WHY UCLA MIGHT BE THE TEAM NOBODY WANTS TO PLAY

Summary

Podcast Summary: Welcome to the Party – "WHY UCLA MIGHT BE THE TEAM NOBODY WANTS TO PLAY"

Date: March 17, 2026
Hosts: Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, Billie Jean King (regular guest appearances)
Featured Guests: Lauren Betts and Charlize Ledger Walker (UCLA Women's Basketball)

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Episode Overview

In this vibrant and fast-paced episode, Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy welcome UCLA basketball stars Lauren Betts and Charlize Ledger Walker to the party, exploring why the Bruins are poised to be one of the most dangerous teams in March Madness. With plenty of laughter, dancing, and motivational wisdom, the discussions center on team chemistry, mental resilience, the NIL era’s impact, and the importance of fun in women’s sports. Alongside tournament preview banter, the hosts celebrate record-breaking moments across women’s sports and spotlight the Bruins’ behind-the-scenes sisterhood.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sports Hot Takes & NWSL Highlights

• Angel City FC’s 4-0 Opener: Julie covers the excitement of Angel City’s dominant victory, highlighting the emotional return of Savvy King after open-heart surgery (12:01), reinforcing why personal stories resonate in women's sports.

  "Thank you, Savvy King, for reminding us why we love women's sports. This is just freaking awesome." – Abby Wambach (13:53)

• NWSL Attendance Records: Abby and Julie marvel at record-breaking crowds, including Boston Legacy’s 30,207 at Gillette Stadium and the anticipation for Denver's 50,000+ opener (26:11).

  "Let’s keep breaking them. Let’s go!" – Abby Wambach (26:46)

• Portland’s Olivia Moultrie: They cheer on 20-year-old Liv Moultrie’s world-class goal (28:27), admiring the next-gen athletes’ poise.
• Volley & Hockey Growth: U.S. pro volleyball and PWHL (women’s hockey) also setting new attendance highs. The “Bras for Girls” initiative wows the hosts (33:18).

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2. March Madness & Bracket Buzz

• Tournament Breakdown: Review of top seeds: "Yukon, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina" (23:27). UConn’s status as undefeated and UCLA’s placement in the tough Sacramento region is noted.
• Bracket Challenge: ‘Welcome to the Party’ pod is squaring off against other popular women’s sports podcasts in an ESPN Bracket Challenge.

  "Each pod gets one bracket, so it’s pod versus pod and it’s on." – Julie Foudy (15:23)

• Reactions to Fun Moments: Live reactions from teams like Rhode Island and Charleston after bracket reveals bring levity to the tournament tension (25:03).

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3. UCLA’s Secret Sauce: Player Interview Highlights

Team Vibes & Chemistry

• Joy as Winning Edge:

  “I think Char and I have done a really good job this season of just trying to have fun as much as possible... Stay present and just have fun.” – Lauren Betts (44:00)
  “We have had to work really hard on recommitting to that every single day.” – Charlize Ledger Walker (61:26)

• Sisterhood & Selflessness:

  "We’re playing for each other... If we get the win, that’s what we care about." – Charlize Ledger Walker (60:33)

Handling Pressure & Mindset

• Staying Present: Both players discuss emotional prep for March Madness, emphasizing presence over pressure (43:44).
• Vulnerability as Power:

  “You have to open yourself up to utter annihilation… Vulnerability becomes a superpower.” – Abby Wambach (56:51)
  “If they’re not booing you, then you’re not doing something right.” – Abby Wambach (58:44)
  “They’re booing their dream.” – Lauren Betts (59:36)

• Leadership Lessons: Charlize on leading from the bench after her injury and now as a grad transfer (59:42).

NIL, Branding, and Off-Court Joy

• Building Their Brands:
  • Charlize discusses her YouTube channel ("Charlize S.L. Walker") and leveraging LA’s opportunities for athletes (45:36, 49:14).
  • Lauren on NYX Cosmetics and breaking the “masculine athlete” stereotype:

    "My goal... is to remind people that, like, regardless of what you look like, you can still... tap into their girly side." – Lauren Betts (50:31)

• Viral Dance Routine: How the team’s dance collab with UCLA's dance team energized the program, went viral, and built momentum (44:28).

  "We practiced every day after practice... I don't want us to look like athletes—we need to look like dancers!" – Lauren Betts & Charlize Ledger Walker (47:37, 47:53)

Adversity & Growth

• From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence:

  “There was just no other option [than to believe it]... the person that I am now, completely different than when I first entered this program." – Lauren Betts (55:31)

• Sister Power:

  "She constantly reminds me of, like, wow, I get to really show up and play with my own sister... I’m just so proud of her." – Lauren Betts on playing with her sister Sienna (63:47)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Fun in Sports:
  “The more fun you're having, which is why I love the whole dance video stuff… that was our vibe with playing. And… I think the reason we had so much, much success with our US Women's team is because we enjoyed each other.”
  – Julie Foudy (44:28)

• Charlize’s YouTube Success:
  “As soon as we did [the dance video], it blew up. Like, espn reposted it overtime. WNB… it just went crazy, and it was so much fun.”
  – Charlize Ledger Walker (46:39)

• Abby’s Two Keys to Winning:
  “Number one, you have to open yourself up to utter annihilation... And part of the bubble is manage your social media time.”
  – Abby Wambach (56:51)

• On Facing Criticism:
  “If they’re not booing you, then you’re not doing something right.”
  – Abby Wambach (58:44) “They're booing their dream dying.”
  – Lauren Betts (59:36)

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 12:05 | Savvy King's inspirational return story | | 13:53 | Why stories like Savvy’s matter in women’s sports | | 23:21-27:02 | Women's March Madness bracket preview | | 26:11 | NWSL attendance records shattered | | 28:27 | Olivia Moultrie's highlight goal | | 44:00 | Lauren & Charlize on team chemistry | | 45:36 | Backstory of UCLA’s viral dance routine | | 49:14 | Charlize on leveraging NIL and social media | | 50:31 | Lauren’s NYX Cosmetics partnership, brand goals | | 55:31 | Lauren on battling imposter syndrome post-transfer | | 56:51 | Abby’s advice on vulnerability & focus | | 58:44-59:36 | Taking pride in being “booed” by rival fans | | 60:33 | Playing selflessly for the team | | 61:26 | Recommitting to togetherness every day | | 63:47 | Lauren on playing with sister Sienna | | 65:54 | Hosts’ wrap-up, bracket challenge hype |

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Final Thoughts

The episode perfectly blends tournament excitement with heartfelt, candid interviews, demonstrating why UCLA’s unique blend of joy, selflessness, and authenticity could propel them to a championship. The conversation goes far beyond Xs and Os—spotlighting identity, mental health, and culture-building as real drivers of success in women’s sports. With high expectations, fans (and the hosts) are rooting for UCLA’s magical run.

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For anyone wanting insight into the Bruin’s locker room, lessons on building a winning team culture, or just reasons to fall in love with women’s sports, this episode is not to be missed.

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Listen on all platforms or watch full conversations at the "Welcome to the Party" YouTube Channel.

Transcript

[Abby Wambach]

5:00am I'm up with a crisp Celsius energy drink running 12 miles today. Grab a green juice, quick change, and head to work. Meetings, workshops. One more Celsius. No slowing down. Working late, but obviously still meeting the girls for a little dancing.

[Julie Foudy]

Celsius Live fit. Go grab a cold, refreshing Celsius at

[Abby Wambach]

your local retailer or locate [e-mail]. protein is now at Starbucks, and it's never tasted so good.

[Julie Foudy]

You can add protein cold foam to

[Abby Wambach]

your favorite drink or try one of

[Julie Foudy]

our new products, protein lattes or Matcha. Try it today at Starbucks.

[Abby Wambach]

This episode of welcome to the Party is brought to you by McDonald's Big Arch Burger. If they're not booing you, then you're

[Lauren Betts]

not doing enough, then you're doing something wrong.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, exactly.

[Lauren Betts]

We should probably tell that to our team.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm not wrong.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

We will.

[Lauren Betts]

That's a really good piece of advice.

[Abby Wambach]

You gotta go do it.

