The Athletic's All Access: Brooke Wyckoff and Ta'Niya Latson

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Athletic's All Access: Brooke Wyckoff and Ta'Niya Latson"

Episode Title: The Athletic's All Access: Brooke Wyckoff and Ta'Niya Latson
Release Date: January 12, 2024
Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman
Guests: Brooke Wykoff (Head Coach, Florida State Women's Basketball) and Saniyah Latson (Player, Florida State Women's Basketball)

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman delve deep into the heart of Florida State University's women's basketball program. The episode features two prominent figures from the team: Brooke Wykoff, the head coach, and Saniyah Latson, a standout sophomore player. With their extensive experience and inspiring stories, Brooke and Saniyah provide valuable insights into the evolution of women's basketball, leadership dynamics, and personal growth both on and off the court.

Guest Backgrounds and Experiences

Brooke Wykoff brings a wealth of experience, having been associated with Florida State for most of her basketball life—as a player in the WNBA and now as a coach. Saniyah Latson, on the other hand, represents the new generation of talent, embodying both skill and leadership within the team.

Chantel Jennings initiates the conversation by recognizing the deep-rooted connection Brooke has with the program:

[06:02] Brooke Wykoff: "Given how long you've been associated with Florida State, it feels like the majority of your basketball life has been spent there. What stands out to you the most through this span?"

Brooke reflects on her journey, emphasizing the continuous improvement and heightened talent levels in the game:

[06:29] Brooke Wykoff: "The biggest thing that stands out to me is just how good the game has become... the overall talent level, the way the game is played, the versatility, the speed—all of those things have continued to improve and get more exciting."

Evolution of Women's Basketball and the ACC

Brooke and Saniyah discuss the remarkable growth of women's basketball, particularly within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Brooke highlights the increased depth and competitiveness:

[13:28] Brooke Wykoff: "It's gotten deeper from top to bottom. Every game is something you can't just take for granted... the level of coaching, top to bottom, is at a really high level."

Saniyah adds her perspective on facing elite competition:

[11:47] Saniyah Latson: "The ACC is such a great conference... playing at that elite competition really gets you prepared for the next level."

They touch upon the intense rivalry and the constant challenges posed by high-caliber teams, making each game a significant test of skill and strategy.

Leadership and Overcoming Challenges

A pivotal part of the conversation centers around Saniyah Latson's role as a leader. As a sophomore, Saniyah has embraced her leadership responsibilities, balancing personal growth with her duties on the court.

When asked about becoming a leader, Saniyah shares her initial struggles and the support systems that aided her transformation:

[18:48] Saniyah Latson: "In the beginning of the season when coach told me that I would be one of the captains, I tried to embrace it... It was a little struggle because I just wasn't used to being a leader in that way with my voice."

Brooke underscores the importance of daily self-evaluation in leadership:

[17:05] Brooke Wykoff: "It's a daily exercise... constantly self-evaluating how am I communicating these things."

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Brooke discusses Saniyah's resilience in the face of personal adversity. Saniyah reveals her battle with a breast cancer diagnosis earlier in the season and how it reshaped her approach to life and leadership.

[21:03] Brooke Wykoff: "...it's about so much more. And that's really been the blessing in all of this, and my team and staff have been amazing. I'm just blessed."

Saniyah elaborates on the support she received and the silver linings she discovered:

[21:37] Saniyah Latson: "It's one of those things that when you go through it, it's obviously very scary... but oh my God, it brings so much good to your life in so many unexpected ways... the importance of relationships with people."

Personal Interests and Team Dynamics

Amidst the serious discussions, Brooke and Saniyah share light-hearted aspects of their lives, revealing personal interests that balance their intense athletic commitments.

Saniyah Latson discusses her newfound hobby of building LEGO sets, which serves as a creative outlet:

[26:13] Saniyah Latson: "I've been really into Legos lately... I've been really enjoying the flower sets because I can put them around my house."

Brooke Wykoff shares her passion for baking, highlighting how it serves as her stress relief:

[26:58] Brooke Wykoff: "I love to bake... trying not to eat it, but baking it and then some Netflix."

These segments showcase the human side of collegiate athletes and coaches, emphasizing the importance of hobbies and personal interests in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Sisterhood and Team Support

The episode delves into the strong bonds within the team, particularly the sisterhood that supports players through highs and lows. Saniyah credits her teammate Amaria Gordon as a pivotal figure in her support system:

[24:05] Saniyah Latson: "Amaria Gordon on the team, she's always been like my sister... she's helped me get through injuries and stress."

Brooke echoes this sentiment, highlighting the unique camaraderie present in women's basketball:

[25:03] Brooke Wykoff: "There really is this understanding where you guys are in this very unique world of basketball... when you guys go through hard things or good things, there are these sort of people on the sideline for you."

Quick Hitters: Fun and Insightful

In a segment of quick, lighthearted questions, Brooke and Saniyah reveal personal preferences and quirks that endear them to fans.

Favorite Basketball Words/Phrases:

• Brooke Wykoff: "Defense" ([38:01])
• Saniyah Latson: "Punch" ([38:36])

Least Favorite Sound on the Bass:

• Both agree that the sound of someone’s finger getting jammed when catching the ball is unpleasant ([38:57]).

