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Roz Gold
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Roz Gold
Hey, what's up, y'?
Deja Kelly
All?
Roz Gold
It's Rosgold on Wooday, and I am here with Deja Kelly.
Deja Kelly
Hey.
Roz's Sister
Hey, sis.
Roz Gold
How you doing?
Deja Kelly
I'm good. How are you?
Roz Gold
I'm great. I'm so happy to see you. Look great.
Deja Kelly
Okay. Oh, thank you, girl. Thank you. Thank you.
Roz Gold
I don't even know, should you be interviewing me? Because my sis has shows, podcasts, hosts, events, modeling. She's doing it all.
Deja Kelly
Coming, trying, trying. Multifaceted girly.
Roz's Sister
I know.
Deja Kelly
Let's get it.
Roz Gold
I'm proud of you.
Deja Kelly
Thank you.
Roz Gold
And, you know, you've been. We're out here in Nashville, Tennessee. We're here for Athletes Unlimited. It's kind of like a preseason welcome moment here. You guys have been busy. You had a personal, like, team players dinner.
Deja Kelly
Yep.
Roz Gold
Then y' all were at the Tennessee Titans game. And then last night, there was a really, like, kind of fabulous welcome dinner. Just take me through what it's been like being in Nashville for au.
Deja Kelly
Yeah. So this is my first time in Nashville, so I didn't know what to expect, but I was really excited with, you know, having. I think it's a great combination of vets, rookies, kind of newbies, new faces to AU and just kind of having that camaraderie and being able to go to the Titans game and see what that's like. Seeing the familiarity with the Titans staff and seeing how much they support AU as well. They're excited to come to games. So just seeing the support that Nashville has and how the excitement around AU and the fans are excited to get involved, I'm excited to finally interact with them come February. So overall, being in Nashville and seeing the collective dinner last night, just seeing how many people are just, like I said, excited about the league, excited about us and our stories and hearing more about that, that's something I'm excited to continue to share and continue, like I said, continue to interact with everyone who is about AU and who wants to invest and continue to support.
Roz Gold
Yeah. For me, I was in attendance at the welcome dinner. So nice. And one of the things that stood out to me, you guys look like you're having a lot of fun, but you know, we're here to watch basketball happen. And I'm curious just first of all, why au, why did you decide this was the next step I need to make with my career? And what are you trying to get out of playing in this league?
Deja Kelly
Yeah, well, first off, I mean AU just being a league that can keep you stateside is a no brainer. And that's obviously what kind of had pulled me towards the league. But for me it's just about, you know, any platform that I have or opportunity to hoop to play basketball, I'm gonna take it and I'm gonna take full advantage. But for au, just really seeing I've talked to a few girls, I've kept up with it since it's starting. So just kind of learning about what people have gotten out of it. That's my biggest thing. Any opportunity, I want to use that as an opportunity to create more, even more for myself. So of course for me, my next step and my overall main goal is getting to the W, being on a W roster. So how can I use AU as a tool and as a platform to continue to show what I can do on the court? Knowing the killer, the type of player that I am continuing to show that with the ruling system, with the, you get individual points, like just seeing how it all kind of accumulates to this overall experience that can not only help you build relationships with other really great players, but you're competing against some of the best, you're playing alongside some of the best to play. So I think that's overall it's just an opportunity that I'm really excited to have and I'm grateful for that. AU reached out and presented me with it and it was kind of a no brainer for me because I was like the opportunity to play 5v5 basketball and do what I do and this is basically my like, try whatever it is, like just taking full advantage. I'm excited for it.
Roz Gold
Yeah, me too. I think you can really shine in this format and league again. 5 on 5 ball. But the teams kind of rotate and switch each week, right? And players are individually scored as well. And there's no system or politics that you have to think about. And when I say that, I mean like, you know, you did a training camp or you play a season for some league, you know there's going to be a team with, hey, this player gets a touch first. The system runs this way, they've got to eat first. And like, here's a situation where you really get to showcase what you got, you know, like why might that format and type of situation help showcase what you can do in your game?