[Julie Foudy]

I would chest bump you all if we were together right now. I'd be like, boom.

[Abby Wambach]

Come on. Go and bring home than Addie. Let's go.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Let's go.

[Abby Wambach]

Attention. The party is about to commence.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Welcome to the party.

[Julie Foudy]

What's up, party people? I'm Julie Foudy.

[Abby Wambach]

And I'm Abby Wambach, who is very tired. I didn't sleep much. I didn't sleep much.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, Abby was at the Oscars, party people. She was at the Academy Awards.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Julie Foudy]

Come on.

[Abby Wambach]

I really was.

[Julie Foudy]

This is amazing. I do need to hear. I haven't. I haven't checked out photos. I've seen nothing.

[Abby Wambach]

Have you. You haven't seen any photos?

[Julie Foudy]

No, I was at the Angel City game last night, and then I got.

[Abby Wambach]

We gotta. Can can somebody from our team send us a photo?

[Julie Foudy]

Wait, hold on. Yeah, put it on our group chat. Okay. Omg. Look at you, too. Shut up.

[Abby Wambach]

Can you believe that? I can get. Isn't it so good?

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, party people, you need to start watching this on YouTube or Spotify because Glennon's purse says F you ice.

[Abby Wambach]

Well, it just says ice. I'll say it.

[Julie Foudy]

I was trying to be nice.

[Abby Wambach]

You were trying to, like, put in the asterisk and. And whatnot.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, look at you two look so cute. You're at the Oscars. Come on.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. I mean, Jules, it was first of all, first and foremost, like, the whole thing, like, award shows and stuff, right?

[Lauren Betts]

Are.

[Abby Wambach]

You know, they're. They're intense, you know? Nope. Well, you've been to, like, the ESPYs, right? It's like. It's the Same. But, like, this one is a little bit different in that when you're walking, you know, when you go to the ESPYs, you know, and pretty much recognize all the athletes.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

And with. With it being the Oscars, there's, like, so many, like, uber famous people that are just, like, walking next to you.

[Julie Foudy]

I bet it's crazy. So.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, it is crazy. And it's hot.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, true. Because it was hot yesterday. It's been so.

[Abby Wambach]

And I've got this SoCal. I've got this thick velvet jacket on that I thought, great idea, bad decision. But then when you get in the theater, it is freezing, and my wife is not wearing much. Right. She's got a little dress that's like. What is it called when it doesn't.

[Julie Foudy]

When it's like a little halter top thingy.

[Abby Wambach]

Crossover, Like a thing that goes over her neck or whatever.

[Julie Foudy]

Not pull that off. I'm impressed, Glennon.

[Abby Wambach]

Well, for the first 20 minutes of the show, she was like.

[Julie Foudy]

She was like, did you give her your jacket? Your velvet jacket?

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. So that I was shivering. I didn't get warm until I got home and showered.

[Julie Foudy]

You're like, sit on my lap. Body heat.

[Abby Wambach]

What I think is, like, the funniest part about the Oscars is that for every commercial break, people stand up and go to the bathroom. Right. And you have to either go to the bathroom really fast, which nobody does. So what happens is people go to the bathroom, and then there are fillers. Seat fillers.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, the seat filler that are all

[Abby Wambach]

dressed up in gowns and whatnot, and they're just totally random, like, people that they've hired to be seat fillers for the night.

[Julie Foudy]

I wonder what you get paid for that. I would do that in a heartbeat.

[Abby Wambach]

I know. I wonder if they're just like, you just get to see some of the Oscars. I don't know if they even pay them.

[Julie Foudy]

I'm gonna apply for that job.

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

But towards the end of the show, what ends up happening is people are, like, starting to recognize where some other people are sitting, and so they stand up and they go and do chit chat, like, in the aisles. And so as the show goes on, the voice of God comes over the loudspeaker and is like, we're getting back to air in 60 seconds. Please find your seats. And then it gets down to 30 seconds, and his voice gets a little bit like, please sit down to your damn seat. Please sit down. And then all the behind every time.

[Julie Foudy]

This is good.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes, I know. And then every Time after, like an ad break. I think the reason why they do this is because people just do not listen. Like, famous people are like, rules don't apply to me. Right. I'm like the most rule follower in the world. I'm like, okay. They're like, take your seats. And I was just standing, just like gets to get some blood flow. And I'm like. And I sit, you know, but nobody sits. And so every single time they come back from break, from commercial break, they go into like a video reel of one of the best pictures.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh. To give them.

[Abby Wambach]

To give people an extra minute or two.

[Julie Foudy]

To get everybody rodeo.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes, exactly. Yeah. And, you know, it's just so cool to see all these different art forms and our. Our film, Come See Me in the Good Light did not win.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, I know.

[Abby Wambach]

But that's okay.

[Julie Foudy]

Amazing to even get nominated. Goodness.

[Abby Wambach]

It really is. It really is. And what I learned last night is, you know, all the nominees were incredible. All the films were incredible.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

But it's kind of like voting that, like, if you have too many Democrat or Republican nominees and then your vote gets split. And I think that that's sometimes what happens in the doc world, I guess. I don't know. Because this was an international film, so like a lot of the international voters vote for the international film. Right. And there were like more. More American made films. So, yeah, either way, you know, to get nominated is a dream.

[Julie Foudy]

I heard Kinger was at the after party or something. Did you see she wasn't at the Academy Awards? I don't think.

[Abby Wambach]

I think she went to the Elton. I think she went to the Elton John foundation after party. I think he does that after. After every Oscars and we did not go to that party. Yeah, there's like a Vanity Fair party. There's the Governor's Ball. And we popped our head into the Governor's Ball and there were too many people in there. And so we were like, I want to go home.

[Julie Foudy]

Peace out.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

But it was an incredible night, an incredible journey for our whole team. I'm so proud of everybody. I believe that we deserve to win. But that's just me being. But it's amazing, me really liking trophies.

[Julie Foudy]

As I texted you yesterday, before the Academy Awards even started, I said, regardless of whether you win or not, what you have put out there on Andrea Gibson's life is so amazing. And that she.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

They.

[Julie Foudy]

Sorry. And that they will continue to spread love and joy with their stories and their dancing and all the things we love about Andrea Gibson. So.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. And that's why we made it. You know, we. We heard last night that like, a billion people watch the Oscars, and I thought, more people are going to watch this film. And that's all that really matters to us. Like, to make sure that Andrea, like Meg said at our toast, Megan Fowley, Andrea's wife. We did a toast right before the show as a, as a crew and team. And at the end, Megan said, long live and may Andrea, or long live Andrea Gibson. And I just, I love that because I just want to live kind of how Andrea did. And they taught us so much, and they're going to keep teaching so many people. So that's. That's the real. That's the real win. You know, it's not about whether you take the Oscar home or not exactly. Although I do. Like, I do.

[Julie Foudy]

I knew you were gonna say that. I was like, Abby's gonna be so pissed.

[Abby Wambach]

I know. And like the freaking Oscar, like, the actual trophy, it's cool.

[Julie Foudy]

It means you're gonna have to make more films.

[Abby Wambach]

I know, unfortunately, because it's hard and expensive and time consuming and, and, and, and so improbable. But, Jules, you went to Angel City. You went to the Angel City game with. With a lot of our teammates, with a lot of the folks who make this, the show happen.

[Julie Foudy]

I know when Abby said she was going to the Academy Awards, I was like, give me your tickets. We're spreading them out to our podcast team. Yeah. So Mo and Jen and their partners got to join in your seats, which was really fun. And Angel City won 4 nil. Shut up. I don't think I've ever seen us score four goals. Have we scored four goals like that at home? Tish. Tish Venturini sits next to me. And the two of us just kept like, high fiving going. What the hell is happening? I called Izzy on the way up, cuz Izzy, my daughter, would always go with me. And we would. This is when she was like a freshman in high school. We'd like, pack in. When they didn't really keep track of how many people came, we'd like. It was like a clown car. We'd pack in, like just friends. We'd all roll in. But Izzy, I was like, izzy, I'm so sad you're not here for this opener, but it was so fun. And we. And we looked. Abs, we looked really good. Like we were playing.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Julie Foudy]

And I did feel bad for Alyssa there. I didn't text her after because I was like, oh, right, yeah, right. She's probably like, damn you, Billy, for making me come back. God, if you haven't listened to that episode, party people go with us and how dare you make me come back. I mean, without her in goal, it would have been even more. I think. But yeah, we looked really good. Giselle, our back line. Come on. Giselle Thompson on one side, Evelyn Shores on the other side. And then you've got Sarah Gordon and Emily Sams, obviously. We picked up Emily Sam's looked great. Then Savvy King 2.0 baby came in. Did you see that on Insta?