Favorite Basketball Moves:

• Brooke Wykoff: "A three-point shot" ([39:28])
• Saniyah Latson: "The in and out" ([40:15])

Hall of Fame Description:

• Brooke Wykoff: "Worker" ([40:29])
• Saniyah Latson: "Humble" ([40:42])

These responses not only provide delightful insights into their personalities but also reflect their dedication and humility within the sport.

Coaching Philosophy and Program Evolution

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Brooke Wykoff's role as a head coach, especially following in the footsteps of a legendary predecessor. Brooke reflects on balancing the legacy of former coaches with her own coaching style:

[17:05] Brooke Wykoff: "It’s been one of the most interesting parts of this job... constantly self-evaluating... making this my own while holding onto the values and principles that I was raised with."

She speaks with reverence about Tara VanDerveer, another esteemed figure in college basketball, highlighting the inspiration and standards set by her:

[15:06] Brooke Wykoff: "I have so much respect for her because... she is such a huge reason why she's so successful... her dedication to our game and representing our... players."

Brooke emphasizes the importance of leadership, both in sustaining the program’s legacy and infusing her personal approach to foster growth and resilience within the team.

Upcoming Challenges and Goals

As the season progresses, Brooke and Saniyah touch upon upcoming games and the excitement surrounding facing formidable opponents like Virginia Tech:

[41:43] Saniyah Latson: "Virginia Tech? They just took down NC State, so they're feeling a little good, and they're coming to your town too, so got to hold down home court."

This anticipation underscores the competitive nature of the ACC and the continuous strive for excellence within the team.

Closing Remarks

In her concluding remarks, Zena Keita encapsulates the episode's essence, acknowledging the blend of personal stories, professional insights, and the unwavering spirit of the Florida State women's basketball team:

[42:19] Zena Kaeda: "We're gonna have a lot of fun watching you... it's been a blessing and a fun time to be watching you guys this season."

Brooke and Saniyah express gratitude for the support and share their enthusiasm for the team's prospects, reinforcing the episode's themes of growth, resilience, and community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brooke Wykoff on Game Evolution:
  [06:29] "The biggest thing that stands out to me is just how good the game has become... the overall talent level, the way the game is played, the versatility, the speed—all of those things have continued to improve and get more exciting."

• Saniyah Latson on Leadership:
  [18:48] "It was a little struggle because I just wasn't used to being a leader in that way with my voice... it's helped me have self-awareness and hold my teammates accountable."

• Brooke Wykoff on Overcoming Adversity:
  [21:03] "...it's about so much more... relationships with people... taking the time for things that matter."

• Saniyah Latson on Personal Hobbies:
  [26:13] "I've been really into Legos lately... building flower sets because I can put them around my house."

• Brooke Wykoff on Coaching Philosophy:
  [17:05] "It's a daily exercise... constantly self-evaluating how am I communicating these things... making this my own while holding onto the values and principles that I was raised with."

Conclusion

This episode of No Offseason provides a comprehensive look into the lives of two pivotal figures in Florida State's women's basketball program. Through heartfelt conversations and candid insights, Brooke Wykoff and Saniyah Latson illustrate the dedication, resilience, and camaraderie that drive the team forward. Whether discussing the evolution of the ACC, personal leadership journeys, or balancing life’s challenges, the episode offers listeners a profound understanding of what it takes to excel in collegiate athletics. For fans and newcomers alike, this episode serves as both an inspiring narrative and an informative exploration of women's basketball at its finest.

Transcript

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[Unknown]

For.

[Zena Kaeda]

The Athletic I'm Zena Kaeda and this is the Athletic Women's Basketball Show. Welcome back to the Athletic Women's Basketball show and for those of you that are brand new, welcome in. Just reminding you all, please subscribe wherever you get your podcast. We want to make sure that you don't miss out on any of the action. I'm excited about the episode that we've got loaded up for you today got my girls in the building, Chantelle Jennings and Sabrina Merchant. And they have brought some special guests for the ACC fans listening. Get ready to be excited for FSU fans, specifically, get ready to be uber excited, because I know you're going to like who we've brought onto the show today. Sabrina Chantel, take it away.

[Chantelle Jennings]

All right, we are joined by the head coach and star of Florida State, Brooke Wykoff and Saniyah Latson. Thank you so much for taking the time for us.

[Saniyah Latson]

Thank you.

[Unknown]

Thanks for having us.

[Chantelle Jennings]

All right, so, Chantelle, I think we wanted to go back to the beginning a little bit, right?

[Brooke Wykoff]

We can. I think, Brooke, just sort of, given how long you've been associated with Florida State, it feels like the majority of your basketball life has been spent there. Not only as a player, obviously you also played in the W, but as a coach. I'm just curious, as you look back at your time at Florida State, you sort of have this singular vantage point of seeing the game evolve, seeing the sport evolve, the conference evolve. Like, what stands out to you the most through this span?

