April 7, 2026 • 41 mins
UCLA hooper Charlisse Leger-Walker joins Sarah fresh off winning the NCAA title. The senior guard discusses the keys to the Bruins’ blowout win over South Carolina, being a "belief maker," bringing glory to her home country of New Zealand, the viral dance routine she roped her teammates into doing and more. Plus, the Sky is falling, another Bruins squad pulls off the win, and Spirits (finally!) lifted.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're printing
up T shirts for embittered Chicago Sky fans. They say,
Swim and Sylvia and Elena and Kalia and Candace and Angel.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Should I leave room for the next superstar?
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Was going to force her way out to It's Tuesday,
April seventh, and on today's show, we're joined by newly
minted NCAA National champion UCLA Bruins senior guard Charlie Ledger Walker.
We talk about the team's blowout win over South Carolina,
how her superclass of seniors earned UCLA its first title,
bringing glory back to New Zealand, her viral dance routine,
(00:34):
and more.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Plus the sky is falling.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Another Bruin squad pulls off the win and receipts proof
timeline screenshots.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
It's all coming up right after this. Welcome back, y'all.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Here's what you need to know today, starting with college
hoops and case you missed it, UCLA beat South Carolina
seventy nine, nine fifty one on Sunday in the NCAA
Basketball Championship. The twenty eight point margin of victory was
the third largest and a Division one women's championship final.
This is the first title for the Bruins in the
NCUBA era. The team last won a national championship in
(01:13):
nineteen seventy eight in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for
Women the AIAW. Some members of that winning team were
in the building on Sunday, watching as UCLA seniors scored
every single Bruins point and five different Hoopers finished in
double figures. Gabriella Hakaz had twenty one points, ten rebounds,
and five assists, while Lauren Betts had fourteen points and
(01:34):
eleven boards and was named the final four's most outstanding player.
South Carolina coach Don Staley said after her team's loss
in the title game, quote, although we didn't win, I
can swallow it because we lost to a really good
human being and a good team that represent women's basketball well.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
End quote. And hearing that, you do have.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
To wonder if she was subtweeting Yukon coach Gino Oriema,
who yelled at Staley at the end of the semi
final game on Friday and left the court before the
final handshacks. That interaction was still top of mind for
many heading into Sunday's title game, and the ESPN color
commentator and former Yukon star Rebecca Lobo said during the
game broadcast that Kotoriama had quote unquote reached out to
(02:13):
coach Staley and apologized for confronting her at the Final Four,
but in a press conference later on Sunday, Staley said
she wasn't aware of Gino reaching out.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
Take a listen, that's a Geno question, right, It really
is a Geno question. I haven't heard from Geno. So
I mean, I got eight hundred text messages though I
don't know if the text or not. But is UCLA's day, right,
and let's keep it UCLA then winning the National championship again.
I will address all of that at another time. It's
(02:43):
not this weekend, Like we're not going to damper UCLA's
day with it. We talked about South Carolina, it's losing.
We talk about UCLA winning the National championship, and what's
great about our game today?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
As at Marvin lh on Blue Sky.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
So after they put quote as small as Gino looks today,
Dawn looks gigantic end quote.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Couldn't agree more.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
It was UCLA's day and she let them have it.
Lots more on the historic Bruins win and that celebratory
dance on stage in Phoenix with Charlie later in the show.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
To the WNBA and buckle up slices.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Because things are happening, Starting with the expansion teams, the
Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire began building their rosters
last Friday with the Expansion Draft.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Now we're going to do a deep dive on both.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Of these new teams in an upcoming episode, but a
few highlights for now. The Portland Fire went first and
used their pick to immediately start an international beef, selecting
Canadian and Minnesota Lake star Bridget Carlton Well. I mean,
if the Tempo wanted to build a Canadian foundation, they
shouldn't have given away that first pick. Among Portland's other
picks the Golden State Valkyries, Carla Light and the Seattlestorms
(03:51):
Nica Mule, who just last week announced that she'll miss
her second straight w season due to an ACL tear.
The Tempo used their first pick to grab the La
Sparks Julia Month of Belgium, and like the Valkyries a
year ago, the Tempo went with a heavy international feel.
Eight different countries represented in their eleven picks. Other selections
include two former w champs and Narsabili of the New
(04:12):
York Liberty, reuniting her with former coach Sandy Brondello and
Las Vegas Aces rookie Illini and Toronto also establishing themselves
is having a little bit of bite from the Jump
taking feisty veteran Marina Maybrey from the Connecticut Sun. Oh
and by the way, so I saw Marina's boo slash.
Maybe not boo anymore because I checked on the Instagram
(04:32):
and I haven't seen any photos of them together of late,
so they probably broke up, which was probably awkward for me.
Then asked Senaia Rivers about Marina. But either way, I
saw her on again, off again, not anymore? Could still
be boo Senaia Rivers on Friday and we were chatting
about how the Sun like denied Marina a trade when
she got there and requested out, only for Marina and
Sanaia to hit it off and have a great time
at settle In and then.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Traded pro Sportsman. But I guess that they're not together.
It's not so bad.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
She can find a new lady up in Toronto who
knows who can keep up truly, not me more w
The Chicago Sky have traded two time WNBA All Star
Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream Dream Barbie incoming. The
Dream announced on Monday they acquired recent exchange for their
first round draft picks in twenty twenty seven and twenty
twenty eight. Atlanta will also get the right to swap
(05:19):
second round picks with Chicago in twenty twenty eight. Now,
last season, former Ellis used oar Reese average twelve point
six rebounds per game, making her the only player in
WNBA history to average at least twelve rebounds per game
in a season. She also led the Sky in points
and assists, and she led the league in double doubles.
But the season ended on a sour note, with Reese
publicly calling out the team's roster, telling the Chicago Tribune
(05:41):
in September, quote, I'm not settling for the same shit
we did this year. We have to get good players.
We have to get great players. That's a non negotiable
for me. I'm willing and wanting to play with the
best end quote Well, and Atlanta will see her team
up with guards Ali Sha Gray and Ryan Howard, among others.
The official word is that she didn't request out. The
team just worked with her to find a new home.
(06:03):
But if you believe that, I have some Chicago's Guy
WNBA Finals tickets to sell you, of course Reese wanted out.
Chicago is not keeping up with the rest of the league,
and so we see yet another disappointing star turn and
run from the sky. Take a look at the all
time roster for the franchise and you'll see some of
the greatest names in women's basketball history, most of whom
(06:24):
demanded a trade to go play for a team with
better resources and facilities, top tier leadership, and the chance
to contend. Chicago is one of the largest markets in
the country and a basketball loving city with tremendous hoops history.
The fans deserve a team that will actually invest in
top front office minds, best in the business coaching, modern
and compelling branding and social media, and the amenities and
(06:47):
treatment that star players deserve. The list of top level
hoopers that have come through Chicago and then left is
sort of unbelievable. Swin Cash, Sylvia Fowls, Elena Deladon, Kalia Copper,
Candice Parker, and Angel Reese, not to mention candas to
pre epiphany, Prince, I'm a misaman, Gabby Williams, and I
could go on and on and on and on and
(07:08):
by the way, while all of this is going on,
Prince belowner of the Sky, Michael Alter, is being sued
by a minority owner who claims that he used his
control of the organization to unfairly dilute minority owner stakes
and claim a new outsized ownership share for himself. Great
Chicago sports fans deserve better, and so do the players
who suit up for the Sky. If the franchise doesn't
(07:29):
catch up to the teams at the top of this league,
they're just going to continue to be a revolving door.
One final hoops note slices want to give you all
a picture of how this week of free agency will go.
So today and Yesterday designation period that's where teams can
send qualifying offers and core player designations. Then negotiations will
run Wednesday through Friday. Signings will begin on Saturday. WNBA
(07:50):
Draft is just a couple of days later on Monday,
April thirteenth, So yeah, hold on to your butts. Things
are going to get fast and furious. So let's just
all make a pack to at least try to stay
calm to soccer. The Kansas City Current's teen Whewinga returned
to the field on Saturday after missing time to a
hip injury suffered late last season. With the two time
(08:11):
defending league MVP back on the field, the Current found
their footing and beat Gotham FC two to one, ending
a three match losing streak. Joweinga earned an assist on
Debinia's goal in the thirty ninth minute.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Washington Spirit also.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
Saw the light over the weekend, beating BFC two nil
on Sunday for their first win of the season. A
bizarre own goal by BFC initiated the scoring. Jordan Silkowitz
came out of the box to try to clear the ball,
but then at ricocheted off BFC's Brooklyn Courtinell and into
the net. But the second Current goal did come from
a KC player. Gift Monday scored in the eighty sixth minute,
shortly after entering the game as a late sub. Trinity Rodman,
(08:46):
still looking for her first goal this year. Also this weekend,
Angel CITYFC suffered their first loss at the season Friday,
falling to the Orlando Pride two to one, and the
Houston Dash stayed hot, defeating Racing Louisville four to three
in a seven goal thriller. Louisville got on the board
first with a penalty kick in the twenty third minute,
then Houston equalized with their own pk before the half,
(09:07):
and then the lead changed a few times, with Keiki
Van Santen scoring two goals for the Dash and Houston
Sarah Puntigham scoring the game winner in stoppage time, her
first ever NWSL goal. The leg will now take a
couple of weeks off for an international break. Games will
restart on April twenty fourth to the PWHL. The New
York Sirens best at the Seattle Tour two to one
(09:27):
in a shootout on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, playing
in front of a sold out crowd of eighteen thousand
and six fans, a new US arena attendance record for
women's hockey. Yes again, Sirens goalie Kaylee Osbourne capped a
twenty save performance by stopping four or five shootout attempts
for the win. Now, if only another major women's sporting
event wasn't happening all the way across the country, I so.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Would have been there. It's a good problem to have,
I guess.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
After this weekend's games, one more team is officially into
the playoffs. Two time defending champs, the Minnesota Frost ended
a three game losing street on Saturday with the six
to five win over the Vancouver Goldeneys that earned him
another trip to the postseason. Frost forward and friend of
the Show Kelly Panic, had two goals and two assists
in that one. Frost joined the Fleet and the Victoire
in the playoffs, leaving just one more spot up for
(10:14):
grabs to Gymnastics, where the NCAA Semi Final round is set.