[Abby Wambach]

I did.

[Julie Foudy]

You have to check this out.

[Abby Wambach]

Welcome back to the NWSL Savvy King.

[Lauren Betts]

Oh, my God.

[Julie Foudy]

Right? I was going nuts. That's me screaming in the stands.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Listen.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, my God, I have chills all over my body right now. Yeah, that is so cool.

[Julie Foudy]

That just gave me, like, the tears right there.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Oh.

[Julie Foudy]

So for the party people who don't know the context, because my son Declan, 17 year old Declan, was like, why are people going crazy for her again? And I thought, oh, that's a good point. Like, not everyone knows Savvy King's story. She Just 10 months ago was actually Mother's Day, May of 2025, went down on the field, collapsed with a heart issue and had to have like open heart surgery, y'. All. And so she's back now finally, 10 months later. I mean, that's an amazing return. And the crowd, of course, went crazy for her. And she played great. She came in for Emily Sam's in that center back position, made this amazing slide tackle.

[Abby Wambach]

Slide tackle. I saw that. You saw so good.

[Julie Foudy]

But I was just so thrilled for her. I was texting her mom, Carrie, as. As I was like, I'm so happy.

[Abby Wambach]

I mean, you know, I just think about that these 10 months for. For Savvy and. And her whole family, you know, like, the ups and downs of the unknowing, like, having no clue what was going to happen right away. It's like, is she going to survive? Then it goes to, is she ever going to play again?

[Julie Foudy]

Right.

[Abby Wambach]

Like, and. And here this kid is just like resolute and strong and not only cares about soccer, but has. Has figured out a way to like, make this part of her the purpose of why she's here on planet Earth.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. Started her King of hearts found foundation as well.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

So good. I just. This is the kind of kid and story.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

That I can have three cheers for. Come on.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Like, this is more of this, please. Thank you, Savvy King, for reminding us why we Love women's sports. This is just freaking awesome.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. And Angel City is one and.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, let's go one. And oh, let's go, baby. And also we're number one in the standings because of the result.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Oh.

[Abby Wambach]

Because of all our goals.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, Right. I didn't even think that. Take a picture of that screenshot. That. Top of the table. Yo, start the trash talking. Yeah, okay. Also, oh, my gosh. So much going on, y', all this week.

[Abby Wambach]

We got a big episode. A big week. Yeah. Let's go.

[Julie Foudy]

We got March Madness brackets. You. The madness is about to officially go off. We're going to talk about that in the party starter with our guest and with our guests in just a moment. And perhaps equally important, in the spirit of wholesome competition, we have a bracket challenge. We decided we're like, what can we do with March Madness brackets this year? So we decided we're going to take on a handful of women's sports podcasts, pods and see because we like to compete, who can win the women's bracket challenge. So we're taking on the recap show. That's of course, Kristen Press and Tobin Heath. We're taking on the women's game pod, which is, of course, Samuis Lynn, Bie Sauerbrun, Christy Mus. Who else we taking on? We're taking on good game with Sarah Spain.

[Abby Wambach]

Let's go, Spain.

[Julie Foudy]

Or Spain's already talking trash. Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Overtaking on time wasting. The new, brand new. Literally, it launches this week. That' awesome. For Ali Riley and Kelly o' Hara's brand new pod, it's called time wasting. Check that out. And coach Jackie, she's not a pod, but we're taking on coach Jackie because we love her. So y' all can join too. Listeners can join, but it's going to be pod versus pod. We actually started a group on. On the ESPN bracket challenge called welcome to the March Madness party. Link is in the show notes. Each pod gets one bracket, so it's not per host, it's per pod. So it's pod versus pod and it's on and. And party people, you can join us as well. Like, we're going to have a winner that's a pod winner and then we're going to have a listener winner and they're going to be telling all their listeners to join in again. It's the same group. Welcome to the March Madness party. So go fill out your own bracket and I mean, it's going to be a bracket brawl and start chirping. We're going to put in their social handles so you can start chirping at them as well. I do want to win this. We're gonna have a pod winner and listener winner. Both ridiculous, non monetary, of course. Prizes, because we can't pay money. That's for the legal team. And brackets have to. This is quick, though. Brackets have to be filled out by Friday. Early, early PT time, 7:00am PT. I highly suggest you fill them out by Thursday night.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

And you don't have to be an expert. We're not experts. None of us are. That's the whole point of this. We didn't invite any basketball people. We're like, stay out, you Hoopers. We're going non Hoopers. So bring it, don't sing it. Okay.

[Abby Wambach]

Bring. Bring it, don't sing it.

[Julie Foudy]

Coming up after the party starter, UCLA's Lauren Bets and Charlie Ledger Walker.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay, Jules. Every World Cup, I always think about,

[Julie Foudy]

I'm ready for the World cup, clearly.

[Abby Wambach]

I always think about how much the city itself becomes part of the experience.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, totally. You remember arriving somewhere at the tournament and you could feel it instantly, like flags everywhere, watch parties, signs, people bonding over matches. It's crazy. I love that when you get to a city and you have that feel.

[Abby Wambach]

Exactly. And having a home base made all the difference. We booked a place where everyone could gather before and after game. Snacks were everywhere, replay date debates. It becomes like a little headquarters. Right?

[Julie Foudy]

That is the magic of Airbnb. And now even small families or groups of friends traveling can have that experience. You can cook together, you can hang out in the living room. It feels like your own corner of the celebration, which is fabulous.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. And when, like when big sports moments bring fans into town, they're looking for that same sense of home. So if you're traveling or you just want open your space, you can host your home on Airbnb too.

[Julie Foudy]

You too can create a welcoming spot for fans to experience the excitement, neighborhood energy, game day atmosphere, all of it. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host okay, Abs.

[Abby Wambach]

Yo.

[Julie Foudy]

I've been trying to shift my mindset when it comes to getting dressed. I know I've talked about this, but why are you laughing it? It's a constant challenge to clean out this closet and have fewer things and things that I actually love wearing. So pieces that feel good, they fit well, they don't fall apart after one season. And you know where this is going. Quince makes high quality wardrobe staples using premium fabrics like 100% European linen silk and organic cotton poplin. They also have these lightweight cotton cashmere sweaters, as we know, that are perfect for this time of the year because when it's cold in the morning and then it gets warm by the afternoon, it's actually the perfect weight. And their seasonal spring colors are so good. Everything feels versatile and easy, but still very elevated, like myself. My favorite piece, the 100% organic cotton cropped cardigan. I have it in black. I think I'm going to give it, get it in ivory. Izzy, as you know or may not know, tried to steal it. Like, she does all my quint things. I said, no, I got her her own. I said, mine is too big for you anyways. But I reach for it every single day. And when it's in the wash, I literally am like, okay, what am I going to wear? I do love how timeless it is. It's so simple, yet so chic. Right now. Go to quince.com welcome to the party. For free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And you will now available in Canada too. So don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to quince.com welcome to the party. For free shipping and 365 day returns. Quints.com welcome to the party. Abigail.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

I don't know about you, but there are certain foods that you turn to for comfort. And it could be like you're sick or it's been a long day or you've been on the road for two weeks like I have, and you just come home and you're like, give me some comfort food, something that's delicious and comforting. And for me, Mac and cheese is one of those. And I turn to goodles now whenever I have that sense of nostalgia. Because what makes goodles even better is that it's all the taste of my childhood, but with the ingredients that actually make me feel good. So each serving is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals and. And it literally tastes amazing. My favorite flavor. This is my favorite part of Googles, actually, is, is their names. Shella Good. Oh, Shell. Yeah, Shella Good is the name. Twist my Parm. Twist my parm is my other favorite.