Deja Kelly
It's so intriguing because like you said, there's no agenda, you know, with AU and there's so you've seen so many players who maybe in the W don't have as big of a role, but then you see them thriving in AU and really showcasing what they can do and different roles that are played. Like, I think that's the biggest, the most important thing about this league and how it helps really, the growth of players, the growth of confidence. I think that's the biggest thing that I've heard and the joy that a lot of players have just found in playing in aau again, like whether it was lost, whether they're just looking to have some fun hooping, that's what AU brings and that's what it's about. Because you're able to fully be yourself. There is no politics, which is a big thing. It's real. And for me personally, yeah, that is a big thing that I've kind of sometimes been hit by or sometimes have seen, whatever that looks like. And so for me to be able to play basketball with a group of women who all have, you know, are all like minded, all have the same goals in mind and that's just to get better and you know, build relationships with each other and how can we learn and bounce off of each other and grow. And that's what I'm excited for because I'm excited to. I don't have to. There's no think pieces, there's no, I'm not thinking like, oh gosh, I have to do this in order to make this team, whatever. Like, it's literally, I know I'm here to play basketball. I know that everyone around me has my best interests at heart and vice versa. How can we help each other continue to, you know, get to where we need to go? And that's what I'm really excited for because, you know, it's, it's tough. The past few months have been tough for me, but to be able to just have an opportunity to play basketball free minded and just with joy. I'm really looking forward to that.
Roz Gold
It feels like a clean slate.
Deja Kelly
Clean slate. This is, this will be, I guess my first technically, you know, taste of professional basketball in a full pro league, you know, for a full season. So, yeah, definitely a clean slate. Definitely something that, where I'm just like, okay, like there's for AU to see my value and what I bring to the table both on and off. The court, you know, from jump, without me even setting foot, playing, without even me even playing in the league yet, like they just saw that kind of based on the conversations we've had, that was a blessing for me. And that was something that I was really grateful for, which is why it was kind of a no brainer for me to say, all right, I'm joining this. And I know that I can get a lot from it, I can benefit a lot from it. And, you know, both parties will definitely continue to grow as well.
Roz Gold
Yeah, for sure. And you know, it makes me flashback to when we last spoke and it was right after an inspiring training camp that you have at the Las Vegas Aces. I mean, you kind of had these viral moments that took, you know, WNBA threads, Twitter, the community by storm. Unfortunately. I just think from a lack of, there's not enough space on these rosters right now. You get waived. So what have you been doing in this time to stay ready in basketball and keep working on your game?
Deja Kelly
Yeah, really, Just literally staying ready, working out, trying to, you know, keep my mental up. I think that's the biggest thing that kind of was the biggest challenge for me, you know, over the summer because it was just figuring out, okay, if this doesn't happen, like, if I don't get a call, you know, throughout the rest of the summer, if I don't get a. Whatever hardship, whatever that looks like another contract, then what's next? And I always knew I had AU to look forward to. You know, that was always in the back of my mind, but it was the struggle kind of in those moments where, you know, it just like not to feel chosen or picked. I mean, and again, but knowing how cutthroat the league is, that's where, you know, leagues like au, the other leagues that are forming too, like presenting opportunities to players like me, who had a taste of the W, got cut, is looking for what's next. Is looking to, you know, to take that next step in my basketball career. Like, I've seen so many players. I was talking with Syd the other day where she was out of the league for a little bit and playing in AU their first year. She got a training camp and then she became a champion two years in a row. So seeing stories like that, everyone has a different story and I'm really excited to show mine, share mine throughout AU and continue to grow on and off the court. Mentally, that's my biggest priority, is staying ready there. Cause if I'm not good, mentally, can't perform how I need to. So that was my biggest. Yeah. Kind of picked me up throughout the past few months. Yeah.