Eight teams advanced out of this weekend's regional finals, which
were held at four sites. LSU and Stanford clinch spots
via the Baton Rouge Regional, Florida and Georgia emerged from
the Tempe Regional, Oklahoma and Arkansas booked their tickets via
the Lexington Regional, and UCLA and Minnesota secured their spots
by way of the Corvallis Regional.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Now.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
UCLA's win came on Sunday evening, just hours after the
Bruins won the NCAA basketball title. But unlike the basketball
team's dominant performance in Phoenix. The gymnastics team trailed throughout
the regional competition.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Entering the final event of the night.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
Olympian Jordan Chiles needed at least a nine point nine
two five to secure the regional title for the.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Bruins, but she did a little better than that, recording.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
A perfect Chile's eighth perfect ten of the season, clinching
the title for UCLA. Well ink to a video of
her incredible performance and her emotional reaction. The semi final
round gets underway on Thursday, and the top four teams
will move on to.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Saturday's championship slices.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Lots more news for a busy few days of women's sports,
including a legend hanging them up at a new Hall
of Fame class. Well, we got to save those for
tomorrow because when we come back, it's the first Kiwi
woman to wear college basketball's top crown.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Charlie Ledger Walker next joining us.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Now she's a national championship winning Kiwi. She's a senior
guard for the NCAA title winning UCLA Bruins, a transfer
who previously played for Washington State, a four time All
Pack twelve player, former Pac twelve Freshman of the Year
and a member of the New Zealand national team.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
She's got basketball in her DNA.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Mom played for the New Zealand national team, and older
sister Crystal, was a teammate at Washington State. She teaches
her teammates how to dance. She grew up on an
avocado ranch. And we both can make our hair look
like Hagrid from Harry Potter just by brushing it.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
It's Charlie's leisure Walker. Hi. Charlie's Hi.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
That was such a great intro things.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
Well, I very much relate to your video doing your hair,
because literally, if I brush mine for like one second,
it's just a full I was gonna say a reference
from the nineteen seventies that you wouldn't understand but for
the olds Rosanna Dana from SNL and for the youngs
Hagrid from Harry Potter.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
No, yes, I am very much can be like that
a lot of the time.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Well, thank you for being here.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Congratulations, what a frickin' game I was there. I just
flew back this morning. What are your emotions as it's
kind of all settling in.
Speaker 5 (12:43):
It's crazy, you know, I woke up this morning and
still couldn't believe it, and then I, you know, kind
of go on my phone and it's just blowing up.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
It's so overwhelming. But I'm just like, it's insane.
Speaker 5 (12:55):
I can't believe that, you know, we can call ourselves
national champions, Like I would never have believed this.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
So it's just an amazing feeling.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
An incredible season, an impressive final showing. I mean, one
of the largest point differentials in the history of the
women's title game.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Tell me about the scouting Tell me.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
About the game plan going in against South Carolina.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
Yeah, well, you know, we knew how good of a
team South Carolina is, not just their players, but obviously
they have so much experience at this level and they're
very well coached, and we knew that they were going
to come out and try to be really disruptive, get.
Speaker 4 (13:28):
In passing lanes.
Speaker 5 (13:29):
A lot of their points come from turnovers and steals,
and also you know, on the offensive rebounding, they're one
of the best in the nation, And so we knew
that we had to come out and be vi aggresses
first and really take care of them all on our end,
and then just go out and play the team basketball
that we've been you know, showing all year, and we
knew that if we went out and did that, it
(13:50):
would be very hard for anyone to stop us. So
going into the game, it was more so a focus,
I guess, on us and just having the confidence of,
you know, knowing we have pieces and the talent to
win the game, but it's just going out there and
really dominating.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Right from the start, we saw Texas be able to
take y'all out of your game.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
That was an ugly basketball game, low scoring.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Neither of you really got in a groove and thankfully,
I mean you earned it as well.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
But their stars over on the Longhorns.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Weren't able to hit shots right, and that was part
of the reason you were able to pull away. What
did you take from that game heading into Sunday as
far as Corey close saying, just play your game, be
yourselves and that'll work, was there any concern after seeing
what Texas was able to do.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
Honestly, I think it gave us more confidence in our defense.
I mean, yes, you know, the game was obviously very
low scoring. It was basically a game of defense on
both sides. But for us, you know, we have tried
to hang our heads on that all season long. Is
how you know, if shots aren't falling for us, or
if our offense isn't, you know, flowing the way we
(14:51):
wanted to, we need to be able to rely on
our defense. And I don't think that's really been talked
about as much this year, but I think we've shown it,
you know, throughout the entire year. And so coming away
from that Texas game, obviously wasn't our greatest offensive showing,
but really proud of the way that we came out
and played defense. And you know, they have amazing players
and players that can make really tough shots, and you know,
(15:13):
our game plan going into that too was making them
take the hardest shots they can and limiting them to
one shot, and we went out and did that, and
I'm just really proud of the way that we not
only showed up to that game, but fought through it
regardless of if our shots were falling or not. And
I know, you know, for the fans, I'm sorry that
that's an ugly game you have to watch, but at
(15:34):
the end of the day, you know, a win's a win,
and I'm proud of how we did that, and it
just gave us confidence going into that championship game is
no matter if your shot is falling or not, We're
going to rely on our defense to get the job done.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
I don't think you need to apologize to your fans,
they're perfectly fine with However, you got.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
To where you are right now.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
You mentioned being the aggressors, and I noticed that instantly
you and your teammates came out like you were shot
out of a cannon. Gabriella Hakas in particular, I described
her as being in the world. I was already watching
her and she was like a frenetic, little kinetic jumping bean.
And then you saw Lauren Betts running the floor diving
for loose balls, like it was very clear from the
jump that you had been told like we need to
be the aggressors and set the tone and tempo, and
(16:12):
that made complete sense to me, Like U c LA
in a half court, especially with the mismatch of Lauren,
is going to be so much better than trying to
go one on one or race against.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
The South Carolina team that's got so much speed.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
Did the game start out as you expected or did
you think there'd be more pushback from the game Cocks
and trying to set the style Honestly.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
I did kind of expect us to come out with
that type of energy and that dominance just because of
how it felt, you know, in the locker room. We
our mindset is so present focused and a lot of
the times, you know, we are just trying to focus
on the next position, the next place speed type of mentality.
And the reason that we came out and we're so
(16:50):
dominant in the beginning is because, you know, the whole
prip leading up to that, we had that confidence and
we knew we wanted to come out and start like
that and if we do, it's going to be really
hard for teams to catch up. And so we knew
that it was going to be, you know, a tough
game either way. South Carolina is obviously really good, like
I said, very experienced, and we were just ready for
whatever they were going to throw at us. But again,
(17:10):
it was all just focused on what we needed to
do and going out there and executing it to the
best availability.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Y'all got a big lead, and the only real hiccup
was in the second quarter they went into a press
and dropped into a zone. It was a turnover, half
court violation. Like a couple things in a row that
sort of disrupted the flow that y'all were in, and
it felt like maybe the game.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
Cocks would use that to get back in.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
But this is not a pressing team with some absurd
number like three percent of.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
Possessions all season or something that they were pressing.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
So they were doing something completely out of character to
try to get back in the game.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
And y'all settled down so quickly after those first couple
of mistakes.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
What do you attribute to that ability in the middle
of this game, not panic and be like, oh my gosh, turnover, turnover, turnover.
You just got back into it and settled in and
played your game.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
How'd you do that?
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Just leadership and experience.
Speaker 5 (17:55):
I mean, you know, a lot of teams talk about
South Carolina's experience obviously being here, but we have a
lot of seniors on this team. We've played a lot
of college basketball, and we all really understand, you know,
what the moment is, and we also realize, you know,
anything that happens to us, whether it's good or bad,
we can bring each other back, you know, to the
(18:16):
prison and really reset our focus. And we've been doing
that all year. We literally have two to three sessions
a week where we have like it's called mind gym.
You might have probably heard people talking about it, but
it's where you practice like mental toughness. How do you
come back to the present moment after you've you know,
had a bad thing going on or a good thing,
(18:37):
Like we always try and reset our focus. And that
is literally what happened in that game is we're like, okay,
we're fine, Like we need to make adjustments here and
there because this isn't obviously working for us. They've changed
some things and we're very quick to do that. And
that's just speaks to the experience of this team, the
leadership that we have, and obviously we have a lot
of veterans, so just collectively again bringing everyone together and
(18:59):
just resetting up mind.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Jim, I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
Is that a Corey Close thing or is that a
La Bruins thing? Or is that something people can find online?
Speaker 4 (19:06):
This is a UCLA women's basketball thing.
Speaker 5 (19:09):
One of our coach, one of our assistant coaches, coach Tasha,
she's the one who leads it. She's amazing and she
actually has an Instagram, I think, where she posts some
clips of decisions that we have.
Speaker 4 (19:20):
But it's something they've been.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
Doing for a really long time, but I haven't really
heard about it or seen it in other programs.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
I'm not going to name any names, but I could
think of some people at the Final four who could
have used some practice in regulating self regulating turning down.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
The temple a little bit.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Okay, So you mentioned that there's a lot of people
on this team with experience, and obviously the Final four
run last year ended not great blowout loss to Yukon
in the Semis and left a whole bunch of players
determined not to see that repeat.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
And to finish the job this year.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
So how much did last year's run sort of come
up as you made your way through the tournament this year.
Speaker 4 (19:57):
Yeah, honestly, not not much.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Really like a lot of our focus this year again,
like I said, was really trying to be prison and
as much as you know last year, we can take
that reflection on what we learned, especially just the experience
of being at a Final four. There's so many different
things that people don't know go on behind the scenes
in terms of media and obligations, and it can be
a lot, you know, going for the first time, and
(20:22):
last year when we were there, it was just a
whole new experience, and so I think we took that.
But other than that, we weren't really focused on, you know,
what had happened last year. We're a completely different team obviously,
and you know, just trying to stay focused on one
going one in every game. We weren't even looking towards
the championship game. It was more about who's in front
(20:43):
of us right now and what do we need to do.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Every point in this final was scored by a senior,
but it was awesome that everyone got some minutes and contributed,
which was great to see. Tell me about winning this
with your fellow seniors. This is your final collegiate game.