[Unknown]

Oh, the biggest thing that stands out to me is just how good the game has become. That is not to take away anything from those superstars and the players that have gone before and the caliber of athlete and basketball player they were, but just overall, the talent level, just the way the game is played, the versatility, the speed, all of those things, I believe have just continued to improve and get better and more exciting as the years have gone on. And so, you know, certainly a lot of other things outside of the game have changed in college athletics in general. And I think we've talked about those a lot in other spaces. But. But just what excites me the most is, you know, looking back, if. If I were to try to play the game today, who I was as a basketball player at Florida State, if I were to try to be on this team today, I'm not sure I would have the same amount of success. And that's a good thing because that means we've grown up Florida State and the game is growing in general.

[Brooke Wykoff]

I was going to say, where does late 90s Brook fit in on this roster for FSU?

[Unknown]

I do. I do think I would help us get some more rebounds. I do think that. I think I can help us there. But no, late 90s Brooke would probably be getting water bottles and setting up stools for people like Tenaya, which I wouldn't have had a problem with. But no, I'm super proud to just still be A part of Florida State women's basketball and to have been able to have a front row seat for the growth of it.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Seems like Tanaya has a more favorable opinion of Brooks scouting report. How do you think she'd fit in?

[Saniyah Latson]

I think she does a lot of rebounds, too. I mean, she was. With the pictures I've seen, it looks like she was hard at work, so I feel like she has a shot, too. So she definitely could have. She definitely could have filled that spot for sure.

[Unknown]

Yeah. It was so long ago. She's only seen pictures. There's no video. That's how long ago it was. Okay.

[Brooke Wykoff]

You know, so sure, there's some games on YouTube, right?

[Unknown]

We can.

[Saniyah Latson]

I've actually never seen it. I've seen, like, little highlight clips like. Like back in the day, like when she was playing at Florida State, but I've never seen, like, actual video, but I'm sure she was really good.

[Unknown]

Thanks, Dee. I love you.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Well, I guess instead of talking about the first time Tenaya watched Brooke play, we can talk about the first time Brooke watched Tanaya play. Do you remember what that process was like when you first saw her on the court?

[Unknown]

Yeah, I remember literally being in this building in our practice facility, and one of the. I was an assistant coach at the time, and one of the other assistant coaches came to our staff and had her phone and was like, hey, I just got a highlight video of this girl who's this young kid who's out in Hawaii playing. And she's. Her name's Danielatson. She's really good. I think we need to get on her and just watching her highlights from. From Hawaii, which was many years ago, I think. Saniya, you were in middle school at the time?

[Saniyah Latson]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Okay. So that was the first time. And then the next thing we knew, she was moving over here. She was coming to Florida and Georgia. And so we were very blessed to have the opportunity to see her in person a lot throughout her high school career. But she. In that first video, she was doing the same dynamic things she's doing today. Getting to the basket, athletic, you know, just a natural score. And. And so it's crazy to think, you know, here we are today on this, talking about it kind of.

[Brooke Wykoff]

Then the alternate side of that. Tanaya, you know, obviously Brooke wasn't the head coach at that point, but when you look back at, you know, as long ago as middle school for you and then into high school and your recruitment really picked up, like, what do you remember about the process?

[Saniyah Latson]

I remember. I don't know. I Was. I was. I feel like I was underrated in that, like, during that time of my career. And I feel like I haven't. I didn't really start getting those offers until like 10th, 11th grade, but Florida State was always like my top school. I feel like that was my first visit, college visit ever. I was just like a little kid in the 10th grade. I was visiting with Raven Johnson in Briana Turnage and I was just like, I love this school. It's so big. Oh, my God. And yeah, so Florida State has always been a top, top pick for me and I'm glad I'm here and I hope to finish my whole career here.

[Brooke Wykoff]

So, yeah, as you look at the ACC now, Tanaya, I'm curious. You know, this is a deep conference. I think Sabrina and I both feel like this conference might have the most Sweet 16 teams in it of any conference in the country. There's a lot of talent, a lot of depth, specifically at guard. I'm curious for you, as you look across the conference, what does that do for you as a player to know that you sort of have these matchups and these players every night of the week that are just a coming for you and that you're going against.

[Saniyah Latson]

Yeah, the ACC is such a great conference, if not the best. I feel like every night's a good challenge for the team and it's going to be a dog fight, whether it's the worst team in the conference or, you know, the best team in the conference. So just playing at that elite competition really gets you prepared for the next level.

[Chantelle Jennings]

All right, we're gonna have some fun here. Tanaya, obviously some really good guards in the acc, your matchup. Every single night we're gonna ask you to just give us a one word scout on the players that you have to go up against. All right, so I'll give you the name or Chantelle, give you the name and you can just. First word that comes to mind. All right. All right, let's start with the oldest one, D'Asia.

[Unknown]

Fair.

[Saniyah Latson]

Shifty.

[Brooke Wykoff]

What about Georgia? Amore.

[Saniyah Latson]

Crafty.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Olivia Miles.

[Saniyah Latson]

Goggles. I would say. I would say Mark. Iq. She's a smart player.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I think we should stick with goggles, honestly.