Roz Gold
You know. Cause I can imagine too, while you're staying ready and training outside of a league and, you know, it could be probably really isolating at times, too. And one thing I've learned about you, you have no quit in you. Like, how are you holding on to this hoop dream of yours to be a pro when in the midst of it, you've got a lot of other options that you're crushing as well? What are the three T's of Thanksgiving, turkey table and touchdowns? With DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL, every scorer can bring you closer to cashing in. Before dessert, new customers. Bet $5 and if your bet wins, you'll get $200 in bonus bets instantly. When touchdowns happen, we feast. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use code goodfollow. That's code go o d f o l l o w. Bet five bucks and get $200 in bonus bets. If your bet wins in partnership with.
Deja Kelly
DraftKings, the Crown is yours. Gobble gobble.
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Deja Kelly
Yes, and I think that's sometimes a big misconception about me, too, is because I have a lot of options and different avenues that I've built and grown for myself that, you know, basketball, I don't really need it. And that's something that, you know, I always take as a slap in the face because it's like, no, basketball is my vehicle. That's what's driven me to all these other opportunities that I've gotten and that I've been able to be a part of. So basketball, basketball's the main priority. Basketball is my main focus. So how am I able to stay ready and keep that at the forefront while also continuing to be multifaceted and versatile? But yeah, it gets tough again, like I said, to keep that and keep the focus there, you know, when things aren't always going your way and, you know, staying positive in that way.
Roz's Sister
But.
Deja Kelly
And, you know, for me, too, being my age, being a rookie, I have a lot of friends in the W. So sometimes it's tough seeing that and talking with them, you know, like, people don't speak on that side of things. You know, knowing that I belong and knowing that it's just some lack of space, a lack of, you know, the situations are different and they're getting better. But, yeah, like, just knowing those are the reasons and knowing that my time and my journey is my journey and trusting that and not doing the comparison game. Comparison is the thief of joy. So I found myself doing that. But then once I kind of remembered, like, no, I'm exactly where I need to be, whatever that looks like, I know that I'm in this situation. I'm going through these moments because something greater is going to come out of it. So, again, I'm really excited to showcase that. Whatever that looks like in au. And while I play and just showing that confidence again and finding that again and finding the joy in playing, too, just knowing that that'll lead me to something bigger and greater as well.
Roz Gold
Yeah, it's hard, though. You know, you're only 24. Right. I mean, like, the poise and the maturity it takes to do that. And sometimes, you know, the people around you aren't showing the same compassion for you.
Deja Kelly
Yep.
Roz Gold
You know, and understanding what you might need. But I do want to come back to, like, this concept of spots in the W. So right now, it's very public. The W is going through a very contentious CBA renegotiation, and literally, some of the things being debated and fought for are more spots on rosters. Also, we know there's more teams coming to the league. Like, it's exactly speaking to someone like you. Like, how are you impacted? Have you thought about how you're impacted and affected by this very CBA that's happening right now?
Deja Kelly
Yeah. I have tried to stay as close to these conversations as I can. You know, just learning about what's happening with these negotiations and where it's kind of leading to. And for me, for a player like me, who is aspiring to be stamped in the league and have a consistent job, it's like, I don't want a lockout. I'm like, I'm scared. I'm like, please don't be a lockout. Please don't be a strike. So I'm hoping that those negotiations get there.
Roz Gold
But as a broadcaster, I'm like.
Deja Kelly
Cause I'm like, geez, I'm trying to play right?
Roz Gold
You're trying to get talk about it.
Deja Kelly
So those are kind of things that I'm constantly thinking about and talking to my peers about. Cause I'm just like, so are we moving forward? Are we making progress? Like what's happening? And I think that that's, you know, there's been so many good conversations and I think there's not. No one's asking for too much, no one's asking for too little. I think it's exactly what you know, we deserve the players and we need the W. Everyone needs the W. The way it's growing, the way in the direction it's moving, like it's needed. So I'm confident that the conversations will lead to a conclusion of everyone's getting what they deserve. This is what we're going to do. How can we all grow and build together in unison? So I'm exc to see where it goes. Obviously the expansion teams are a no brainer and are going to be very beneficial for players like me and for just players all around the league to be able to have different roles, see different faces and continue to grow the league in different ways. So I'm excited about that. I'm excited to learn more about what the expansion draft, what the rules will be with that and free agency. It's going to be insane. But there's so much to it. It's gonna get crazy. But I am confident and I know that I will be in conversations and my job is to just play the best I can in au and that's kind of my tryout for the W. So just using it as that and using that platform to go from there. Absolutely.
