← Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch
Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch
The side of college athletics you don’t see with guest Rachel DeMita
00:54:30
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- [00:00]
Alison Cooch
The following podcast is a Dear Media Production. What's up, guys? Welcome back to Sunday Sports Club Podcast, a podcast all about sports told by a woman. And that woman is me. Hi, guys. I'm your host, Alison Cooch, and today I'm joined by a special guest, Rachel Demita. She is a former college basketball player turned sports broadcaster and host of the Courtside Club podcast. So welcome her to Sunday Sports Club.
- [00:30]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
How are you doing today?
- [00:31]
Rachel Demita
I'm good. Good. I love that the clubs are collabing.
- [00:35]
Alison Cooch
Oh, yeah, I know, right?
- [00:36]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Yeah.
- [00:37]
Alison Cooch
Club, Courtside Club. I have to ask, right off the bat, does your past in being a basketball player yourself help when it comes to sports broadcasting?
- [00:48]
Rachel Demita
Oh, a thousand percent. Yeah.
- [00:50]
Alison Cooch
Do you think it kind of gives you a leg up?
- [00:54]
Rachel Demita
For sure. And it's funny because even when I was in college, like, when I quit basketball, it was such an identity shift of, like, I had to refine myself again. And for like four years after I quit, I couldn't even watch the sport, couldn't anything. It was like a heartbreak. And I actually thought that I wanted to do entertainment reporting, like, fashion, celebrity, all of that kind of stuff. And I did an internship at Entertainment Tonight and then kind of quickly realized, okay, like, this isn't me. And then when I started talking about basketball again, I was like, this is so easy. This is my life. I can be a part of basketball without being a player anymore. So I, like, learned how to love it again. So, yes, I think a thousand percent it helps me.
- [01:38]
Alison Cooch
Absolutely. I also think that with any, like, higher level sport, I mean, if you're going to college to play a sport or beyond, you've dedicated so much of your life to that sport that I feel like almost without that sport, it's kind of like an identity crisis. So I've seen kind of go through it. So I'm sure for you, it's like, kind of fun to be back around basketball, but in a different way.
- [02:04]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, for sure. And it definitely took that time, like I said, to kind of heal. And I transferred to American University and I was doing just like, sideline reporting for the local, or not even the local for our schools, whatever, broadcast of the games. And I was doing, like, lacrosse, volleyball, and then they wanted to stick me on basketball. And I walked into the gym and like, broke down. I couldn't cover the game. It was like, I laugh. Yeah, no, no, it's fine. I do it too. But I'm past it now, so it's fine to talk about it. But I just remember I was like, I wasn't ready at that point in time, so eventually I was ready to get back into it. But it's one of those things, too. Like, we talked about it off camera for a second about football. I was like, don't quiz me too hard on football. And it's one of those things with basketball. Like, I can watch any basketball and break down what's going on, regardless of if I know anybody who's playing or not. Whether it's girls, boys, you know, college, professional, 3v3, it doesn't matter. Like, I can tell you what's going on. And I think that just gives me a leg up when being able to, like, be an expert. But it's kind of like I. I put in 15 years of my life learning the game, not even knowing that I would be, you know, doing this later on, so.
- [03:20]
Alison Cooch
Absolutely. And for those who might not be familiar with your full story, how did basketball first become such a big part of your life?
- [03:27]
Rachel Demita
Like, when I was a kid.
- [03:28]
Alison Cooch
Yeah.
- [03:30]
Rachel Demita
Well, it's funny because I. I started with all the sports and I started in gymnastics, which I do now as an adult, which I just came from class last night. I love such a hobby of mine. Yeah, it's so much fun. But I started in gymnastics, and then I kind of did all of the sports after that, so softball, basketball, track, cross country. And I was the worst at basketball. Like, I was so bad, naturally. And I was naturally kind of good at everything else that I tried, but for some reason, when I was like 10 years old, I was like, I really like this one. This is the one I want to do. Because when you're a kid, you're just like, pick the one that's most fun.
- [04:13]
Alison Cooch
Yeah.
- [04:14]
Rachel Demita
And I remember I. I sat down with my dad. I went from my first year playing being the worst player on the team to that very next year being the best. And I was. Learn from that. Like, I can get anything from just working hard. And so I did. And my dad told me that. He was like, you're going to have to work harder than everyone if you want to get a college scholarship. If you want to be the best, you're just going to have to work harder. And so I just. I did that.
- [04:40]
Alison Cooch
Yeah, exactly. That came to, I mean, colleges. And looking at colleges, like, was that something you always knew you wanted to do was play in college?
- [04:52]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. So my dream was always to get a full ride. I wanted to play Division 1, and I never wanted to play professionally. And I think even if you look at my content now, like, I cover the WNBA a lot now because I see how it's growing. But when I was growing up, I went to WNBA games and I saw the arena wouldn't be full. Like, we would sit courtside, we'd pay like 50 bucks for some courtside seats, and I would watch college games, and then those arenas would be full. Like, we used to go to Tennessee Lady Vols games because I loved them. And I just, like, saw the atmosphere. And I was like, I want to do this, but I don't want to do this because it seems like such a grind. I knew the women weren't getting paid a lot, and so I feel like that's why I'm such an advocate for it now is because I want girls who were me to have the opportunity to have, you know, the big stage in the wnba, because all those players deserve it. But anyway, yeah, I. I knew from probably about six, seventh grade that I wanted to play in college. And I'm the first one in my family who's ever played college sports. And so, honestly, we were really naive to the process. And it's just kind of crazy when you're getting recruited and you're getting all these letters and then going on visits and this and that. And I definitely. I picked the wrong school, like, a thousand percent. I didn't enjoy my experience, and that's.