[Lauren Betts]

That's so good.

[Julie Foudy]

I know. They're so good. You remember the weekend when before I was, like, doing, like, all these flavors because they send this. Oh, this amazing box of all the different flavors because I've had different flavors. I made three boxes. I'm going to make another three boxes when I get home, which is soon. Plus it's clean label purity award certified, which means it's been tested for over 400 different contaminants. And goodles meets their highest standard. So I love a brand that is both high quality all around like this and both in its standards and in its quality. So there's some something for everyone with an amazing variety of flavors including vegan and gluten free options. It's time to get some goodles for yourself. I know you love them as much as I do. Pick up Googles Mac and cheese and pasta on your next shopping trip. Available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers. It's time to get this party starter with the highlights, shakeups and headlines you'll want to celebrate this week in women's sports. This party starter is brought to you by Ally the Bank. That is your Ally Abigail Topic number one. Let's do a quick brackets update.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, I didn't, I didn't see the full show last night, so you're going to have to get me up to speed here.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay. So Last year's final four teams are all the number one seeds. Yukon, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina. UConn earned the number one overall seed after the selection committee cited the observable component. Did you know what that is? It became the deciding factor. It was an eye test. They watch more of UConn is what they said. Or they watched both and decided UConn they thought was stronger. Despite UCLA's stronger strength of schedule, UConn enters the tournament undefeated 34, 0. They're on a 50 game win streak going back to last season, seeking the program's seventh perfect season. And as we know because we talked to Gino before the season started, Ariana there, he's going for his 13th national championship ever.

[Abby Wambach]

That's so unreal.

[Julie Foudy]

And then UCLA, who were obviously going to be speaking with Lauren Betson and Charlize, they landed in the Sacramento region with which is widely considered to be the toughest bracket. So we can talk to them about that. A couple fun facts real quick. Tennessee is the only Division 1 program to make every women's NCAA tournament.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes. They got in.

[Julie Foudy]

They got in.

[Abby Wambach]

Wow.

[Julie Foudy]

They got in. Charleston is dancing for the first time in program history. Congratulations to Charleston. And I don't know if you saw the bracket reveal live reactions. I didn't. I saw a little bit of them this morning.

[Abby Wambach]

I did it.

[Julie Foudy]

My top pick goes to Rhode Island. Check this out. It's so good

[Abby Wambach]

what

[Julie Foudy]

they're doing. The scuba.

[Abby Wambach]

What is that? Is that a ram or what kind of a. Is that?

[Julie Foudy]

A. I think it's a ram. Yeah. The Rhode Island Rams. It is a ram. I loved it. Scuba. Or as I called it last week when Alyssa Thompson did that. I called it aura farming. Apparently I am not right. I blame my 17 year old son. I was like, you called it aura farming. I called it. Or farming on air. He's like, no, I did not. I was like, yes, you did. He goes, mom, that's the scuba. I was like, whatever. Okay. Close second. Michigan did the splits. That had to hurt. I saw that. And then Oklahoma State had pyrotechnics. Let's go. Are you kidding me? Okay, so first four games are happening, which. Those are the playing games Wednesday and Thursday on ESPN2 and first round tips Friday morning on ESPN Networks.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay, cool. Jules. We're going to turn to the nwl. Lots of NWSL action this weekend. First of all, records broken again. 30, 207 people. Jules. the Gillette Stadium for The Boston Legacy versus Gotham FC home opener. Now stands as the NWSL's largest ever inaugural home opener. I mean, it's just so incredible. And we know that that's going to be broken in a couple weeks when Denver plays at home. But still, like these records, just like, let's keep breaking them. Let's go.

[Julie Foudy]

Denver's up to 50,000 now. I think we just reported like last week. 40.

[Abby Wambach]

40. And now it's 45.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, yeah, 50. So if they could get to 75, that's what that feels there. That'd be amazing.

[Abby Wambach]

I know. I really want that. I want it to sell out.

[Julie Foudy]

Sell that whole thing out. Let's go, people. We got a week.

[Abby Wambach]

Come on.

[Julie Foudy]

Do that.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, let's go. And also there were snow flurries at the Boston.

[Julie Foudy]

I know. My friend Casey Stewart was there and sent a picture. She was like, it's. I said, how's the atmosphere? It looks good on TV.

[Abby Wambach]

And she said 30,000.

[Julie Foudy]

She's like, amazing. And there are snow flurries. So I think that scared a few people away.

[Abby Wambach]

But yeah, yeah, it's exciting. And just so you folks know, the Denver's opener is going to be on March 28, Eden Power Field at Mile High Stadium and in Denver. And that's like we just said, sold over 50,000. Which is going to, of course break the, the, the record. I want to talk a little bit about a few results.

[Julie Foudy]

I know where you're going. Are we going to the closet?

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. So I saw this. I Saw this replay because I wasn't watching it live back in the closet and my wife and family were in the, in the house and there was like no place I could go to record this moment of sheer excitement and gratitude and like support for Olivia Moultrie. Portland, they get the win over the Spirit with this freaking incredible goal that, that live. Everybody called her live. So now I feel like on, on social because I posted this video. I'm calling her live.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

So I went in the closet and I recorded the video. And if you haven't seen it, go to my social. Go to the social handle. Welcome to the party or mine and watch this, this clip because this kid just like, you know, she, she gets on a clip from 50 and she is just hauling, hauling to get into the full sprint to the box. Full sprint and at a full sprint takes this touch with the backspin, finishes it. It's, it's just so world class. And I feel excited because now I, I think that I'm like online friends with Liv.

[Julie Foudy]

She did say she was geeking out. Liv is so sweet. I did some commentary with her for the World Sevens.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

And you know, she's what, she's 20 years old. Just 20. Yeah, just 20. And she's so sweet, like so wise, so well spoken. I'm like these kids, I swear they are impressive.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay, so a couple other results. Boston Legacy against the Gotham team. We talked about Boston, their home opener. They lose unfortunately 1 to 0 to Gotham. And, and also Denver. They played BFC at Bay FC and BFC wins 2 to 1. Now one of the things that I think is kind of an interesting storyline is both Boston and Denver, the, the new expansion teams both incurred red cards during their game.

[Julie Foudy]

They're feisty, feisty.

[Abby Wambach]

Came out hard. Kind of love that because it like puts your claim on the league. You're like, that is the calling card to all the other teams. Like we are tough and you kind of have to be in order to be like an expansion team in a new league. So. So to me, I'm kind of like, I, I'm excited to see where this goes, how they can settle down, but I really do love it. And, and as always, we're going to try to put all the results in the show notes on our Tuesday show so that you guys can get updated on all of things nwsl. Oh, and also not soccer related, but the Major League Volleyball Omaha Supernova set a new U.S. pro volleyball attendance record of 16,838 fans on March. March 14th. So it's just incredible. We're continuing to see records being shattered, which keeps proving that. Yeah, everyone does watch women's sports.

[Julie Foudy]

Of course they do, y'.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

All.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, Paralympics just wrapped in Milan, Cortina and Abs. I know you saw this, but Team USA's Oksana Masters finishes with five medals. Party people. Four gold, one bronze. And with her picking up her five medals in Italy, it brings her tally to 24 Paralympic medals.

[Abby Wambach]

Wow.

[Julie Foudy]

Oksana masters becomes the most decorated U. S. Paralympian of all time with those 24 total medals. Slow clap for yeah. And then also, American para cross country skier Sydney Peterson medaled in every event she entered. Shout out to Sydney. She won three. Three gold and one silver.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay, and our last topic. Jules. We got to talk about the pwhl. Ever since the Olympics, women's hockey has been on fire, as we have been discussing here on this show. But just want to give the. The party people a little bit of fact. PWHL ticket surges searches surged by 50% after the Olympics. The demand was so high. And so finally, StubHub launched its first dedicated women's sports ticketing platform. Thank God. The PWHL games, scheduled at Madison Square Garden and TG Garden, they sold out within days, even though the games were still about a month away. And there's more fire like the PWHL takeover tour is heading to Detroit on March 28th.