Roz Gold
What a time to be alive. You were born in what, 2020, 200101, 2001. So you know, just that timeline puts you in a situation where like spots are expanding in the W, women's baske booming, there's alternative leagues to play in. You can have a career that stays only in the States. Like there's. You were there for a bit of nil. Like there's such amazing energy around the blossoming of your career. It's really exciting. But even off the basketball court, the business of deja is booming. And I wanted to round this out just finishing there because I know you poured out your passion for hoops, but girl, you're crushing it and everything else. My girl, my sis is a host a podcast, you got your own shows, you're a model, you have brand deals, you're doing events and one of the coolest things I happened to be at and saw you on the stage for. You walked the Runway during Fashion Week. New York Fashion Week for Actively Black.
Deja Kelly
Yep.
Roz Gold
And you owned it.
Roz's Sister
Thank you.
Roz Gold
But you gotta take me through what it was like to walk a Runway. And, like, what was the whole experience like for you?
Deja Kelly
Oh, my gosh. It was insane. It's always been a dream of mine to walk. It's some show in New York Fashion Week. I've been for the past three years. And luckily, nil has allowed me the opportunity to do so. But, yeah, just being able to walk. And when I got the opportunity from Actively Black to be able to do so, and I was actually. I had a partnership with them, I want to say, my sophomore year of college. And that was one of my first, like, big partnerships. So we've always been family and always kept in touch. So for them to bring that opportunity. Yes. That's funny. Exactly. What up, man? But no, to be able for them to give me that opportunity, you know, on a platform like that, on a stage like that, I was so grateful, you know? Cause their message is so powerful, and it's so much deeper than fashion. It's so much deeper than the names, the brand, whatever. Like, it's. The message is powerful. And for me to be a part of that, I was truly honored. And then I got another opportunity to walk, like, two days later just from that, with Romeo Hunt.
Roz Gold
Oh, what?
Roz's Sister
Yes.
Roz Gold
So what was your strategy in walking? Are you not supposed to sashay? You're supposed to stay kind of straight.
Deja Kelly
So I was trying to learn, man. I was in my hotel room practicing. I'm like, I cannot mess this up. I cannot look crazy. Please, no one will bring me back. I don't know. For Romeo Hunt, it was very different because that was more like straight face, kind of almost mean mug. Like, stomping hard. Walk hard. Like, don't really move your arms.
Roz Gold
Fitted or loose clothes? Cause actively black was fitted. Cause it was workout clothes.
Deja Kelly
I was fitted. Romeo Hunt, what they had me in, I had a fitted kind of shorts and then a little puffer jacket. But it was different because I couldn't. They said not to move my arms, but, like, my legs, I gotta sway and I gotta stomp hard. And then with Actively Black, it was like, girl, give all the sass.
Roz's Sister
Give all the.
Deja Kelly
Give all the attitude. So I'm out there, I'm like this. This trying to sway my hips, all the things. So it's so funny how different, you know, different brands, what they want different things to see, but it's so much fun because it's so creative and there's so much that goes into it. But, yeah, to be a part of that during Fashion Week, that was great. And hopefully I get more opportunities from there.
Roz Gold
Absolutely. You absolutely crushed it, and it felt like everybody was in the room to see it.
Deja Kelly
Yes.
Roz Gold
So I continue to be proud, and I wish you the best of luck in Athletes Unlimited this season and that you're able to achieve your dreams and advance your career.
Deja Kelly
Thank you so much. I'm excited. Let's get it. Make sure y' all come watch. Come to Nashville. Come watch au. Come watch us hoop. Watch us do our thing.
Roz Gold
Hey, what's up, y'?
Deja Kelly
All?