You play as well as you do. You bring UCLA
the first NCAA title, Like, how cool is it to
do that with a pack of women that are also
experiencing that same thing.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
It's insane.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
Like I love each of my teammates so much, and
you know, especially the seniors.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
I'm just I'm so proud of them.
Speaker 5 (21:16):
Like there's so many things that they've each had to
sacrifice to be here and to get to this moment,
and all of their stories are so uniquely amazing, and
I'm just so grateful that I get to be a
part of that, and you know, I've been able to
walk alongside and win a championship with the type of
teammates they are, Like, yes, they're great basketball players, but
(21:37):
they're even better people. And I'm just so proud that
they get to celebrate this because it's been something that
we've all been working for, not just for a year,
like it's been our whole entire lives working for a
moment like this, and so it's insane.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
And I can't like.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
This senior class has been such a dream to play with.
It's been one of the best teams I've ever been on,
and I'm just so happy that, you know, we get
to celebrate this together.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Did you all have the chance meet any of the
women of the last national championship team in any point
this season? I know Corey Close loves to talk about
the village that helps a win like this. Did you
actually get a chance to meet that nineteen seventy eight
team ever?
Speaker 5 (22:13):
Yeah, we've actually met a couple of them, and one
of them actually, Miss Debbie. She is a big part
of our program. She's around all the time. She I
don't know, if you don't know what the Enneagram test is.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
It's like, yeah, of course, okay, Yeah, she.
Speaker 5 (22:27):
Actually is the one who kind of comes and makes
us take that and then talks us through it. And
she's around all the time, so we get to see
her and talk to her a lot.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
So that's really special too.
Speaker 1 (22:38):
Yeah, I heard Miss Debbie get a shout out from
Holly Road during the post game.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
We love Coach Corey Close around here.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
I'm not surprised that she would use an any Agram test,
and she would use you know, mind Jim, and she
would find all these different ways to access the parts
of you that aren't just basketball players. For those of
you who don't know the Anyagraham, look it up. It
uses a quiz to help decide your personality type and
influences the best way that you can be led shine
get the best out of your people on your team
(23:05):
and the people around you. It's used for the workplace often,
but if you listen to Amy Poehler's podcast, she's obsessed
with asking people they're any grooms. But I'm not surprised
that Coach Close wants to use all these different ways
to access and get the best out of her players.
You know, her desire to lead and teach and leave
y'all better off. The court is so clear. You've only
been here a short time, but what's her impact been
(23:26):
on you?
Speaker 4 (23:26):
It's invaluable.
Speaker 5 (23:27):
I mean, the way that she invests in her players
and just everyone in her program is insane, Like, I
don't think I've ever met a coach that coaches that
way and is truly authentic and genuine, And how she
cares for people, Like she obviously wants you to succeed
and be so good at basketball and all of the things,
(23:48):
but she cares more about who you are as a
person and what you're going to do beyond the sport.
And for me, you know, coming in as a transfer
and just wanting to not only develop my game, but
look at sony different opportunities in LA, like she has
helped me in so many different areas of my life.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
I cannot think her enough.
Speaker 5 (24:06):
Like, I am so grateful that I chose to come here,
and it's been the best two years that I could
have asked for. And Yeah, couldn't have any more good
things to say about Coach Corey. She is an amazing
human being.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
Speaking of great coaches, I actually ended up having dinner
with one of your professors on Saturday night, former UCLA
softball coach legendary Sue Anquist, and she could not stop
raving about you. Of the many things she said about you, See,
she said, you're a belief maker. She said, you authentically
ooze love and balance, and you make everyone around you
(24:36):
feel lighter and play lighter. She said of her like
forty five plus years in this year in rarefied air.
And she praised to Papa John Wooden to make you
in the duplication machine so you could have more and
more of Charlie s Ledgerwalker's So, first of all, geez,
I mean, most people hope their professor remembers their name.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
What does that mean to you that you have that
impact on people?
Speaker 4 (24:56):
Oh my gosh, I love coach. She's a maze.
Speaker 5 (25:01):
I got to obviously be in one of her classes
here for my master's program. And she like the energy
that she has when she walks into a room is unreal,
Like every time, Like that's the first time I actually
wanted to go to class, like because she was teaching.
But that's so nice, Like she just radiates joy, and
you know, someone for me, another person for me to
(25:22):
look up to. And I've already learned so much from
her in such a short amount of time, and having
somebody like her in my corner is massive.
Speaker 4 (25:30):
But yeah, that's I can't believe she's said or that
that's so nice.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Well, I want to hear how you see yourself as
a belief maker and as someone who makes people play
more lighter and more freely.
Speaker 4 (25:42):
I don't know.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
I think when I'm out there, and especially you know,
on the basketball court, I just find so much joy
in seeing other people have fun and celebrate, and like,
if I can make someone smile on the court, like
I want to do that, I'm going to go out
there and do whatever I need for the team to win,
and you know, do all the little things that maybe
don't you necessarily you always see, but it's all because
(26:06):
at the end of the day, we win as a team.
And I love when you play team basketball, and you know,
people are just so selfless, and that's that's an easy
thing for me to do because I just love seeing
the joy and other people and that's something that I've
been trying to do all year. So I think, you know,
maybe that's what the belief making thing comes from. I guess,
(26:27):
but it really is just joy because I just think
you can do both. You know, you can play hard,
you can win, you can be a competitor, and you
can also enjoy it at the same time. And that's
something that I've always stood for and we'll continue to
stand for well.
Speaker 1 (26:40):
And I feel like probably, you know, you red shirt
your first year at UCLA, so you're with the team
but not playing, so then you have to find a
way to be a part of things that isn't on
the court. I mean, it feels like it's very natural
to you. I've also seen a lot of your social media.
You're very outgoing, You're you know, you're a very easygoing,
fun loving person, So I imagine that's probably always a
part of it for you. But I imagine in those
(27:02):
moments last year when you literally couldn't do anything on
the court, you got to figure out how to be
a personality person and an IQ player for the team, right.
Speaker 4 (27:10):
Yeah, one hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (27:11):
I mean, when you're out and sidelined, especially with an injury,
like it's one of the hardest things to continue to
show up and choose to be a good teammate and
choose to you know, show up and bring.
Speaker 4 (27:21):
Joy for other people because it's so easy to.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
Go you know, internal and focus about what you're missing
out on. And so for me, that was something I
intentionally chose to do every single day is I'm going
to be a good teammate.
Speaker 4 (27:34):
I'm going to find.
Speaker 5 (27:35):
A way to you know, make someone else's day better
because it is really hard to show up and do that.
But I think it also just comes from, you know,
how I grew up and obviously I'm someone multi I
have a big, massive family, and you'll always you know,
have to look out for other people, and it just
takes a community. So I love being a villager. I
(27:57):
love being a part of that, and it's just been
so fun for me.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Yeah, you know, one way you've made people better not
just through basketball, is as dancers. I mentioned your very
active social media presence. You have a fantastic YouTube channel.
Everyone go subscribe and watch her videos. They're so great.
But back in February, you posted a video can we
make the UDLA Dance Team in twenty four hours and
you said if it got a thousand likes, you and
your teammate Gabrielle Hawkez would perform a dance taught to
(28:21):
by the dance team at halftime of a men's basketball game,
big stage, big stage, out in Westwood, and then you
recruited Lauren Betts added her to the mix, and the
three of.
Speaker 2 (28:30):
You absolutely eight.
Speaker 1 (28:32):
Like the response to this video wasn't just that you
would like had the guts to do it, but you
looked so good doing it, and so the video ends
up going viral. You do it a couple more times
throughout the tournament, and then you cap off the title
win dancing on the stage on the court in.
Speaker 2 (28:44):
Phoenix, like so cool.
Speaker 1 (28:46):
Could you ever have imagined that that video would get
so big? And like I said, you absolutely eight. So
I can't imagine you regret it. But if you could
go back and tell yourself what would happen? Would you
still have the guts to do it?
Speaker 4 (28:57):
Girl? No?
Speaker 5 (28:58):
I how viral it went, like I knew it would,
like kind of I knew it would get a lot
of attention and people would be talking about it, and
it was always going to be a fun thing. You know, me, Gabs, Lauren,
we're always dancing, like doing tiktoks anyway, And so when
I was coming up with these ideas for my YouTube channel,
like I was like why not, Like, why not let's
do something fun like this?
Speaker 4 (29:19):
And the dance captain.
Speaker 5 (29:20):
Was the one who actually messaged me after she saw
like a gymnastics swap video that I did, and she's like,
just threw it out there, come on, let's do a video.
Like I was like, okay, Like we'll make it work.
And then when we were actually going through it and
learning the dance and everything, I was like, oh my god,
like this is a real dance.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
I can't believe we're doing this.
Speaker 5 (29:39):
And then the day of like, I don't think it
fully hit me until we were running out there and
I realized how many people actually at the game watching us.
And then as soon as we finished, like it was everywhere,
and I was like, oh god, this is so cool. Sane,
it's insane, but it's so fun, Like I would do
it a thousand times over. It was literally one of
the best parts of my season of my college career.
Speaker 1 (30:02):
I noticed you were also teaching Gianna Nipkins sat a dance,
but she didn't get the call for that one.
Speaker 5 (30:06):
Well, Gianna, we're still working up at that point, you know,
I think it's for the best.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
Yeah, she she'll get there. She'll get there.
Speaker 1 (30:14):
How are the nerves before that performance compared to say,
the title game.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Way higher, which is crazy, like way high.
Speaker 5 (30:21):
It's like a completely different feeling, Like I don't know,
even though we've been on that court a thousand times,
doing something that is just so outside of your comfort zone.
I was like, this is insane. I remember right before
we went onto the court, we were doing like a
final walkthrough and I was like, I've forgotten, like I've
forgotten everything, Like, guys, I don't know, and they're like,
(30:41):
Kelly's free, You're okay, you know what you're doing.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
I'm like, okay, yeah, it's the ten thousand hours thing.
It's like, really, you could probably dribble in your sleep
at this point, but something you haven't done that many
times over you start to talk.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
Yourself out of. You're like, oh my god, this is I.
Speaker 1 (30:57):
Was watching your videos also. I love the one where
you were frat brothers to come to your game and
trading off either they got to pick a sally if
they beat you in beer pong, or you got to
recruit them to the game. And one of the frats
you went to I think it was betat Theta Pi.