- [06:10]
Alison Cooch
Very raw and real. I picked the wrong one.
- [06:12]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, I absolutely did, because I basically just picked the school. School on the best program at the time. And at the time, they were like a top 10 program. And so I was like, I gotta take this. I. That wasn't the right choice because I didn't want to play after. So, like, I should have chosen a school where I knew I could get a great education, where I got along with the team better. Another thing that we were really naive to is, like, I was never really close with the head coach, but I was really close with the assistant coaches. And then once I got there, the assistant coaches were gone, and I didn't even know that that would. Could, like, be a thing. You know what I mean? But it happens, so. And college athletes now. And it was another thing, too. I got an internship early at espn, and I wasn't able to take it. And so that was also something I was like, wow, I'm not able to set myself up for after this, but now there's just so many more opportunities with nil. And then also the fact, like, if you don't like your school, you can transfer. I couldn't transfer, or else I'd have to sit out a year and it was like you. It. So things were very different. We were naive to the process. It's fine. Everything has worked out how it is. But I probably would have played all four years if I picked a different school. Like a thousand percent.
- [07:25]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Yeah.
- [07:26]
Alison Cooch
It's crazy looking now at the difference, the difference in experience that college athletes get based off of nil and the transfer portal. Because I remember when my husband was playing football, it was like, you. There's nothing else you can do. Don't even think about trying to do anything else or else. Or set yourself up for success later on. Like, and you mentioned it, like, even an internship is, like, technically, like, not wasn't supposed to happen. Like, any type of job or income outside of your sport, you're not allowed to take. And now I feel like these collegiate athletes are able to, like, fully take opportunities, and that's great and I love that for them. But I think about all of the athletes who were before them that graduated college, didn't go go pro, and had to find a way to all of a sudden get experience in a job. And it's like, you're already behind so many steps because everybody else in college was able to do that.
- [08:23]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. And I think too, like, hopefully things have changed more now, but I definitely felt like I was not getting set up to succeed in life after basketball at all. It was like, even some of the classes that I was forced to take just because it fit in with practice schedule. And they kind of sell you a dream too, when they're recruiting you. It's, oh, you can do all these things. Then you get there and it's like, yeah, just kidding. No, can't do any of that. So, like, I couldn't even major in what I wanted to major in because it didn't fit in with our practice schedule and what classes the other girls on my team were taking. And so, yeah, you find. Yeah, it's cr.
- [09:01]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Yeah.
- [09:01]
Rachel Demita
And you find out free education.
- [09:03]
Alison Cooch
But, like, you don't even get to choose what you're educated in.
- [09:06]
Rachel Demita
No. And like, that was something that was always been really important to me was school. School and getting a good education. But my coaches didn't care about that. They're like, nah, we just need you to perform.
- [09:16]
Alison Cooch
So, no, I'm trying to keep my job, so you better play well.
- [09:19]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, exactly.
- [09:20]
Alison Cooch
If you could go back, do you know what school or schools you may have chosen?
- [09:27]
Rachel Demita
It's funny because I remember one of my favorite schools I was getting recruited by was Manhattan College. Which is like a very small Division 1 school in New York. But I just remember I loved the team. I kind of loved the culture there. But again, that was a small D1 school. And then I get offered from this powerhouse school at the time in Old Dominion with a coach who is legendary, and it's like, how could I pass that up? But, yeah, probably that. Honestly, like, Hofstra was another one there. Again, they're smaller schools, like, on the East Coast. I should have taken probably more visits, too. Yeah, I just should have gone, like, to a smaller D1 school or one that was, like, maybe a big D1 school, but cared a little bit more about, like, preparing you for life after basketball, not just cranking you out as a basketball player.
- [10:26]
Alison Cooch
Honestly, I think back to, like, I went to Michigan State, and athletes at Michigan State were treated so differently than where my husband went to college, which is Notre Dame. Notre Dame. It was like, wow.
- [10:36]
Rachel Demita
Yeah.
- [10:37]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
First.
- [10:38]
Alison Cooch
And, like, you have to have, like, a certain grade. Well, I'm sure that is across the board with, like, a lot of different colleges, but it was very, like, emphasis on the education, and, like, you have to uphold this, like, Notre Dame value. And then Michigan State, it's like, oh, yeah, like, just slap it on.
- [10:57]
Rachel Demita
If you're failing, we'll just give you extra credit. Then you'll be back on the field. Like, it's.
- [11:02]
Alison Cooch
The professors were in on it, but.
- [11:04]
Rachel Demita
At Notre Dame, sure they were. At our school, too. Like, our girls on the team would be fair failing. And all of a sudden it was like, oh, I did extra credit. I was like, what is going on? This is crazy.
- [11:16]
Alison Cooch
Well, it's. It's crazy to see, like, where you are now today. I mean, you're a big voice when it comes to the NBA and wnba. Have you seen a huge change when it comes to sports media in the space?
- [11:31]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, I think. Not to, like, too my own horn, but I feel like I've been a little bit ahead of the curve because I've kind of lived in this digital space for a long time, and now it's just funny seeing, like, the ESPN, the NBC's, all of them trying to now get into the digital space when it's like, we've kind of all been here. And so I think that's cool in a sense, because everybody has a voice now. And you're also seeing with athletes, too. Like, so many of them have their own podcasts and different things, so they're not even reliant on big media anymore. Like, they can film themselves and go on TikTok or they can film their own show and put it on YouTube. And so I think that's changed a lot in the space. And then also, like, you see what Adam Silver has done with the NBA in general. Just, it's just crazy how much it's expanded globally. And I think that's going to continue to happen. Now a lot of people are complaining about how many games are across like a million different networks. And now I just saw something on Twitter. It says it costs like $650 for the season in order to watch every game. Like, to like buy the Amazon prize. It's happening in the NFL too, though. Actually.