Roz Gold
Welcome back to Goodfellow Show. Today's episode is presented by DraftKings. Ugh. That was awesome to catch up with Daija Kelly and just really have that nice interview with her. I'm so excited to see her put in work on the court this season at Athletes Unlimited. We'll definitely be tuned in. Um, it's now time for our DraftKings Pick of the Week, presented by DraftKings. This week, I've got my eye on Duke at South Carolina. I'll be watching South Carolina star Tanaya Latson. She's been putting up numbers lately in her first season since transferring with the Gamecocks. She may only be 5 8, but her presence is large on the Duke side. I'll be looking at Toby Fournier, who won the 2025 ACC Rookie of the Year. She's just a sophomore now, but she has been a huge part of Duke's success.
Deja Kelly
Ooh.
Roz Gold
With a coaching matchup of legendary Dawn Staley and Team USA coach Carol Lawson, this game should be a goodie. I'm picking South Carolina to come out on top. This segment is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.
Roz's Sister
It's Thanksgiving, guys.
Roz Gold
You know what I'm saying? And with Thanksgiving approaching, I felt like, what a better way than to rock this fit and then for us to talk about all the things that we're thankful for in women's basketball. And so I'll go first.
Roz's Sister
Yeah.
Roz Gold
Yeah. I'm so, so, so thankful for all of you. Listening, watching at home, you know, our audience, our. The Goodfellow family. If you remember, we relaunched this thing in January. So we're, you know, now getting closer and closer to one year in, and we had to, you know, build this thing honestly from the ground up, you know, listener, viewer by viewer. So thank you so much for watching Engaging subscribing. Thank you to all of our guests who pulled up for interviews. Thank you to our team.
Roz's Sister
Absolutely. I can contest to that. Roz, thank you for the team for putting this together. Thank you, Ross, for bringing me on the show. I'm so thankful to you. Thankful to all the girls who work so hard, all the athletes who work so hard day in and day out. You are seen, you are appreciated, you are loved for what you do and what you bring to us.
Roz Gold
Absolutely. Another thing that we're thankful for in women's basketball this season and this year, um, how about those off season leagues, the, you know, the ones that allowed the girlies to stay in the United States? We are thankful for Athletes unlimited, who in 2026 will be actually be heading into season five. And last year was the debut of Unrivaled, who's going to head into season two. I mean, what are you most thankful for to see, you know, the opportunity there?
Roz's Sister
Um, I'm thankful. Um, the, the last time I got to play was in Athletes Unlimited and I had a great time and still got to showcase some of my skills. So thank you for those leagues, especially for girls who are trying to make the league. Athletes Unlimited is a good platform for that for a lot of girls. And now leagues are helping women get paid. So we're thankful.
Roz Gold
Yeah. And stay forefront. Like, I think one of the reasons this was important was, you know, sometimes when players go overseas, the league, the players, they get forgotten about. There's no opportunity for storytelling. And now, you know, free agency was huge. Like, all the storytelling, the fashion, storytelling, walking down tunnels was like a big deal. Like, and then people get a chance to be at home with their families. And that was a big point of contention for a lot of players, Athletes Unlimited in particular. Year after year, season after season, you hear about careers, they changed trajectories that changed after playing in that league. And you know, one more thing. These leagues show all of the players have equity, you know, or have had so far. Um, so we've seen just a different way of level of what partnership and proper treatment of women's basketball players can really look like. And also just women's athletes in general, unrivaled, really set. Set the bar with childcare facilities, things like this that, you know, shows you you get a great product when you invest.
Roz's Sister
Yes, absolutely.
Roz Gold
All right, moving on. Another thing that we are really thankful for this w. This, this woman's basketball year, Stud buds. They were just hella fun, a breath of fresh air.
Roz's Sister
We were thankful for the Stud Buds. Because they can just be themselves and live out loud unapologetically. And that's the way to be, man. No judgment. They're just them. Yeah, they're getting praised for and that's. We're thankful for that.
Roz Gold
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm super grateful. Or just, you know, happy to see the way they showed up and showed out. Fun, organic. And it was important representation. Like, they, they've been everywhere. They've been captivating. I mean, we can't say enough. Like, how often do you see two, you know, masculine presenting stud black women, you know, on Vogue or, you know, and all these big stages and we just couldn't get enough of them. And so like, literally it started off with that. Like, I think they were building up. But the 72 hour live stream from WNB All Stars skyrocketed.