[Brooke Wykoff]

I hope that actually appears on the scouting report for you guys. How about Deja Kelly?

[Saniyah Latson]

Mid range? I don't know if that's one word, but yeah, mid range.

[Brooke Wykoff]

Sanaya, we'll let you pick Saniya Rivers or Isaiah James.

[Saniyah Latson]

Isaiah James. Score.

[Brooke Wykoff]

I think all of those are excellent scouting reports. We might have to enlist you to Cover women's basketball for the athletic to do our scouting reports for the NCAA tournament.

[Chantelle Jennings]

We have an opening coming up. Actually, Brooke, just leaning into that ACC thing. You've been in this conference for a long time and you kind of talked about just like the growth of basketball over that time. But how has the ACC in particular changed since you first started coaching here?

[Unknown]

I think it's gotten deeper from top to bottom. You know, we talk about it as a team all the time, that there is no game that you can just take for granted these past few years. I think just across the board, but, you know, probably by the transfer portal a little bit, you can have a lot of really experienced players on every single team. So like Tenaya said, regardless of recording, there's dangerous people on every team that are experienced. And also the coaching, I think we've had obviously legendary coaching throughout the years in the acc, but I think the level of coaching, top to bottom right now in the ACC is, is at a really high level. You know, I'm not trying to brag on myself, that's not. I'm talking about just overall, like it's gotten to. So again, if you have a team that isn't necessarily, you know, a winning team, they're still like, you've got to prepare for different defensive looks, for adjustments for, you know, very high level st style of offense. And so that's really what I'm most proud of, is that, you know, we've got great players, great coaches, and really good basketball being played from top to bottom.

[Brooke Wykoff]

So, Brooke, this is sort of within that realm and also a little outside of it. You talk about great coaches in the acc. Tara Van Deer is not in the conference right now. She will be soon. And I'm sure so many coaches also count you among those who have, you know, even early in your career as a head coach, established yourself. But when you look at what Tara has done, we're three games away from her becoming the winningest coach of all time in college basketball, men's or women's. Like, how do you as a coach begin to conceptualize 1203?

[Unknown]

It's. It's amazing. I mean, obviously it sounds like a big number to anybody, but yes, once you're in it and you're kind of, you're doing the job that she's been doing all these years and at such a high level, understanding how difficult it is to win and just continue to win, continue to recruit at a high level, continue to, to compete, you know, year after year after year, it's just it is absolutely astounding. And I have so much respect for her because, you know, not only, like, just the product of her work, but who she is and just having a chance to kind of get to interact with her a little bit more than I ever have this year when we played them. And. And a little bit outside of that, like, who she is, you can tell that that has. That is a huge reason why she's so successful. And just her dedication to our game and representing our. Not only winning, but just like having. Being a voice for our game and for the players of our game and trying to make it the best it can be. It's crazy to think I don't think I'll ever get to 1200 wins. Not because I just. I don't think I could do it that long. You know, it's really, really difficult. So mad. You know, I'm just really happy for her, and she deserves all the respect in the world.

[Brooke Wykoff]

So on that same line, obviously, you know, Tara will probably retire at some point. Who's to say she may forever at this point? Why not 1500? But you are someone who took over for a coach who had been at the program for a long time, who had really established the program and made it sort of their own. And now you step into a role where you're making the program your own as you've, you know, the first few years of being the head of fsu. Like, how do you balance those two things, both sustaining what made FSU what it is, but also putting your own spin on it as a head coach.

[Unknown]

Yeah. It's been one of the most interesting parts of this job of. And I get asked that question all the time, because it's a great question. Yeah. You know, filling the shoes of someone that's an absolute legend. And if you come to Tallahassee, it's even more pronounced like, she's the. She was like, the mayor of Tallahassee. Just, you know, everyone loves Coach sue and for good reason and also the success that she's had. But I was very fortunate, and this taught me a lot about now as being a leader. Like, she. In leading me, she allowed me to be myself and to kind of find out and give me, you know, a platform to have a lot of responsibility as an assistant coach. And so I was able to kind of already have an idea of who I was and the things that made me tick. I was 43 when I took 42 when I took the job, and that helps a lot, too. I knew myself better as a person, but It's a day to day thing. I love that about coaching. It's just your daily. No matter, I think whether you've been running a program for two years or 20, you should be constantly self evaluating. How am I coming across? Is this who I really am? What am I most, you know, what do I care about, what do I not care about? And how am I communicating those things? It's a daily exercise which I love. And so that's allowed me to kind of make this my own while holding onto the values and the principles that I was raised with in this program and that I wholeheartedly believe in.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Tanaya, just thinking about leadership on and off the court, I feel like it's fair to say that you're sort of becoming the face of this program and the leader on the court, even just as a sophomore. What has that process been like for you? You know, becoming a leader of this team even at such a young age?

[Saniyah Latson]

I feel like the process has been really good. I feel like in the beginning of the season when coach, you know, told.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Me that I would be one of.