- [12:44]
Alison Cooch
No, it is. It is. Every game except for Sundays is like on a different network and you have to buy the subscription and then you watch. And it's crazy because you used to be able to buy like NFL Sunday ticket and get all of the games and now that's just not a possibility anymore.
- [13:01]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, so same thing's happening with the NBA. And NFL's also going global too. Like they've been playing games in Europe and such. So I don't know. Did that answer your question? Yeah. I feel like the media landscape is changing a lot.
- [13:15]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
When it comes to my self confidence. It's not just the outfit I'm wearing.
- [13:21]
Alison Cooch
Or the way that my makeup looks. A lot has to do with my hair.
- [13:27]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Full, thick, long hair makes me feel confident. And when it comes to my hair, I have struggled in the past and we all know, like, the skepticism around hair growth supplements. But I want to take a second to talk about Nutrafol because Nutrafol has worked so well for me. Not only in just their regular woman's formula, but their postpartum formula worked so well. When my hair was falling out in clumps, I was like, where do I turn? How do I fix this? And your body is going through so many hormonal changes. And I was like, oh, let me try Nutrafol. Because I had loved it before with their regular woman's formula. And oh my gosh, it within a few months, I noticed a noticeable difference in my hair. Not only in the thickness and like how much was coming out in the shower, but also just how healthy it was looking. And you've probably seen a million ads for hair growth products and thought, sure, like, does that actually work?
- [14:30]
Alison Cooch
And for me, I've found that Nutrafol.
- [14:32]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
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- [16:19]
Alison Cooch
I'm trying to make the holidays just.
- [16:21]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
As special for them as I'm making it for my human that I have.
- [16:26]
Alison Cooch
So this is such a great way.
- [16:28]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
To write down all of your pet's wishes that they might have and it can help others. True because again, each wish triggers a donation of five meals to shelters and rescues or across the country. I think we can all agree that every pet deserves a wish come true. So send your pet's wish to chewy.com chewy claws and it might become a reality. Plus, your wish means Chewy will donate five meals to pets in need. The older I get, the more I find myself wanting to be more intentional about the way I live, the way I eat, and the way I take care of my body. So I want to take a second to talk about mosh, which you may have heard about on Shark Tank, which is founded by Maria Shriver and her son Patrick Schwarzenegger with a simple mission to create a conversation about brain health through food education and research. So Maria's father suffered from Alzheimer's and since then she and Patrick have dedicated themselves to finding ways to help other families dealing with this debilitating disease. So Mosh joined forces with the world's top scientists and functional nutritionists to go beyond the average protein bar. Each Mosh bar is made with ingredients that support brain health like ashwagandha, lion's mane, collagen and omega 3s, plus a game changing brain boosting ingredient that you won't find in any other bar. Mosh is the first and only food brand boosted with Cognizant, a premium nootropic that supplies the brain with a patented form of cytocholine. And the best part is that Mosh bars actually taste great. They come in nine mouthwatering flavors including three new plant based flavors, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Hazelnut Chocolate Chip and Peanut Chocolate chip, which the peanut chocolate chip is my favorite. If you want to find ways to give back to others and feel your body and your brain, Marsh bars are the perfect choice for you. Head to moshlife.com sundae day to save 20% off plus free shipping on the Best Sellers trial pack or the new plant based trial pack. That's 20% off plus free shipping on either the Bestsellers trial pack or the plant based trial pack at M O S H l I f e.com Sunday thank you mosh for sponsoring this episode.
- [18:55]
Alison Cooch
Well, I've even seen it for myself, which I don't follow basketball like super closely. I feel like I'm definitely more the football obviously, but when it comes to basketball, it's even interesting to see the change go from like, oh, the wnba. It's like the arenas are empty, yada yada yada. Like I mean what, like five, six years ago? And now there's this huge boom. Like, oh no. Like people are tuning in. Like the drama's coming in off the core. Like people are obsessed with the WNBA now. And it's so like, I'm sure refreshing to see as like a female athlete yourself because now these women are finally getting like the applaud that they deserve for sure.
- [19:38]
Rachel Demita
And that's why I've been screaming at the top of my lungs to like leadership, ownership in the W, like please do not mess up this moment. Like please don't fumble it. You know what I mean? And even in the the world that we live in it's all about momentum and being relevant and whatever. And people forget about things so fast or they lose interest in things so fast. That's why even with the current CBA negotiations that's happening right now between the, you know, the players and ownership, they're trying to figure out a deal so that they don't stall next season. And I'm just really hoping that they can get that done. But, yeah, I mean, it's been incredible.
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Podcast Host/Ad Reader
They.
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Rachel Demita
For 27 years, they flew not what commercial. Was that what it is commercial? Yeah. Like, not. Then they finally have private. Thanks to Caitlin Clark, but like private jets as of last season. And like, even little things like that just continue to elevate the games. And you have like, the Golden State Valkyries, who is a brand new franchise. They sold out every single home game in the Bay Area in Chase center. And that's like over 18,000 people can go in that arena. And so that stuff is just so cool to see. And so I just hope that, you know, Adam Silver helps out a little bit in these negotiations and everybody who's, like, on board, like, help this league and continue to prop it up and do what needs to be done to make sure that this momentum in this moment doesn't go away. You know, we've. We've been waiting for this. So it's here now.
