December 20, 2024 • 33 mins
This week Khristina is joined by Indiana Fever Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Amber Cox. They discuss Amber’s vision for the team, Caitlin Clark’s ascension to superstardom, and what’s next for the Fever under head coach Stephanie White.
Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams
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CREDITS
Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producer:
Mike Coscarelli
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Host:
Khristina Williams
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iheartwomen's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment.
Welcome to another episode of In Case You Missed It
with Christina Williams, and I'm super excited about this week's guests.
(00:21):
She is the newly named Chief Operating Officer and general
manager of the Indiana Fever. Please welcome to the show,
Amber Cox, Amber, how are you.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
I'm so good, Thank you so much for having me,
such a fan of the pod. Just feel honored to
be here today with you.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
We are excited to have you here this week. Firstly,
congratulations on your new role with the Indiana Fever. Can
you tell us how did that opportunity come across your
desk and why was Indiana that landing spot for you? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Obviously I was with the Dallas Wings previously. Really enjoyed
my time with Dallas there as the COO, very happy
with you know, the direction we were headed. And then
I got a call from Kelly Crosscoff, who you know,
had moved from obviously the architect of the Fever, the
original architect of the Fever had moved to the Pacers
for several seasons and had come back over to be
(01:18):
the president of the Fever. Kelly and I have known
each other for, you know, twenty years. She's been a
great mentor of mine throughout my career. I've leaned on
her as I'd made different decisions, both personally and professionally.
So when she called and asked me to come over
and be a part of what was going on in Indiana,
it was a no brainer. So the opportunity to be
(01:40):
back in the Midwest I'm from Missouri, and then also
to work alongside Kelly and the great leadership in Indiana,
I just couldn't pass it up.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Your resume in sports span over two decades, you had
several stops within the w NBA. You just mentioned Dallas
being your previous spot. When you think about the span
of your journey in your career, what's one of the
most surreal moments on your journey so far?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
I mean, I think we're in it right, Like I
started in two thousand and five with the Mercury and
was there nine seasons, and we had a lot of success,
and you know, we've had inflection points in the league right,
whether it's winning championships or you know, drafting Britain Griner
and then in Connecticut going to the finals and that
great fan base. So there have been these inflection points,
(02:30):
but certainly over the last season, really seeing the consistency
across our league in the rise in fandom, viewership, just
all the metrics trending in such a positive way has
really been fulfilling. After being on this journey for so long,
(02:50):
I live in a bit of you know, I won't
say pessimism, but you know, you've been in this a
long time, right, and we want to keep this moving
in the right direction. So I think really staying through
to the processes that we've been utilizing for twenty years
to lay the foundation of this league is going to
be critically important. I mean, we've still got a lot
of people out there to reach, a lot of people
(03:11):
to get in the building, to be tuning in. This
thing can really continue to be a rocket ship. So
really excited about obviously the direction that the league is heading.
The way the Indiana Fever has exploded here over the
last couple of seasons, so it's been a lot of fun,
but it's certainly been surreal after all these years in
the league.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You're stopping Phoenix, and that franchise during your tenure had
won two championships. So how did being a part of
that organization winning those two championships help shape your approach
to wanting to build a winning culture, a championship culture.
Now with the Indiana.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Fever, I've said many times that every step in my
journey in the WNBA and out has really prepared me,
I think for this opportunity. And both in Phoenix and Connecticut,
I had the opportunity to be involved more on the
basketball side. I was not in Dallas. It was just
on the business side of things. So towards the end
of my tenure, really stepping into that role working closely
(04:09):
with our players. I mean, when you work alongside somebody
like Diana Tarassi every single day and you see the
work ethic and the commitment and how dialed in she
is to the success and committed to the organization. And
there were a lot of people that came through there
that had that same mentality, whether it's Penny Taylor or
you know, Dowana Bonner, Candas Dupree. So we had a
(04:31):
lot of great veteran leadership through the years when I
was there, and I learned a lot from listening to them,
and I think that's really critical. That's not going to change.
I mean, we have to be have great transparent communication
with our players. Obviously with the coaching staff. We want
to be in lockstep with them to make sure that
what we're doing in terms of player acquisition and draft
(04:52):
really fits the style of play that your coach wants
to play. So that was really such an incredible experience,
starting as a dire vector of marketing, and by the
time I left was the president of business and basketball operations,
really you know, running both sides. So you know, it
was I started with the training wheels and by the
end I felt like I was a pretty seasoned veteran
(05:13):
and ready to go out into the world. For sure.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
One of your first moves in your new role with
the Indiana Fevers front office was acquiring the head coach
in Stephanie White. Why was that important for you to
have that first piece in this new building block, Bie,
Stephanie White.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Well, look like Stephanie is Indiana Basketball royalty as a player,
as a coach, I mean, what she did here at
every what she's done here at every level, including with
the Fever in her first stint as the head coach
just made a lot of sense for us. I think
where we are in our journey, you know, bringing in
somebody that has experience sitting in that lead seat and
(05:51):
has obviously had a lot of success in this league
was critically important. So, you know, just bringing Stephan, I've
been a long admirer of her work, never had the
opportunity to work with her. Obviously, Kelly Crosscoff and Lynn
Dunn have worked with Steph. So it just made a
lot of sense for our franchise on so many levels.
So thrilled to have her, and as she's building her
(06:14):
staff those additions as well coming in and being a
part of the Snatch chapter.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
There are some specific areas that you think Steph will
make the biggest impact with the roster that you're building now.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I think she understands the style of play we need
to play with, you know, Caitlin at the Helm obviously,
the speed that we want to play. We want to
play fast, and I think, you know, that's who Steph
was as a player, and you know what I've seen
from her through the years is she finds, you know,
no matter what the roster look looks like, She's going
(06:47):
to put players in the best position to be successful,
and she's going to mix it up right, So I
think just her experience coming in, she's going to be
able to really think about things through a different lens
put our our players in great positions to be successful
on both sides of the ball. We had, especially the
second half of the season, a lot of success offensively.