[Julie Foudy]

Jules.

[Abby Wambach]

Which is great news. Ally and Script Sports are partnering with PWHL to bring this game to linear television in the US for the first time.

[Julie Foudy]

That's what's crazy to me.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Julie Foudy]

First linear TV game for pwhl. And thanks.

[Abby Wambach]

What does linear mean? Tell the people.

[Julie Foudy]

That means like on actual. A cable channel where you can watch. It's not digital. It has to be someone like. So espn, cbs, abc, ion, which is what it's airing on.

[Abby Wambach]

So good. It's so good. And it's going to air on March 28th at 1pm Eastern on ION. And also, Jules, we have to talk about this. Did you see the bras that were thrown onto the ice at the Torrent game last week?

[Julie Foudy]

That was the best.

[Abby Wambach]

It was raining bras. It was raining bras. My question, the Fans, they tossed 1300 new sports bras onto the ice during the intermission. Intermission. Because it was for a great cause supporting the organization. Bras for girls. But I didn't know that it was for a cause. So when I was watching it for the first time, I was thinking, did these people take off their sports bras in the arena? Did it happen in real time. Do they know how difficult, like we know how difficult it is to take sports bra off?

[Julie Foudy]

You'd have to get full on naked. I, maybe they did. I'm here for that. I don't know. But yeah, there were, there were. And people were just hucking, hucking, hucking.

[Abby Wambach]

It was so, so good. I know. And this, this organization, Bras for Girls, it's in place because 45, 45% of girls we know that drop out of sports by the age of 14. And one of the surprising reasons is low body confidence often because, Jules, they don't have the right equipment like a properly fitting sports bra. And so this organization is trying to help give little girls the confidence to go out.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

And, and, and play sports. Jules. That's a wrap on the party starter. And thanks to Ally for sponsoring this segment. Ally is more than a bank, and their do it right approach helps customers unlock their economic potential and guides their efforts as a leading sponsor in women's sports. Just like us, Ally believes that when women in sports win, we all have a reason to. Ally Bank Member FDIC Foreign. You want to break through the busiest time of the year with the brand new Peloton Cross Training Tread plus, powered by Peloton iq. Huh?

[Julie Foudy]

I do. I do.

[Abby Wambach]

You?

[Julie Foudy]

Yes.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay. So, Jules, Peloton Cross Training Tread plus is their most sophisticated system to date, combining real time performance insights with a range of training modes that let you move seamlessly between solo sessions and instructor led workouts, which I love. It brings structure and flexibility together so your training evolves with you. What makes Peloton I think work for me is how it removes the friction. Consistency for me is everything. And Peloton makes it simple. Yeah. To plan the workouts to stay engaged and keep building the momentum. Right. To keep going back instead of overthinking, Jules, what to do. I can just show up, run, lift and challenge myself. Right. So that the guidance is essentially there. You don't have to think, just show up. And also, Jules, the experience feels intentional, from the design to the programming to the instructions themselves. Okay. It keeps things fresh, motivating and genuinely enjoyable, which is exactly why I stick with it. Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and go explore the new peloton cross training

[Julie Foudy]

tread [e-mail] CARE is a global powerhouse for change ABS. They are, as you know, an organization that fights poverty all over the world and they have a special focus on women and girls. So it makes sense, makes perfect sense that we are partnering with them to Celebrate International Women's Day. And this year, CARE is talking about something we know really well. The uneven playing field that women face. And let's face it, every woman who has competed in sports, has had a successful career or sometimes just fought to be heard, knows it can be an uphill battle. We can have tremendous talents. We can put in extra hours at work and at home. But the truth is, the playing field is uneven. And we exceed expectations because we've learned we often have to. And still the truth is unavoidable. The playing field has never been level. I will say that again. The playing field has never been level. This isn't about ability or ambition. It's about unspoken barriers that honestly continue to tilt the ground beneath our feet. And despite the imbalance, women keep pushing forward. But we always find a way to lead. That's what we love about women. We excel. And by doing that, we reshape spaces that weren't built with us in mind. And that's what CARE does every single day all over the world. So who cares about leveling the playing field for women? You do. And so does Care. And so do we, every day around the world and local communities with local leadership. Sign the [e-mail] pledge. This episode of welcome to the Party is brought to you by McDonald's Big Arch Burger. Abigail, I know you love some Mickey D's. And McDonald's has a new Big Arch burger. Have you heard about it?

[Abby Wambach]

I have.

[Julie Foudy]

It is the most McDonald's McDonald's burger yet. Okay, picture this. Two quarter pound patties.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Julie Foudy]

Three slices of cheese. Tangy. I love cheese too. Tangy. Big Arch sauce. Lettuce. Pickles. Crispy. And slivered onions. I love the onions. And a poppy and sesame seed bun. Okay, so my favorite thing about McDonald's burger is probably the sauces. They know how to do a sauce so well. And to hear there's going to be a special Big Arch sauce on this burger. Let's go. And I'm a big fan of the sauce and pickle combination, so I cannot wait to try this. So order the new Big arch. The most McDonald's McDonald's burger yet at participating McDonald's for a limited time or while supplies last, We have got two players from one of the hottest teams in the country. UCLA is 31 and 1. They just ran through the Big Ten and is poised to make a deep March Madness run. First up, Lauren Betts. UCLA's 67 center dominating both ends of the floor and casually making Big Ten history this season. Casually as the first player, y', all to ever win Big Ten player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive player of the Year in the same year. And alongside her, Charlize Ledger Walker. Veteran guard, international star from New Zealand with the cutest accent, leader of this group, and of course the brains behind the amazing viral dance routine which, you know, we're going to talk about. So literally, the Bruins are rolling, the vibes are high, the team is peaking at just the right time, the brackets are set. Perfect time for a party, don't you think? Lauren Betts, Charlize Ledger Walker. Welcome to the party.

[Abby Wambach]

Let's go, you two. Go get that NCAA championship.

[Lauren Betts]

Let's go.

[Abby Wambach]

Listen, I have to apologize for my co host Julie Foudy for six seven

[Julie Foudy]

ing you six seven.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm sorry. We have teenagers.

[Julie Foudy]

I know, it's so annoying. I'm sorry.

[Abby Wambach]

Sorry. We cannot get out of. We cannot get away from it.

[Julie Foudy]

I want to literally get away from it, but I can't.

[Lauren Betts]

It's the worst time to be my height right now.

[Julie Foudy]

Hard to let go.

[Lauren Betts]

It is the worst time to be 6, 7.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm not going to lie.

[Lauren Betts]

This is the everyday thing.

[Abby Wambach]

So I just wanted to formally apologize for our children.

[Julie Foudy]

All like teenagers come up to you, Lauren. And they just do this all the time. They. They must. Right?

[Lauren Betts]

Not teenagers, but like a lot of

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

kids and like every game there's people with signs holding it up for Lauren.

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah, they have. They have a UCLA nil store shirt with six seven on the back. Yeah. And my brother has one actually just annoy me.

[Abby Wambach]

He bought one.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

That's so good abs.

[Julie Foudy]

Have you heard about Lauren's brother?

[Abby Wambach]

No.

[Julie Foudy]

Lauren, tell Abby how tall your brother is at all of what, 15 years old?

[Lauren Betts]

So he just turned 16 and he is. He's 73. 73.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay. I have an actual serious question.

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah? Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Is there something that you guys have done in your life to get taller?

[Julie Foudy]

What can I do? And my son would like to know that as well.

[Lauren Betts]

No, honestly, like, it's all credit to my dad. He's, you know, seven feet. I don't know where he got the height from because both of his parents are like, you know, like five foot something like. I don't know where my dad got his height from, but yeah. Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Wow.

[Lauren Betts]

It's crazy.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay.

[Lauren Betts]

Crazy.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, seven three as a six, just 16.

[Abby Wambach]

Isn't that crazy? And your parents were big time athletes, right?

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah. So my dad, he played at Long Beach State. He played basketball there. My mom played volleyball there. And that's how they met and then my dad played in Europe for a long, long time. So that's why, like, me, Sienna, Dylan were all born there.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. Cool.