I actually lived in that fraternity for a summer when
I was doing an internship in LA. When I was
in college, I tore my achilles in track and I
(31:17):
rehabbed in the UCLA athletes gym and lived in that stinky,
fly infested frat house.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 1 (31:25):
So anyway, I was very familiar with that row of
frat houses you were.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Walking down and popping into. I was like, I've done
this walk. Hey, who's in here? What's a party? Summer?
Nobody's around? Let's have some yours.
Speaker 1 (31:36):
Very funny. Everyone needs to go subscribe. You're a natural.
I'm thinking that you have a very nice career ahead
of you outside of even basketball, if you want to
keep pursuing stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (31:44):
I also was taking a.
Speaker 1 (31:45):
Spin through New Zealand's top news sites and you are
leading practically all of the sports pages.
Speaker 2 (31:51):
How does it feel to be the.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
First Kiwi woman to win an NCAA basketball championship?
Speaker 2 (31:55):
Did you know that you would be the first if
you pulled it off?
Speaker 4 (31:58):
I did know that I would be the first.
Speaker 5 (32:00):
You know, basketball in New Zealand is a pretty small
not a small community, but everyone knows everyone, and so
even you know, coming to college and talking about my
college career. There's always been a lot of talk about that,
but it's insane, like going not only was I think
I was the first to actually play in a championship
game and then obviously the first to win, So that
(32:22):
in itself is insane.
Speaker 4 (32:24):
And I've had, you know, so many people.
Speaker 5 (32:26):
The support that I've had from home is incredible, and
I'm so grateful for you know, New Zealand and the
community there. The like I said, the basketball community isn't
that big, so a ton of support coming from them,
which has been really nice.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
I'm so jealous you're from there. New Zealand's my happy place.
I'm so jealous of your endless avocado supply. As a child,
that sounds like a dream. Are you going to get
back there anytime soon? I know you've got so much
other stuff going on, but you got to go see
all the Keywis.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
They'll probably throw your parade.
Speaker 4 (32:53):
I know, I know.
Speaker 5 (32:54):
I want to get back, you know, as soon as
I can. It just depends on how, you know, this
season and the celebrations and the draft and there's just
so many things going on.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
But I'll get back at some point.
Speaker 1 (33:07):
Okay, last couple questions for you, you do not have
much time before the next big thing arrives for you.
Of course, you got to finish up school, maybe take
some finals, walk across the stage, package your stuff, all
that stuff, but hopefully head to a new team. WNBA
draft coming up. How are you preparing for that next step.
Speaker 5 (33:24):
Yeah, it's funny me and my roommates. I live with
Gianna and Angela, and literally right before I jumped on this,
we all emailed and declared for the draft and it's
kind of crazy, you know, like these six of us
that are going to be there together and that's a
really cool thing that we get to experience, and I
think a lot of it, Like as much as we're
thinking about that and we're so excited, we're also like,
(33:46):
we we're going to miss this so much, and we're
just really trying to stay present right now and enjoy
these last moments we have together because it's all going
to change so soon, and so it's kind of like
that balance of, you know, being in two minds. You're
just enjoying everything also knowing that your life is about
to change real quick, and training camp and everything is
(34:09):
coming up, so you have to be locked into that too.
But you know, just taking it one day at a
time right now.
Speaker 1 (34:14):
Yeah, And it's such a monumental time to enter the
w thirtieth season, new better, much bigger contracts, lots of
attention and excitement. How does it feel to even imagine
yourself being a part of it? Knowing all the conversation
that has gone on and all the work that came
to getting players what you will now benefit from if
you get drafted.
Speaker 4 (34:32):
It's huge.
Speaker 5 (34:33):
I mean, I'm just so thankful for you know, all
the women that have put in so much time and
effort to get us to this point. You know, the
rise of women's basketball is continuing to skyrocket, and I'm
so grateful that I can be a part of that.
And you're right, I am here in such a great
time where I can kind of insert myself into that
(34:54):
while it's peaking. But again, couldn't be more thankful for,
you know, the women who have trailblazed and kind of
set the foundation for what it is now because obviously
couldn't be here without them, and excited to you know,
meet a lot of them and learn from them and
just be you know, teammates with them as well.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
Well.
Speaker 1 (35:11):
We get a dance at the draft, you think, or
are we done with the dance for a little while.
Speaker 5 (35:16):
I maybe the dance at this point is like on request,
so it.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
Will live forever. Yes, once you've learned it, you might
as well make it work exactly.
Speaker 1 (35:25):
Oh my gosh, I'm just thinking about all the You
got to find a dress, you got to probably partner
up with coach and figure out what you're getting sponsored
by for the draft. You got to figure out your
parties and your Oh I'm just I'm stressed on your behalf,
but also excited for you. The only time I was
sad at college was like the very first day. I
was a little nervous, and then I settled it and
I loved it so much. And then at the very end,
thinking about leaving my friends and like going out in
(35:47):
the real world, it was really hard for me, Like
one are the saddest times in my life. I'm a
very upbeat, happy person, but it was just like, oh no,
I don't want to I don't want to give all
this up. This is so magical, and so I hope
you do get the chance to be in the moment
enjoy with all your friends. The good news is all
your friends might be going to the same job that
you are, which most seniors in college do not have
(36:08):
that benefit, so you'll get to hang out with them.
Speaker 2 (36:11):
Still, thank you so much for making time.
Speaker 1 (36:13):
I know is a crazy twenty four hours, but it
was so great to talk to you and we wish
you the best of luck.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Thank you so much, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (36:21):
Thanks again to Charlie for taking the time. And don't forget.
Speaker 1 (36:24):
You can now watch full length good game interviews on
the iHeart Women's Sports YouTube channel.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
Go subscribe. We got to take another break. When we
come back, a.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
March Sliceness champ emerges. Welcome back, Slices. We love that
you're listening, but we want you to get in the
game every day too, So here's our good game play
of the day.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
Now, college hoops are over sad.
Speaker 1 (36:50):
But that does mean we've got a winner of this
year's bracket challenge.
Speaker 2 (36:53):
And some of y'all did really good this year.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
Not us, definitely not us and Big Citrus really at
the bed with our final four predictions may Kolplacox and Bruins.
Speaker 2 (37:04):
But you Slices, You Slices did good. Were impressed.
Speaker 1 (37:08):
So after nineteen days, sixty seven games and a few
too many sweaty poalm moments.
Speaker 2 (37:13):
The winner of our March Slicest Bracket Challenge is.
Speaker 1 (37:19):
Stephjam Ones Picks one with seventeen hundred.
Speaker 2 (37:22):
And forty points.
Speaker 1 (37:23):
Staphjam, congratulations, you freaking earned it. You had UCLA beating Texas,
South Carolina beating Yukon and the Bruins taking home the trophy.
Go ahead and say it just like you drew it up,
and I certainly won't be the one to mention that
stephjam Ones picks two used to be in the lead,
so that wasn't just like you drew but honestly to
have two of them that are trading back and forth,
(37:45):
very impressive, Very impressive, Steph jam congrats again. Send us
an email good Game at wondermediaetwork dot com to claim
your prize. Also attention owner of the seeded rivalry bracket.
Speaker 2 (37:56):
We mentioned you in a previous show.
Speaker 1 (37:57):
You won our best Bracket challenge name, so send us
an email, claim your prize, own your glory.
Speaker 2 (38:04):
We always love to hear from you.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
Sit us up on email, good Game at wondermedianetwork dot
com or leave us a voicemail at eight seven two
two O four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe
a rate and review.
Speaker 2 (38:14):
It's so easy.
Speaker 1 (38:15):
Watch Betting on Yourself rating three out of three. Well
spent seasons in Westwood Review, Bruin Starr and most Outstanding
Player of the Tournament. Lauren Betts not only routinely puts
on a clinic on the court, she's a role.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
Model off of it as well.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
She'd been open about her mental health battles, including struggles with.
Speaker 2 (38:34):
Depression and anxiety.
Speaker 1 (38:35):
She opened up again recently, penning an essay for The
Player's Tribune right before March Madness.
Speaker 2 (38:40):
We'll link to it in the show notes.
Speaker 1 (38:42):
Also at the postgame press conference on Sunday, Betts was
asked what she was most proud of regarding her mental
health journey over the last few years.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Take a listen.
Speaker 6 (38:50):
I can't thank this program enough. Firstly for how much
they believed in me. And when I came in my
sophomore year, I was completely different than I today, and
I showed up and I had zero confidence, and you know,
I wasn't sure if I wanted to really like play
basketball for that much longer, and Coach Corey really stayed
(39:10):
patient with me, and she wanted to, you know, see
me accomplish everything that I'd ever dreamed of, and they
just continue to remind me, Like you know, they want
me to see myself the way they all see me.
And I feel like, now at this point, I can
finally truly do that, and I think that's what I'm
most proud of. Like you know, it hasn't been an
easy journey, but the way that these people have truly
(39:30):
just you know, embraced me for everything that I bring
and continue to love me like I just I love
UCLA so much and I love these girls.
Speaker 1 (39:39):
They wanted me to see myself the way they all
see me. Yes, ma'am, that's a goal for us. All
talk about yourself the way your best friends talk about you.
Now it's your tard slices, rate and review. Thanks for listening,
See you tomorrow. Good Game, Charlie's Good Games, Sam Ewis
and the Women's Game Podcast for winning the Welcome to
(39:59):
the Arch Madness Party bracket challenge.
Speaker 2 (40:03):
So happy for you. Honestly, though, how did we lead
the whole time and just choke at the end.
Speaker 1 (40:07):
I mean somebody probably must have cheated, right, There's no
way we just lost of our own accord.
Speaker 2 (40:11):
I don't think that's even possible.
Speaker 1 (40:14):
So you know what, I'm accepting this result under protest,
and I will find something specific to protest soon, but
for now, I'll just pretend to be happy for them,
because this is what being a good sport looks like.
I guess, And thank you Chicago for letting the WNBA's
angel Rees go to Atlanta and the nwsl sam Angel
(40:34):
go to Boston.
Speaker 2 (40:35):
We need angels here too. Hello.
Speaker 1 (40:43):
Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports
production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You
can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network,
our producers are Alex Asi and Bianca Hillier. Our executive
producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder.