(07:08):
When you talk about Caitlin and Kelsey and that backcourt,
it's just lethal, right, and then you add Alah in
the mix, who continues to evolve her game and step
out and she's a great passer. But I think, you know,
thinking about the defensive end of the ball, and you
know the type of player and coach Steph as always
will see some improvement on that side as well, and
we'll certainly think about that as we go into free
(07:30):
agency in the draft too. How do we bolster with
some players that really have a great focus on that
side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I know, Van, we're super excited to see that small
glimpse of stuff in Kaitlyn working out over the last
couple of days, So that was very exciting to be
able to just get a little sneak peek into what
you guys are working with in Indiana. From a general
manager's perspective, what traits make Caitlyn Clark an ideal building
(07:58):
block for the Fevers future success.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Well, first of all, she loves the game. I mean,
she's a gym rat. She's constantly working on getting better,
and that's obviously on the court, but that's in the
weight room, she's that's watching film. So I think she's inquisitive.
She's very curious about how to continue to get better
and obviously had an incredible rookie season, but is not satisfied.
(08:24):
And it's it's really interesting again, like how this feels
a little deja vous because I came in with Diana
in year two and I'm coming in in year two
with Caitlin, and I see a lot of similarities just
in the way that they work, how they communicate, how
invested they are in their respective franchises. Caitlyn is very
similar and she's a lot of fun. I mean, I
(08:45):
tell you, I think as I've gotten to know her,
just a great person to be around. So I think
that ability to be a great teammate people, that someone
that people and players want to come play with. We're
going to continue to see that more and more as
we get were of Caitlin Clark off the court and
who she is as a person. She's truly a great
human being.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Specifically stood out to you about her during your first
meeting with her, Like, what was that first impression like,
because since then you've been looking kind of from afar
when you were with the Dallas Wings, but now you're
in to think of it with the fever. What was
that first meeting like with her?
Speaker 2 (09:20):
She's really down to earth, you know, she wants to
be a part of the Annapolis community. You know, she's
willing to and excited to get out and be a
part of what we're doing through our community efforts. Again,
very inquisitive in terms of, you know, my thoughts, what
do you think always wanted to talk about players? Constantly
(09:41):
watching basketball. I mean, you know, doesn't matter if we're
talking nda women's college, men's college. I mean, she's tuned
into all of it. So it's just really fun to
be around her because she is a student of the
game and is constantly wanting to grow and talk about
you know, different opportunities and with this work and what
(10:02):
about this player. So it's a lot of fun. It's
been fun getting to know her.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
All right, y'all, We're gonna take a quick pause right
now and then when we get back more from this
conversation with Indiana Feaver chief operating officer and general manager Ambercox,
(10:27):
Hanna is having a star like Caitlin Clark on the
roster impact the way that you approach that coming up.
And also you have an unrestricted free agent and Kelsey Mitchell,
who has publicly expressed you know she will explore all
of her options. But from a general manager's perspective, how
do you approach that going into the next season.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Well, look, we want Kelsey back. She had an incredible
career here and I've said many times that you know,
she's been through some rough years with the fever. You know,
in terms of a rebuild and being the placed from
gamebridge Field House, no one deserves this opportunity to be
a part of this success more than Kelsey. I've been
a fan of hers for many years. I think she's
(11:10):
a great person and you hear other players around the
league talk about what a wonderful human being she is.
So obviously want her back and to be a part
of to be a part of this, and I'll put
you know, I'll put Aliyah in there with Caitlin as well.
To have these two back to back number one picks
is really special. And I think the two of them
(11:31):
and what they can accomplish over the next you know,
decade plus if you're like Diana, I'm playing multiple decades
can really just be record setting. It can be like
nothing we've ever seen. So I'm excited for the two
of them to build together. And then when we get
to free agency. I mean, you saw when we got
(11:51):
to the playoffs last year and we're playing Connecticut. They
kept putting the graphic up that was like, you know,
I think it was single digit or maybe you know,
in the ten number of playoff games compared to whatever
Connecticut's number was. So I think thinking about that, you know,
adding veteran leadership that has some of that playoff experience
that can really come in and provide, you know, guidance
(12:14):
for our younger players who haven't been there yet. It's
really our focus. I think. You know, again, we talked
about the defensive end of the ball that's going to
be really important. And then and then back to Steph's system,
wanting to run and really play with pace, you know,
fitting into that as well is going to be important,
so a lot of factors. Obviously, we want great people
(12:35):
coming into the organization, but I would think any free
agent would be really excited to come in here and
play with these two cornerstone players that have so much
talent and are just ready to, you know, take things
to the next level.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
I think the entire world was shocked, or the w
NBA expands in draft when Timmy Fatminlay became available, especially
because when you look at last season, she played a
really huge part in the Fever's success in terms of
getting to that point where you all were able to
make the playoffs, but also her ability to run the
(13:09):
floor with Caitlyn Clark and how their games complimented each other.
And we think about, you know, that expansion draft, what
was the thought process in making her available.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
You know, it's really part of an overall plan which
hopefully everyone will see unfold throughout the off season. The
expansion draft is difficult. It's hard to lose a player.
