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Roz Gold on Woode
Hey, what's up, y'all? Welcome to Goodfall presented by DraftKings. I'm Roz Golden Woode, and today I am here with the dynamic duo. Or maybe we're the terrific trio. My girls are here. Logan Hackett. And we are joined right from the top of the show. She's back, y'all. Mo'nique Billings of the Golden State Valkyries. WNBA vet and a great friend to the show. And it's deserving of the bell.
Mo'nique Billings
Thank you for the bell. Love the bell. I'm doing great. How are y'all doing?
Roz Gold on Woode
So good. So good. So happy to see you.
Mo'nique Billings
Wait, first of all, can we talk about the glow that both y'all have going on? I know you were in Miami. I saw the concert.
Logan Hackett
Miami sun.
Mo'nique Billings
I saw all the. Yeah, the sun. Did y'all well. Okay.
Logan Hackett
Oh, thank you.
Mo'nique Billings
You know what?
Roz Gold on Woode
Logan was basking in the sun. It was giving very much evidence. Canadian does Florida. Logan was so happy to see this.
Logan Hackett
100%.
Mo'nique Billings
Well, you know, every time I come to the show, we got to go through our intentions. So I'll start us off. I would say my intention that I'm currently focusing on. I'm in my unapologetic area, y'all. And when I say that, when I say that I'm walking into every space, every opportunity like I'm meant to be there, not doubting, not questioning it, and just being unapologetic in who I am. I'm very genuine. I'm authentic. But I'm about my business and I've been standing on my business this off season. And so I'm in my unapologetic era. That is my intention, period.
Logan Hackett
Love that.
Roz Gold on Woode
I love that. And I can't. I can't even imagine there ever being a space or a room where you are not absolutely needed and add value to. So I just want to. That means a lot further breathe that into you.
Kalia Copper
Yes.
Mo'nique Billings
What about you, my girl, Roz? You said you, you came on the show ready.
Roz Gold on Woode
I. I knew you were coming and it actually like gave me a. A reason to make sure I come in focus with my intentions and mine would be focus on the temple. Okay. So. And the temple can be many things like body. Right now I'm a month away from my birthday. We are her summer is around the corner and I'm trying to lock in on these goals and what it takes to get there home. I've been on the road a lot. This is a temple. If your home is organized, you feel clean and organized. So I'm making sure that, you know, we're purging of things. We don't need that it's organized here. That doesn't look like suitcases. Just get packed and unpacked here. And I'll say one more temple would be of the heart. So just letting go of any hurt. Much like your home, you know, purging and making room through organization and cleaning.
Mo'nique Billings
I love that.
Logan Hackett
Oh, my goodness. I'm here. Like right. Like mental notes.
Mo'nique Billings
Mental notes. Me too.
Roz Gold on Woode
We ain't even get to the sports. It's coming next, but. But first we need to hear yours, Logan.
Logan Hackett
Well, last time I said consistency and I think I'm going to move it to this time because last time I actually changed it to finding power, impatience. I feel like I've been doing that kind of the past six months, but the past month especially kind of sitting in it and being patient and knowing that it's all going to work out rather than something going wrong or something not going my way. And I'm like, oh my gosh, how am I going to fix it? Because I do tend to do that. But this month or this season, I am going into consistency as I intended to, but it got a little derailed.
Mo'nique Billings
Okay, okay. Consistency 2.0 going into this month is what I'm hearing.
Logan Hackett
Right.
Roz Gold on Woode
I love a doubling down on an intention, a saying, hey, great, what I said before is still the goal and the focus right now.
Mo'nique Billings
Yeah.
Roz Gold on Woode
No, no, no, Mo. I mean you already look how you just set the tone for the show.
Mo'nique Billings
Hey, I love it. And now we get to talk hoops. The best part of the show.
Roz Gold on Woode
Yes, yes. So let's be intentional as well making sure that our listeners, our viewers know what we talking about on this show besides our intentions. Today's show, it's the Sweet 16 coming up here in March Madness Women's tournament. We're talking Sweet 16 matchups. We are also going to look at the growth the women's tournament indie post Caitlin Clark era. Things are still up baby. We up, we up, we up. We are seeing who's raising their draft stock from the tournament. Speaking of being up, we'll obviously discuss, you know, the unfortunate injury of juju Watkins and and what that means for for her team in USC and the rest of the tournament play. And of course we've got an exclusive sit down interview with for you guys. It is with a WNBA champion now an unrivaled champion. She's of the Phoenix Mercury and Team Rose, a four time all star, a finals mvp. We got Kalia Kopper joining the show today Fire and it was, it was such a fun interview. So definitely tap in to listen to that interview. Right Logan?
Logan Hackett
Yep. And as always, we love y'all. We appreciate y'all so much watching and rocking with us every single week. And please do not forget to subscribe, comment, like, follow and everything that you can do. Please do it. And our new episodes drop every Wednesday at 7:00pm Eastern. Bill, it is time to get into it. Are you ready?
Roz Gold on Woode
Yep.
Logan Hackett
Alrighty. Well, actually positive vibes kind of back down to somber. Hearts are heavy in the women's basketball community right now as juju Watkins suffered a season ending ACL tear in the game against Mississippi State on Monday. And this was the type of injury where the second she went down, everyone probably said the same swear word at the exact same time. I mean it was just absolutely devastating. But I think you can also kind of take this time to see how much support she has around her because immediately every single social you can think of was absolutely flooded with prayers, support, good vibes and it has put a damper on things. But with juju being a sophomore, she still has two years to go. Don't know how long she'll take to recover, but how do you all think it'll alter her career in the long run?
Mo'nique Billings
So I'll put a positive spin on all of this. I see her writing her own story. She's always written her own narrative. You see her in commercials walking into lanes and really owning the space that she's in. I think she'll do the same with her comeback. I'm excited to see that. I think this just adds to her Story. It's just another layer, and that's a part of sports you talk about. Enjoy the journey and the process. This is just a part of the process. It's unfortunate and. But it's real. It's real that the process is not always glorious, it's not always beautiful, but you don't know what it'll lead to. So I'd like to take, like I said, a positive spin on this. I think it's only going to add fuel to her fire and just make her so much more relatable for young girls to be able to see. Juju came back. I can come back, too. Juju overcame. I can overcome, too. And so I think it'll be an inspirational type of thing. Really excited for her to be in her process. I know in a process, when you're injured, you learn about yourself, you tap into new levels of yourself. I know she's going to go through that. And I'm expecting one of the biggest comebacks in sports history, claiming that now.