- [21:06]
Alison Cooch
I couldn't agree more. It's. It's crazy, the shift. And I actually got a chance to sit in the NFL ownership meeting with all of the NFL owners and head coaches, and they made an emphasis on how interested women were in focus football these days. And I'm like, yeah, like, let's keep it going. Like, yeah, we've been around for this entire time, but now we're seeing media actually, like, showing off the field and like, more of the intricacies, like, in and around the sports world and people are interested. So, like, let's keep the momentum going.
- [21:40]
Rachel Demita
What do you think that is why more women are into football now?
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Alison Cooch
I think that it has to do with a lot of, like, off the field. I think originally, like, football was just viewed as such, like a stats forward sport. And it was just like, okay, like, here are the guys getting traded, here are the transactions. Like, let's talk about the analytics and like, let's talk about if we think this team's gonna win. And now it's like you see some of these players off of the field on social media, in and around, like, just like giving back to their community. And I think you're seeing more of like the full picture stories. And I think also like a huge part that goes into play are like the wives, the family, like, they're showing the whole world. And I think it's making people realize, like, it's not just like stats and like boring shit. It can also be very interesting.
- [22:27]
Rachel Demita
Didn't they used to say too that they're. That men who played football had like helmet syndrome? Because we didn't really like, see their faces that much. And so like NBA, obviously they would get recognized and stuff a lot more. But I feel like in the NFL there's more kind of stars being born. Because you are seeing that off field stuff more.
- [22:44]
Alison Cooch
Absolutely.
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Rachel Demita
Yeah.
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Alison Cooch
And I also think, like a huge part that goes into that is nil now too. You see these guys getting like, million dollars of money and like contracts sitting thrown at them before they even step foot into the NFL. So then all these like, college fans are now like, being pulled into the NFL. And I think it's just like you're rooting for like people specifically rather than just like a full team. Yeah, but the helmet syndrome is crazy because if you're not like, if you're not a well known player, people don't give a shit who you are. I mean, you walk into a room and people are like, wow, he probably does something because he's 6, 6 and 300 pounds.
- [23:24]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
But. Right.
- [23:25]
Alison Cooch
You know, like. Yeah, like that. But aside from that. Yeah. The helmets, I'm sure bat. When it comes to basketball, it's just like. And there's just so many more football players on each team.
- [23:36]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. And like, my husband also plays professional basketball. I don't know if you knew that.
- [23:41]
Alison Cooch
But, like, we're gonna get to that next.
- [23:43]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
So.
- [23:43]
Rachel Demita
Okay. I was like, men's egos are already like, huge, and then athletes are. It's even bigger. And I get that because you have to kind of be in that mindset whenever you're stepping on the field or on the court. It's like you're kind of going to battle. You have to have that confidence in yourself. But then you add all of like the layers on top of that. And then football is such a violent spot sport in general also.
- [24:06]
Alison Cooch
Literally.
- [24:08]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Yeah. Yeah.
- [24:09]
Alison Cooch
Anyway, football is kind of terrifying, but that's.
- [24:12]
Rachel Demita
I love football, though. I think it's the mo. I think it's the. How do I say this? Like, the best crafted. It's like the perfect sport. I don't know how to explain it. It's like the perfect amount of scoring. It's the perfect amount of like, Every play matters. It's so visually interesting to watch whether you know what's going on or don't know what's going on.
- [24:35]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Right.
- [24:36]
Rachel Demita
And it's also. They're adding more games, but it's almost like the perfect amount of games, too.
- [24:41]
Alison Cooch
I agree. I.
- [24:43]
Rachel Demita
Because it's still like, every game matters, you know, like NBA, not every game matters. Mlb, they definitely don't matter because there's, like, so many games. NFL, it's like, you gotta win them.
- [24:54]
Alison Cooch
Yeah. You're tuning in. And then conferences and divisions. Like, it all. Yeah, it all matters. I remember when it was only 16 games, and that addition of the 17th game was like, oh, gosh, like, season. So longer. It's like the season wasn't that much longer. But I do want to get into your relationship because you just got married to former NBA Andre Robertson. Did you guys meet through the basketball world?
- [25:22]
Rachel Demita
We did, actually. We met at Final Four in San Antonio.
- [25:27]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Oh, wow.
- [25:27]
Rachel Demita
And he's from San Antonio, so he was there, but he actually. It's like the biggest. One of the worst injuries that you can get while playing any sport. But he ruptured his patellar tendon. And he did that months. Like, a couple months before we met. It was probably like, three months. And so OKC was playing in San Antonio, and he was actually just staying back for a day because he obviously wasn't playing. He was out. So he was able to, like, spend time with family and just. We happened to be in the same city at the same time, ironically enough.
- [26:02]
Alison Cooch
Like.
- [26:03]
Rachel Demita
Like, he came to my basketball game first, so he actually saw me play basketball in person before I ever saw him play.
- [26:12]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
When.
- [26:13]
Alison Cooch
What year did you guys meet?
- [26:16]
Rachel Demita
That was 2008. Yeah. 2018. Yeah.
- [26:20]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Okay.
- [26:21]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. So I was playing in a celebrity game. To be fair, it wasn't like a. Yeah. But I used to always play in this one celebrity game at the Final Four, and he came and watched, so.
- [26:31]
Alison Cooch
And then the rest is history.
- [26:32]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Well, he.
- [26:32]
Alison Cooch
I mean, yeah. Did you guys know each other when he watched you play? Or was it like you guys didn't really meet until the Final Four?
