Podcast Summary: GOOD FOLLOW - Deja Kelly Talks Athletes Unlimited, Staying Ready For The W & What Good Follow Is Thankful For!

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.

Episode Overview

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. First Impressions & Energy in Nashville with Athletes Unlimited (00:44–02:13)

• 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.

  • Quote:

    “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.

2. Why Athletes Unlimited? (02:13–04:31)

• 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.

  • Quote:

    “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.

3. “No Agenda – Just Play” (04:31–06:06)

• Freedom from Politics:
  Deja reflects on how AU liberates players from “think pieces” and politics, letting them play free and joyful basketball.
  • Quote:

    “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)

4. Overcoming Setbacks & Staying Ready (06:50–11:15)

• 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.

  • Quote:

    “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:

  • Quote:

    “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.

  • Quote:

    “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)

5. The Business of Deja Kelly (14:53–17:57)

• Beyond Basketball—Modeling & More:
  Roz highlights Deja's achievements as a host, model, and brand ambassador. Deja recounts her experience walking New York Fashion Week for Actively Black and Romeo Hunt.
  • Quote:

    “The message is powerful. And for me to be a part of that, I was truly honored.” (16:00, Deja Kelly)

  • Fashion Week Fun:
    Deja details the learning curve, contrasting the attitudes and styles each show required.

6. CBA Negotiations & Impact on Players (12:13–14:53)

• WNBA Roster Limitations:
  Roz and Deja dive into current CBA negotiations, roster expansion, and the direct impact on fringe and aspiring players.

  • Quote:

    “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.

7. Gratitude & Thanksgiving – Reflecting on Women’s Basketball (19:46–24:00)

• Good Follow’s Thankful List:

  • The supportive audience and community
  • Guests, team members, women athletes, and new off-season leagues like AU and Unrivaled
  • The ability for players to remain stateside, grow their brands, and not be “forgotten” overseas

• 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.

  • Quote:

    “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)

  • Memorable Moment:
    • The “Stud Buds” going viral at WNBA All Stars with a 72-hour livestream, pink wigs, and hilarious bits.

8. Surprise Guest - "Little Angel" (24:19–25:29)

• Heartfelt Moment:
  A surprise appearance by “Little Angel,” representing the next generation, who thanks Roz for her impact.

  • Quote:

    “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)

  • Roz’s Response:

    “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.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• On AU’s Unique Playing Field:

  "It's literally, I know I'm here to play basketball... there's no think pieces." (05:32, Deja Kelly)

• On Trusting Her Individual Path:

  “Comparison is the thief of joy.” (11:15, Deja Kelly)

• On CBA and League Expansion:

  "We need the W. The way it's growing, the way... it's moving, like it's needed." (13:27, Deja Kelly)

• On Representation in Women’s Basketball:

  “How often do you see two... masculine presenting stud Black women on Vogue... and all these big stages?” (23:12, Roz Gold)

• On Being Thankful for Community:

  “Thank you so much for watching Engaging subscribing. Thank you to all of our guests who pulled up for interviews.” (20:00, Roz Gold)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:44–02:13 – Deja Kelly’s first impressions of Athletes Unlimited and Nashville
• 02:13–04:31 – Why Deja chose AU; AU as a springboard to the WNBA
• 04:31–06:06 – AU’s format, freedom from team politics, joy of the game
• 06:50–11:15 – Staying ready after being cut, mental resilience, prioritizing basketball
• 12:13–14:53 – The effect of CBA negotiations, WNBA job scarcity, and league expansion
• 14:53–17:57 – Deja’s off-court ventures, NY Fashion Week, confidence beyond basketball
• 19:46–24:00 – Thanksgiving gratitude, transformative effect of new leagues, and representation
• 24:19–25:29 – Surprise appearance by “Little Angel” and closing reflections on role models

Episode Tone & Language

• Tone: Upbeat, honest, supportive, and motivating, with a blend of vulnerability and sisterly camaraderie.
• Language: Conversational, thoughtful, candid—reflective of the diverse, supportive, and sometimes humorous world of women’s basketball.

Conclusion

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.