Our editors are Emily Rutterer, Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez, and
(41:06):
Gianna Palmer. Production assistant from Avery Loftus and I'm your host,
Sarah Spain
Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're printing
up T shirts for embittered Chicago Sky fans. They say,
Swim and Sylvia and Elena and Kalia and Candace and Angel.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Should I leave room for the next superstar?
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Was going to force her way out to It's Tuesday,
April seventh, and on today's show, we're joined by newly
minted NCAA National champion UCLA Bruins senior guard Charlie Ledger Walker.
We talk about the team's blowout win over South Carolina,
how her superclass of seniors earned UCLA its first title,
bringing glory back to New Zealand, her viral dance routine,
(00:34):
and more.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Plus the sky is falling.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Another Bruin squad pulls off the win and receipts proof
timeline screenshots.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
It's all coming up right after this. Welcome back, y'all.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Here's what you need to know today, starting with college
hoops and case you missed it, UCLA beat South Carolina
seventy nine, nine fifty one on Sunday in the NCAA
Basketball Championship. The twenty eight point margin of victory was
the third largest and a Division one women's championship final.
This is the first title for the Bruins in the
NCUBA era. The team last won a national championship in
(01:13):
nineteen seventy eight in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for
Women the AIAW. Some members of that winning team were
in the building on Sunday, watching as UCLA seniors scored
every single Bruins point and five different Hoopers finished in
double figures. Gabriella Hakaz had twenty one points, ten rebounds,
and five assists, while Lauren Betts had fourteen points and
(01:34):
eleven boards and was named the final four's most outstanding player.
South Carolina coach Don Staley said after her team's loss
in the title game, quote, although we didn't win, I
can swallow it because we lost to a really good
human being and a good team that represent women's basketball well.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
End quote. And hearing that, you do have.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
To wonder if she was subtweeting Yukon coach Gino Oriema,
who yelled at Staley at the end of the semi
final game on Friday and left the court before the
final handshacks. That interaction was still top of mind for
many heading into Sunday's title game, and the ESPN color
commentator and former Yukon star Rebecca Lobo said during the
game broadcast that Kotoriama had quote unquote reached out to
(02:13):
coach Staley and apologized for confronting her at the Final Four,
but in a press conference later on Sunday, Staley said
she wasn't aware of Gino reaching out.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
Take a listen, that's a Geno question, right, It really
is a Geno question. I haven't heard from Geno. So
I mean, I got eight hundred text messages though I
don't know if the text or not. But is UCLA's day, right,
and let's keep it UCLA then winning the National championship again.
I will address all of that at another time. It's
(02:43):
not this weekend, Like we're not going to damper UCLA's
day with it. We talked about South Carolina, it's losing.
We talk about UCLA winning the National championship, and what's
great about our game today?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
As at Marvin lh on Blue Sky.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
So after they put quote as small as Gino looks today,
Dawn looks gigantic end quote.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Couldn't agree more.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
It was UCLA's day and she let them have it.
Lots more on the historic Bruins win and that celebratory
dance on stage in Phoenix with Charlie later in the show.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
To the WNBA and buckle up slices.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Because things are happening, Starting with the expansion teams, the
Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire began building their rosters
last Friday with the Expansion Draft.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Now we're going to do a deep dive on both.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Of these new teams in an upcoming episode, but a
few highlights for now. The Portland Fire went first and
used their pick to immediately start an international beef, selecting
Canadian and Minnesota Lake star Bridget Carlton Well. I mean,
if the Tempo wanted to build a Canadian foundation, they
shouldn't have given away that first pick. Among Portland's other
picks the Golden State Valkyries, Carla Light and the Seattlestorms
(03:51):
Nica Mule, who just last week announced that she'll miss
her second straight w season due to an ACL tear.
The Tempo used their first pick to grab the La
Sparks Julia Month of Belgium, and like the Valkyries a
year ago, the Tempo went with a heavy international feel.
Eight different countries represented in their eleven picks. Other selections
include two former w champs and Narsabili of the New
(04:12):
York Liberty, reuniting her with former coach Sandy Brondello and
Las Vegas Aces rookie Illini and Toronto also establishing themselves
is having a little bit of bite from the Jump
taking feisty veteran Marina Maybrey from the Connecticut Sun. Oh
and by the way, so I saw Marina's boo slash.
Maybe not boo anymore because I checked on the Instagram
(04:32):
and I haven't seen any photos of them together of late,
so they probably broke up, which was probably awkward for me.
Then asked Senaia Rivers about Marina. But either way, I
saw her on again, off again, not anymore? Could still
be boo Senaia Rivers on Friday and we were chatting
about how the Sun like denied Marina a trade when
she got there and requested out, only for Marina and
Sanaia to hit it off and have a great time
at settle In and then.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Traded pro Sportsman. But I guess that they're not together.
It's not so bad.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
She can find a new lady up in Toronto who
knows who can keep up truly, not me more w
The Chicago Sky have traded two time WNBA All Star
Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream Dream Barbie incoming. The
Dream announced on Monday they acquired recent exchange for their
first round draft picks in twenty twenty seven and twenty
twenty eight. Atlanta will also get the right to swap
(05:19):
second round picks with Chicago in twenty twenty eight. Now,
last season, former Ellis used oar Reese average twelve point
six rebounds per game, making her the only player in
WNBA history to average at least twelve rebounds per game
in a season. She also led the Sky in points
and assists, and she led the league in double doubles.
But the season ended on a sour note, with Reese
publicly calling out the team's roster, telling the Chicago Tribune
(05:41):
in September, quote, I'm not settling for the same shit
we did this year. We have to get good players.
We have to get great players. That's a non negotiable
for me. I'm willing and wanting to play with the
best end quote Well, and Atlanta will see her team
up with guards Ali Sha Gray and Ryan Howard, among others.
The official word is that she didn't request out. The
team just worked with her to find a new home.
(06:03):
But if you believe that, I have some Chicago's Guy
WNBA Finals tickets to sell you, of course Reese wanted out.
Chicago is not keeping up with the rest of the league,
and so we see yet another disappointing star turn and
run from the sky. Take a look at the all
time roster for the franchise and you'll see some of
the greatest names in women's basketball history, most of whom
(06:24):
demanded a trade to go play for a team with
better resources and facilities, top tier leadership, and the chance
to contend. Chicago is one of the largest markets in
the country and a basketball loving city with tremendous hoops history.
The fans deserve a team that will actually invest in
top front office minds, best in the business coaching, modern
and compelling branding and social media, and the amenities and
(06:47):
treatment that star players deserve. The list of top level
hoopers that have come through Chicago and then left is
sort of unbelievable. Swin Cash, Sylvia Fowls, Elena Deladon, Kalia Copper,
Candice Parker, and Angel Reese, not to mention candas to
pre epiphany, Prince, I'm a misaman, Gabby Williams, and I
could go on and on and on and on and
(07:08):
by the way, while all of this is going on,
Prince belowner of the Sky, Michael Alter, is being sued
by a minority owner who claims that he used his
control of the organization to unfairly dilute minority owner stakes
and claim a new outsized ownership share for himself. Great
Chicago sports fans deserve better, and so do the players
who suit up for the Sky. If the franchise doesn't
(07:29):
catch up to the teams at the top of this league,
they're just going to continue to be a revolving door.
One final hoops note slices want to give you all
a picture of how this week of free agency will go.
So today and Yesterday designation period that's where teams can
send qualifying offers and core player designations. Then negotiations will
run Wednesday through Friday. Signings will begin on Saturday. WNBA
(07:50):
Draft is just a couple of days later on Monday,
April thirteenth, So yeah, hold on to your butts. Things
are going to get fast and furious. So let's just
all make a pack to at least try to stay
calm to soccer. The Kansas City Current's teen Whewinga returned
to the field on Saturday after missing time to a
hip injury suffered late last season. With the two time
(08:11):
defending league MVP back on the field, the Current found
their footing and beat Gotham FC two to one, ending
a three match losing streak. Joweinga earned an assist on
Debinia's goal in the thirty ninth minute.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Washington Spirit also.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
Saw the light over the weekend, beating BFC two nil
on Sunday for their first win of the season. A
bizarre own goal by BFC initiated the scoring. Jordan Silkowitz
came out of the box to try to clear the ball,
but then at ricocheted off BFC's Brooklyn Courtinell and into
the net. But the second Current goal did come from
a KC player. Gift Monday scored in the eighty sixth minute,
shortly after entering the game as a late sub. Trinity Rodman,
(08:46):
still looking for her first goal this year. Also this weekend,
Angel CITYFC suffered their first loss at the season Friday,
falling to the Orlando Pride two to one, and the
Houston Dash stayed hot, defeating Racing Louisville four to three
in a seven goal thriller. Louisville got on the board
first with a penalty kick in the twenty third minute,
then Houston equalized with their own pk before the half,
(09:07):
and then the lead changed a few times, with Keiki
Van Santen scoring two goals for the Dash and Houston
Sarah Puntigham scoring the game winner in stoppage time, her
first ever NWSL goal. The leg will now take a
couple of weeks off for an international break. Games will
restart on April twenty fourth to the PWHL. The New
York Sirens best at the Seattle Tour two to one
(09:27):
in a shootout on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, playing
in front of a sold out crowd of eighteen thousand
and six fans, a new US arena attendance record for
women's hockey. Yes again, Sirens goalie Kaylee Osbourne capped a
twenty save performance by stopping four or five shootout attempts
for the win. Now, if only another major women's sporting
event wasn't happening all the way across the country, I so.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Would have been there. It's a good problem to have,
I guess.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
After this weekend's games, one more team is officially into
the playoffs. Two time defending champs, the Minnesota Frost ended
a three game losing street on Saturday with the six
to five win over the Vancouver Goldeneys that earned him
another trip to the postseason. Frost forward and friend of
the Show Kelly Panic, had two goals and two assists
in that one. Frost joined the Fleet and the Victoire
in the playoffs, leaving just one more spot up for
(10:14):
grabs to Gymnastics, where the NCAA Semi Final round is set.