You know, six is not very many when you think
about protecting protecting anybody on your roster, and this group
obviously built great camaraderie the second half of the season,
(13:45):
so that was not an easy decision, but again part
of a bigger plan that I hope everyone will see
get to see unfold as we get into the rest
of the off season.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
What would you say is the identity of the team
that you want to build with this fever roster and
what specific needs do you see being that missing piece
to getting you all into that championship contending team.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Yeah, I think we're still developing the identity. You know,
I think these young players are really still figuring out
who they want to be. I mean, to a person,
I think what's wonderful about this roster is they truly
love the game right and the second half of the
season you saw it really come together. They loved playing
(14:34):
for and with each other. That is just I mean,
you've been around and at a long time and the
great teams that isn't the foundation is that culture, that
locker room. They're in it for each other. So I
think you've got that. But I think we're still developing
the identity. And when you think about again, we talked
about you know, veteran leadership, getting better on the defensive
(14:56):
side of the ball. You know, some of those things
I think will help shape who we've become over the
next year or two, so thinking about that as we
head into free agency as well.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Kaitlyn Clark was recently named Times Athlete of the Year
and Washington Mystic's co owner Shayla Johnson, you know, responded
to that by saying, I think the w n B
A and its entirety should have been featured. How do
you respond to those comments and do you think this
(15:28):
should the ward should have been given to the entire
w NBA rather than Kaitlyn Clark individually.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
I think Kaitlyn Clark deserved that award. And here's my
here's my experience as I've as I've thought about this, right,
like through the years, dating back to the beginning of
the league, right there have been incredible players, incredible basketball.
We all know that. There have been great people working
on the front office side as well, trying to build
(15:59):
the foundation, build the fandom around it. Sports to me
is generational. You know, we've been at this not very long,
less than thirty years, right comparatively when you're talking about
other leagues, and you know, like I'm a Saint Louis
Cardinals baseball fan because my grandpa was, you know, we
have not really we've been through like one generation. So
(16:20):
we're still growing in that regard, and there have been
a lot of like I said, great players, great people
working on the business. We've had a lot of incredible
inflection points. I mean, I think about again my days
in Phoenix, my days in Connecticut, even you know when
we Dallas went to the semifinals a couple of years ago,
and what that those crowds look like. And we always
(16:42):
talk about and since the beginning, what I you know,
have learned since the beginning of my tenure with Phoenix
is you get people in the door the first time
and they're going to come back because the basketball is great,
the entertainment is second to none. The community of w
fans is so inclusive and embracing, and we've been able
(17:03):
to do that as we've built the league, right the
numbers have come up, there have been like different again,
inflection points. I'd say like drafting the three to see
was a big moment, right and drafting Brittany and Phoenix
is a good example of that what Caitlyn Clark did
because so many eyeballs were on her. She is a
huge multiplier effect of that because she has so many
(17:26):
fans and you saw it across arenas. I mean, people
are moving games because so many people wanted to see
her play. And I'll give you an example. This happened
to me in Dallas last year. I'm sitting in my seats.
It's Dallas versus Indiana, and I've got some sponsor seats
next to me, and this gentleman, his wife and I
think it was his sister, come and sit there from Dallas.
(17:48):
Never been to a game. He's like, somebody gave me,
you know, these seats and it's a part of this
partnership package. It's Caitlin Clark. I'm gonna come out. I
thought I wanted to see. In the third quarter, this
gentleman leaned over to me and he said, where has
this been all my life? And proceeded to then go
up and try to buy season tickets for the Dallas Wings.
(18:10):
He became immediately a fan of the Dallas Wings. So
that to me, I mean, that's what we've been doing
for years. By the tens, by the twenties, Caitlin made
that by the thousands, and look like, I don't take
anything away from other players that brought more eyeballs. Angel
Cameron right, like the identity and how much brand recognition
(18:32):
these players now have in college absolutely helped the WNBA.
But we've never seen anything like Kayln Clark. We've never
seen anything like that, and it's truly been transcendent for
our league. And for that reason, I believe she deserved
the award one hundred percent. Not to mention Rookie of
the Year record breaking, you know, all the things she
(18:52):
did on the court, but this, this award was truly
about the difference and the impact she had on women's basketball,
the WNBA, and women's sport.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
From the chief operating officer perspective, how do you leverage
Cleitlan Clark's platform and popularity to continue to grow the
interest not only of you know, the community in Indiana,
but also the league.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
That's a great question, you know, I think when you
think about you know, arenas being sold out, you know,
we need to continue being really creative about providing access.
So whether that's through content, whether that's through merchandise, whether
that's through you know, more access through broadcast ancillary programming.
I mean, we're starting to see that, right not only
(19:37):
the broad the game is being broadcast, We've got a
pregame show, We've got a postgame show, like finally. We
know we've deserved that for years. But you know, as
now the ratings continue to grow and consistently across all
of our various platforms, We're going to continue to see
more of that, and people are so hungry for it, right,
So it's just continuing. And you mentioned the workout clip
(19:59):
that we had of of Caitlyn and Staph Like small
things like that. People just want to peek behind the curtains.
So continuing to provide opportunities in the off season. I
think it's great that we've got you know, more players
here doing things in the community, playing in some of
these other domestic leagues, and you know, I think just
continuing to storytell. One of the things I've always said
(20:20):
is one through twelve every player has a unique, wonderful
story to tell that will connect with somebody that's never
been connected with in the WNBA. So this platform that
we now have allows us to expand what we're doing
to not only focus on top three four players, right,
(20:40):
it is about one through twelve figuring out, you know,
talking to them about what's important to them in the community,
what they want their brand to be. I mean, that's
why I love this role so much because because it
allows me to marry you know, the business and the
basketball and think about our players from a really holistic
point of view and make sure when they come to
(21:00):
Indiana we're talking about all those things. Because that's really
at the heart of why I love this league. Why
I keep coming back, I tried to leave, I keep
coming back, is giving these women a platform, a platform
to talk about what they care about. Because you know,
if we do that, I think the world's going to
be a better place.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Yeah, in twenty twenty five, I think everyone is super
excited about Indiana hosting the w NBA All Star Game.