Roz's Sister
Oh, yeah.
Roz Gold
And remember when Natisha Hide yo man. Did her whole bust down and Dijonay Carrington bust her down. Like, nah. Like that was hilarious. The pink wigs, I mean, you know, the faux pas, not recognizing who Diplo was. Like, it's just so authentic and funny and I hope that they can hold onto that next year. Man, there was just so much to be thankful for. Those are just a few things to be thankful for in this women's basketball year.
Roz's Sister
It was a lot of fun. We had a lot to be thankful. Thankful for. Well, I have some. I want to bring someone on who is thankful for you and who is a big fan of you and wanted to come on the show.
Roz Gold
What? We have a surprise guest.
Roz's Sister
We have a surprise guest.
Deja Kelly
Little Angel.
Roz's Sister
What's up, little Angel?
Deja Kelly
Hey, Ross. Hey, Angel. How is it going?
Roz Gold
Oh, my gosh. Hi, little Angel.
Roz's Sister
Who's this? So Little angel is the ten year old me.
Roz Gold
Oh, this is so cute.
Roz's Sister
And she teaches kids how to have confidence and how to learn and. So, little angel, what did you want to say to Roz? You're here.
Deja Kelly
Hi, Roz. I'm so proud. I'm so thankful to be able to meet you finally. I love what you do for women's sports. I'm so excited to get to know you better.
Roz Gold
Oh, my gosh. Little angel, first of all, I'm so surprised, but so honored to have the chance to speak with you. I want you to know that you grow up to be a very great woman in Big angel here. And I think what you represent is so positive for young people. You know, just having the chance to see representation and learn about this world and how to navigate it, how to love ourselves, how to move with confidence and be strong girls and strong women. So I'm so excited to have you here on Goodfollow with us.
Deja Kelly
Thank you for having me. Big angel for letting me come on.
Roz Gold
Oh, my gosh. That was awesome. Yeah.
Roz's Sister
She was a big fan of yours and really wanted to meet you, so that was really ecstatic for her. I'm gonna hear about that. The rest of the.
Roz Gold
That is so cute. And I think it's a really cool idea you have, you know, just to help talk to and meet where they're at that. That younger generation. So super cool. How that song go?
Roz's Sister
Role models. Oh, mothers, fathers, heroes, legends, idols. We all got role models to give us guidance? To count these blessings? To learn these lessons? You need a role model and off the man, so. And lead by example.
Roz Gold
Yeah.
Roz's Sister
This one, the anthem. I need a role model?
Roz Gold
Role models, role models, role models? We're thankful for all the role models? We're thankful for all of you watching. We wish you guys a great, beautiful, wonderful Thanksgiving. And from the Goodfellow family to y', all, thank you for being here. We'll catch you next time.
Roz's Sister
Time to eat.
Roz Gold
Gobble, gobble.
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode Date: November 25, 2025
Featured Guests: Roz Gold-Onwude (Host), Deja Kelly, Roz's Sister, Surprise Guest "Little Angel"
Main Theme: The journey of Deja Kelly in women’s basketball, the opportunity of Athletes Unlimited, the challenges of making it in the WNBA, and gratitude for community, leagues, and representation in women’s sports.
This episode centers on a vibrant and candid conversation between Roz Gold-Onwude and rising basketball star Deja Kelly. They unpack Deja’s fresh experiences with Athletes Unlimited (AU), touch on the challenging journey to the WNBA, discuss growth in women’s basketball, and close out by sharing gratitude for the people, leagues, and milestones making a difference. The episode radiates positivity, resilience, and sisterhood, blending insightful career talk with moments of joy and celebration.
Deja’s First Time in Nashville:
Deja shares excitement about her new experience in the city, highlighting the sense of community among veterans, rookies, and newcomers in AU.