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay. What was your guys reactions to. To. To the bracket party?

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

We, like, obviously we knew it was going to be a tossup between us and Yukon for the number one seed, but going into it and even like the past two weeks, we all were kind of on the same mindset of just like, wherever we go, we don't care. Like, we just want to start this run. And I think we're all in a really good place right now of like, just our team camaraderie and just really excited to start this run. So obviously a little bit like, okay, okay, like, we'll take the second seat. That's cool. But just ready to play. Like, we're just so excited. I feel like it's been a long time coming. But at the same time, I'm also like, I can't believe I'm. We're about to start. Like, it's a weird feeling between the two.

[Abby Wambach]

Sure. How do you guys manage yourselves emotionally? Like, I know that Corey's gonna have her own spin on that process, but personally, Lauren, like, how do you. How are you thinking about the process that you are about to enter into? Yeah, like, are you. Do you have a plan in place personally, for yourself?

[Lauren Betts]

I mean, I think emotionally the best thing is to just like, stay present and take it day by day and not focus too much on, like, the future or who you guys could end up playing at some point. Like, it's really important, especially in this tournament, to just, like, compete any opportunity that you have. Like, just show up and enjoy like, every minute that you have with your teammates. Because, I mean, this is like our last run that we're about to go into right now. So, like, I'm really just trying to enjoy it. And like, I think Char and I have done a really good job this season of just trying to, like, have fun as much as possible because, you know, this is our last year here and, you know, we just really enjoy each other's time and company and like, we just. Yeah, I think it's just like, stay present and just have fun. That's like the biggest thing I'm trying to find focus on.

[Julie Foudy]

We respect that so much. That was my theory. It's like, the more fun you're having, which is why I love the whole dance video stuff because Abby and I have been obsessed with all of this because that was our vibe with. With playing. And. And honestly, I think the reason we had so much, much success with our US Women's team is because we enjoyed each other. And you see that with you all. So how, Char. How did this whole dance routine stuff happen and. And give a little context, if you would. We call our listeners the party people for the party people of what you all did, because I have gone down that rabbit hole, and it's good. It's good on YouTube. Y' all should, too.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

So we, me, Lauren, and Gabs all performed at one of the men's. I think it was the men's senior night home game. And we performed with the dance team. We did a. We learned this dance for about three, four weeks, and it was kind of just like a. A fun thing for us to do. But how it all came to fruition is I have a YouTube channel, and I do, like, a bunch. Everyone.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay, what is it? How do. How do. What is it? What is the name of it?

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

It's just my name. Charlie S.L. walker.

[Abby Wambach]

Great.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

And I've been doing a bunch of different content ideas, and one of the things I've been doing is sports swaps with different teams at ucla, and I posted a gymnastics sports swap. First of all, gymnastics is insane. I don't know how they do it, but when I posted that, just those clips, the dance team captain messaged me, and she's like, omg, if you ever want to do a collab with our team, like, we're so down kind of joking about it. And I was like, oh, no, we will. Like, I am so down to do this. Let's go. Let's figure it out. And so me and Gabs originally did a dance video, a dance collab with them. And throughout the dance video, we were just like, imagine if we actually performed with you guys. How cool would that be? And so at the end of the video, we kind of did a little call to action. And if I got a thousand likes on that YouTube video, we were going to perform. And so as soon as we posted that, my whole team was sharing it. The dance team was sharing it, athletics was sharing it. Everyone wanted this to happen. And so we got there within, like, two days. It. It blew up. And then that's how the kind of process started. We obviously brought in Lauren because I knew she wanted to. She would love to do something like that. She's a dancer herself. And so when she. We brought her out as well, I think it was kind of a surprise to a lot of the fans. And as soon as we did it, it blew up. Like, espn Reposted it overtime. Wnb. Like, it just went crazy, and it was so much fun, but, like, you

[Julie Foudy]

guys were legitimately good. That's the thing. That's crazy. Like, I couldn't at first. I was like, wait, where are they? Oh, they're the three tall people in the middle. But at first, I was like, I. It was so good. And then, like, your little ending thing where you all at the same time. Yes, it was. And it was like, you know, usually, like, when people are. They're like. They're like a half second or a second off. Y' all were, like, right on.

[Abby Wambach]

On time. On time.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Yeah.

[Lauren Betts]

When?

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

I'm telling you, we practiced probably every day after practice. We practiced every day.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

And it was three to four weeks.

[Julie Foudy]

I would take me, like, three to four years, I think.

[Lauren Betts]

And we only had, like, what, like, two. Like, real rehearsals. With the.

[Abby Wambach]

With them?

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah, with them. So, like, we were just practicing on our own, and, like, we have a group chat, and we were just sending videos of us, like, to the dancers, and we were like, please tell us, like, if we look good, if we, like, please just give us, like, any critique. Because we were like. I remember, like, Gabs was saying, she's like, I don't want us to look like athletes. Like, we need to look like dancers. Like, I don't care. I don't care. Like, I don't want to fit.

[Julie Foudy]

You can't be all, like, stiff and.

[Lauren Betts]

No, no.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, Yeah, I think we should try that. I love that idea. I'm the worst dancer, though.

[Abby Wambach]

Same.

[Julie Foudy]

So bad. I have no rhythm. You guys had rhythm? Like, did you.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

You already had that. I feel like.

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah, I. Honestly, out of anybody on our team, I feel like the three of us were meant to do that.

[Abby Wambach]

I think it's also really interesting, Char, because, like, you're. It sounds to me, and. And Lauren, like, let me know if this also applies to you, but it sounds like you. You're kind of building some. Something for yourselves. Like, you have this brand awareness. You have your own YouTube channel. Like, what is that about? And. And are you just interested in it, or is this another way for you to monetize? Like, what is. What is the purpose? And are you helping some of your teammates figure this part of themselves out? Because you guys are brands in and of yourselves, you know?

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Yeah. I think there's kind of multiple layers to it. Yes. On a business side, like, the brand building and with nil, and just with the way that women's sports is growing, that is such a huge Opportunity and huge space for people to tap into that. And so that's definitely a part of why I'm doing it. But kind of like you just mentioned, I just love like that extroverted side of wanting to tap into that part. And being in LA and being with this type of team and just how much fun we have together, like, that has been such a key theme of our year and it's just another way to kind of do that. And so when I have these crazy random ideas and my teammates are like, sure, I'll be in your video, and then it's actually really fun. Like, I just really enjoy that side of it and it's something that I want to continue to do, but I've only really been able to tap into that since I've come here just because of the opportunities, like in la and everyone's kind of like minded. Like, obviously a lot of my teammates in their brands are already massive and they kind of do that on their own. So me being able to tap into that too has been really fun.

[Abby Wambach]

And how about you, Lauren? Like, how do you think about your, dare I say brand? Like, I hate that word because you're so much. You both are so much more than that. But it's the only word that I think we have right now.

[Lauren Betts]

No, I mean, I think, you know, Nil has like, completely changed my life. I mean, obviously, like, jar. And I didn't come into college, like, really expecting any thing other than, like, basketball. So it's kind of crazy to see how much has changed, but, like, what a great opportunity for us to kind of just take advantage of what college has to offer. And I think, you know, for me, I've done so many things. Like recently I just did a partnership with NYX Cosmetics, which is like something that I've always wanted to do. And I think especially, like, for me, I think as a tall woman, I think my goal and like the brands that I reach out to and like the people I work with is to kind of like spread a message and to remind people that, like, you know, regardless of what you look like, you can still or if you're an athlete. And like most people look at basketball players as if, like, we're supposed to be super, like, masculine, like, don't really, like, tap into their girly side. And I was like, no, like, I can still do my makeup. I mean, I beat my face before every single game, you guys. Like, it's just something I do. So I was like, you know, I'm just going to, you know, it's like, one of the, you know, partnerships that I've always wanted to tap into. And I thought that was a really cool opportunity. I feel like the vibes this year have just been, like, so positive because there's just so much that we, as a group love to do outside of basketball. And I feel like you don't always get that. I think a lot of, like, programs that you're on, like, really are just like, basketball, basketball, basketball, and it's so strict. But, like, this team genuinely has so many things that we have going on outside of basketball that it's just like, so, I don't know, like. Like freeing to just, like, be here. Like, it's not as stressful.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. And you see it. It's so brilliant. I mean, you see the joy and the fun, and you guys are laughing and celebrating together. And I think back to our days of playing in that sisterhood, and you, like, you had to, like, drag us away from the team because we loved each other so much. Like, you want me to retire? I don't really want to retire because I love is so fun. So you're doing that naturally. It's not forced. It's. And it comes through and it. And it will. I love when coaches and parents and players get to see that because it's the sauce that people don't talk about enough. Right.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

We.