Roz Gold on Woode
What is deferred is not denied.
Mo'nique Billings
That part.
Roz Gold on Woode
That part. That's that part. And I too, hold the same kind of, like, overall positive sentiment that juju Watkins is going to come back from this injury. She's going to, you know, come back full strength and with hard work and the best of everything, you know, find her way back on the court, full stop. I have no doubts in her ability to do that. Also. This has been done before. This is not something that's impossible. I'm someone, you know, we talked about our intentions up top. I think it is okay to admit disappointment as well. So this, this does. This is disappointing for fans. For me, as a fan, like, first of all, I was surprised that juju got hurt. I watched a number of clips this off season and was very impressed by her training regimen. You know, it seems like she really focused on body movements, core strength, Pilates, you know, with the best of the best. And so I actually kind of thought maybe she had trained at such an elite level, this wouldn't happen. But here we are again. You know, whether it's Paige Beckers, Juju Watkins, Cameron Brink, and these really elite female Hoopers continue to go down at these moments where it feels like their dominance is just starting to escalate and to a point where there could be an explosion, certainly during March Madness, boy, you know, you're talking about a trajectory that at least on the court for right now for Juju is paused. Not over, but paused. And so one of my initial gut reactions is like, geez, this is so prevalent in women's basketball. Years after years, after years, like, where's the science? Like, I just hope for more like advanced science to help us avoid these types of things happening over and over again and thwarting some of the blossoming of these players. We're just getting started. So ultimately I think she's going to, she's going to come back. And I too want to turn this positive. But I think as someone who's torn an acl, now begins the process of mental healing, acceptance of the disappointment. I'm sorry that this happened to Juju. I'm sorry for her family, I'm sorry for her team. It's not fair. But you have to trust, you know, whatever it is you believe, God's timing, what's coming for you. And now begins the physical recovery and rehab that as someone who's torn in acl, I got to tell you it can only be done one day at a time, one monotonous exercise at a time. And this is as much a physical challenge as it is a mental one.
Logan Hackett
And her going down is actually kind of ironic because I feel like the whole season we've, and even last year we've been having the conversation, what can USC do without Juju? Is Juju a one woman show or is there another team around her? And during the game against Mississippi State or after the game against Mississippi Sippy State, they pulled off a 37 point win. So they did show that they were capable of doing stuff. But next up they have K State who not only upset Kentucky in overtime, but we also saw tomorrow point Dexter go off hitting eight clutch threes at every single point when it mattered in the game whether they were down two or down three. It was actually insane. And then pair that with Eoka Lee and Serena Sundell. Do y'all think that USC has what it takes to pull off the win in this 16 and then even looking longer, can they still win a championship?
Mo'nique Billings
Oof, great questions. I think it'll be a game definitely against K State. K State has a lot of momentum after that upset win. I think it's going to be a great battle in the post. Ray Marshall, Kiki Area Offin will have their hands full down there. And like you brought up Poindexter just going off. I think eight threes, a career high. USC is really going to have to guard from behind the arc, but I do think it's possible as far as winning a championship. I would love to be proved wrong, but with no Juju, I just, I don't Know, if I see that happening, if I'm keeping it real.
Roz Gold on Woode
Yeah, I mean, I saw, I feel you, Mo. And I feel like I saw some of the formula for success for this team without juju Watkins happen in their win against Mississippi State. Like, first of all, 29 assists in that game. That's going to be really key because juju Watkins, like made so many things happen for her teammates, even just by being on the, on the court. Her gravitational pull opens things up for teammates. So now y'all got to make easy shots for one another. So that ball's got to pop. 29 assists is important also, if you, if you're losing all that juju can do on offense, then you know you've got to also help by being disruptive on the defensive end. And you know, they forced 20 turn 20 turnovers. They got 27 points off of that in their last game. So I think defense creating offense, getting down the court with some tempo and momentum and beating the defense down the court to get you some easier shots, I think that's going to be key against Kansas State and then obviously defending the three point line. But you mentioned her name and I just want to make sure we give proper, like, highlight. I mean, what did you. Kiki Iriafin was an incredible. After juju Watkins went down, juju went down in the first quarter and like, that game honestly could have gone anywhere, but instead USC responded by being inspired. And I think that started with Kiki and, you know, 36 points, but it's just the fire and the undeniable viableness that she played with. And I think she's a baller and I think that this was an important moment for her draft stock too, that she's, she's got what it takes in here.
Logan Hackett
Well, I'm really keen to see what USC could do without juju, but another game I'm super excited for is the Notre Dame versus TCU matchup. And both these teams are kind of on their own journeys, but Notre Dame is back to looking like their old self, kind of looking like how they did when they were on that 19 game win streak. And then round one around two, they won by 50 and 20 points respectively. They're starting to come together at the perfect time. But on the other side, TCU has been killing it. They're in their first ever sweet 16 and they have veteran presence on their team with their starting five being three graduate students, one senior and a sophomore, Donovan Hunter, who's also killing it. So y'all, what are your thoughts on this game? I'm very. Actually interested to see because I personally think that TCU is going to pull off the upset, but I don't really know.
Mo'nique Billings
Well, like you said, Notre Dame, right now, they're playing like November. Notre Dame, The Notre Dame that beat usc. That's what we're seeing in my bracket. I have them in my championship. I'm just saying. So we'll see.
Roz Gold on Woode
You never counted them out. You wasn't worried about that sleepy finish?
Mo'nique Billings
They have me a little worried. I can't lie and say that they didn't, but they've been playing well as of late. I think they'll. I think they'll get it together. And when I think of that program, I'm thinking of the women who have come through that program and shined in March. The Erike Ogumbawales, the Marina Mabry's, Gyler Diggin. Like, they are built for March. And so I think that they'll step up and thrive in the next in the coming weeks. But I don't want to count out tcu. TCU has looked really, really strong as well. Haley Van Lith playing well. You got Eminopu. Had some big moments, big threes against Louisville. So it's definitely going to be a game. I got my popcorn ready.