What opportunities do you see presenting itself for the All
Star Game to continue to keep the community engaged and
just further that outreach.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Well, you know, the NBA All Star Game was just here,
so we've got this incredible community support, We've got amazing
people working in the front office. So it was, you know,
great to see coming off of NBA All Starlight. Let's
just do it again in a few months, right, and
do it at that level. And I think when you
think about indian Napolis and one of the things I've
(22:01):
really been impressed with is just how every community leader
is ready to raise their hand to make it a
wonderful experience. I have very quickly fallen in love with Indy.
There's so much to offer, you know, in and around downtown.
So I'm excited for fans who haven't been here to
come in and really get to experience the community, see
(22:21):
all that Indy has to offer, and then you know,
continue to build on what All Star just you know,
every year it's bigger and better, right, And that's what
we want to see is more opportunities, more showcase things
to be able to you know, for players, whether they're
in the game or not, other media platforms to be
(22:42):
a part of it. So I think as we put
it together, you're going to see an All Star weekend
like you've never seen before in Indie.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
The w NBA has built a reputation on delivering high
energy entertainment during the All Star Weekend, especially the halftime performance.
Season it was in Phoenix, they had Pitbull and all
the lights and stuff. If you could choose any performer
for the twenty twenty five WNBA All Star Game, who
would you like to see on that big stage?
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Now, Christina, the problem is, I'm I've been around, right,
so I'm like nineties hip hop era, So I'm gonna
for you know, like I'm a I'm like, give me
some TLC and some Nelly, And that's probably the direction
I'm going with it. I think we'll, you know, obviously,
(23:33):
do a wide suite to really think about, you know,
what our fans, what the players would love to see.
But we've got some incredible people working on that, and
I know when that announcement does come out, people are
gonna be excited about it.
Speaker 1 (23:45):
So I'm super excited to hear Who's boring at the
twenty twenty five WNBA All Star because I feel like
every year it's just getting better and better and better
with the performance performances at All Star. All Right, So,
in your dual role as a chief operating officer and
general manager, how do you find balance with those two
(24:06):
different roles because we've seen over the years that a
lot of organizations have kind of went the opposite direction
of having one person do two things. So how are
you finding balance between the two end? How is being
in those two roles helping you, I guess, to get
things done?
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Yeah, I mean it's very similar to how I finish
my time in Phoenix, you know, in terms of working
on both sides of the business. And then in Connecticut,
Kurt Miller was the head coach in GM, but I was,
you know, working a lot on the basketball side as well,
so similar in that regard. But it's a great question.
I think having Kelly in the president's role, you know,
(24:43):
we both have the basketball and the business background, so
that really lends itself to us being able to tag
seam on various projects depending on what they are. It's
a collaborative effort on the basketball side when you talk
about the incredible coach staff that we have, when you
have Kelly, We've still got Lyn Dunn as a senior advisor,
(25:05):
so it really is just carving out the time with
that group to make sure we're all aligned and on
the same page. And then on the business side, I mean, again,
I've just been blown away by the staff here in
Indianapolis on in every vertical of the business, from our
digital marketing team to our ticket sales team. I mean,
(25:26):
the resources that are dedicated to the Fever and how
many people are working across both properties at the same
time and really giving it incredible attention and focus. Is
like nothing I've ever seen. So it really allows me
to be strategic on that side and not get into
(25:46):
the weeds too much because those folks know what they're
doing and I'm not going to get in their way.
They're doing a fantastic job for us. So it is
really a balance. But I think again my experience through
the years, I've learned how to really balance both and
be able to do both effectively.
Speaker 1 (26:04):
So I'm thinking about, like how like the game day
value in each organization's like when I go to different
arenas and just experience the game day presence. I think
about Ellie in New York, Ellie the Elephant and the mascot,
just all the different dance teams and things like that.
Why should fans be excited outside of Kitlyn Clark and
everything that she brings in the star Power be excited
(26:27):
to attend Fever games in twenty twenty five, Like, what
do you guys have in your bag that fans should
get ready for?
Speaker 2 (26:35):
I mean Freddie Fever. Freddie Fever became an icon during
the last season, like he's an original, an original with
the Fever, And I think at one point Caitlin voiced
her love for Little Freddie. So we've got Little Freddie
and Big Freddie. You know, I can see them being
incorporated more into the show. We've got incredible dance team,
(26:56):
The Inferno, And again I just I actually had last
week a fantastic meeting with our entire game presentation team
and it's just blown away at what they were already
thinking about headed into the Fever season. But it's such
an incredible building too. You know that plaza area, there's
so much opportunity for programming there. Obviously Indianapolis it's hot,
(27:19):
but it's not too hot, so you can do a
lot outside. We've got a great basketball court that I've
heard is, you know, activated almost every game, and kids
are out playing, so there's a lot when you think
about coming down for the game and coming early. The
retail is a huge hit. Obviously, the lines are long,
(27:39):
so we'll continue to look for opportunities to expand on
all of those. But I love that you asked that
question because I think it's so much of what makes
the w unique is that experience around the game itself
and the energy that the fan brings and listen like,
I think that's key to that too. We've got an
engaged excited fan base that from the from tip off,
(28:03):
you know, is on their feet, they're cheering, and after
you know, years of rebuilding, are so excited to be
back to the glory years of you know, when Catch
was here and they were winning championships and consistently going
to the playoffs. So you always want it for the
fans because those are the people that are showing up
and have been showing up since day one.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
One of the things that obviously we all notice is
how the fever was intentional about putting women in these
front office roles in the head coaching positions. Why should
organizations continue to fill these rules with women and what
advice do you have for people who may want to
(28:46):
be in front offices or on the bench as a
head coach in the future who may be listening to
this podcast.