[Saniyah Latson]

The captains on a team, I tried to embrace it as much as possible. It was a little struggle in the beginning because I just wasn't used to being, you know, a leader in that way with my voice. I always led by example and just, you know, putting my head down, doing the work that I needed to do. And I feel like just going into my leadership role has definitely helped not only me as a player, but me as a person in general. It, you know, it helps me, you know, have self awareness and hold my teammates accountable. And I feel like that really helps our team.

[Brooke Wykoff]

And I feel like, you know, leadership is one of those things that any team that makes it to the Final Four wins a championship of any kind. Like, leadership is what is talked about, but it's also one of those things that it's not like a free throw where if you practice it a bunch, you'll get better. Like, it's sort of like need to practice it in different ways, but also learn as you go. As you have been put into this role, like, have you read books? Are there people you've reached out to outside of Brook and maybe the staff or former players or current players to sort of say, like, how do I do this? Well, for a team that needs it.

[Saniyah Latson]

Right now, yeah, actually me and KK are in Leadership Academy and they have that. The AD has it for all the leaders of each sport and I feel like that has really helped me too. Just reading books that They've given us. And, you know, listening to the lectures and the people that come out has really helped me and put things into perspective.

[Brooke Wykoff]

Is this like a weekly academy you.

[Saniyah Latson]

Do, or it's monthly.

[Zena Kaeda]

It's.

[Saniyah Latson]

It's once a month.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Are there any players in your playing history that you feel like have been good leaders for you, good mentors for you?

[Saniyah Latson]

I would say get leaders for me. Coach Brooke, she's a good leader. I mean, she's the best leader I could ask for as a coach especially. She's herself, and I feel like that's a big part of leadership, too. Just being yourself and caring about others. And she's so selfish. She's so humble. And I try to model my leadership after that and bring that to the court, especially during practice, because that's when we need it the most. And, yeah, Brooke, if we can bring.

[Brooke Wykoff]

It back to you a little bit, this has been a hard year for you in some ways. Obviously, you had a breast cancer diagnosis earlier in the season. For you going through something like that, as serious as that, continuing to lead this team through that, but also, I guess, giving yourself grace and love and time to heal and handle all of everything that comes with that. Like, how did that experience. And it's, I'm sure, something that's still impacting you and affecting you. Like, how did that clarify or change the way that you've approached, I guess, not only coaching, but more broadly, life.

[Unknown]

Yeah, it's one of those things that when you go through it, it's obviously very scary, but, gosh, it's crazy how much good it kind of brings to your life in so many unexpected ways. And a lot of that good has been just obviously giving me perspective. Just the perspective you get when. When something like this happens and you're, you know, you're confronting, you know, death or. Or, you know, death, basically. You know, things that get put into perspective of how, you know, how much just the little. Little things matter every day and. And the people. And that was the biggest thing that when the announcement came out, the amount of people that reached out, Tara Vanderveer being one of them. I. I, like, I had never personally met her. She sent a card to my home address, you know, and. And just out of nowhere, this is before we played them or anything. And that's just one example of the hundreds and hundreds of people that just came out of the woodwork to support me and to. And to encourage me and. And that. And I've just learned so much about, you know, just the importance of Of. Of relationships with people. And I am a big relationship person, but it's shown me how much better I can be and just taking the time for things that. That matter and not getting caught up in. It's fun to get caught up in scouts. You know, it is nice that there's a season going on and I can just kind of be in that rhythm and. And not have to, you know. You know, there's always something to do, but at the same time, it's about so much more. And. And so that's really been the blessing in all of this, and my team and staff have been amazing. And just so you know, I'm just. I'm just blessed. I'm very blessed. So lots of silver linings here, which is always, you know, I love. I love finding those tonight.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I don't mean to equate what Brooke has gone through to your injuries situation at all last season, but just at any points in your career, have there times when, you know, this sisterhood of college basketball has come through for you? Like if you've been able to reach out to others or have others, you know, hit you up when things are going poorly or you just need a assist?

[Saniyah Latson]

Yeah. Honestly, Amaria Gordon on the team, she's always been like my sister, my rider. I feel like I can go to her about anything and everything. She's helped me get through injuries and, you know, stress and feeling like, oh, my God, I'm not doing enough. I'm not, you know, being myself. And I feel like that's very important. Sisterhood is very important, especially during the games and all the stuff that we have to go through. It's a lot on our bodies and just being, you know, there for each other really matters because it can make or break any moment, Honestly.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Just a quick follow up about Amaria. Where does the OMG nickname just come from? Her initials or is there something about her that makes people want to call her that?

[Saniyah Latson]

I don't know. I guess so.

[Unknown]

Yeah, it does.

[Saniyah Latson]

It comes from that. When I knew Amari, I knew her since 7th grade. I never called her OMG. I just called her Mario. But I got to college and that was just a big thing. I'm like, oh, okay. Omg.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I feel like it's definitely a broadcast favorite, no?

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Saniyah Latson]

They love it. They love it. They love it.