Roz Gold on Woode
Yeah. Yeah. You know, earlier on one of our earlier shows, after it was. It was a limp into March Madness. Like, we're not gonna sugarcoat it. They. They had a sleepy finish to the season, did Notre. Dame. I said they're still those girls, but they do have, like, a gut check here. And I think there's different ways to win. Like, a W is a W. Survive in advance, but you can win in different types of styles. And the way that Notre Dame has moved through the first and second rounds has been dominant and convincing. There's nothing sleepy about it. And more, I think it's them getting back to their identity. You got to be a team about identity to go far. And they were swarming on defense. They're hustling, they got pace, you know, they look tough. And the word they keep using is fighters, you know, which I think is going to be important. But on the other side for tcu, like, I think TCU is a bunch of fighters as well. Like, as a program, this program has had to overcome a lot. They were having open tryouts not too long ago. Man, talk about it. And now you got individual players who are fighters. I mean, and you mentioned that Notre Dame's looking like a November team. If I'm not mistaken, Notre Dame lost in November to TCU if I'm not mistaken.
Mo'nique Billings
So that's a great point.
Roz Gold on Woode
And, and they had to overcome a 14 point deficit to do so. And Haley van Lith had 19 of her 21 points in the second half and Sedona Prince had a 2020 game. So I think it comes down to toughness. Both these teams are fighters and it'll be a good one. I think we got a nice Sweet 16 team battle here for sure.
Logan Hackett
I absolutely cannot wait. I mean another thing about TCU is they look hungry and I don't know what it is because obviously every team wants to win but they just have a different fight to them right now and they they have nothing to lose, honestly. But y'all, I would love to talk about this so much more but unfortunately we have to tossed a break. So coming up most days with us to talk about the growth of the women's game and the impact of March Madness on the draft stocks. So I'll be right back.
Roz Gold on Woode
Welcome back to Good follow presented by DraftKings. I'm Roz, she's Logan and she's I don't know which way and she's Mo Billings. We still got Mo Billings rocking with us. WNBA veteran of the Golden State Valkyries here and we're breaking down how the women's tournament is impacting the women's game overall.
Logan Hackett
As you've seen, the game has grown tremendously and even in the post Caitlin Clark era. But I just want to go through a quick timeline of what we've seen the past few years. 2021 the inequities and inequalities between the men's and women's tournament went absolutely viral. 2022 the women were finally allowed to use the term March Madness and beforehand it was just called the women's tournament. Absolutely hate that. In 2023 a record of nine point watched the women's final and in 2024 18.9 million watch which was four more than the than the men's final. This year the sky does actually seem like the limit. But one of the big conversations that came up while I was watching with my family, we're watching both the men's and the women's was about neutral sites and if the women's tournament should move to the neutral sites or are we just not going to follow the men and stick around. Personally I would love to see it as a neutral site tournament heading forward. But as a player, how does neutral sites affect the women's tournament or just like the general vibe of the game.
Mo'nique Billings
So when I was at ucla, we were kind of good or whatever. So we kind of always had home court advantage for the first and second round for at least I think three years that we played in the tournament. And I loved it. First of all, you're sleeping in your own bed. You got a home cooked meal waiting for you. You know what I mean? Like, it's comfortable. You're in your environment. You know that environment well. And I personally love it. Logan, I'm really interested to know. Why don't you. Why would you say neutral sites opposed to home court advantage?
Logan Hackett
To be honest, there's not much behind it other than the fact that your fan bases both have to travel. So maybe it would be like even keeled. Because especially in the first and second round tournaments, based on what we've seen this year, there have been humongous blowouts. So maybe it's a little bit like more for the team who would maybe be a 50, 13. Honestly, any team between like 15 and 11 seed. Some more motivation, maybe we'd see some more upsets because the crowd isn't fully behind them. But with that said, I definitely see why the players would like it and why it is a great thing because from what we've seen on tv, the fan bases have been going strong.
Mo'nique Billings
I was just going to say, I think it's even more of an incentive to have a higher seed. Like you're getting to play at home. So it's like that makes you play harder, like just wanting to be in your comfort zone. What you got, Ross?
Roz Gold on Woode
No, I think, of course, you know, it's nice for the person who gets to eat at home and sleep in their beds and, you know, you're already the dominant top seed. Like, how much harder do we need to make this on the little guy? I think we're missing the point. Like, obviously if there were more neutral, if we were playing on neutral sites, there's more likelihood for there to be more upsets early, more parody, more madness. And I think the woman's game is elevating to this. It's already, you know, we're seeing more parity. The biggest barrier is an economic issue. You know, just putting the buts in seats, seats. The biggest draws and fan bases and ticket sales still in the women's game really and naturally follows the biggest stars, legendary coaches, perennial programs. And so like, that's the hard part. But as everything that Logan just listed as far as like the growth of the woman's game only puts more, I think, incentive and accountability on the backs of the powers that be to challenge themselves to be better and continue to innovate. Find a way that. To organize the women's tournament where you can optimize, you know, attendance and ticket sales, but also optimize fairness. And I think that's the challenge as the game continues to escalate and grow.
Mo'nique Billings
That's a mic drop moment, Roz. Like, that's really, really well said.
Roz Gold on Woode
Nah, I feel you, because I, too, was on a team that was very, very good in Stanford, you know, and we loved playing at home, of course. But I think, like, back when I was playing and I'm the generation before you, Mo, I mean, you talking about we didn't even get challenged until the Final Four. We talking our first tough game was the Final Four. No, no offense to. Respectfully, to everyone.
Mo'nique Billings
Yeah, of course.
Roz Gold on Woode
But just the game, there was a gap. You were top 10, you were top five, and then it was like a major gap. Like, that's not the case so much anymore.
Mo'nique Billings
True.
Roz Gold on Woode
And, you know, with that parody, it's being driven by some really incredible players. And so the tournament is also impacting a player's draft stock. And I want to point out two examples in Haley Van Lith and Deja Kelly. Let's start with Haley van Lith from TCU. You know, she's taken TCU to its first ever Sweet 16 appearance, y'all. She creates shots. She has a dog mentality. She's a fighter. She has recently very publicly spoken about her battle with mental health. And she went to a Final Four when she was with Louisville, in addition to two Elite Eights. Now she's taken TCU to the Sweet 16. The girl is a part of winning. She is a winner, you know, and then. And then you have Deja Kelly on Oregon on the other side. And for Deja Kelly, she is just a scoring guard. She's unafraid in high pressure situations. She can break down defenders with her handle. This wasn't the best overall season for Oregon as a team, but getting that first round upset and being led by Deja there, I think that was important for her and her draft stock. So, Mo, I want to come to you as our resident, you know, player in the wnba. When you look at guards like Haley and Deja, who stayed the extra year, who transferred schools again, and they felt they had more to showcase, and then in the tournament, they've had nice showings. What's the biggest factor in translating that college success to the wnba?