Speaker 2 (28:52):
I think another thing you're seeing just because of our league,
you know, again becoming more mature, is former players. You know,
Steph is obviously an example of that. You know, you've
got Becky and others around the league. So that's a
great friend that we're seeing also. But you know, I
(29:13):
think we've now got more opportunities with expansion, right to
create pipeline. I think the trend I've really seen that
excites me the most. When I started, people were getting
into the w as a stepping stone. So it's like,
I want to be a ticket seller. I want to
be on the community side so that I can move
over to the NBA or I can go to the NFL. Now,
to a person, almost everyone that reaches out to me says,
(29:36):
I want a career in women's sports. I want a
career in the WNBA. I want to be a part
of it. So I think just being really intentional about that,
and nothing has changed, Christy, and I mean, it is
about networking. It's about you know. I try to answer
almost every LinkedIn request and take as many of those
phone calls because you know, somebody gave me an opportunity.
J Perry gave me an opportunity in Phoenix when I
(29:57):
didn't know much about anything and taught me and brought
me up through the ranks. So I think we all
have to have those people behind us, and I try
to be that and pay it forward as much as possible.
So I think that's really it. It's just being intentional,
being intentional about having those conversations, whether it's on the
business side, the basketball side, creating those opportunities. As our
(30:19):
staffs continue to grow, that creates more opportunities too, whether
that's on the basketball or business side, and that's from
intern all the way up to senior executive position. So
I think you'll continue to see, you know, again, more
women stepping into these roles and hopefully staying in it
for the entirety of their career.
Speaker 1 (30:36):
We're certainly looking forward to all the Fever has to
offer in twenty twenty five WNBA season and especially w
and be All Star. Super excited about getting out there
for that. Amber, thank you so much for joining us
this week on the show.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
So great to be here again. Continued success. Such a
fan of everything that you do, so I just appreciate
you having having me on today.
Speaker 1 (30:59):
Thank you and best of luck.
Speaker 2 (31:00):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
Okay, we're going to take another quick break and when
we get back, we're going to do the things that
I love this week more from In Case you missed
It with Christina Williams when we get back, welcome back
(31:23):
to In Case you missed It with Christina Williams. I
just want to thank Ambercox again for coming through to
the show this week. Had so much fun chatting with her,
and now it's time for my favorite segment, the Things
that I Love this Week. Honestly, this week has been
a little kookie, but I guess I'll say this one
(31:43):
of my favorite things that happened this week is that
my nephew, he had like a homecoming game yesterday. He
plays basketball, but it was just a surreal moment as
an auntie I guess to go and see him play
one of his senior games because I remember when he
was born and was kind of still in high school,
so it's just so crazy. So witness that his team
(32:05):
won by like thirty points. But we had an auntie
nephew kind of day, took him out to dinner, and
it was just great to just see him fall in
love with the game of basketball because basketball has done
so much for me in my life, and obviously I
work in the sports media space, but to chill with
my nephew, Jalen, it was such a blast to be
(32:26):
able to do that shout out to Jay and shout
out to his team, his high school team. They won
by thirty points, so it was such a blast to
be able to do that, And that was the thing
that I loved this week, and that's going to do
it For this week's show, don't forget to rate, review,
and subscribe to the podcast. And on next week's show,
(32:49):
we're counting down the top fifteen moments of twenty twenty
four in women's basketball and I have a special crew
joining me, so you're not gonna want.
Speaker 2 (32:58):
To miss it, PA.
Speaker 1 (33:03):
In case you missed it, with Christina Williams 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.
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iheartwomen's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment.
Welcome to another episode of In Case You Missed It
with Christina Williams, and I'm super excited about this week's guests.
(00:21):
She is the newly named Chief Operating Officer and general
manager of the Indiana Fever. Please welcome to the show,
Amber Cox, Amber, how are you.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
I'm so good, Thank you so much for having me,
such a fan of the pod. Just feel honored to
be here today with you.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
We are excited to have you here this week. Firstly,
congratulations on your new role with the Indiana Fever. Can
you tell us how did that opportunity come across your
desk and why was Indiana that landing spot for you? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Obviously I was with the Dallas Wings previously. Really enjoyed
my time with Dallas there as the COO, very happy
with you know, the direction we were headed. And then
I got a call from Kelly Crosscoff, who you know,
had moved from obviously the architect of the Fever, the
original architect of the Fever had moved to the Pacers
for several seasons and had come back over to be
(01:18):
the president of the Fever. Kelly and I have known
each other for, you know, twenty years. She's been a
great mentor of mine throughout my career. I've leaned on
her as I'd made different decisions, both personally and professionally.