- [26:40]
Rachel Demita
He. So I had actually interviewed him years prior, but I've interviewed so many people, so I didn't really. I didn't think anything of it.
- [26:50]
Alison Cooch
I didn't think about you.
- [26:51]
Rachel Demita
There's no, like, it's no offense to him, but that's. You know, you talk to a lot of people or whatever. And so I interviewed him for, like, 20 minutes, and then it was like, okay, see you later. But then we had been following each other on Instagram. He'll tell this story differently from, like, his perspective, but he actually posted in his story that he was in San Antonio. And San Antonio, to me at the time was like a myth. I had never been there. I'd, like, been to Texas once, so I was like, whoa, that's so random. You're in San Antonio. I'm gonna be there.
- [27:23]
Alison Cooch
Right?
- [27:24]
Rachel Demita
And I replied to his message, like, oh, I'm going there tomorrow. Haha. And I really wasn't like, he definitely thinks I was trying to, like, hit on him or whatever. I. I really wasn't in that moment. I was just like, wow, cool. He's also in this random city that I've like, never heard of until last week. And then we just started talking. He was like, oh, like, what are you doing there? I was like, oh, I'm playing in a celebrity game. And then obviously, like, you know, working for Final Four. And he was like, oh, like, I'll come. I'll come check it out. And I was like, okay. And you know how most guys are, they just like, talk a good game. I was like, there's no way he's showing up. Like, there's no way he's coming to this. And he did. And so I thought that that was really cool firstly. And then after that, we hung out the rest of the day. He actually. The final four games, because my game was like, in the morning. And then for Final Four, there's two games in one day on Saturday. And then Monday's the championship, so it was like on the Saturday. And he. I was like, I have an extra. I have an extra two tickets, like, if you want to come with me. And he was like, oh, sure. Little did I know he had tickets that were like, basically courtside for these games, and he gave those away to sit with me. And like, my tickets weren't bad, but they definitely weren't courts as good as his. Yeah, like, he had amazing tickets, but he just acted like he didn't. He was like, sure. And so him and his friend came. Yeah. We end up hanging out that whole day. So.
- [28:47]
Alison Cooch
I love that. I. I have a controversial question.
- [28:51]
Rachel Demita
Yeah.
- [28:52]
Alison Cooch
How do you feel about the term wag?
- [28:56]
Rachel Demita
Oh, I don't mind it.
- [28:57]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
You don't mind it?
- [28:58]
Rachel Demita
No.
- [28:58]
Alison Cooch
I know that a lot of, like. There's a lot of, like, discourse amongst, like, oh, I don't want to be like, the wife of somebody, but I also feel like sometimes it could be like, oh, yeah, like, no, but that is my husband, like, yeah, I'm proud of that.
- [29:10]
Rachel Demita
It's super fun. Like, I. I feel like when I'm at his games, I feel like I'm in a game. Like, I'm so locked in, like, half the time. And even when he was in Oklahoma and stuff, like, I would want to sit by myself just so I could, like, lock in to his games. Like, I'm so locked in. And then he played in France last season, and I was, like, courtside for all of those games. I'm, like, yelling at the refs. Like, I don't even know if they. Some of them speak English. I'm, like, chirping players on the other team. Like, there's even photos, and I would like to post some from courtside. And people are like, you look so mad. I'm like, yeah, because I'm also locked in.
- [29:54]
Alison Cooch
This is just as much my game. And, like, I need to analyze this. Yeah. So he stepped away from the NBA and started playing overseas. How did that change, like, your relationship or, like, how did that change things for you guys?
- [30:07]
Rachel Demita
It's hard because I'm not living over there full time with him, but it's like, you know, obviously he had that patellar tendon rupture, and that's such a hard injury to come back from. And this is the healthiest that I've ever seen him. And it's just so incredible to see him, like, play at a really high level and play to the level that he's playing at. And so, like, in some way, obviously, I mean, it was cool. Like, I. Because he's over there. Or talk about last season, he was in France. So, like, been to France multiple times. Like, he proposed at this, like, castle in France. Been to Paris, Monaco. Like, during his winter break, we went to Switzerland. Like, I've watched him play in Turkey. I've watched him play in Greece. And so, like, in a sense, that way, like, it's cool for us because we're able to experience other, like, cultures, basketball, these things that we probably wouldn't have.
- [31:08]
Alison Cooch
Absolutely.
- [31:09]
Rachel Demita
And then I've seen, like, from the NBA as well. Like, I remember his first game back from that injury was actually in the bubble, and so I wasn't able to be there for it either. But I remember, like, when he went into the game, I was sitting at home watching, and I was just, like, sobbing. And I didn't know that that was gonna happen because I was just, like, so happy to see him out there because I met him at kind of his, like, lowest. You know what I mean? Like, that was so hard for him. And I watched the setbacks and all these things. So it's been hard to be distant and we talk a lot and I visit him when I can, but if we're gonna be together forever, this is just a small chapter in our life, you know, so.
- [31:55]
Alison Cooch
And I also feel like it introduces like, a different type of like, adventurous side to your relationship that like, otherwise you just wouldn't get.
- [32:03]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, I mean, we've had, we've gone through a lot. We've had a lot to like, overcome and figure out and the distance and all that stuff. And we've been able to do that. And so I feel like that also, like, life is never gonna just be easy all the time.
- [32:19]
Alison Cooch
Literally the, the most intense part of a relationship with a professional athlete is like, helping them through like, either career transitions or an injury. So what is that? What do you think that taught you about, like, partnership and like, being there for him?