Eight teams advanced out of this weekend's regional finals, which
were held at four sites. LSU and Stanford clinch spots
via the Baton Rouge Regional, Florida and Georgia emerged from
the Tempe Regional, Oklahoma and Arkansas booked their tickets via
the Lexington Regional, and UCLA and Minnesota secured their spots
by way of the Corvallis Regional.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Now.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
UCLA's win came on Sunday evening, just hours after the
Bruins won the NCAA basketball title. But unlike the basketball
team's dominant performance in Phoenix. The gymnastics team trailed throughout
the regional competition.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Entering the final event of the night.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
Olympian Jordan Chiles needed at least a nine point nine
two five to secure the regional title for the.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Bruins, but she did a little better than that, recording.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
A perfect Chile's eighth perfect ten of the season, clinching
the title for UCLA. Well ink to a video of
her incredible performance and her emotional reaction. The semi final
round gets underway on Thursday, and the top four teams
will move on to.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Saturday's championship slices.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Lots more news for a busy few days of women's sports,
including a legend hanging them up at a new Hall
of Fame class. Well, we got to save those for
tomorrow because when we come back, it's the first Kiwi
woman to wear college basketball's top crown.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Charlie Ledger Walker next joining us.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Now she's a national championship winning Kiwi. She's a senior
guard for the NCAA title winning UCLA Bruins, a transfer
who previously played for Washington State, a four time All
Pack twelve player, former Pac twelve Freshman of the Year
and a member of the New Zealand national team.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
She's got basketball in her DNA.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Mom played for the New Zealand national team, and older
sister Crystal, was a teammate at Washington State. She teaches
her teammates how to dance. She grew up on an
avocado ranch. And we both can make our hair look
like Hagrid from Harry Potter just by brushing it.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
It's Charlie's leisure Walker. Hi. Charlie's Hi.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
That was such a great intro things.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
Well, I very much relate to your video doing your hair,
because literally, if I brush mine for like one second,
it's just a full I was gonna say a reference
from the nineteen seventies that you wouldn't understand but for
the olds Rosanna Dana from SNL and for the youngs
Hagrid from Harry Potter.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
No, yes, I am very much can be like that
a lot of the time.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Well, thank you for being here.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Congratulations, what a frickin' game I was there. I just
flew back this morning. What are your emotions as it's
kind of all settling in.
Speaker 5 (12:43):
It's crazy, you know, I woke up this morning and
still couldn't believe it, and then I, you know, kind
of go on my phone and it's just blowing up.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
It's so overwhelming. But I'm just like, it's insane.
Speaker 5 (12:55):
I can't believe that, you know, we can call ourselves
national champions, Like I would never have believed this.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
So it's just an amazing feeling.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
An incredible season, an impressive final showing. I mean, one
of the largest point differentials in the history of the
women's title game.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Tell me about the scouting Tell me.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
About the game plan going in against South Carolina.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
Yeah, well, you know, we knew how good of a
team South Carolina is, not just their players, but obviously
they have so much experience at this level and they're
very well coached, and we knew that they were going
to come out and try to be really disruptive, get.
Speaker 4 (13:28):
In passing lanes.
Speaker 5 (13:29):
A lot of their points come from turnovers and steals,
and also you know, on the offensive rebounding, they're one
of the best in the nation, And so we knew
that we had to come out and be vi aggresses
first and really take care of them all on our end,
and then just go out and play the team basketball
that we've been you know, showing all year, and we
knew that if we went out and did that, it
(13:50):
would be very hard for anyone to stop us. So
going into the game, it was more so a focus,
I guess, on us and just having the confidence of,
you know, knowing we have pieces and the talent to
win the game, but it's just going out there and
really dominating.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Right from the start, we saw Texas be able to
take y'all out of your game.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
That was an ugly basketball game, low scoring.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Neither of you really got in a groove and thankfully,
I mean you earned it as well.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
But their stars over on the Longhorns.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Weren't able to hit shots right, and that was part
of the reason you were able to pull away. What
did you take from that game heading into Sunday as
far as Corey close saying, just play your game, be
yourselves and that'll work, was there any concern after seeing
what Texas was able to do.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
Honestly, I think it gave us more confidence in our defense.
I mean, yes, you know, the game was obviously very
low scoring. It was basically a game of defense on
both sides. But for us, you know, we have tried
to hang our heads on that all season long. Is
how you know, if shots aren't falling for us, or
if our offense isn't, you know, flowing the way we
(14:51):
wanted to, we need to be able to rely on
our defense. And I don't think that's really been talked
about as much this year, but I think we've shown it,
you know, throughout the entire year. And so coming away
from that Texas game, obviously wasn't our greatest offensive showing,
but really proud of the way that we came out
and played defense. And you know, they have amazing players
and players that can make really tough shots, and you know,
(15:13):
our game plan going into that too was making them
take the hardest shots they can and limiting them to
one shot, and we went out and did that, and
I'm just really proud of the way that we not
only showed up to that game, but fought through it
regardless of if our shots were falling or not. And
I know, you know, for the fans, I'm sorry that
that's an ugly game you have to watch, but at
(15:34):
the end of the day, you know, a win's a win,
and I'm proud of how we did that, and it
just gave us confidence going into that championship game is
no matter if your shot is falling or not, We're
going to rely on our defense to get the job done.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
I don't think you need to apologize to your fans,
they're perfectly fine with However, you got.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
To where you are right now.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
You mentioned being the aggressors, and I noticed that instantly
you and your teammates came out like you were shot
out of a cannon. Gabriella Hakas in particular, I described
her as being in the world. I was already watching
her and she was like a frenetic, little kinetic jumping bean.
And then you saw Lauren Betts running the floor diving
for loose balls, like it was very clear from the
jump that you had been told like we need to
be the aggressors and set the tone and tempo, and
(16:12):
that made complete sense to me, Like U c LA
in a half court, especially with the mismatch of Lauren,
is going to be so much better than trying to
go one on one or race against.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
The South Carolina team that's got so much speed.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
Did the game start out as you expected or did
you think there'd be more pushback from the game Cocks
and trying to set the style Honestly.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
I did kind of expect us to come out with
that type of energy and that dominance just because of
how it felt, you know, in the locker room. We
our mindset is so present focused and a lot of
the times, you know, we are just trying to focus
on the next position, the next place speed type of mentality.
And the reason that we came out and we're so
(16:50):
dominant in the beginning is because, you know, the whole
prip leading up to that, we had that confidence and
we knew we wanted to come out and start like
that and if we do, it's going to be really
hard for teams to catch up. And so we knew
that it was going to be, you know, a tough
game either way. South Carolina is obviously really good, like
I said, very experienced, and we were just ready for
whatever they were going to throw at us. But again,
(17:10):
it was all just focused on what we needed to
do and going out there and executing it to the
best availability.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Y'all got a big lead, and the only real hiccup
was in the second quarter they went into a press
and dropped into a zone. It was a turnover, half
court violation. Like a couple things in a row that
sort of disrupted the flow that y'all were in, and
it felt like maybe the game.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
Cocks would use that to get back in.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
But this is not a pressing team with some absurd
number like three percent of.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
Possessions all season or something that they were pressing.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
So they were doing something completely out of character to
try to get back in the game.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
And y'all settled down so quickly after those first couple
of mistakes.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
What do you attribute to that ability in the middle
of this game, not panic and be like, oh my gosh, turnover, turnover, turnover.
You just got back into it and settled in and
played your game.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
How'd you do that?
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Just leadership and experience.
Speaker 5 (17:55):
I mean, you know, a lot of teams talk about
South Carolina's experience obviously being here, but we have a
lot of seniors on this team. We've played a lot
of college basketball, and we all really understand, you know,
what the moment is, and we also realize, you know,
anything that happens to us, whether it's good or bad,
we can bring each other back, you know, to the
(18:16):
prison and really reset our focus. And we've been doing
that all year. We literally have two to three sessions
a week where we have like it's called mind gym.
You might have probably heard people talking about it, but
it's where you practice like mental toughness. How do you
come back to the present moment after you've you know,
had a bad thing going on or a good thing,
(18:37):
Like we always try and reset our focus. And that
is literally what happened in that game is we're like, okay,
we're fine, Like we need to make adjustments here and
there because this isn't obviously working for us. They've changed
some things and we're very quick to do that. And
that's just speaks to the experience of this team, the
leadership that we have, and obviously we have a lot
of veterans, so just collectively again bringing everyone together and
(18:59):
just resetting up mind.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Jim, I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
Is that a Corey Close thing or is that a
La Bruins thing? Or is that something people can find online?
Speaker 4 (19:06):
This is a UCLA women's basketball thing.
Speaker 5 (19:09):
One of our coach, one of our assistant coaches, coach Tasha,
she's the one who leads it. She's amazing and she
actually has an Instagram, I think, where she posts some
clips of decisions that we have.
Speaker 4 (19:20):
But it's something they've been.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
Doing for a really long time, but I haven't really
heard about it or seen it in other programs.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
I'm not going to name any names, but I could
think of some people at the Final four who could
have used some practice in regulating self regulating turning down.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
The temple a little bit.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Okay, So you mentioned that there's a lot of people
on this team with experience, and obviously the Final four
run last year ended not great blowout loss to Yukon
in the Semis and left a whole bunch of players
determined not to see that repeat.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
And to finish the job this year.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
So how much did last year's run sort of come
up as you made your way through the tournament this year.
Speaker 4 (19:57):
Yeah, honestly, not not much.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Really like a lot of our focus this year again,
like I said, was really trying to be prison and
as much as you know last year, we can take
that reflection on what we learned, especially just the experience
of being at a Final four. There's so many different
things that people don't know go on behind the scenes
in terms of media and obligations, and it can be
a lot, you know, going for the first time, and
(20:22):
last year when we were there, it was just a
whole new experience, and so I think we took that.
But other than that, we weren't really focused on, you know,
what had happened last year. We're a completely different team obviously,
and you know, just trying to stay focused on one
going one in every game. We weren't even looking towards
the championship game. It was more about who's in front
(20:43):
of us right now and what do we need to do.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Every point in this final was scored by a senior,
but it was awesome that everyone got some minutes and contributed,
which was great to see. Tell me about winning this
with your fellow seniors. This is your final collegiate game.
You play as well as you do. You bring UCLA
the first NCAA title, Like, how cool is it to
do that with a pack of women that are also
experiencing that same thing.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
It's insane.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
Like I love each of my teammates so much, and
you know, especially the seniors.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
I'm just I'm so proud of them.