So when she called and asked me to come over
and be a part of what was going on in Indiana,
it was a no brainer. So the opportunity to be
(01:40):
back in the Midwest I'm from Missouri, and then also
to work alongside Kelly and the great leadership in Indiana,
I just couldn't pass it up.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Your resume in sports span over two decades, you had
several stops within the w NBA. You just mentioned Dallas
being your previous spot. When you think about the span
of your journey in your career, what's one of the
most surreal moments on your journey so far?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
I mean, I think we're in it right, Like I
started in two thousand and five with the Mercury and
was there nine seasons, and we had a lot of success,
and you know, we've had inflection points in the league right,
whether it's winning championships or you know, drafting Britain Griner
and then in Connecticut going to the finals and that
great fan base. So there have been these inflection points,
(02:30):
but certainly over the last season, really seeing the consistency
across our league in the rise in fandom, viewership, just
all the metrics trending in such a positive way has
really been fulfilling. After being on this journey for so long,
(02:50):
I live in a bit of you know, I won't
say pessimism, but you know, you've been in this a
long time, right, and we want to keep this moving
in the right direction. So I think really staying through
to the processes that we've been utilizing for twenty years
to lay the foundation of this league is going to
be critically important. I mean, we've still got a lot
of people out there to reach, a lot of people
(03:11):
to get in the building, to be tuning in. This
thing can really continue to be a rocket ship. So
really excited about obviously the direction that the league is heading.
The way the Indiana Fever has exploded here over the
last couple of seasons, so it's been a lot of fun,
but it's certainly been surreal after all these years in
the league.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You're stopping Phoenix, and that franchise during your tenure had
won two championships. So how did being a part of
that organization winning those two championships help shape your approach
to wanting to build a winning culture, a championship culture.
Now with the Indiana.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Fever, I've said many times that every step in my
journey in the WNBA and out has really prepared me,
I think for this opportunity. And both in Phoenix and Connecticut,
I had the opportunity to be involved more on the
basketball side. I was not in Dallas. It was just
on the business side of things. So towards the end
of my tenure, really stepping into that role working closely
(04:09):
with our players. I mean, when you work alongside somebody
like Diana Tarassi every single day and you see the
work ethic and the commitment and how dialed in she
is to the success and committed to the organization. And
there were a lot of people that came through there
that had that same mentality, whether it's Penny Taylor or
you know, Dowana Bonner, Candas Dupree. So we had a
(04:31):
lot of great veteran leadership through the years when I
was there, and I learned a lot from listening to them,
and I think that's really critical. That's not going to change.
I mean, we have to be have great transparent communication
with our players. Obviously with the coaching staff. We want
to be in lockstep with them to make sure that
what we're doing in terms of player acquisition and draft
(04:52):
really fits the style of play that your coach wants
to play. So that was really such an incredible experience,
starting as a dire vector of marketing, and by the
time I left was the president of business and basketball operations,
really you know, running both sides. So you know, it
was I started with the training wheels and by the
end I felt like I was a pretty seasoned veteran
(05:13):
and ready to go out into the world. For sure.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
One of your first moves in your new role with
the Indiana Fevers front office was acquiring the head coach
in Stephanie White. Why was that important for you to
have that first piece in this new building block, Bie,
Stephanie White.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Well, look like Stephanie is Indiana Basketball royalty as a player,
as a coach, I mean, what she did here at
every what she's done here at every level, including with
the Fever in her first stint as the head coach
just made a lot of sense for us. I think
where we are in our journey, you know, bringing in
somebody that has experience sitting in that lead seat and
(05:51):
has obviously had a lot of success in this league
was critically important. So, you know, just bringing Stephan, I've
been a long admirer of her work, never had the
opportunity to work with her. Obviously, Kelly Crosscoff and Lynn
Dunn have worked with Steph. So it just made a
lot of sense for our franchise on so many levels.
So thrilled to have her, and as she's building her
(06:14):
staff those additions as well coming in and being a
part of the Snatch chapter.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
There are some specific areas that you think Steph will
make the biggest impact with the roster that you're building now.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I think she understands the style of play we need
to play with, you know, Caitlin at the Helm obviously,
the speed that we want to play. We want to
play fast, and I think, you know, that's who Steph
was as a player, and you know what I've seen
from her through the years is she finds, you know,
no matter what the roster look looks like, She's going
(06:47):
to put players in the best position to be successful,
and she's going to mix it up right, So I
think just her experience coming in, she's going to be
able to really think about things through a different lens
put our our players in great positions to be successful
on both sides of the ball. We had, especially the
second half of the season, a lot of success offensively.
(07:08):
When you talk about Caitlin and Kelsey and that backcourt,
it's just lethal, right, and then you add Alah in
the mix, who continues to evolve her game and step
out and she's a great passer. But I think, you know,
thinking about the defensive end of the ball, and you
know the type of player and coach Steph as always
will see some improvement on that side as well, and
we'll certainly think about that as we go into free
(07:30):
agency in the draft too. How do we bolster with
some players that really have a great focus on that
side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I know, Van, we're super excited to see that small
glimpse of stuff in Kaitlyn working out over the last
couple of days, So that was very exciting to be
able to just get a little sneak peek into what
you guys are working with in Indiana. From a general
manager's perspective, what traits make Caitlyn Clark an ideal building
(07:58):
block for the Fevers future success.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Well, first of all, she loves the game. I mean,
she's a gym rat. She's constantly working on getting better,
and that's obviously on the court, but that's in the
weight room, she's that's watching film. So I think she's inquisitive.
She's very curious about how to continue to get better
and obviously had an incredible rookie season, but is not satisfied.
(08:24):
And it's it's really interesting again, like how this feels
a little deja vous because I came in with Diana
in year two and I'm coming in in year two
with Caitlin, and I see a lot of similarities just
in the way that they work, how they communicate, how
invested they are in their respective franchises. Caitlyn is very
similar and she's a lot of fun. I mean, I
(08:45):
tell you, I think as I've gotten to know her,
just a great person to be around. So I think
that ability to be a great teammate people, that someone
that people and players want to come play with. We're
going to continue to see that more and more as
we get were of Caitlin Clark off the court and
who she is as a person. She's truly a great
human being.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Specifically stood out to you about her during your first
meeting with her, Like, what was that first impression like,
because since then you've been looking kind of from afar
when you were with the Dallas Wings, but now you're
in to think of it with the fever. What was
that first meeting like with her?