- [32:36]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, I think I can relate a little bit. Like, I'm also such a driven person and so it's like I want to do, I want to support him however I can. And even when I'm talking about, like, me being courtside of me being locked in, it's because I care about him so much and I want to see him be the best he can possibly be in every single game, in every single situation. And like the injury thing, I never luckily dealt with any injuries in my career, like, any serious injuries. And so seeing that and just, yeah, there's a lot of ups and downs. There's a lot of like, mental stuff that goes with that too, because there was even times when, like, his body was ready. But it's hard to, like, trust your own leg again because of what happened or like, trust other parts of your bodies. And so, you know, it's about communication too. Like him feeling comfortable enough to open up to me about certain things. Because also men are different. They don't want to. They don't want to always be like, too emotional with you. They feel like he feels like. Yeah, like he feels like he needs to protect my emotions and be like, really strong and whatever for me. But there are times that he should be able to lean on me for that and that's. He has to feel safe enough to like, be okay with that. Do you know what I mean?
- [33:55]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
So no, for sure, yeah.
- [33:58]
Alison Cooch
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- [34:30]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
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- [38:05]
Alison Cooch
Have you guys ever played one on one?
- [38:08]
Rachel Demita
I mean, yeah, for fun, but I get destroyed. He's like one of the best defenders ever in, in professional basketball. Like I, I call it like him.
- [38:20]
Alison Cooch
And I was like, wait, I would.
- [38:21]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Love to see this.
- [38:23]
Rachel Demita
No, no, no, no, no, no. He destroys me. Like, he's like has Go Go Gadget arms. And I. And I'm sure like a lot of professional players can also attest to this. Like you feel like you have enough so space to shoot the ball and then all of a sudden he blocks it and he's like, he'll be like under the basket. And I'm like, oh, plenty of time. And then he blocks it. It doesn't make any sense. But yeah, just for fun, in my.
- [38:45]
Alison Cooch
Head, I can still beat my husband in a one on one. But then I'm like, wait, he's definitely six five and like way bigger than me. But just in my head I like haven't tried. So I'm like, surely it wouldn't be that hard.
- [38:58]
Rachel Demita
But you know, it's impossible. Well, and it's fine.
- [39:02]
Alison Cooch
Yeah, right. We'll just leave it be. Well, NBA season is officially, I mean, about to start. So it's in full force. How do you explain the beauty of basketball season for someone who's never been into it?
- [39:18]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Hmm.
- [39:20]
Rachel Demita
I think the, the beauty of basketball season, it's different now. I will say feel like basketball season really ramps up around Christmas time. And although the NFL is like also trying to steal that from us, right? Very much. No, the beauty of NBA season, I mean there's just so much incredible Talent in the NBA right now. And it's like whatever style of basketball you like. Like, if you like outside shooters, if you like guys who are going to dunk on someone's head, if you like the shifty handles, like, if you want to see the young guy who just came out of college, you have that in the NBA. Like, there's just so much talent, and there's. It's also so accessible now, too, because the highlights that they're constantly posting and all of those things, and so it's easy to be a fan of many players and many teams in the NBA. And. Yeah, I think this season is going to be really fun.
- [40:13]
Alison Cooch
I love.
- [40:13]
Rachel Demita
This is gonna be fun.
- [40:14]
Alison Cooch
What do you think it's is the biggest misconception when it comes to NBA players?
- [40:21]
Rachel Demita
Misconception? I don't know. A lot is right. No, no, I'm joking, because I was always like, oh, I don't want to, like, date a basketball player, because I've been around them my whole life. But, no, Dre is great, so.
- [40:37]
Alison Cooch
No, no, he's okay. He's great.
- [40:38]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. No, he's great about NBA players. I mean, I. I think at the end of the day, like, a lot of media personalities, I think it's gotten better because more players are in the media. But it used to be, like, you kind of just talk about the guys or girls, like, they're not people. Right. And I think there is a thin line, even with myself, and media is like, we have to be able to break down the game and what's going on on the court, but you don't want it to. Like, when it starts getting personal is when it starts getting weird. Like, that dynamic starts getting weird, and then you're crossing over into territory. And I feel like most players, like, can respect and appreciate. Like, if someone has a bad game, you can talk about that. I mean, the biggest example, obviously, something unfolding at the moment is, like, the Stephen A. Smith LeBron feud or whatever is happening.
- [41:34]
Alison Cooch
Yeah.
- [41:34]
Rachel Demita
It's like LeBron approached Stephen A. Smith when he was sitting courtside and, like, checked him about how he was reporting on Bronnie, which is his son. So it's hard to separate the two of them now that they are both playing in the NBA. Because LeBron James, some people have him as the greatest NBA player of all time, and a lot of people have him at least top two. Yeah. And now his son is playing. So Bronnie, until he solidifies, like, his whatever in the NBA, he's always going to be LeBron's son. But LeBron is like a father, and he's, like, trying to protect his son. And then you have Stephen A. Who's just talks all the time about all these things. And so, like, that's a situation where, like, now Stephen A. Continues to talk about LeBron and, like, the beef that they have between them. So I don't know if.
- [42:22]
Alison Cooch
Super interesting. It's kind of fine line to walk.
- [42:26]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. And it's, like, weird, too, because, like, you'll interview somebody and then you'll see, like, oh, they're such a kind. Like, I would say 99 of the interactions that I've had with any athlete that I'm interviewing has been good. Like, everybody is kind and respectful. And so it's like, you see that side, and then you're like, oh, I don't. I don't want to report that you had a bad game, but you had a bad game. You shot 2 for 27. We got to talk about it, you know, so. But I think most athletes are fine with that. It's just when you kind of cross that line.