Speaker 5 (21:16):
Like there's so many things that they've each had to
sacrifice to be here and to get to this moment,
and all of their stories are so uniquely amazing, and
I'm just so grateful that I get to be a
part of that, and you know, I've been able to
walk alongside and win a championship with the type of
teammates they are, Like, yes, they're great basketball players, but
(21:37):
they're even better people. And I'm just so proud that
they get to celebrate this because it's been something that
we've all been working for, not just for a year,
like it's been our whole entire lives working for a
moment like this, and so it's insane.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
And I can't like.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
This senior class has been such a dream to play with.
It's been one of the best teams I've ever been on,
and I'm just so happy that, you know, we get
to celebrate this together.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Did you all have the chance meet any of the
women of the last national championship team in any point
this season? I know Corey Close loves to talk about
the village that helps a win like this. Did you
actually get a chance to meet that nineteen seventy eight
team ever?
Speaker 5 (22:13):
Yeah, we've actually met a couple of them, and one
of them actually, Miss Debbie. She is a big part
of our program. She's around all the time. She I
don't know, if you don't know what the Enneagram test is.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
It's like, yeah, of course, okay, Yeah, she.
Speaker 5 (22:27):
Actually is the one who kind of comes and makes
us take that and then talks us through it. And
she's around all the time, so we get to see
her and talk to her a lot.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
So that's really special too.
Speaker 1 (22:38):
Yeah, I heard Miss Debbie get a shout out from
Holly Road during the post game.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
We love Coach Corey Close around here.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
I'm not surprised that she would use an any Agram test,
and she would use you know, mind Jim, and she
would find all these different ways to access the parts
of you that aren't just basketball players. For those of
you who don't know the Anyagraham, look it up. It
uses a quiz to help decide your personality type and
influences the best way that you can be led shine
get the best out of your people on your team
(23:05):
and the people around you. It's used for the workplace often,
but if you listen to Amy Poehler's podcast, she's obsessed
with asking people they're any grooms. But I'm not surprised
that Coach Close wants to use all these different ways
to access and get the best out of her players.
You know, her desire to lead and teach and leave
y'all better off. The court is so clear. You've only
been here a short time, but what's her impact been
(23:26):
on you?
Speaker 4 (23:26):
It's invaluable.
Speaker 5 (23:27):
I mean, the way that she invests in her players
and just everyone in her program is insane, Like, I
don't think I've ever met a coach that coaches that
way and is truly authentic and genuine, And how she
cares for people, Like she obviously wants you to succeed
and be so good at basketball and all of the things,
(23:48):
but she cares more about who you are as a
person and what you're going to do beyond the sport.
And for me, you know, coming in as a transfer
and just wanting to not only develop my game, but
look at sony different opportunities in LA, like she has
helped me in so many different areas of my life.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
I cannot think her enough.
Speaker 5 (24:06):
Like, I am so grateful that I chose to come here,
and it's been the best two years that I could
have asked for. And Yeah, couldn't have any more good
things to say about Coach Corey. She is an amazing
human being.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
Speaking of great coaches, I actually ended up having dinner
with one of your professors on Saturday night, former UCLA
softball coach legendary Sue Anquist, and she could not stop
raving about you. Of the many things she said about you, See,
she said, you're a belief maker. She said, you authentically
ooze love and balance, and you make everyone around you
(24:36):
feel lighter and play lighter. She said of her like
forty five plus years in this year in rarefied air.
And she praised to Papa John Wooden to make you
in the duplication machine so you could have more and
more of Charlie s Ledgerwalker's So, first of all, geez,
I mean, most people hope their professor remembers their name.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
What does that mean to you that you have that
impact on people?
Speaker 4 (24:56):
Oh my gosh, I love coach. She's a maze.
Speaker 5 (25:01):
I got to obviously be in one of her classes
here for my master's program. And she like the energy
that she has when she walks into a room is unreal,
Like every time, Like that's the first time I actually
wanted to go to class, like because she was teaching.
But that's so nice, Like she just radiates joy, and
you know, someone for me, another person for me to
(25:22):
look up to. And I've already learned so much from
her in such a short amount of time, and having
somebody like her in my corner is massive.
Speaker 4 (25:30):
But yeah, that's I can't believe she's said or that
that's so nice.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Well, I want to hear how you see yourself as
a belief maker and as someone who makes people play
more lighter and more freely.
Speaker 4 (25:42):
I don't know.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
I think when I'm out there, and especially you know,
on the basketball court, I just find so much joy
in seeing other people have fun and celebrate, and like,
if I can make someone smile on the court, like
I want to do that, I'm going to go out
there and do whatever I need for the team to win,
and you know, do all the little things that maybe
don't you necessarily you always see, but it's all because
(26:06):
at the end of the day, we win as a team.
And I love when you play team basketball, and you know,
people are just so selfless, and that's that's an easy
thing for me to do because I just love seeing
the joy and other people and that's something that I've
been trying to do all year. So I think, you know,
maybe that's what the belief making thing comes from. I guess,
(26:27):
but it really is just joy because I just think
you can do both. You know, you can play hard,
you can win, you can be a competitor, and you
can also enjoy it at the same time. And that's
something that I've always stood for and we'll continue to
stand for well.
Speaker 1 (26:40):
And I feel like probably, you know, you red shirt
your first year at UCLA, so you're with the team
but not playing, so then you have to find a
way to be a part of things that isn't on
the court. I mean, it feels like it's very natural
to you. I've also seen a lot of your social media.
You're very outgoing, You're you know, you're a very easygoing,
fun loving person, So I imagine that's probably always a
part of it for you. But I imagine in those
(27:02):
moments last year when you literally couldn't do anything on
the court, you got to figure out how to be
a personality person and an IQ player for the team, right.
Speaker 4 (27:10):
Yeah, one hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (27:11):
I mean, when you're out and sidelined, especially with an injury,
like it's one of the hardest things to continue to
show up and choose to be a good teammate and
choose to you know, show up and bring.
Speaker 4 (27:21):
Joy for other people because it's so easy to.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
Go you know, internal and focus about what you're missing
out on. And so for me, that was something I
intentionally chose to do every single day is I'm going
to be a good teammate.
Speaker 4 (27:34):
I'm going to find.
Speaker 5 (27:35):
A way to you know, make someone else's day better
because it is really hard to show up and do that.
But I think it also just comes from, you know,
how I grew up and obviously I'm someone multi I
have a big, massive family, and you'll always you know,
have to look out for other people, and it just
takes a community. So I love being a villager. I
(27:57):
love being a part of that, and it's just been
so fun for me.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Yeah, you know, one way you've made people better not
just through basketball, is as dancers. I mentioned your very
active social media presence. You have a fantastic YouTube channel.
Everyone go subscribe and watch her videos. They're so great.
But back in February, you posted a video can we
make the UDLA Dance Team in twenty four hours and
you said if it got a thousand likes, you and
your teammate Gabrielle Hawkez would perform a dance taught to
(28:21):
by the dance team at halftime of a men's basketball game,
big stage, big stage, out in Westwood, and then you
recruited Lauren Betts added her to the mix, and the
three of.
Speaker 2 (28:30):
You absolutely eight.
Speaker 1 (28:32):
Like the response to this video wasn't just that you
would like had the guts to do it, but you
looked so good doing it, and so the video ends
up going viral. You do it a couple more times
throughout the tournament, and then you cap off the title
win dancing on the stage on the court in.
Speaker 2 (28:44):
Phoenix, like so cool.
Speaker 1 (28:46):
Could you ever have imagined that that video would get
so big? And like I said, you absolutely eight. So
I can't imagine you regret it. But if you could
go back and tell yourself what would happen? Would you
still have the guts to do it?
Speaker 4 (28:57):
Girl? No?
Speaker 5 (28:58):
I how viral it went, like I knew it would,
like kind of I knew it would get a lot
of attention and people would be talking about it, and
it was always going to be a fun thing. You know, me, Gabs, Lauren,
we're always dancing, like doing tiktoks anyway, And so when
I was coming up with these ideas for my YouTube channel,
like I was like why not, Like, why not let's
do something fun like this?
Speaker 4 (29:19):
And the dance captain.
Speaker 5 (29:20):
Was the one who actually messaged me after she saw
like a gymnastics swap video that I did, and she's like,
just threw it out there, come on, let's do a video.
Like I was like, okay, Like we'll make it work.
And then when we were actually going through it and
learning the dance and everything, I was like, oh my god,
like this is a real dance.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
I can't believe we're doing this.
Speaker 5 (29:39):
And then the day of like, I don't think it
fully hit me until we were running out there and
I realized how many people actually at the game watching us.
And then as soon as we finished, like it was everywhere,
and I was like, oh god, this is so cool. Sane,
it's insane, but it's so fun, Like I would do
it a thousand times over. It was literally one of
the best parts of my season of my college career.
Speaker 1 (30:02):
I noticed you were also teaching Gianna Nipkins sat a dance,
but she didn't get the call for that one.
Speaker 5 (30:06):
Well, Gianna, we're still working up at that point, you know,
I think it's for the best.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
Yeah, she she'll get there. She'll get there.
Speaker 1 (30:14):
How are the nerves before that performance compared to say,
the title game.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Way higher, which is crazy, like way high.
Speaker 5 (30:21):
It's like a completely different feeling, Like I don't know,
even though we've been on that court a thousand times,
doing something that is just so outside of your comfort zone.
I was like, this is insane. I remember right before
we went onto the court, we were doing like a
final walkthrough and I was like, I've forgotten, like I've
forgotten everything, Like, guys, I don't know, and they're like,
(30:41):
Kelly's free, You're okay, you know what you're doing.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
I'm like, okay, yeah, it's the ten thousand hours thing.
It's like, really, you could probably dribble in your sleep
at this point, but something you haven't done that many
times over you start to talk.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
Yourself out of. You're like, oh my god, this is I.
Speaker 1 (30:57):
Was watching your videos also. I love the one where
you were frat brothers to come to your game and
trading off either they got to pick a sally if
they beat you in beer pong, or you got to
recruit them to the game. And one of the frats
you went to I think it was betat Theta Pi.
