring into young women that are trying to get to where you were. [...] I can teach them how to be a pro on this level, even though I haven't been here for a while." ([07:23])

Learning from the Past: Influential Coaches

Simone discusses the profound impact of past coaches like Coach Starkey and Coach Cheryl Reeves on her coaching philosophy. She credits these mentors for instilling in her the importance of effective communication and leadership without micromanaging. At [11:29], Simone reflects:

"Coach Starkey was the first person, or he has been the most adamant person about being a coach. [...] He was just adamant. He was like, moan, you're a teacher. And he was like, more than anything, that's what coaching is."

Similarly, Coach Reeves' encouragement played a pivotal role in Simone embracing her coaching potential:

"She was like, you're very intelligent. Like, you process things quickly and people listen. [...] you have to take that into consideration and be very mindful of the power and impact that you have with your voice." ([13:59])

Finding Purpose and Embracing the Role

Simone reflects on her sense of purpose and how her coaching role aligns with her personal and professional goals. At [14:17], she shares:

"The line, I know y. Yeah. Your purpose screams at you. Like, as much as you want to ignore it or whatever, it screams at you. And I think I am living in my purpose."

She recounts a pivotal moment during her tenure with the Sparks that solidified her desire to coach, illustrating her natural aptitude for guiding and strategizing on the court.

Adjusting to Home Life: Embracing Baton Rouge

Transitioning from a life frequently spent overseas playing professionally, Simone expresses excitement about settling back in Baton Rouge. She contrasts her limited home visits during her playing career with her current full-time presence:

"This is a new introduction to me, to the city. I haven't been around here. So it's new places, new things going on. The culture is changing." ([18:02])

Simone looks forward to reconnecting with her roots and immersing herself in the local culture, which has evolved since her days as a student-athlete.

Olympic Insights: From Athlete to Selection Committee

Simone offers a unique perspective on the Olympic selection process, now being part of the committee that shapes Team USA. She discusses the challenges of selecting the right mix of talent and the intricacies of team cohesion. At [21:31], she notes:

"The position I'm in now, it's more difficult to be in. But the other position, you know, waiting to be selected was torturous as well."

Simone reflects on her own Olympic journey, emphasizing the emotional highs and lows of being cut and eventually making the team. She shares a memorable non-podium moment from the Beijing Olympics, where she witnessed her father’s emotional response upon her selection:

"That was pretty big." ([33:19])

Team USA Dynamics: Building a Cohesive Squad

Discussing the current landscape of Team USA, Simone highlights the importance of team chemistry and the strategic inclusion of players from established WNBA teams like the Las Vegas Aces. She anticipates the challenges and strengths such a diverse and talented roster brings to the Olympic stage. Simone emphasizes:

"We're going to see them run up the score on teams. [...] I look to, you know, bring my intellect, merge it with, like, Coach Starkey." ([19:55])

Memorable Moments and Personal Reflections

Simone shares heartfelt memories that transcend athletic achievements, such as encountering fellow LSU fans in London during the Olympics and witnessing her father's emotional pride. These moments underscore the personal significance of her athletic journey beyond medals and titles.

"We felt like we were at home. [...] I got to see my dad cry because that was the China Olympics was my first one." ([33:19])

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women's Basketball

As the conversation wraps up, Simone expresses optimism about her role at LSU and the future of women's basketball. She anticipates continued growth and success for the LSU program and is eager to contribute her experience and passion to developing the next generation of players.

"I think they're going to be sponges as opposed to once you get to the pro level people. I've mastered my craft, so I'm at the top as opposed to now." ([07:23])

Conclusion

Simone Augustus's return to LSU marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career, blending her extensive professional experience with a commitment to nurturing young talent. Her insights into coaching, the Olympic selection process, and the evolving dynamics of women's basketball provide a rich and inspiring narrative for fans and aspiring athletes alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Simone Augustus [06:55]: "Nervous, excited. I mean, every emotion you can think of. Very excited or happy to be back home, obviously, but just ready to get this journey started."

• Simone Augustus [07:23]: "You're pouring into young women that are trying to get to where you were. [...] I can teach them how to be a pro on this level, even though I haven't been here for a while."

• Simone Augustus [11:29]: "Coach Starkey was the first person, or he has been the most adamant person about being a coach. [...] He was more than anything, that's what coaching is."

• Simone Augustus [13:59]: "She was like, you're very intelligent. Like, you process things quickly and people listen. [...] You have to take that into consideration and be very mindful of the power and impact that you have with your voice."

• Simone Augustus [14:17]: "The line, I know y. Yeah. Your purpose screams at you. [...] And I think I am living in my purpose."

• Simone Augustus [18:02]: "This is a new introduction to me, to the city. I haven't been around here. So it's new places, new things going on. The culture is changing."

• Simone Augustus [21:31]: "The position I'm in now, it's more difficult to be in. But the other position, you know, waiting to be selected was torturous as well."

• Simone Augustus [33:19]: "We felt like we were at home. [...] I got to see my dad cry because that was the China Olympics was my first one."

Final Thoughts

Simone Augustus's candid reflections offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of women's basketball, illustrating the profound impact of leadership, purpose, and resilience. Her dedication to coaching and her deep-rooted connection to LSU promise an exciting future for the program and inspire countless young athletes striving for excellence.