[Brooke Wykoff]

I mean, I feel like these stories just sort of show like. I mean, we don't write about this all the time because it. It sort of sounds so cliche when you talk about, like, the fact that women's basketball. There are rivalries and they're, you know, you want to beat other people, but there really is sort of this understanding where you guys are in this very unique world of basketball and, and the day to day grind and you know, scouts and just sort of all of these things that go into it. And there aren't very many people who understand what you guys do on a daily basis. But at the same time there are thousands of people around the country. And so when you guys do go through hard things or good things, you know, there are these sort of people on the sideline for you, which I think is one of the really cool things about this sport and college sports that we probably don't talk about enough.

[Saniyah Latson]

Yeah, for sure.

[Brooke Wykoff]

I guess. On that note though, I'm curious, kind of on a more lighthearted level, both for you guys or both for tonight. And Brooke, like if you guys had a completely free day, no basketball, no scout, you don't have to go to the gym, you don't have to lift, like no recovery. How are you spending a 100 free day? Maybe Tanaya, you can start.

[Saniyah Latson]

Well, I've been really into Legos lately, so I've been building some Legos and I'm, I like their like flower collection. So that's something I've been doing a lot lately. Probably watch some movies. I've been binging a lot of shows on Netflix too. Probably go shop and eat some food. That's my typical off day.

[Brooke Wykoff]

We're gonna have you wait a second for some very necessary follow ups, I think. Legos. Tanaya, how did you get into this? As someone that really loves puzzles, I can kind of understand what like the simplicity of something and like totally having to put your focus into it is, is probably, I'm guessing but like maybe talk us through your LEGO strategy if there is such a thing as someone that's never done Legos.

[Saniyah Latson]

Yeah. I used to live in Missouri and I used to, in elementary school, all the kids in my class used to play with Legos and that was something that I wanted for Christmas. Every Christmas I just wanted Legos. Legos, Legos. And you know, I kind of lost that as I grew up. I was like, oh, Legos are for kids now. Like, you know what I mean? But honestly, I've seen so many adults like have huge LEGO collections and I'm like, dang, I need to get back into that. So about like two months ago, I started buying more LEGO sets and I've been really enjoying the flower sets because I can put them around my house and stuff. So, yeah, I've really been enjoying that. And I love puzzles, too.

[Brooke Wykoff]

So are there any Lego sets that are currently within arm's reach of you that. That you could show off to those of us who can see on camera?

[Saniyah Latson]

Well, I have this succulent set I haven't built yet, and I have these tiny plants right here.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I like that Tanaya is just building her own garden during the winter.

[Brooke Wykoff]

I mean, they're in Florida, so it's like, sort of the winter, right?

[Zena Kaeda]

Yeah.

[Brooke Wykoff]

If an nil partnership comes out of this podcast with. With Legos, not a bad thing. I have to think, you know, there might be a market here, so there has to be.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I feel like there's this, like, flood of athletes who have been talking about Legos recently. Like, there was a center for the Indiana Pacers who said, like, I don't play with Legos. I build Legos, you know?

[Saniyah Latson]

Yep. Yep.

[Brooke Wykoff]

All right. Brooke, can you follow that up at all?

[Unknown]

Absolutely not. I am. I. Man, that's so cool. I'm fired up about the Legos. No, unfortunately, I'm like, that old person now that it's like, if I don't have something, like, when I have days where there's nothing to do, I'm just, like, down in the dumps. Like, a waste of space. Like, I need, like, to have stuff going on. But no, I. I do like to. I love to bake. That's like my stress release. So on days where we have stuff or we don't, I'm usually baking something and trying not to eat it, but baking it and then. Yeah, and then some. Some Netflix and that's about it. That's all I can claim. Nothing as cool as. As building Legos. I love it.

[Brooke Wykoff]

What's the point of baking something if you're not going to eat it?

[Unknown]

I know. Well, I said try not to. I know, I know. I don't know. I. I think one of the things is I love to bake and bring it to, like, work or, you know, bring it. My husband gets mad at me when I bake because he just eats it, like, what's in front of him. So he's like, always, like, he's not a fun person to bake for because he's really ungrateful when it comes to that. But, like. But I do like to make for other people and. And see if they like it. So I don't know. I don't know what it is. I just, like, I like to just be, you know, But I do Usually, of course, I sample it. Of course.

[Brooke Wykoff]

So living with a baker is probably the best thing. I had a college roommate named Danielle who was a fantastic. She made cookies.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Brooke Wykoff]

Get things in her mind, and I would come home to, like, 12 different batches where she would say, like, I wanted to figure out how to make the best cranberry white chocolate chip cookie. And so 12 different kinds, like, with different ratios of things. And I was like, oh, I will taste test all of these for you.

[Unknown]

Yeah. So that's a true baker. I'm just, like, finding a recipe on the Internet that looks cool. Or usually Instagram, my whole algorithm and Instagram now is people decorating cakes and cookies. And I. So, yeah, it's usually that I'm not that good. But, yeah, living with a baker, my husband, not so much. He does not enjoy it. So I got to talk to him more about that.

[Chantelle Jennings]

All right, so Naya, Chantelle and I were just scrolling through your Instagram a little bit before the start of this, and we found one video of you. I believe this is your senior year of high school, making a girl do the splits on the court. What do you remember about this play?