Mo'nique Billings
One, I would say, is just strength. I think strength is a really big Thing that might not be talked about enough, but that jump from the college game to the wnba, you're dealing with a different body type. You're dealing with the best guards in the world. You're going to have a Brittany Sykes guarding you. You're going to have a Khalil Copper guarding you. And it's like, do you have the strength to get past these guards? So I think that's one and two. When I came into the league, I had a vet who told me, be great at something every day. Be consistent in that. For me, that's rebounding like, that's my bread and butter. I might not hit a bucket. I might be having a terrible day on the court, but rebounding in that energy. So if, like, guards, players in general come into the league knowing what their niche is, knowing what they're great at, I think that is what can solidify a player. Especially two players like these. We know they're great. We know they can score. Everyone in the W can score. So it's like, how else can you fit into a system where can you shine? Will it be defense? Will it be hustle plays along with scoring?
Roz Gold on Woode
Yeah. And I feel like, too, with the expansion of the wnba, there's more opportunity for these younger players who. It takes time to get there. Like in the past, you know, you could be a top pick and not make the roster because you just aren't up to speed yet on the W. And I think with more rosters, you know, you have a chance to develop a little bit better here, wouldn't you think, Mo?
Mo'nique Billings
Totally. And I want to add to that. It's about fit. So it could be a great player but just didn't fit in the system, or there's already three. Three players who play the same position. It's all about fit. Sometimes it's you're lucky and you got on a team that just needed you, and sometimes it's you're unlucky and you're on a team where it just wasn't a good fit. They didn't need you, but maybe you'll be able to get on another. Another team that does need you. So fit is a big thing in the W. That's one of the worst.
Logan Hackett
Things to see, like, especially towards the end of training camp when all the cuts are being made and you're like, dang, like, you really thought that they'd fit in, but it just didn't work. And then it's kind of down to crunch time where it's like, okay, we have to find Another that works for them, and that's kind of when it gets chaotic. But speaking of expansion, Mo, you're on the Valkyries, and this is their first season, so that the team has not played together. The team doesn't know each other. It's a very new team. So what are you all doing to kind of mesh, gel together and just meet each other to begin with?
Mo'nique Billings
Well, we definitely had our first team bonding pow wow over Zoom yesterday. It was cute. Very simple, casual, just getting to know each other, asking, what are you into? What kind of music do you like? What are just a couple little pain points that you're open to sharing and being vulnerable, which I thought was really cool. Everyone seems chill, competitive. That was a big thing that came up, a big theme. Positive and excited. Everyone is just so excited to get to work. So the vibes are high already.
Roz Gold on Woode
Nacho doing icebreakers.
Mo'nique Billings
That is so crazy.
Roz Gold on Woode
WNBA teams, they're just like us. Okay, so what was your answer in the icebreaker? Like, you know, what did you reveal to the team about your secret talents or like.
Mo'nique Billings
Yeah, so for me, it wasn't a secret talent. It was just something I think it was. What are you passionate about? I said I'm a yogi and that I'm planning on being certified this year. And then another fun fact was music. What do you like listening to? And I told them I'm an R B girly. But I also love the tune 2000s, the 90s. So those are a couple of little facts that I had given.
Roz Gold on Woode
Oh my gosh. You are just like an onion peeling back the layers. So much stuff. I would love to set intentions, do yoga with you, and listen to 90s and 2000s R&B. Like you should just like set up a retreat, like a workshop or something.
Mo'nique Billings
Yeah, I will be intentional to do so. It's on the way. It's on the way.
Logan Hackett
I would absolutely love that. Momo, thank you so much for joining us. It is always a pleasure and so much fun having you on and y'all. Coming up, we have an exclusive interview with WNBA star Kalia Kopper. We'll be right back.
Mo'nique Billings
Thanks, y'all.
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DraftKings Announcer
Hey, what's up Goodfellow? This is Roz Gold on Woode and I am here with Kalia Kopper. What's going on?
Kalia Copper
What's up? What's up?
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah, I'm good. She's over here for team Rose.
Kalia Copper
You know what's going on? Check the night.
DraftKings Announcer
And the Phoenix Mercury as well. Four time all star out of where?
Kalia Copper
North Philadelphia.
DraftKings Announcer
I knew you couldn't wait for it. You know, you've been at the top of your game this whole time, but have you felt like an underdog here? I mean, in life as a Hooper.
Kalia Copper
I mean in general, my career is, my career is underdog. But being here, I think, you know, that first week when ESPN put out the rankings, you know, we were six. I immediately screenshot that, sent it to Nola and I'm like, hey Nola, I need you to print this out and hang it in the locker room. So I wanted everybody to see that and understand this is what people think about us. This is where they think. They think we're a six place team. So us walking in the locker room and seeing that every single day, I think we put that chip on our shoulder and we went out there and, and did what we do and not even talking about, you know, how it's not about how you start, it's about how you finish.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah. Not for nothing on Goodfollow show we had our preseason ranking. Guess where I put the rose.
Kalia Copper
I don't know. Let me know because I need to know if I need to stay here.
Logan Hackett
Or if I need to go ahead.
Kalia Copper
And head on out, so let me know.
DraftKings Announcer
1.
Roz Gold on Woode
Oh, period.
DraftKings Announcer
I picked y'all to win.
Kalia Copper
Okay?
DraftKings Announcer
I picked you guys to win.
Kalia Copper
Okay? I like that.
Roz Gold on Woode
So I appreciate the way you guys.
DraftKings Announcer
Made me look smart, but, um, it's also the way you finished the season. And one person who's been mind blowing is Chelsea.
Kalia Copper
Chelsea lakeisha. Lakeisha Lakesha.
DraftKings Announcer
So what can you say about Chelsea and this experience with her?
Kalia Copper
I think, personally, I love when I'm able to play with other great players. I think, you know, being at the Olympics, I get that experience. Being here is the best players here. So being able to be with Chelsea was great. You know, as a point guard, as a leader, as a person, she's been great. You know, she's literally carried us and also kept us very even keel, like, throughout all of the moments and the highs and the lows of the season. I think she's been a very steady leader for us.
DraftKings Announcer
She had one of the iconic moments of the unrivaled season. So in the semifinals, she drops 39 points. I mean, clutch bucket after clutch bucket after clutch bucket. Actually, you may not know this, so before the game, the jerseys were out there, and there were plenty jerseys. Do you know, after that game, her jersey was gone.