- [42:59]
Alison Cooch
Is there a different vibe between NBA basketball and overseas basketball?
- [43:04]
Rachel Demita
Yes, and 1%, I think it's. I think it's the fandom more so. The fans are so crazy in Euroleague, and it's really cool to witness. You go to, like, there are some fan bases in the NBA that are pretty good, but it's nothing like Euroleague. Like, they come with the flags. They have drums. If you're on, like, a rival team, like, there's a couple teams that are, like, in Greece that are rivals or I think in Serbia. Yeah, there's like, two teams in Serbia where they're like, fires and stuff. It's like the kind of stuff that you see in international soccer is very similar to basketball, and it's just all about. There's kind of that. Like, you just have that loyalty to your team that doesn't go away regardless of who's on your team. Like, you are loyal to that team. And I feel like in the NBA, it's a little bit different. Like, you'll follow teams around. You'll be fans of different teams. It's not like that in your league. And it was really cool to see, like, there are some arenas that's so loud. They have the chance. It's kind of. Yeah, it's crazy, but it's really cool. I really enjoyed it.
- [44:13]
Alison Cooch
My own, like, basketball game in Europe, because that sounds like. I just love when it comes to. I mean, any sport, I feel like the fans really make it like what it is. I mean, whenever I think of the teams I always wanted my husband to play for, it was like the Bills or the Chiefs, because those fans are so die hard. And they're like, like, yes, the teams are good, but also the fans, like, make the games what they are.
- [44:41]
Rachel Demita
Thousand percent. And do you know, you know Victor Wembanyama?
- [44:47]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Mm.
- [44:48]
Rachel Demita
So he actually played in France. He plays for. He played for Asbel before he came over to the NBA. And that's what team, like, Tony Parker is one of the owners there. That's the team that my husband played for last year. But they had this fan section at as well where it was like, they're like, crazies or whatever. Would you talk about, like, it was basically like a student section that you see in college, but for this team, and it's the same people over and over. They come with the drums and the flags and the face paint and all this. He's actually bringing that to the spurs. And they did, like, a casting call for fans in San Antonio to do that for the Spurs. So I'm kind of interested to see, like, if the NBA allows the flags and the drums and, like, the crazy, you know, props and stuff that they normally don't allow, but they're trying to do that in the NBA, so we'll have to see.
- [45:34]
Alison Cooch
I mean, honestly, this is, like, a good test to see, like, if they're going to allow change or if they're going to stick to, like, what they've always known and, like, what they've been doing for years. Because I think that allowing the fandoms to change, allowing these players to change, allowing to show their personalities and, like, let the fans do that too. I think it'll create more passion.
- [45:56]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. Oh, for sure. And Adam Silver's, like, aware of this. They're creating NBA Europe as well that's rumored to start in, like, 2027. I mean, Adam Silver's trying to, like, take over world basketball, and he can probably do it, but I think they'll be open to it. Yeah, it really is about, like, we don't have dynasties anymore. Like, you don't have the rivalries that you kind of used to have in the NBA when you used to have, like, liker Celtics or you have a little bit with, like, Knicks, Celtics. And so I don't know. I would love to see that go back in because the talent is there. You just need that, you know, a little more grit from the fandom.
- [46:35]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
For sure.
- [46:35]
Alison Cooch
Well, what's next for you? Like, do you have any projects or goals that you're excited about?
- [46:42]
Rachel Demita
So obviously my show, Courtside Club, just continuing to grow that and we will have a fun announcement for Courtside Club soon. We're going to be like signing with a network. So I'm excited about that because Courtside Club has been such a grind and so I'm glad to like, finally get some recognition and also like, just frankly make some money off of the show. So that's been really fun. What else do I have going on? Honestly, all of it's based around Courtside Club. Just.
- [47:12]
Alison Cooch
I love that.
- [47:13]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, I. I've really just gone like 10 toes down into Courtside and I think this is going to be a really big year for it. Not only covering women's sports, but also the NBA also. So. Yeah, just stay tuned for that.
- [47:28]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
For sure.
- [47:28]
Alison Cooch
I love that. Before we end today's episode, I have some rapid fire questions that we can go through. It's like this or that.
- [47:35]
Rachel Demita
Okay.
- [47:37]
Alison Cooch
NBA playoffs or March Madness?
- [47:43]
Rachel Demita
What round of the playoffs? Any March Madness.
- [47:50]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Sideline seats or sweet.
- [47:53]
Rachel Demita
Oh, courtside for sure. Or sideline. Yeah.
- [47:57]
Alison Cooch
Sneakers or heels for a game day fit?
- [48:03]
Rachel Demita
Depends what city you're in. Yeah, I base. You probably do it too, though.
- [48:08]
Alison Cooch
It definitely matters.
- [48:09]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, it matters. Like if you're in Indiana, it's such a chill vibe. Like you're not going to go in there with heels. But if you're going to the Garden or if you're going to like a Lakers game, you know, you dress up a little bit more.
- [48:21]
Alison Cooch
I feel like for the NFL, it definitely is determined by if it's a closed stadium or like if it's warm.
- [48:29]
Rachel Demita
Yeah.
- [48:29]
Alison Cooch
Or if it's an open stadium and it's freezing cold because nobody's wearing heels with a park. Like a parka downcoat.
- [48:37]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. Is there, is there any stadium that you like the most?
- [48:43]
Alison Cooch
Oh, my gosh. Yeah. Sofi Stadium or Allegiant Stadium. Those are my favorite. They're also like two of the newest stadiums.