Speaker 2 (09:20):
She's really down to earth, you know, she wants to
be a part of the Annapolis community. You know, she's
willing to and excited to get out and be a
part of what we're doing through our community efforts. Again,
very inquisitive in terms of, you know, my thoughts, what
do you think always wanted to talk about players? Constantly
(09:41):
watching basketball. I mean, you know, doesn't matter if we're
talking nda women's college, men's college. I mean, she's tuned
into all of it. So it's just really fun to
be around her because she is a student of the
game and is constantly wanting to grow and talk about
you know, different opportunities and with this work and what
(10:02):
about this player. So it's a lot of fun. It's
been fun getting to know her.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
All right, y'all, We're gonna take a quick pause right
now and then when we get back more from this
conversation with Indiana Feaver chief operating officer and general manager Ambercox,
(10:27):
Hanna is having a star like Caitlin Clark on the
roster impact the way that you approach that coming up.
And also you have an unrestricted free agent and Kelsey Mitchell,
who has publicly expressed you know she will explore all
of her options. But from a general manager's perspective, how
do you approach that going into the next season.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Well, look, we want Kelsey back. She had an incredible
career here and I've said many times that you know,
she's been through some rough years with the fever. You know,
in terms of a rebuild and being the placed from
gamebridge Field House, no one deserves this opportunity to be
a part of this success more than Kelsey. I've been
a fan of hers for many years. I think she's
(11:10):
a great person and you hear other players around the
league talk about what a wonderful human being she is.
So obviously want her back and to be a part
of to be a part of this, and I'll put
you know, I'll put Aliyah in there with Caitlin as well.
To have these two back to back number one picks
is really special. And I think the two of them
(11:31):
and what they can accomplish over the next you know,
decade plus if you're like Diana, I'm playing multiple decades
can really just be record setting. It can be like
nothing we've ever seen. So I'm excited for the two
of them to build together. And then when we get
to free agency. I mean, you saw when we got
(11:51):
to the playoffs last year and we're playing Connecticut. They
kept putting the graphic up that was like, you know,
I think it was single digit or maybe you know,
in the ten number of playoff games compared to whatever
Connecticut's number was. So I think thinking about that, you know,
adding veteran leadership that has some of that playoff experience
that can really come in and provide, you know, guidance
(12:14):
for our younger players who haven't been there yet. It's
really our focus. I think. You know, again, we talked
about the defensive end of the ball that's going to
be really important. And then and then back to Steph's system,
wanting to run and really play with pace, you know,
fitting into that as well is going to be important,
so a lot of factors. Obviously, we want great people
(12:35):
coming into the organization, but I would think any free
agent would be really excited to come in here and
play with these two cornerstone players that have so much
talent and are just ready to, you know, take things
to the next level.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
I think the entire world was shocked, or the w
NBA expands in draft when Timmy Fatminlay became available, especially
because when you look at last season, she played a
really huge part in the Fever's success in terms of
getting to that point where you all were able to
make the playoffs, but also her ability to run the
(13:09):
floor with Caitlyn Clark and how their games complimented each other.
And we think about, you know, that expansion draft, what
was the thought process in making her available.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
You know, it's really part of an overall plan which
hopefully everyone will see unfold throughout the off season. The
expansion draft is difficult. It's hard to lose a player.
You know, six is not very many when you think
about protecting protecting anybody on your roster, and this group
obviously built great camaraderie the second half of the season,
(13:45):
so that was not an easy decision, but again part
of a bigger plan that I hope everyone will see
get to see unfold as we get into the rest
of the off season.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
What would you say is the identity of the team
that you want to build with this fever roster and
what specific needs do you see being that missing piece
to getting you all into that championship contending team.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Yeah, I think we're still developing the identity. You know,
I think these young players are really still figuring out
who they want to be. I mean, to a person,
I think what's wonderful about this roster is they truly
love the game right and the second half of the
season you saw it really come together. They loved playing
(14:34):
for and with each other. That is just I mean,
you've been around and at a long time and the
great teams that isn't the foundation is that culture, that
locker room. They're in it for each other. So I
think you've got that. But I think we're still developing
the identity. And when you think about again, we talked
about you know, veteran leadership, getting better on the defensive
(14:56):
side of the ball. You know, some of those things
I think will help shape who we've become over the
next year or two, so thinking about that as we
head into free agency as well.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Kaitlyn Clark was recently named Times Athlete of the Year
and Washington Mystic's co owner Shayla Johnson, you know, responded
to that by saying, I think the w n B
A and its entirety should have been featured. How do
you respond to those comments and do you think this
(15:28):
should the ward should have been given to the entire
w NBA rather than Kaitlyn Clark individually.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
I think Kaitlyn Clark deserved that award. And here's my
here's my experience as I've as I've thought about this, right,
like through the years, dating back to the beginning of
the league, right there have been incredible players, incredible basketball.