Kalia Copper
That's tough.
DraftKings Announcer
People left that arena and bought that slit.
Kalia Copper
That's what it's about.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah. Yeah. So how do you find your. How did you find yourself watching her step up in that way and continue to pour tough shots down the throats of the laces?
Kalia Copper
I mean, that's Chelsea. Like, if you watch her in her career, when it's winning time and when it's down the stretch and when it's clutching, who has the ball, it's Chelsea. And it's not even always to make the bucket. It's. We know if we get you the ball, you gonna make the right decision. So, I mean, I think that's been Chelsea her entire career, so just, like, hats off to her.
DraftKings Announcer
One more teammate question, because one of the fun things are seeing, like, the interactions between the different combinations of unrivaled players. We've loved you and Angel Reese, so.
Roz Gold on Woode
What'S the friendship there?
DraftKings Announcer
And, like, what is she like as a teammate for you?
Kalia Copper
That's really grandbaby. She's been a sponge from day one, but, you know, just outside of what you hear, you know, you always want to experience people for yourself, you know, but just being a competitor, competing against her and seeing her and then, like, competing with her, Is. Is a different. It's so different. And I think that it was a.
DraftKings Announcer
How was it different?
Kalia Copper
Because, like, we on the same team now. I don't gotta. I don't gotta get with you. Like, now we doing it together, like, with other people. So not too many times teams have, like, real dogs. Like, everybody say they a dog, but them real dogs like to be on the same team with a real. Like, that's elite. So, like, back to, like, her wanting to learn. Like, she. She wanted to be around good vets, like, winners. She wanted to soak in the knowledge, and she also wanted to have fun and be herself.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah.
Kalia Copper
Like, she had this girl. I be doing tiktoks, talking about, it's Sunday, grandma. Let's.
DraftKings Announcer
Like, you wasn't into all of that.
Kalia Copper
Nah, I wasn't. I don't be doing no tiktoks, y'all.
DraftKings Announcer
I was like.
Kalia Copper
I came here just, like, chilling. But like I said, like, it's been. It's been super fun, I think, for everybody. Like, our team has. Everyone's personality has come out, and everyone has been themselves. And we've had a lot of fun, and we've had success. Like, it wasn't. No, like, all tight and, like, oh, we have practice. We have, like, no, like, we was having fun. Like, it was fun, but it was always business, too. So I like how my team, like, really kept that balance, even with the social media. Like, we had fun. We engaged with our fans. Like, we got the full experience.
DraftKings Announcer
How did belt to ask come about?
Roz Gold on Woode
Okay, speaking of social media. Cause there's clips of doing that.
Mo'nique Billings
Yeah.
Kalia Copper
So it's so crazy. Cause I literally. I said it first in practice right before the Eagles, so it's a player from the Eagles who always say it. And, like, I don't think it's Philly. I don't think it's, like, Philly. I mean, Philly stuff, but I think it's Philly stuff. But I came to practice one day. I think me, Angel. It was either me and angel was partners, or me, angel and Chelsea were together. We were shooting, and I just came out there and was like, we just won. I'm like, it's belt.
DraftKings Announcer
It's belt.
Kalia Copper
And then we just. Like, it was with everything. Like, we just started saying it all the time. Then I'm like, oh, bet that's it. Bta.
Roz Gold on Woode
Y'all out there pretending imaginary belt.
Kalia Copper
Like, people be getting off feeling some type of way about it. But, like, that's just us. Like, that's literally us in a nutshell it's not. No trolling. It's like, this is. This is we having fun. This is what we do. Like, it's cool. It's all fun and games.
Roz Gold on Woode
I think all of the trash talk is great.
Kalia Copper
Yeah, right.
DraftKings Announcer
You know, and the play is backing it up and it's healthy. And for me, I'm seeing it creating fandom where people are talking about the.
Roz Gold on Woode
Games and the players and the action.
DraftKings Announcer
Versus sometimes the conversation hasn't been about what's on the court.
Roz Gold on Woode
Right. Like, how do you like the trash.
DraftKings Announcer
Talk happening in the women's game and during unrivaled season?
Kalia Copper
I mean, I'm definitely. I'm cool with it. Cause I'm good for it a little bit. So, I mean, I like it. I mean, it's not like, why not? Why can't we. We're the best at. We're the best at what we do. You have the best players here competing at a high level, both wanting to win. Like, why not? What's wrong with it? There's nothing wrong with it. Everybody do it. But when we do it, it's a problem.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah.
Roz Gold on Woode
Yeah.
Kalia Copper
Come on.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah. You mentioned the Eagles, so congratulations. Congratulations.
Kalia Copper
Thanks.
DraftKings Announcer
Your Philly team, you know, won the Super Bowl. You managed to somehow piece together your.
Roz Gold on Woode
Schedule because it was literally the Super Bowl.
DraftKings Announcer
And then the unrivaled one on one tournament began.
Roz Gold on Woode
I was there.
DraftKings Announcer
I was doing your interviews and stuff.
Roz Gold on Woode
So can you just explain what the.
DraftKings Announcer
Super bowl experience in New Orleans was like? How was it after they won and your squad won and then turn around and had to come to unrivaled for the one on one tournament?
Kalia Copper
Yo. So I flew to New Orleans and I'm there with my friends and my family. We get some food, we chilling. Next day, the super bowl day, it was like. It was just hectic. Like, some people just came there, you know, just to just be in the environment. And it was such a crazy environment. It was just. It was really fun. But just to go, like, to the game and have that full experience. Shout out to Gatorade. I love y'all taking care of me. You know, we were in the suite enjoying the game, and then after the post game celebration and then just going out and, like, being around, like it's people you don't even know. It's just like, you just. With everybody, everybody in the clerk. We all fam. In Philly, we all fam. Like, we was just. We were out. I get back. I get back to the room. Maybe 11 2am Flights at like 6. Oh, yeah. And, you know, the airports are hectic because everyone's leaving.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah.
Kalia Copper
And then I have to. We go back. I'm like, damn, do I sleep an hour? Like dangerous. I do it anyway. Go to the airport, fly. Fly right in, try to get like a little nap and it's game time.
DraftKings Announcer
What?
Roz Gold on Woode
That's how.
DraftKings Announcer
See, we didn't cover that.
Kalia Copper
Yeah, yeah.