[Saniyah Latson]

Honestly, I don't even know how it happened because I'm not really one of those 50 players, but I was surprised by it. I was like, oh, dang, now I got a score, so it can be a highlight. And, yeah, the rest is history.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Is that the best personal highlight you've had or what? What rates in that same level?

[Saniyah Latson]

I think so, yeah. In terms of that, like breaking ankles or making somebody do the splits, like, that was probably one of my best moments.

[Chantelle Jennings]

All right, we got to see if something, you know, in the remainder of this ACC season can top that off.

[Unknown]

This is the thing about Tenaya, like, she doesn't make people fall because literally she just turns people into cones. Like, she's weaving through, like, three people at once. Like, it's. And that's what it's like. She's not, like, gonna. She can make people fall, obviously, but her thing is more like she just does a cone drip around three to four humans pretty much every time. Not the corn. And they just don't even. They don't have time to fall because they don't have time to even know what happened.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I feel bad for the Seminole practice players who have to deal with this.

[Unknown]

Oh, yeah, exactly.

[Brooke Wykoff]

Talk to the other ACC guards throughout the season. We'll also do a one word scout, and we'll see what they say about you.

[Zena Kaeda]

All right, guys, I want to Jump in here because this conversation has been so good, and I've got a few questions of my own. I know, of course, Chantelle, Sabrina, they know all the basketball stuff. So I want to ask some things that are a little bit off topic, but still within the realm. First, I do wanna make the point. Sabrina was saying that, you know, Tanaya, might we have an opening to cover the NCAA tournament. Hopefully Tanaya will be busy during that time. Brooke's like, yeah, don't need her, you know, distracted during that time. Hopefully she's got some things to be doing. But I want to do something. I got some questions for you. Two of them, very particular to each of you, and then some quick hitters. So, Brooke, I want to start with you because I loved that Tanaya said that you keep it real. And as a leader, like, that's very important. And I don't think people know how many siblings you have. And I think that that in. That probably feeds into why you have to keep it real. And just to give little context as to why. I know this is because I played with one of those many siblings in college, and she was the baby. She was the littlest one of all of them. So you had that many siblings. So, Brooke, how many siblings do you have?

[Unknown]

I'm the oldest of six kids, so I have five. Yeah. Two brothers, three sisters.

[Zena Kaeda]

And then how many children have been produced out of these six kids?

[Unknown]

We lost count. I mean, I. 14 maybe, or it might be more. Everybody. Everybody has. All six of us have kids. Kids.

[Zena Kaeda]

That's crazy.

[Saniyah Latson]

At least one kid.

[Unknown]

Yeah. So. Yeah. And still going. So. Yeah.

[Chantelle Jennings]

I wish everyone could see Tanaya's face right now.

[Zena Kaeda]

It's crazy. Well, Tanaya, I was in the same boat when I found out that Whitney, her littlest sister that played with me at Yale, was the youngest of six. Mind blown. Mind blown. Because it's very rare for people to have that many siblings. And then there's Almost all of you have some sort of, like, sport connection. Like, you're all really good at something, obviously. I think you set the mark there, Brooke, with, you know, playing basketball, of course, Whitney, following in your footsteps. But are there. When I think about keeping it real, what was that household like?

[Unknown]

Chaos. Chaos. And so that's why you saw me come to Florida State from Cincinnati, because I couldn't wait to get out and far away and do my own thing. It was literal chaos. And my mom was a crazy person. Bless her heart. She's all calm down now. But she. She was not so. And so we Had. It was. It was crazy. But now I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now that we all live in our separate homes and have our separate lives, we're all cool and. No, but I actually, it was. It was really cool, the relationship between Whitney and I. I actually got to be in the delivery room when she was born.

[Zena Kaeda]

Wow.

[Unknown]

And just the. You know, just to watch her grow up. And she was three when I left to come to Florida State, so I'm so proud of her. Now she's a mom, and it's. It's a blessing to have all the. All these siblings and share all these things with family.

[Zena Kaeda]

That's awesome.

[Saniyah Latson]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Definitely made me into who I am today. And as. Yeah, the crazy. Whatever I am today, that's thanks to them.

[Zena Kaeda]

There you go. And the reason why your mom calmed down is because she got the next generation. She's good now. She's got a grandbaby. She's, like, chilling. She's. She's got to spoil. She's got kids to spoil now. Now I want to shift it to Tania, because, Tania, you know, you're a little social media savvy. Okay, Miss like you are, you've got followers, you've got the people viewing things. And there was one particular video that blew my mind, and if you guys haven't seen it, it's on her TikTok, but Ms. Latson is grabbing rim. And Ta'niya, how tall are you?

[Saniyah Latson]

I'm five. Eight. On a good day.

[Zena Kaeda]

On a good day. Okay. That might be in her shoes.

[Chantelle Jennings]

All right.

[Zena Kaeda]

And you're grabbing rim and you're, you know, this close to dunking. How long have you been working on that?

[Saniyah Latson]

Oh, since I was in, like, seventh or sixth grade. Yep.