[Julie Foudy]

We're focused on X's nos and what players we have and, you know, what plays we're running. And it's like, yeah, but so much of it is just that.

[Abby Wambach]

That what you're doing, it's like a psychological jujitsu. So. And I don't know if Corey has talked to you guys about this, but when there is so much attention on you, when the attention is coming this way, it is actually a psychologically stabilizing and balancing to actually do the opposite. And Jules, you know this from our time on the national team, we had a. A mental skills coach, Colleen Hacker, and we. She suggested, like, this is before really social media was a thing to take video. Like when you go into the Olympic, you know, the ring, and for the opening ceremonies or the closing ceremonies, and you're walking around, take video of people taking videos. And so it, like, balances out because it's an imbalance. There's like a psychological imbalance, and there's a vulnerability of people watching you. So when you are creating this content, I think it's so. It's brilliant because you're trying to equalize that. That. That inequity right there. So I think it's so awesome. And to see the joy because we can't take ourselves too seriously because at the end of the day, it's a game. Yeah. Your competitors, we all know you want to win, but I'm, I'm. I'm going to be cheering for you two and your team because I see how much, much joy and love you have for each other. Yeah, it's like, awesome.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Thank you.

[Lauren Betts]

Thank you.

[Julie Foudy]

I just watched the doc as well.

[Abby Wambach]

You see, I haven't watched it yet,

[Julie Foudy]

but spelled Y, O, U C S E E U C, L A. It's really good. And you both, I'm curious because you both have had amazing journeys and not. And it's not just all been smooth sailing, of course. And I think that's important for people to see. And you talk about it in the documentary and for people who want to watch it, it's available to Watch on Fox Sports 1 FS1, Fox Sports, YouTube channel, Apple TV, Spectrum on Demand. It's everywhere, people. You should see it. It's about last season and their run to the Final Four, which is the first time that UCLA had, had been to a Final Four and getting over that hurdle. But I am curious because you both were transparent. And Lauren, you talked about. You didn't phrase it. Corey phrased it as this kind of this imposter syndrome. But how mentally, to Abby's point, when you have so much attention on you as one of the top players in women's basketball right now, how hard that is to balance all of that and if you would share a little bit about that.

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah, I mean, I think, honestly, I think she phrased it pretty well. I mean, I think that's something that I did struggle with a lot last year because I think coming from where I started my freshman year and not really playing that much and like, coming from a situation where I didn't feel confident at all in myself and then, like, coming to UCLA and like, all this attention just on me immediately, I don't think I was really, like, ready for that mentally. And so I think I naturally just kind of, like, still had a piece of my freshman self inside of me. And I was like, well, like, I don't think I really deserve all of this attention. Like, I don't know if I can live up to it. And so I think, you know, over time, especially this year, I think, you know, I think this program in general, they've always done a really good job of just, like, reminding me of, like, who I am and why I deserve to Be here and, like, you know, just, like, constantly just filling me up with, like, so much confidence to the point where I just had to believe it, like there was just no other option. And I think that's why, like, UCLA has always been, like, the best decision I've ever made, just because, like, the person that I am now completely different than when I first entered this program. So I. Yeah. Credit UCLA a lot for that.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. And I'll just say this because I know what it's like to be handed a big responsibility of carrying the load, whether it's all the interviews or. Or scoring the most points or goals. For me, it comes with a heavy burden in some ways. And what I want to say is that it doesn't just happen all at once. Like you. It is always a process. And to. To see you have. Have grown so much, even in the last 24 months since last season, it's just been so incredible. And I also want to just say, like, you having had the experience of it, I want to give you two pieces of advice in order to get the championship that I know you guys want. Number one, you have to open yourself up to utter annihilation. I think that this generation of athletes, because of the exposure and so much social media that's happening, we like to cage ourselves. And vulnerability becomes. It can become a superpower. Right. If you allow it to. So if you are, like, it's fine, you know, like, I'm protect. If you protect yourself in any way, I think that limits your ability to win. And also something that my coach in 2012 taught us was this idea of keeping the bubble tight. Right. And so part of the bubble, I'm sure Corey talks about this, part of the bubble is manage your social media time, because what you. You choose to let in, what you're choosing to let into your brain can affect you psychologically. So if it's, you know, stupid trolls or whatever telling you things that you don't need to be listening to. So I always got rid of my social media during world championship times. And then when I'm in the stadiums and they're not booing me, I'm pissed. I want them to be booing me because that means they fear me. And that fear is what I'm trying to stoke in the hearts and the minds of the fans of the opposing team. So those are the two things that

[Lauren Betts]

I just want to say, let's go. I love that. That's awesome.

[Abby Wambach]

If they're not booing you, then you're not doing something wrong. Yeah, exactly.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

That's how you know you've made it.

[Julie Foudy]

You're like, give it to me louder.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, and that's the thing, like, especially for us, us women. Like, booze can really hurt our feelings. But it. There is, like, a little psychological switch that you can make to be like. Like, oh, hell, yes. Like, this is it. This is what I. You know, because it's not you that they're necessarily booing. It's their dream. Dying. Their dream of winning that game is.

[Lauren Betts]

That's a really good point.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

That's. Yeah, that's a great way to frame it.

[Lauren Betts]

That's a great way. I actually. We should probably tell that to our team.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm not going to.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

We will.

[Lauren Betts]

That's a really good piece of advice.

[Abby Wambach]

All right. All right.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

They're booing their dream.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, exactly.

[Julie Foudy]

Dying on the dying.

[Abby Wambach]

I like that. That's awesome.

[Julie Foudy]

Char, you as well, you. I mean, that full circle moment of tearing your ACL in Poly Pavilion at UCLA when you were playing for Washington State and then having to sit out as you transferred as a grad student your fifth year. Right. You sat out because you're acl. You go through the season with them. I'm watching you in the dock, and you're so adorable in it, and yet you're not even able to play. And now you're back playing and trying to get, of course, a national title. But for you, having watched and lived last season, how is this team different?

[Abby Wambach]

Lead from the bench is what you did. Holy moly.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Tried. Tried. Good question. I think we actually kind of talked about it a little bit yesterday, me and Low talking about the difference of this team. And the first thing is definitely what we've already talked about, like, just the joy that we have, the genuine connection and actually enjoying being around each other to the point where people are of kind. Kind of like, is this fake? You know? And I think so much of that translates to how we play on the court. And then when you kind of take a step back and look at, like, the roster of this team, the talent of this team, it could be so easy for any one of us or a lot of us just to be like, let me go and do my own thing, get my own worry about my stats. But I think this year's team, we've really committed to not worrying about any of that and, like, genuinely buying in to, I'm playing for you and you're playing for me. Like we're sisters, and I don't care whose night it is. I really don't. Like, at the end of the day, if we get the win, that's what we care about. And so I think we have had to work really hard on recommitting to that every single day. And it's going to be something that hopefully we've built so much of that foundation that going into the loudest part of the year, when all eyes, everyone's talking about it, so many people will try and pull us in different directions. That's where, you know, we're hoping that everything we've worked on to this point keeps us in that same mindset of going into that. And I think we've done a really good job of player to player and player to coach, coach to player, doing that and reminding each other of that every day. So I think that's the biggest difference this year is just that mindset of playing for each other.