DraftKings Announcer
You know, but you still able to.
Roz Gold on Woode
Get that first round win.
Kalia Copper
Yeah, got that. Yeah. Somebody put me on Twitter, said she got Don Julio and chicken wings in her stomach. I might. I might have. I ain't gon. But, yeah, I made it. I made it.
Roz Gold on Woode
Big eye emoji.
Kalia Copper
Like, yeah, I made it through the. That was a tough. That was a tough first round, too.
DraftKings Announcer
Did you feel better about the second round match? Were you more rested and collected for that?
Kalia Copper
I felt. Yeah, I definitely felt a lot better. It was. I mean, it was a lot. But I mean, it was. It's whatever. I mean, I definitely felt better, though.
Logan Hackett
For sure.
DraftKings Announcer
A $200,000 prize. I was gonna sneeze at.
Kalia Copper
Yeah, like, you don't. I'm not turning that down for nothing.
DraftKings Announcer
He said, I'll be back from the Super Bowl.
Roz Gold on Woode
Yeah. I'll find a way.
Kalia Copper
They had too much money on the line.
DraftKings Announcer
Okay. Now, looking ahead, though, Phoenix, Mercury. Oh, it's a whole lot of new and excitement coming in to Arizona. I'm like, where is Phoenix? To Arizona. So what are you most looking forward to? That there's a new Big three. It's you, Satu Sabali and Alyssa Thomas.
Kalia Copper
Yeah, I'm excited to. Like I said, I love to play with great players. So just watching those two in their careers, I think AT has an incredible iq, a great facilitator, and just a. Like, we talk about dogs. Like, people is afraid to play against her. Like, she. I think she is like ultimate competitor. She make others around her better. And I mean, sometimes you gotta tell her, like, go be you. Like, go score. And then sigh like unicorn can do it all. Another one who just wants to win and just be around great people. So. So I'm excited for that. I'm excited for also all the other pieces. You know, I mean, we talk about big Three, but, like, it's not always going to be about us. It's going to be Kehlani, it's going to be Seb, it's going to be Sammy, it's going to be all of these players that are going to be with us. So I'm just excited to get back and get to Know everybody.
DraftKings Announcer
Do you feel with Diana Taurasi retiring, so an ERA is ended, you know, BG is going to Atlanta. You got new faces coming in. You yourself sit here as a finals mvp, a champion, a four time all star. Do you feel that like the leadership voice, you have an accountability for that?
Kalia Copper
I mean, for sure, I think there's, there's a standard as far as Phoenix, period. And as far as honoring DT and BG for what they have done for their organization, I wouldn't have the things that we have in Phoenix without them. So just to give them their flowers because they have set the foundation and they have done the work. So just continuing to uphold that legacy and what it means to be a Merck player. So yeah, I'm just going to go in and be a leader and be consistent and continue to uphold that standard.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah.
Kalia Copper
How old are you again? 30, girl.
Roz Gold on Woode
That's great. Congratulations.
Kalia Copper
I turned 30 and my back start hurting, so I'm getting a little old.
Roz Gold on Woode
That's crazy. Don't let these young people start calling you granny girl. You haven't even hit prime yet.
DraftKings Announcer
Well, you might be prime right now.
Kalia Copper
I'm right in there.
Roz Gold on Woode
Are you in prime right now?
Kalia Copper
I'm in prime right now. I'm in prime right now.
Roz Gold on Woode
Okay.
DraftKings Announcer
Well, my question was to say. Cause you mentioned legacy, I was like, are you old enough? Do you remember DT in her prime?
Roz Gold on Woode
Prime?
Kalia Copper
Oh yeah.
DraftKings Announcer
I mean, you didn't get to like necessarily play against all that by the time. And certainly not with her in Phoenix. But what will you take away from your time playing with, against. And just knowing the body of work of Diana Taurasi?
Kalia Copper
I think how she shows up every single day. She shows up every single day and put in the work. I mean, that was my shooting partner. So every day, like sore, whatever, hurt, tired, it didn't matter. Every single day she showed up and just put in the work. I mean, I think people, it's super cliche. Like you put in the work and you get the results. But like to see her doing it at such a high level at her age is like, why aren't you doing. Makes everyone around her look in the mirror. Rookies to second years, to five years, to 10 years. For me, like, if Dee can do it. If Dee is doing it, you have no excuse. So I think she sets the standard already by how she works.
DraftKings Announcer
How cool you got to be shooting partners with her.
Kalia Copper
I know, right, right.
Roz Gold on Woode
What was she saying to you?
Kalia Copper
Just like, just tips, like, oh, we working on this today? Oh, we're Doing this, like, it was never the same. Every day it was like, okay, today we're doing our step back or today we're working on this. So it was cool. I mean, I've played with greats and just to play with, like, ones that's on that Mount Rushmore, it's like, it means so much to me.
DraftKings Announcer
Your Mount Rushmore of legends would include Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot. Who am I missing?
Kalia Copper
I mean, from the ones that I've played with, like, because Mount Rushmore is like, that's a tough question for me in general, but. But just like the grace that I've played with, like Candace, y'all see pop up. Yeah. DT, like sloot. Like, like just thinking about that 2021 season. Yeah.
DraftKings Announcer
Yo, like, you remember I was there with you.
Kalia Copper
I was there. Yeah. Anybody could have got finals mvp. Like, Ally was incredible. Like, everyone was just. Was great and not all the time. Do you have everyone clicking on the same. They're like, it was. It was great.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah. Yeah.
Kalia Copper
And we were playing against DT and she was. Oh, my goodness.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah.
Kalia Copper
She was trying to cause us some problems.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah, I remember there was a punch in the wall, right?
Kalia Copper
Was it a wall in the door?
Roz Gold on Woode
I mean, there was so much emotion.
DraftKings Announcer
On the line, but it was certainly one of the big breakout moments for you.
Kalia Copper
Yeah.
DraftKings Announcer
During that series, you had one more and I'll get you out on this wasn't just for the championship in 2021 in Chicago, but then there's also one with the Olympic national team. And USA needed you most. They needed anything. The game was tight to finally come away with that gold medal. And boy, did you step up. So where does that kind of heart and resilience, like, where do you dig from and how on the. When the lights are brightest, how do you always seem to show up?