[Zena Kaeda]

I need to know because I. You. So in high school, I could grab rim, and then I had injuries with my knees, so that went away very quickly. But let's just say that I, like, one day wanted to wake up and work on my ability to grab rim again. What's the training program for that? Like, what are you working on? Jump ropes? Is it, like, what are you doing to get those hot hops?

[Saniyah Latson]

It was kind of natural for me. I wasn't, like, doing anything in particular. I was just. Of course, it was playing with my siblings and.

[Zena Kaeda]

Yeah, just, of course it was. So you're basically telling me, if God didn't bless you, sis, I'm so sorry. This is. This is just who we are. This is who I am. Ta Niya Latson, folks, grabbing rim at 5, 8 probably gonna be Duncan by the time she's a senior. Casual, cool. I don't even wanna say that. She might be Duncan by the time the March tournament comes around. Okay, I very much appreciate that. So let's do some quick hitters to close this out. All right? They're going to be quick. Five questions, both of you to answer. Brooke, I'll let you go first then Tanaya right after. Alrighty. Okay. Favorite basketball word or phrase.

[Unknown]

I'm so bad at these things tonight. Can probably tell you what my favorite. I would. I say the most. I don't even know.

[Saniyah Latson]

I don't even know. Like, she just has these little like, well, one liners. Like it's like. I don't know, I could just imitate maybe.

[Chantelle Jennings]

That's your word.

[Zena Kaeda]

That's her word. Her favorite word is defense. There it goes. All right, well, Tanaya, what's yours?

[Saniyah Latson]

Oh my God.

[Zena Kaeda]

And guys, it doesn't even have to mean anything. Like I just like the word pick and roll just because it sounds good. I just love saying pick and roll. Pick and roll. Pick a roll. Pick a roll. Pick a roll. Pick a roll. Pick and roll. Sorry to our listeners that just listened to me say pick and roll five times. But I just love that word. It's fun.

[Saniyah Latson]

So I don't. I would say. Well, I. What I say a lot on offense, I feel like is a punch. I call for a screen a lot.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, get me. All right, cool. Let's move on. Least favorite sound on the bass. Like within a basketball game.

[Unknown]

Oh, someone's finger getting jammed when they catch the ball. And that sound with that jam you can just. You're like, oh yeah, I heard that. That's my least.

[Zena Kaeda]

That's a good one. That's a good one. I've not thought about that one. Okay, that's a great one. Best one I've heard so far actually. Brooke, that's. That's legit.

[Unknown]

Made up for my first answer.

[Zena Kaeda]

Tanaya. Yeah, you up?

[Saniyah Latson]

I would have to agree. That is such an awkward moment because everybody can hear it and it's like, dang, girl.

[Zena Kaeda]

Yeah, I'm with you. I hate the. The buzzer to go into games. I don't know why, but it just annoys me something about it. That's like my thing. Favorite basketball move, Brooke.

[Unknown]

Favorite basketball move, man. A three point shot. It's not a move. Hey, but that's. It's something love. Just a good, A good looking three point shot. That's not a move. Left, right into the right T1 2 step, left, right, 1, 2 step. Knock it in.

[Zena Kaeda]

There you go.

[Chantelle Jennings]

Florida State's offense makes a lot of sense to me now.

[Zena Kaeda]

All right, Tanaya, favorite moves.

[Saniyah Latson]

The in and out. That's like one of my favorite moves.

[Zena Kaeda]

I like it. I like it a lot. Okay, if you were to make it to the hall of Fame and they had only one word to describe you, what would you want it to be?

[Unknown]

One word. Gosh, I would say it's. I mean, I don't. Worker. Worker. I don't know.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, worker. Tanaya, what about you?

[Saniyah Latson]

I would say humble.

[Zena Kaeda]

I like that.

[Unknown Advertiser]

You know what?

[Zena Kaeda]

Let's end on that. That sounds good. Worker and humble. We appreciate you, the workers, and the humility of you tonight. Coming onto this podcast and telling me that the only way that I can ever grab RIM is if it came natural. So humble.

[Brooke Wykoff]

No humbles easy.

[Zena Kaeda]

It humbles me for sure. It humbles me. No, I appreciate you guys joining. Chantelle, Sabrina, appreciate you guys getting them on the pod and walking us through. We're gonna have a lot of fun watching you, especially now that we have all this context behind your offense, your just your personalities and how you all move. It's just been a blessing and a fun time to be watching you guys this season. And you guys have a big game coming up very soon. Yes, you guys have a few big games coming up. Obviously the. The ACC is huge, but yeah, you guys got some big games coming up. Is there anyone that you're particularly excited to. To face off against.

[Saniyah Latson]

Virginia Tech?

[Zena Kaeda]

That's the one I'm talking about. Let's just that. That's what I'm talking about. Yep, they're. They're coming in and I know they just took down NC State, so they're feeling a little, you know, they're feeling a little good, so. And they're coming to your town too, so got to hold down home court. All righty. That is all for today. For the Athletic, I'm Zena Kada encouraging you to keep listening, keep learning and keep loving the game, because that is the only way we're going to grow it. Alright, guys, until next time.

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[Brooke Wykoff]

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[Brooke Wykoff]

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[Brooke Wykoff]

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[Brooke Wykoff]

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