[Abby Wambach]

It's like, that's a secret sauce that supercharges you guys. Like, it's. It almost feels like a secret when you actually like each other and support each other. It's like this. Like you said, it's almost. It feels like it's. It looks fake in some ways to the outside world, but it's this little secret that you all have inside of you, and it's this. It's this recommitting. It's the constant recommitting. Like, after every single, literally quarter, you're, like, recommitting to, like, it's a new. I mean, in. In soccer, we always said, like, it's the tale of two games. So the first half is the first game, and the second half is the second game. So how are you, like, do you guys feel confident in your bodies right now about what is gonna happen? I want to, like, like, yeah. Do you feel like you're gonna win this thing? I want to know. Yes.

[Lauren Betts]

Like.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Lauren Betts]

Like, plain and simple. Like, I think, you know, when you work so hard throughout the season, it's kind of hard not to feel confident just because, like, there's been so many days where, like, none of us felt like being here, none of us felt like showing up. And we constantly show up for each other every single day. And so when we get to moments like this, you can't help but feel, like, prepared. It's just inevitable, you know?

[Julie Foudy]

I love it. I love it. My last question for y' all before we let you go is, you get a chance, Lauren, to play with your sister as well. And not many people. Sienna is. Is on the squad as well. Not many people get that opportunity. You two get it. To do this madness, this March madness together. What's that like for you?

[Lauren Betts]

Yeah, you know, Sienna's funny. She's like, the team just, I don't know, like, clown. She just makes everybody laugh all day, every day. She's very unserious, and I feel like she keeps things very light for me because, you know, as things start to, like, get more intense, especially right now, I feel like she just constantly reminds me of, like, wow, like, I get to really show up and play with my own sister. And, like, this is fun, and this is supposed to be, like, really enjoyable. And, yeah, she's been amazing. I mean, to see her grow throughout the season and mature, like, it's just been, like, not just as her teammate, but as her sister has just been, like, so special, and I'm just so proud of her. She has just continued to help this team in any way that she can, and it's not easy playing on this team as a freshman. But again, I think she's really bought into, like, playing her role. And, you know, you saw it when she got the chance to play in the Big Ten championship, like, she went out and did her thing, so I was really proud of her. And, yeah, I'm, you know, really hoping that we can create more special memories together. Hopefully a Natty in there as well.

[Abby Wambach]

So, y', all, let's. Let's go. I feel so fired up. I feel so excited for you all. This is going to be a good run. We are going to be cheering for you all the way. We're doing this bracket challenge with some of the other women's sports pods in the space, and Julie and I, we're going to be filling out our.

[Lauren Betts]

Our.

[Abby Wambach]

Our brackets, and I don't think it's going to take much convincing, but I think that. I think we're going.

[Lauren Betts]

Let's go. Let's go.

[Abby Wambach]

I think we're gonna have to.

[Lauren Betts]

Yes.

[Abby Wambach]

That's right.

[Julie Foudy]

I'm just so thrilled for you. Don't forget to keep enjoying it. Like, don't change that. That's the most, like, take a moment in all these different parts of it as you're going through it, to just soak it in. Right. And. And embrace it, because when you do that, like, good things happen, as we know.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

So.

[Abby Wambach]

And you never know that you can do something until you actually go and do it, but you gotta go do it.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

I would chest bump you all if we were together right now.

[Abby Wambach]

I'd be like, come on, go do the thing. I, like, I have so much Belief in you guys. We watched you in person. You guys are just freaking phenomenal. Go and bring home the natty. Let's go.

[Charlize Ledger Walker]

Let's go. Thank you, guys.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm so hyped.

[Lauren Betts]

Thank you.

[Julie Foudy]

Thank you for taking the time and all the craziness as well. Oh, party pose on three. Whatever you. Your party pose is, maybe it's going to be your dance.

[Lauren Betts]

Oh, yeah, Yeah. I think we should hit it. Everyone has to do this. Yeah, everyone.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay. Party pose on three. One, two, three. How cute are they, dude? So sweet.

[Abby Wambach]

I really love them.

[Julie Foudy]

I know.

[Abby Wambach]

And I don't often can get a really instinctual, in instant vibe from people online like that. But both of them, Charlotte and Lauren, like, they. They genuinely like each other and love each other and they genuinely work hard and. And they're all. They're holding so much. They're not just focusing on basketball, but they're also focusing on school. And then now they have this whole other thing, which is, like, the business of their basketball that they're trying to hold and carry and. And then to be, you know, one of the top teams in the country this year, I'm just. I feel stunned at how acclimated and grounded and honest that they felt. To me, they weren't just. They weren't just press conference answering. They were like real people. They were real. I feel like a fresh breath of air at the realness of those two.

[Julie Foudy]

When. When Lauren gets on and said, I. I said, I hope I'm not. We're not making you play hooky today from school. She's like, nah, I don't have school today. I just have two finals coming up, and those are my last two ever. I was like, oh, my gosh. I forget. We forget. They're like, it's why student, as I used to. As I still say all the time to my kids, it's why they say student. Athlete, not athlete. Student. You're a student first.

[Abby Wambach]

That's right.

[Julie Foudy]

That's hard, though, to focus in on all that while you're going through the madness.

[Abby Wambach]

I'm not surprised, given how much reverence I have for Corey.

[Julie Foudy]

Close. Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Like, how much time she spends and how much she loves these kids as if they are her own. Right. Like, I'm not surprised that these kids are so grounded and so honest and. And. And open. Like, there was an openness to them that I felt surprised about. Right.

[Julie Foudy]

You got to go. You got to go watch that dog and party people. You should watch it as well.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

C S E E L A It's on YouTube. No pay wall. It's in. It's like an hour long. It's really good. But you get a sense too, of. Of what Corey, to your point, has built with ucla.

[Abby Wambach]

So good. I want them to win so bad.

[Julie Foudy]

Now I know you get invested. You get really invested. Okay, party people. We hope that you'll invest as well in our YouTube channel.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes. See?

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, oh, I forgot to show you abs. This is why you should go to the YouTube channel. Because I have. This is my in. This is my inspiration for the bracket challenge.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, my God.

[Julie Foudy]

I think if I put on, like, don't you think I can't see myself. Right.

[Abby Wambach]

Is that a basketball?

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

I can't even call it a hat. It's a basketball on your head.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

This is gonna be when we do

[Julie Foudy]

for picking our brackets. This is. This is what I use.

[Abby Wambach]

That's hilarious. You look ridiculous.

[Julie Foudy]

I know. That's why I love it.

[Abby Wambach]

You look ridiculous and I love it.

[Julie Foudy]

Like grocery shopping like this and be like, yo, it's almost March madness time. I would love to do that, honestly. Okay, so part of people, don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can see my ridiculous hats. And click on that little bell icon so that you know, I got a new angel city hat last night too. How cool is that?

[Abby Wambach]

So good.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. And click on that little bell icon so you get updates when new episodes go live.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. And if you can just take a second to rate review. Leave a comment. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast. We. It really matters to our show because we want to hear what you have to say. And also, just be sure to follow us on Instagram or YouTube or wherever you get your socials at. Welcome to the party show. And this is where Julie, Billy, and I will bring the party straight to your feed. This month especially, we're going to be doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff. You can also email us at party people questions gmail.com shout out. Kate Diaz. We love. We love the. The theme music of the. Of the show. Jules, bring it in. Let's oosa on three. Ready?

[Julie Foudy]

Wait, wait, wait.

[Abby Wambach]

You're a costume person. I love that about you so much. You make me a costume person. All right.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, let's go, let's go. We got to win this bracket challenge, people. I'm getting nervous already. I got to get my basketball hat on. I get so damn competitive. I'm still so competitive. I'm like, let's go. Okay. On three for the challenge. Usa. Usa.

[Abby Wambach]

Usa.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh. One, two, three.

[Abby Wambach]

Lets go. Welcome to the Party is an independent production brought to you by Treat Media. Treat Media makes art for humans who want to stay human. Initial Digital is our production partner, and you can also watch our full conversations on the welcome to the party YouTube channel and follow us at welcome to the Party show on Instagram and TikTok. Thanks for listening. Spring just slid into your DMs. Grab that boho, look for that rooftop

[Julie Foudy]

dinner, those sandals that can keep up with you. And hang some string lights to give your patio a glow up. Spring's calling. Ross, work your magic.