Kalia Copper
I mean, that's what big time players do, right? When them lights get real bright, like, you show up. And I think for me, that moment in the Olympics was my career in a nutshell. I have always been prepared, and when I get the opportunity, I'm prepared. So it's no problem. It doesn't matter if I didn't play the second half. I mean, the first half, if you say I got three minutes left in the fourth and you need me to go out there, I'm going to do what needs to be done. When I say that's my career in a nutshell, it's, I didn't play. I mean, I got traded, didn't play, played a little bit, came off the bench, a big time role player inserted into the starting five and then just kind of like taking off from there and then being consistent. I think that that was the most important thing for my career was being consistent but also like getting better. So yeah, it was just like I'm like I'm used to this. Like, I mean I'm ready. So when you call my name, I'mma always be ready.
DraftKings Announcer
Yeah. Well the trajectory continues to be up.
Kalia Copper
We going up.
DraftKings Announcer
We want to thank you so much for pulling up with us, girl. This was great to have you.
Roz Gold on Woode
Fascinating.
Kalia Copper
Thank you.
Roz Gold on Woode
Welcome back to good follow. Big thank you to Kalia Copper for joining us for that sit down interview. Really cool to talk with her. So fun and so awesome to hear about how she keeps rising to the occasion time and time again. All right, y'all, let's go back to the NCAA Women's Tournament. This segment is presented by DraftKings. Oh yeah, the Sweet 16 is here and I'm locked in on all of the games, but especially Friday's matchup between number two North Carolina State versus number three, lsu. Number two NC State has a terrific trio of guards in Isaiah James, Saniyah Rivers and Zoe Brooks. Isaiah James leads this team in scoring and is a veteran leader who can score at all ranges. Off the catch, off the bounce, she is a bucket. LSU has talent, too. We love the heart of Flaje Johnson and it's always fun to watch. But anchoring LSU is the relentlessness of Anissa Morrow. She's putting in the work on the glass getting bucket. She's a force in the paint and she's leading her team in steals too, so doing it on both ends. NC State made 15 threes as a team to head into the Sweet 16. If they can keep up that kind of hot shooting, they're going to create even more space for their guards to attack and they'll be very hard to stop. So while while both NC State and LSU have deep tournament experience, I've got the Wolfpack finding their way into the Elite eight. And don't miss your chance to get in on the action during March Madness. Here's what I got for you. DraftKings is supporting the Women's Sports foundation during the 2025 Women's College Basketball Tournament. So for every entry into the Second Chance bracket, DraftKings will donate $1 to the Women's Sports foundation, up to $25,000 total. So to enter, visit DraftKings.com SecondChance. This segment is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown, it's yours.
Logan Hackett
I love it. Every single time.
Roz Gold on Woode
Every single time. And that also means that it's time for you, Logan, to take us through the headlines, the quick hits that we haven't gotten to yet. Yes.
Logan Hackett
Well, we are getting to the end of the Miami Open with the finals coming up this weekend, and we actually went together and it was so much fun. First of all, the Miami weather is amazing, but it was so much fun just to be in the whole tennis atmosphere. There were all these activations. Roz, what was your favorite part about it?
Roz Gold on Woode
Well, remember when you. When we went to Unrival together and like, you were taking your jump shot and you know, you. You did what you could there. That was me with my tennis swing. I was out there trying to channel my inner Serena Williams. But it was so fun. A gorgeous, lovely day. Really fun to do all, like, the activations with you and just watch some tennis. Logan, what did you love?
Logan Hackett
Oh, my goodness. I think the activations was my favorite part. Or the sun. I was basking in the sun at one point. We were like the seats that we had.
Roz Gold on Woode
Wait, y'all. So wait, wait. It was so hot. And we were sitting. Our seats were directly in the sun. It's a beautiful day in Miami. So me and our social media wizard, Kirsten, we, like, found some seats in the shade because. But Logan, coming in from Canada, just sat the sun, sweating completely, soaking wet, and just, like, basking as if she would never see it again. But you did leave a shade or two darker, so good for you, girl.
Logan Hackett
So absolutely, I did not regret it. 10 out of 10, 100% recommend. But we also have another fun story in the men's side of March madness with the McNeese State Manager, Mr. Amir Ora Khan or Nil Deals, and he's just going viral everywhere.
Mo'nique Billings
You know what?
Roz Gold on Woode
That was one of my favorite stories of the tournament. McNe State is out. But, you know, I love seeing, like, the characters that emerge during the tournament. Good for Oricon. It was nice for the program. It wasn't a distraction. Hey, Nil man, it's the wild, wild west. Everybody's getting to the coin. What a. What a money reside.
Logan Hackett
Exactly. If you have the personality, you can. You can be somewhere else. You can be a manager and get nil deals. Like, I feel like never have you never expected that sentence to be said. But moving on to hockey, the final frozen four took place, and Wisconsin won their second title in three years. Now, this game was very, very chaotic. They tied the game with 19 seconds left, and then won in overtime, but it was looking, as it was getting down to the wire, it was looking like Ohio State was going to upset them. That was definitely a good one. And then lastly, we have Lindsey Vaughn taking second in the Super G World cup final and this is our first podium since retiring. So good for her. I feel like she is on every single podium that we see.
Roz Gold on Woode
Let's go. We love excellence, don't we, Logan?
Logan Hackett
Absolutely.
Roz Gold on Woode
Well, I felt like it was a pretty awesome show. I don't. Should we say excellent? I don't know. It was a great show because we got to rock out together. We just came off of seeing each other in person. We had some awesome guests. Mo Billings hung out with us from top to bottom or midway through the show. Thank you so much, Mo for pulling up friend to the show and setting intentions together. An awesome, fun, cool sit down interview with Kalia Copper. Thank you to her for kicking it with us and of course all of you at home watching or wherever you watch this show, we appreciate it. If you haven't yet subscribe, subscribe, subscribe, subscribe like comment Heart notifications follow on social media we building this thing show by show, episode by episode and we really appreciate that that you pull up. So Logan, you out, we out, we out.
Logan Hackett
See you next week, y'all.
Roz Gold on Woode
See you next week.
DraftKings Announcer
Sat.
Podcast Summary: Good Follow - Kahleah Copper & Monique Billings Join The Show, Juju Watkins Injury + Notre Dame vs TCU & More
Podcast Information:
The episode kicks off with Roz Gold on Woode, Logan Hackett, and special guests Mo'nique Billings and Kalia Copper sharing their personal intentions for the season.
Mo'nique Billings [02:05]:
"I'm in my unapologetic era. I'm walking into every space, every opportunity like I'm meant to be there, not doubting, not questioning it."
