Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch

Episode: "The Side of College Athletics You Don’t See"
Guest: Rachel DeMita
Date: November 23, 2025
Podcast Network: Dear Media

Episode Overview

Allison Kuch welcomes sports broadcaster and former college basketball player Rachel DeMita for a revealing conversation about the unseen side of college athletics. From the emotional rollercoaster of elite sports to evolving opportunities for student-athletes, Allison and Rachel dive deep into the realities behind recruiting, mental health, the growth of women’s sports, the changing sports media landscape, and balancing relationships as partners of professional athletes. The full episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, industry insights, and playful banter, giving listeners a rich understanding of what it means to be an athlete both on and off the field.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rachel’s Journey: From Athlete to Broadcaster

• Identity after sports: Rachel shares how leaving college basketball was an identity crisis and deeply emotional, making it difficult to even watch games for years.
  • “When I quit basketball, it was such an identity shift...for like four years after I quit, I couldn’t even watch the sport, couldn’t anything. It was like a heartbreak.” – Rachel (00:53)
• Transition to media: Initially interested in entertainment reporting, Rachel realized her passion remained with basketball.
  • “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.” – Rachel (01:14)
• Skill set advantage: Her playing background lent unique expertise to sports broadcasting.
  • “I put in 15 years of my life learning the game, not even knowing that I would be doing this later on.” – Rachel (03:10)

The Hidden Side of College Athletics

• Early athletic motivations: Rachel candidly explains she was initially terrible at basketball but chose it because she enjoyed it most, and then succeeded through hard work.
  • “I was the worst at basketball. Like, I was so bad, naturally...but for some reason, when I was 10, I was like, I really like this one.” – Rachel (03:35)
• Dreams & harsh realities: Rachel wanted a D1 scholarship and to play at a high level—but found the experience less fulfilling due to her school choices and systemic issues.
  • “I definitely picked the wrong school, like a thousand percent. I didn’t enjoy my experience.” – Rachel (06:09)
• Recruitment & support gaps: Rachel and her family were naïve about the recruiting process. The disconnect between promises made during recruitment and reality was stark.
  • “I couldn’t even major in what I wanted...my coaches didn’t care about that. They’re like, nah, we just need you to perform.” – Rachel (09:06)
• The evolution of NCAA rules:
  • Rachel and Allison discuss how current NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal give today’s athletes more power and flexibility compared to their era.
  • “Now I feel like these collegiate athletes are able to, like, fully take opportunities, and that’s great...But I think about all of the athletes before them that...had to find a way to all of a sudden get experience in a job.” – Allison (07:25)

Shifts in Sports Media & Athlete Branding

• Rise of athlete-driven content: Rachel notes how digital platforms have empowered athletes to build personal brands beyond traditional media.
  • “Now it’s just funny seeing ESPN, NBC’s, all of them trying to get into the digital space...Athletes have their own podcasts and...aren’t reliant on big media anymore.” – Rachel (11:30)
• NBA & WNBA global growth:
  • The NBA’s expansion and the WNBA’s boom—including private travel, new franchises, and sold-out arenas—mark rapid recent changes.
  • “For 27 years, they flew commercial. Then they finally have private (jets) as of last season...Golden State Valkyries, a brand new franchise. They sold out every single home game.” – Rachel (20:14)

Women, Visibility, & Fandom in Sports

• Off-the-field stories matter: Allison suggests increased interest among women in football is due in part to seeing players’ personal stories and families through media.
  • “Now it’s like, you see some of these players off the field...more of the full picture stories. Also...the wives, the family, like, they’re showing the whole world.” – Allison (21:44)
• The impact of NIL and social: College football fans now follow players into the NFL, building individual connections that transcend teams.