“Just seeing the support that Nashville has and how the excitement around AU and the fans are excited to get involved, I'm excited to finally interact with them come February.” (01:24, Deja Kelly)
Collective Welcome Dinner:
Deja describes the inspiring atmosphere and the sense that people are invested in the league and its players’ stories.
Deja’s Decision:
She values AU for letting players stay stateside and providing a platform to showcase their talents without the traditional constraints of roster politics.
“For me, my next step and my overall main goal is getting to the W, being on a W roster. So how can I use AU as a tool and as a platform to continue to show what I can do on the court?” (02:49, Deja Kelly)
The Unique AU Format:
Roz points out the appeal—rotating teams, individual scoring, and freedom from hierarchical team systems.
“There is no politics, which is a big thing... for me to be able to play basketball with a group of women who are all like minded, all have the same goals in mind and that's just to get better... I'm excited to... play basketball free minded and just with joy.” (04:31–05:45, Deja Kelly)
From Aces Training Camp to Now:
Deja recounts being cut from the Las Vegas Aces, the challenge of waiting for another opportunity, and the importance of mental readiness.
“Knowing how cutthroat the league is, that's where leagues like AU... present opportunities to players like me, who had a taste of the W, got cut, is looking for what's next.” (07:43, Deja Kelly)
Staying Focused Amid Options:
Despite success and versatility off the court, Deja insists:
“Basketball, basketball's the main priority. Basketball is my main focus.” (10:22, Deja Kelly)
Battling Comparison & Finding Joy:
She openly discusses comparison struggles seeing peers in the W, and the discipline needed to trust her unique path.
“Comparison is the thief of joy... once I kind of remembered, like, no, I'm exactly where I need to be... I know that I'm in this situation... because something greater is going to come out of it.” (11:15, Deja Kelly)
“The message is powerful. And for me to be a part of that, I was truly honored.” (16:00, Deja Kelly)
WNBA Roster Limitations:
Roz and Deja dive into current CBA negotiations, roster expansion, and the direct impact on fringe and aspiring players.
“For a player like me... I don't want a lockout. I'm like, I'm scared. I'm like, please don't be a lockout. Please don't be a strike.” (12:55, Deja Kelly)
Optimism for Growth:
With expansion and potential new teams, Deja remains hopeful for increased opportunities, while viewing AU as a prime showcase.
Good Follow’s Thankful List:
Praise for “Stud Buds” & Representation:
Roz & her sister celebrate the fun and authenticity brought by “Stud Buds,” highlighting the importance and power of seeing diverse, unapologetic figures in major spaces.
“They can just be themselves and live out loud unapologetically. And that's the way to be, man. No judgment. They're just them.” (23:00, Roz’s Sister)
Heartfelt Moment:
A surprise appearance by “Little Angel,” representing the next generation, who thanks Roz for her impact.
“Hi, Roz. I'm so proud. I'm so thankful to be able to meet you finally. I love what you do for women's sports.” (24:43, Little Angel)
“I want you to know that you grow up to be a very great woman in Big angel here. And I think what you represent is so positive for young people…” (24:56, Roz Gold)
Role Models & Community:
They wrap with reflections on the importance of role models and leading by example.
"It's literally, I know I'm here to play basketball... there's no think pieces." (05:32, Deja Kelly)
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” (11:15, Deja Kelly)
"We need the W. The way it's growing, the way... it's moving, like it's needed." (13:27, Deja Kelly)
“How often do you see two... masculine presenting stud Black women on Vogue... and all these big stages?” (23:12, Roz Gold)
“Thank you so much for watching Engaging subscribing. Thank you to all of our guests who pulled up for interviews.” (20:00, Roz Gold)
This episode is a celebration of persistence, new beginnings, and the unique culture growing in women’s basketball. Deja Kelly’s journey exemplifies resilience and versatility, both on and off the court. The conversations offer hope and practical insight, while the closing gratitude circle reminds listeners of the larger community effort it takes to uplift women in sports.
Recommended For:
Fans of women’s basketball, aspiring pro athletes, supporters of women’s sports, and anyone looking for inspiration, perspective, and relatable stories in competitive environments.