Roz Gold on Woode [02:59]:
"My intention is focus on the temple, which for me means my body and my heart. I'm purging unnecessary things and making room for growth."
Logan Hackett [04:02]:
"I'm moving towards consistency this month. After focusing on patience, I realized the importance of maintaining steady performance."
This segment emphasizes the hosts' commitment to personal growth and professional focus as they navigate the dynamic sports landscape.
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Juju Watkins' season-ending ACL tear and its repercussions for her team, USC.
Mo'nique Billings [07:09]:
"This is part of the process. Juju's injury adds depth to her story and will make her comeback even more inspirational."
Roz Gold on Woode [08:19]:
"It's disappointing for fans and Juju's team, but she has the resilience to recover and come back stronger."
Logan Hackett [10:59]:
"Juju's injury raises questions about USC's ability to compete without her. Their upcoming match against K-State will be pivotal."
Discussion Points:
Emotional and Physical Recovery: Mo'nique highlights the mental resilience required for recovery, while Roz acknowledges the disappointment but remains hopeful for Juju's comeback.
USC's Prospects Without Juju: Mo'nique expresses skepticism about USC's championship chances without their star player, citing the strength of their opponents.
Strategic Adjustments: Roz emphasizes the importance of teamwork and defense in USC's strategy moving forward.
The hosts delve into the highly anticipated NCAA Women's Tournament game between Notre Dame and TCU.
Logan Hackett [14:48]:
"I'm excited to see Notre Dame's resurgence and TCU's first Sweet 16 appearance. I personally think TCU might pull off the upset."
Mo'nique Billings [15:01]:
"Notre Dame is playing like their formidable self, reminiscent of their 19-game win streak. However, TCU has been exceptionally strong this season."
Analysis Highlights:
Team Strengths: Notre Dame's veteran talent and recent performance versus TCU's balanced and hungry squad.
Key Players: Haley Van Lith and Deja Kelly's contributions to their respective teams and how their performances could influence the game outcome.
Toughness Factor: Both teams are characterized by their fighting spirit and resilience, making the matchup a thrilling encounter.
The conversation shifts to the evolution of women's basketball, the expansion of the WNBA, and its implications for player development and draft prospects.
Logan Hackett [18:16]:
"The women's game has grown tremendously, with record-breaking viewership and increased parity, which is fantastic for the sport's future."
Roz Gold on Woode [22:00]:
"The main challenge now is organizing the women's tournament to optimize both attendance and fairness, ensuring continued growth and innovation."
Mo'nique Billings [23:59]:
"Strength and fit are crucial factors for college players transitioning to the WNBA. Understanding one's niche can solidify a player's role in the league."
Discussion Points:
Television Ratings: The women's finals in 2024 surpassed men's viewership, indicating a significant shift in audience engagement.
Tournament Structure: Debates on maintaining home court advantages versus moving to neutral sites to foster greater competition and potential upsets.
Player Development: Emphasis on physical strength and finding the right team fit as essential for successful transitions from college to professional play.
In an exclusive segment, Kalia Copper shares insights into her career, experiences with the Phoenix Mercury, and her perspectives on leadership and teamwork.
Kalia Copper [30:16]:
"My career is an underdog story. Walking into the locker room seeing our ranking motivated us to prove ourselves on the court."
Roz Gold on Woode [31:11]:
"I picked you guys to win."
Kalia Copper [32:33]:
"Chelsea has been a steadfast leader, always putting in the work and inspiring the team to elevate their game."
Key Discussion Points:
Team Dynamics: Copper discusses the Phoenix Mercury's new lineup, emphasizing the synergy with new teammates like Satu Sabali and Alyssa Thomas.
Legacy and Leadership: Reflecting on Diana Taurasi's impact on the team, Copper underscores the importance of upholding high standards and leading by example.
Personal Growth: Sharing her approach to mental and physical preparation, Copper highlights consistency and resilience as cornerstones of her success.
WNBA Expansion: Discussing how the league's growth provides more opportunities for player development and showcases the talent within women's basketball.
The hosts provide updates and analyses on various NCAA tournaments, including standout performances and unexpected developments.
Highlights Include:
Miami Open: Hosts share their experiences attending the finals, highlighting player interactions and the vibrant atmosphere.
Unexpected Stories: The rise of McNeese State Manager Amir Ora Khan's NIL deals, showcasing the evolving landscape of college sports marketing.
Hockey Finals: Coverage of Wisconsin's chaotic yet triumphant victory in the Frozen Four and Lindsey Vaughn's impressive performance in the Super G World Cup.
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts deliver a series of brief updates on recent sports events and noteworthy stories, keeping listeners informed on the latest happenings.
Wisconsin Wins Frozen Four:
"Wisconsin secured their second title in three years with a thrilling overtime victory."
Lindsey Vaughn's Achievement:
"Vaughn takes second in the Super G World Cup final, marking her first podium since retirement."
McNeese State Manager's NIL Deals:
"Amir Ora Khan, known as Nil Deals, is going viral for securing NIL deals, reflecting the new dynamics in college sports."
The episode concludes with the hosts expressing gratitude to their guests and listeners, encouraging audience engagement through subscriptions and social media follows.
Notable Quotes:
Mo'nique Billings [02:05]:
"I'm in my unapologetic era. I'm walking into every space, every opportunity like I'm meant to be there, not doubting, not questioning it."
Roz Gold on Woode [08:19]:
"It's disappointing for fans and Juju's team, but she has the resilience to recover and come back stronger."
Logan Hackett [14:48]:
"I'm excited to see Notre Dame's resurgence and TCU's first Sweet 16 appearance. I personally think TCU might pull off the upset."
Roz Gold on Woode [22:00]:
"The main challenge now is organizing the women's tournament to optimize both attendance and fairness, ensuring continued growth and innovation."
Kalia Copper [30:16]:
"My career is an underdog story. Walking into the locker room seeing our ranking motivated us to prove ourselves on the court."
Roz Gold on Woode [52:13]:
"Thank you to Kalia Copper for joining us and to all of you at home. We appreciate your support—subscribe, like, comment, and follow us as we continue building this show, episode by episode."
This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz delivers an engaging mix of personal reflections, in-depth sports analysis, and inspiring conversations with prominent figures in women's basketball. Whether discussing the challenges faced by athletes like Juju Watkins or celebrating the growth of the WNBA, the hosts provide valuable insights and uplifting narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.