Life & Relationships in Professional Sports

• Rachel & Andre Roberson’s story:
  • Met at the NCAA Final Four while he was rehabbing an injury; their early romance involved basketball games and playful social media exchanges.
  • “He actually came to my basketball game first, so he saw me play...before I ever saw him play.” – Rachel (26:02)
• Being a “WAG” (Wife and Girlfriend): Rachel enjoys the experience, feels invested in games, and is proud to support her husband—with zero negative connotations about the term.
  • “I feel like when I’m at his games, I feel like I’m in a game. Like, I’m so locked in...” – Rachel (29:10)
• Overseas basketball life:
  • Andre’s post-NBA career took them all over Europe, deepening their bond and giving Rachel new appreciation for global basketball cultures.
  • “He proposed at this castle in France...I’ve watched him play in Turkey, Greece...In a sense, it’s cool because we’re able to experience other cultures, basketball, these things we probably wouldn’t have.” – Rachel (30:06)
• Supporting a partner through injury: The emotional weight of career transitions and injuries is significant; strong communication is essential.
  • “It’s about communication...He has to feel safe enough to like, be okay with that.” – Rachel (33:54)

Basketball Culture: NBA vs. Overseas

• Fan habits & intensity:
  • Overseas fans are “crazy” loyal, bringing drums, flags, and soccer-style energy—something budding in the NBA via stars like Victor Wembanyama (Wemby).
  • “Fans are so crazy in Euroleague...it’s like what you see in international soccer.” – Rachel (43:03)
• Rivalries & league development:
  • Adam Silver’s rumored NBA Europe expansion and new fan initiatives could reshape culture and rivalries.

Life as a Sports Broadcaster & Rapid Fire Fun

• Courtside Club: Rachel is doubling down on her show with big news coming (network deal). She’s committed to championing women in sports and growing her digital footprint.
  • “We’ll have a fun announcement for Courtside Club soon...finally get some recognition.” – Rachel (46:42)
• Rapid-fire Q&A highlights:
  • March Madness or NBA Playoffs? – “Any March Madness.” (47:36)
  • Sneakers or heels? – “Depends what city you’re in.” (48:02)
  • Game-winning basket or game-saving block? – “Basket, a thousand percent.” (51:40)
  • Michael Jordan or LeBron? – “I always say LeBron because I really didn’t get to witness MJ...I grew up in Akron, Ohio.” (52:02)
  • Most exciting NBA player this season? – “Cooper Flag, obviously an incredible talent...Wemby’s another one...probably those two guys.” (52:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Heartbreak after college ball:
  “For like four years after I quit, I couldn’t even watch the sport…It was like a heartbreak.” – Rachel (00:53)
• On the demands of college sports:
  “Free education, but like, you don’t even get to choose what you’re educated in.” – Allison (09:02)
• Sidelined dreams:
  “I couldn’t even major in what I wanted because it didn’t fit in with our practice schedule.” – Rachel (09:06)
• About NIL evolution:
  “I love that for them. But I think about all of the athletes who were before...and had to find a way to all of a sudden get experience in a job. And it’s like, you’re already behind.” – Allison (07:25)
• Women’s sports at a turning point:
  “Please do not mess up this moment. Like, please don’t fumble it...We’ve been waiting for this. So it’s here now.” – Rachel (19:38)
• Relationship pride:
  “I feel like when I’m at his games, I feel like I’m in a game. I’m so locked in...It’s super fun.” – Rachel (29:10)
• On being a broadcaster:
  “You see that side, and then you’re like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to report that you had a bad game—but you had a bad game. You shot two for 27!’” – Rachel (42:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rachel’s identity struggle post-athletics: 00:53–03:20
• Hard truths about college recruitment: 04:39–07:24
• Comparing college athlete experience then vs. now (NIL): 07:25–09:19
• Shifts in sports media and digital platforms: 11:30–13:14
• WNBA & visibility rise: 18:54–21:06
• Women’s interest and football visibility: 21:44–24:06
• Meeting Andre Roberson story: 25:21–28:46
• Life as a WAG and supporting Andre overseas: 29:10–33:54
• NBA vs. overseas basketball fans: 43:03–45:56
• Courtside Club news and career focus: 46:42–47:27
• Rapid-fire favorites & sports opinions: 47:36–52:51

Final Thoughts & Where to Find More

Rachel and Allison conclude with lighthearted rapid-fire questions and mutual excitement for the future of women in sports. Rachel’s energy, candor, and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone curious about what happens beyond the scoreboard, and what it takes to carve out a career and life around elite athletics.

Find Rachel:

• Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @rademita
• Podcast: Courtside Club

Find Allison:

• Instagram/TikTok: @allisonkuch
• YouTube: Allison Kuch

Listen to Sunday Sports Club every week for more sports stories from new perspectives.