I actually lived in that fraternity for a summer when
I was doing an internship in LA. When I was
in college, I tore my achilles in track and I
(31:17):
rehabbed in the UCLA athletes gym and lived in that stinky,
fly infested frat house.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 1 (31:25):
So anyway, I was very familiar with that row of
frat houses you were.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Walking down and popping into. I was like, I've done
this walk. Hey, who's in here? What's a party? Summer?
Nobody's around? Let's have some yours.
Speaker 1 (31:36):
Very funny. Everyone needs to go subscribe. You're a natural.
I'm thinking that you have a very nice career ahead
of you outside of even basketball, if you want to
keep pursuing stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (31:44):
I also was taking a.
Speaker 1 (31:45):
Spin through New Zealand's top news sites and you are
leading practically all of the sports pages.
Speaker 2 (31:51):
How does it feel to be the.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
First Kiwi woman to win an NCAA basketball championship?
Speaker 2 (31:55):
Did you know that you would be the first if
you pulled it off?
Speaker 4 (31:58):
I did know that I would be the first.
Speaker 5 (32:00):
You know, basketball in New Zealand is a pretty small
not a small community, but everyone knows everyone, and so
even you know, coming to college and talking about my
college career. There's always been a lot of talk about that,
but it's insane, like going not only was I think
I was the first to actually play in a championship
game and then obviously the first to win, So that
(32:22):
in itself is insane.
Speaker 4 (32:24):
And I've had, you know, so many people.
Speaker 5 (32:26):
The support that I've had from home is incredible, and
I'm so grateful for you know, New Zealand and the
community there. The like I said, the basketball community isn't
that big, so a ton of support coming from them,
which has been really nice.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
I'm so jealous you're from there. New Zealand's my happy place.
I'm so jealous of your endless avocado supply. As a child,
that sounds like a dream. Are you going to get
back there anytime soon? I know you've got so much
other stuff going on, but you got to go see
all the Keywis.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
They'll probably throw your parade.
Speaker 4 (32:53):
I know, I know.
Speaker 5 (32:54):
I want to get back, you know, as soon as
I can. It just depends on how, you know, this
season and the celebrations and the draft and there's just
so many things going on.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
But I'll get back at some point.
Speaker 1 (33:07):
Okay, last couple questions for you, you do not have
much time before the next big thing arrives for you.
Of course, you got to finish up school, maybe take
some finals, walk across the stage, package your stuff, all
that stuff, but hopefully head to a new team. WNBA
draft coming up. How are you preparing for that next step.
Speaker 5 (33:24):
Yeah, it's funny me and my roommates. I live with
Gianna and Angela, and literally right before I jumped on this,
we all emailed and declared for the draft and it's
kind of crazy, you know, like these six of us
that are going to be there together and that's a
really cool thing that we get to experience, and I
think a lot of it, Like as much as we're
thinking about that and we're so excited, we're also like,
(33:46):
we we're going to miss this so much, and we're
just really trying to stay present right now and enjoy
these last moments we have together because it's all going
to change so soon, and so it's kind of like
that balance of, you know, being in two minds. You're
just enjoying everything also knowing that your life is about
to change real quick, and training camp and everything is
(34:09):
coming up, so you have to be locked into that too.
But you know, just taking it one day at a
time right now.
Speaker 1 (34:14):
Yeah, And it's such a monumental time to enter the
w thirtieth season, new better, much bigger contracts, lots of
attention and excitement. How does it feel to even imagine
yourself being a part of it? Knowing all the conversation
that has gone on and all the work that came
to getting players what you will now benefit from if
you get drafted.
Speaker 4 (34:32):
It's huge.
Speaker 5 (34:33):
I mean, I'm just so thankful for you know, all
the women that have put in so much time and
effort to get us to this point. You know, the
rise of women's basketball is continuing to skyrocket, and I'm
so grateful that I can be a part of that.
And you're right, I am here in such a great
time where I can kind of insert myself into that
(34:54):
while it's peaking. But again, couldn't be more thankful for,
you know, the women who have trailblazed and kind of
set the foundation for what it is now because obviously
couldn't be here without them, and excited to you know,
meet a lot of them and learn from them and
just be you know, teammates with them as well.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
Well.
Speaker 1 (35:11):
We get a dance at the draft, you think, or
are we done with the dance for a little while.
Speaker 5 (35:16):
I maybe the dance at this point is like on request,
so it.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
Will live forever. Yes, once you've learned it, you might
as well make it work exactly.
Speaker 1 (35:25):
Oh my gosh, I'm just thinking about all the You
got to find a dress, you got to probably partner
up with coach and figure out what you're getting sponsored
by for the draft. You got to figure out your
parties and your Oh I'm just I'm stressed on your behalf,
but also excited for you. The only time I was
sad at college was like the very first day. I
was a little nervous, and then I settled it and
I loved it so much. And then at the very end,
thinking about leaving my friends and like going out in
(35:47):
the real world, it was really hard for me, Like
one are the saddest times in my life. I'm a
very upbeat, happy person, but it was just like, oh no,
I don't want to I don't want to give all
this up. This is so magical, and so I hope
you do get the chance to be in the moment
enjoy with all your friends. The good news is all
your friends might be going to the same job that
you are, which most seniors in college do not have
(36:08):
that benefit, so you'll get to hang out with them.
Speaker 2 (36:11):
Still, thank you so much for making time.
Speaker 1 (36:13):
I know is a crazy twenty four hours, but it
was so great to talk to you and we wish
you the best of luck.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Thank you so much, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (36:21):
Thanks again to Charlie for taking the time. And don't forget.
Speaker 1 (36:24):
You can now watch full length good game interviews on
the iHeart Women's Sports YouTube channel.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
Go subscribe. We got to take another break. When we
come back, a.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
March Sliceness champ emerges. Welcome back, Slices. We love that
you're listening, but we want you to get in the
game every day too, So here's our good game play
of the day.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
Now, college hoops are over sad.
Speaker 1 (36:50):
But that does mean we've got a winner of this
year's bracket challenge.
Speaker 2 (36:53):
And some of y'all did really good this year.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
Not us, definitely not us and Big Citrus really at
the bed with our final four predictions may Kolplacox and Bruins.
Speaker 2 (37:04):
But you Slices, You Slices did good. Were impressed.
Speaker 1 (37:08):
So after nineteen days, sixty seven games and a few
too many sweaty poalm moments.
Speaker 2 (37:13):
The winner of our March Slicest Bracket Challenge is.
Speaker 1 (37:19):
Stephjam Ones Picks one with seventeen hundred.
Speaker 2 (37:22):
And forty points.
Speaker 1 (37:23):
Staphjam, congratulations, you freaking earned it. You had UCLA beating Texas,
South Carolina beating Yukon and the Bruins taking home the trophy.
Go ahead and say it just like you drew it up,
and I certainly won't be the one to mention that
stephjam Ones picks two used to be in the lead,
so that wasn't just like you drew but honestly to
have two of them that are trading back and forth,
(37:45):
very impressive, Very impressive, Steph jam congrats again. Send us
an email good Game at wondermediaetwork dot com to claim
your prize. Also attention owner of the seeded rivalry bracket.
Speaker 2 (37:56):
We mentioned you in a previous show.
Speaker 1 (37:57):
You won our best Bracket challenge name, so send us
an email, claim your prize, own your glory.
Speaker 2 (38:04):
We always love to hear from you.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
Sit us up on email, good Game at wondermedianetwork dot
com or leave us a voicemail at eight seven two
two O four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe
a rate and review.
Speaker 2 (38:14):
It's so easy.
Speaker 1 (38:15):
Watch Betting on Yourself rating three out of three. Well
spent seasons in Westwood Review, Bruin Starr and most Outstanding
Player of the Tournament. Lauren Betts not only routinely puts
on a clinic on the court, she's a role.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
Model off of it as well.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
She'd been open about her mental health battles, including struggles with.
Speaker 2 (38:34):
Depression and anxiety.
Speaker 1 (38:35):
She opened up again recently, penning an essay for The
Player's Tribune right before March Madness.
Speaker 2 (38:40):
We'll link to it in the show notes.
Speaker 1 (38:42):
Also at the postgame press conference on Sunday, Betts was
asked what she was most proud of regarding her mental
health journey over the last few years.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Take a listen.
Speaker 6 (38:50):
I can't thank this program enough. Firstly for how much
they believed in me. And when I came in my
sophomore year, I was completely different than I today, and
I showed up and I had zero confidence, and you know,
I wasn't sure if I wanted to really like play
basketball for that much longer, and Coach Corey really stayed
(39:10):
patient with me, and she wanted to, you know, see
me accomplish everything that I'd ever dreamed of, and they
just continue to remind me, Like you know, they want
me to see myself the way they all see me.
And I feel like, now at this point, I can
finally truly do that, and I think that's what I'm
most proud of. Like you know, it hasn't been an
easy journey, but the way that these people have truly
(39:30):
just you know, embraced me for everything that I bring
and continue to love me like I just I love
UCLA so much and I love these girls.
Speaker 1 (39:39):
They wanted me to see myself the way they all
see me. Yes, ma'am, that's a goal for us. All
talk about yourself the way your best friends talk about you.
Now it's your tard slices, rate and review. Thanks for listening,
See you tomorrow. Good Game, Charlie's Good Games, Sam Ewis
and the Women's Game Podcast for winning the Welcome to
(39:59):
the Arch Madness Party bracket challenge.
Speaker 2 (40:03):
So happy for you. Honestly, though, how did we lead
the whole time and just choke at the end.
Speaker 1 (40:07):
I mean somebody probably must have cheated, right, There's no
way we just lost of our own accord.
Speaker 2 (40:11):
I don't think that's even possible.
Speaker 1 (40:14):
So you know what, I'm accepting this result under protest,
and I will find something specific to protest soon, but
for now, I'll just pretend to be happy for them,
because this is what being a good sport looks like.
I guess, And thank you Chicago for letting the WNBA's
angel Rees go to Atlanta and the nwsl sam Angel
(40:34):
go to Boston.
Speaker 2 (40:35):
We need angels here too. Hello.
Speaker 1 (40:43):
Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports
production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You
can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network,
our producers are Alex Asi and Bianca Hillier. Our executive
producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder.
Our editors are Emily Rutterer, Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez, and
(41:06):
Gianna Palmer. Production assistant from Avery Loftus and I'm your host,
Sarah Spain
Host
Sarah Spain
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