- [48:50]
Rachel Demita
Yeah.
- [48:50]
Alison Cooch
But just stepping inside, it looks like AI just straight, like a picture of AI. And I also like, like when the sun shines into the stadium, which it doesn't so much in Allegiant, but it doesn't.
- [49:03]
Rachel Demita
Where's Allegiant?
- [49:05]
Alison Cooch
Las Vegas.
- [49:07]
Rachel Demita
Oh, I've never been to that one. I've been to Sofi for the super bowl when it was like. Yeah. A few years ago.
- [49:15]
Alison Cooch
They're just both so futuristic. And I also the. I've gotten to go in a suite in each one and they're crazy. Like in Las Vegas, which of course Las Vegas is going to do it big, but they have like toro sushi and like, like T bone steaks. It's insane. Which the food shouldn't be like the focus of the football game, but like, it is.
- [49:37]
Rachel Demita
But yeah, it's part of the experience for sure.
- [49:39]
Alison Cooch
Definitely. My two favorite stadiums make the game. Well, now I have to ask you, what are your favorite stadiums or arenas? That's what it's called.
- [49:50]
Rachel Demita
No, no. Okay. So I will say because like I. I hosted the Big 12 national championship game at Jerry's World. I was the in arena or in stadium host for that game. So it's like 80,000 people that's like to this day, one of the funnest, coolest jobs I've ever done. Because it was just crazy. You're on the field, you're telling all the fans what to do, and then they do it, you know? And it's like so loud. I couldn't hear after that. I had a broken toe, but I wore heels because I had to with the fit. It was literally, literally broken dough. So I love Jerry's World just for that. Also, my husband's a huge Cowboys fan. Like for the Christmas Eve game one year we got a field suite. And so like that was really cool too. So I feel like I just have a kind of an emotional tie to there. Also Ohio State. If I can do anything, like, if Ohio State ever needs a host for anything, I am there. I will drop. Like, I will get on a plane in an hour. I will be there in Columbus. Just let me know. Because also their. Their stadium's like 120 people. There's something about like a college atmosphere too.
- [51:02]
Alison Cooch
Love that college. I mean, when it comes to college, I feel like Ohio State is just like one of those fan fandoms that like, they're die hard.
- [51:11]
Rachel Demita
Yeah. And I didn't. Both of the schools I went to didn't have a football team when I was in college, so. And I'm from Akron, Ohio. So like I was born into being in Ohio.
- [51:22]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Fan. Okay.
- [51:23]
Rachel Demita
And so that's like the team I've always watched, you know.
- [51:27]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Okay.
- [51:28]
Alison Cooch
To the rapid fire.
- [51:29]
Rachel Demita
Sorry.
- [51:30]
Alison Cooch
No, no. I'm like, I love off topic. And then I'm like, wait, I got a real back in. Make the game winning basket or the game saving block basket.
- [51:41]
Rachel Demita
A thousand percent.
- [51:42]
Alison Cooch
Coaching your kids team or cheering from the sidelines.
- [51:48]
Rachel Demita
When I'm cheering for the sideline, I'm also going to be coaching a little bit of both ye. I will probably end up being that parent. I'm gonna have to learn how to tone it down a bit.
- [51:59]
Alison Cooch
And then Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
- [52:02]
Rachel Demita
Oh, that's so tough. That's so tough. And I always say LeBron because I really didn't get to witness MJ. Like, I. I'm just a little bit too young. And then I grew up in Akron, Ohio. I've been watching LeBron play since he was in high school. Like, we used to go to his high school games as our, like, Friday night activity. So obviously seen his entire career and it's just been incredible. But I've seen some highlights from Jordan. I love the Jordan mentality. So that's a tough one. But yeah, okay, go with LeBron.
- [52:32]
Alison Cooch
And then last but not least, this is just a question for you to answer. Who's your pick for the most exciting NBA player to watch this upcoming season?
- [52:44]
Rachel Demita
Most exciting, like somebody, like, new or.
- [52:47]
Alison Cooch
Coming or like, who's just somebody people your eyes on?
- [52:52]
Rachel Demita
I think Cooper flag obviously an incredible talent already NBA level player. And then the Mavs are just such an interesting team. They send Luca to the Lakers, but at this point in time, with the squad that they have, they could actually be contenders. And so I think definitely all eyes on Cooper. I think Wemby's another one. Like, he missed a significant amount of time last season, but he trained with Kevin Garnett. He trained with Hakeem. I think he was doing stuff with Chinese monks. Like the mentality that everything. The kind of moves that he was showing off in preseason. So probably those two guys. I'm in Texas too, so we'll root for them. Oh, my God. I think my cats just knocked something over. Oh, my God. I just heard, like a loud crash coming from across.
- [53:42]
Alison Cooch
I just saw that dashing away.
- [53:45]
Rachel Demita
Yeah, because he heard it too. I'll check on that after.
- [53:49]
Alison Cooch
All right, well, where can the people find you when it comes to social.
- [53:53]
Rachel Demita
Oh, it's so funny. You can find me at ra demita on literally everything. So tick tock, YouTube. And then check out my show, Courtside Club, which is also on my personal YouTube channel, which is YouTube.com radamita. So I'll see.
- [54:07]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Perfect.
- [54:07]
Alison Cooch
Well, thank you so much for coming on Sunday Sports Club. I hope you have fun and I hope you guys enjoyed listening and be sure to tune in every Sunday wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.
- [54:17]
Podcast Host/Ad Reader
Thanks.
- [54:19]
Rachel Demita
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.