We all know that. There have been great people working
on the front office side as well, trying to build
(15:59):
the foundation, build the fandom around it. Sports to me
is generational. You know, we've been at this not very long,
less than thirty years, right comparatively when you're talking about
other leagues, and you know, like I'm a Saint Louis
Cardinals baseball fan because my grandpa was, you know, we
have not really we've been through like one generation. So
(16:20):
we're still growing in that regard, and there have been
a lot of like I said, great players, great people
working on the business. We've had a lot of incredible
inflection points. I mean, I think about again my days
in Phoenix, my days in Connecticut, even you know when
we Dallas went to the semifinals a couple of years ago,
and what that those crowds look like. And we always
(16:42):
talk about and since the beginning, what I you know,
have learned since the beginning of my tenure with Phoenix
is you get people in the door the first time
and they're going to come back because the basketball is great,
the entertainment is second to none. The community of w
fans is so inclusive and embracing, and we've been able
(17:03):
to do that as we've built the league, right the
numbers have come up, there have been like different again,
inflection points. I'd say like drafting the three to see
was a big moment, right and drafting Brittany and Phoenix
is a good example of that what Caitlyn Clark did
because so many eyeballs were on her. She is a
huge multiplier effect of that because she has so many
(17:26):
fans and you saw it across arenas. I mean, people
are moving games because so many people wanted to see
her play. And I'll give you an example. This happened
to me in Dallas last year. I'm sitting in my seats.
It's Dallas versus Indiana, and I've got some sponsor seats
next to me, and this gentleman, his wife and I
think it was his sister, come and sit there from Dallas.
(17:48):
Never been to a game. He's like, somebody gave me,
you know, these seats and it's a part of this
partnership package. It's Caitlin Clark. I'm gonna come out. I
thought I wanted to see. In the third quarter, this
gentleman leaned over to me and he said, where has
this been all my life? And proceeded to then go
up and try to buy season tickets for the Dallas Wings.
(18:10):
He became immediately a fan of the Dallas Wings. So
that to me, I mean, that's what we've been doing
for years. By the tens, by the twenties, Caitlin made
that by the thousands, and look like, I don't take
anything away from other players that brought more eyeballs. Angel
Cameron right, like the identity and how much brand recognition
(18:32):
these players now have in college absolutely helped the WNBA.
But we've never seen anything like Kayln Clark. We've never
seen anything like that, and it's truly been transcendent for
our league. And for that reason, I believe she deserved
the award one hundred percent. Not to mention Rookie of
the Year record breaking, you know, all the things she
(18:52):
did on the court, but this, this award was truly
about the difference and the impact she had on women's basketball,
the WNBA, and women's sport.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
From the chief operating officer perspective, how do you leverage
Cleitlan Clark's platform and popularity to continue to grow the
interest not only of you know, the community in Indiana,
but also the league.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
That's a great question, you know, I think when you
think about you know, arenas being sold out, you know,
we need to continue being really creative about providing access.
So whether that's through content, whether that's through merchandise, whether
that's through you know, more access through broadcast ancillary programming.
I mean, we're starting to see that, right not only
(19:37):
the broad the game is being broadcast, We've got a
pregame show, We've got a postgame show, like finally. We
know we've deserved that for years. But you know, as
now the ratings continue to grow and consistently across all
of our various platforms, We're going to continue to see
more of that, and people are so hungry for it, right,
So it's just continuing. And you mentioned the workout clip
(19:59):
that we had of of Caitlyn and Staph Like small
things like that. People just want to peek behind the curtains.
So continuing to provide opportunities in the off season. I
think it's great that we've got you know, more players
here doing things in the community, playing in some of
these other domestic leagues, and you know, I think just
continuing to storytell. One of the things I've always said
(20:20):
is one through twelve every player has a unique, wonderful
story to tell that will connect with somebody that's never
been connected with in the WNBA. So this platform that
we now have allows us to expand what we're doing
to not only focus on top three four players, right,
(20:40):
it is about one through twelve figuring out, you know,
talking to them about what's important to them in the community,
what they want their brand to be. I mean, that's
why I love this role so much because because it
allows me to marry you know, the business and the
basketball and think about our players from a really holistic
point of view and make sure when they come to
(21:00):
Indiana we're talking about all those things. Because that's really
at the heart of why I love this league. Why
I keep coming back, I tried to leave, I keep
coming back, is giving these women a platform, a platform
to talk about what they care about. Because you know,
if we do that, I think the world's going to
be a better place.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Yeah, in twenty twenty five, I think everyone is super
excited about Indiana hosting the w NBA All Star Game.
What opportunities do you see presenting itself for the All
Star Game to continue to keep the community engaged and
just further that outreach.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Well, you know, the NBA All Star Game was just here,
so we've got this incredible community support, We've got amazing
people working in the front office. So it was, you know,
great to see coming off of NBA All Starlight. Let's
just do it again in a few months, right, and
do it at that level. And I think when you
think about indian Napolis and one of the things I've
(22:01):
really been impressed with is just how every community leader
is ready to raise their hand to make it a
wonderful experience. I have very quickly fallen in love with Indy.
There's so much to offer, you know, in and around downtown.
So I'm excited for fans who haven't been here to
come in and really get to experience the community, see
(22:21):
all that Indy has to offer, and then you know,
continue to build on what All Star just you know,
every year it's bigger and better, right, And that's what
we want to see is more opportunities, more showcase things
to be able to you know, for players, whether they're
in the game or not, other media platforms to be
(22:42):
a part of it. So I think as we put
it together, you're going to see an All Star weekend
like you've never seen before in Indie.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
The w NBA has built a reputation on delivering high
energy entertainment during the All Star Weekend, especially the halftime performance.
Season it was in Phoenix, they had Pitbull and all
the lights and stuff. If you could choose any performer
for the twenty twenty five WNBA All Star Game, who
would you like to see on that big stage?
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Now, Christina, the problem is, I'm I've been around, right,
so I'm like nineties hip hop era, So I'm gonna
for you know, like I'm a I'm like, give me
some TLC and some Nelly, And that's probably the direction
I'm going with it. I think we'll, you know, obviously,
(23:33):
do a wide suite to really think about, you know,
what our fans, what the players would love to see.
But we've got some incredible people working on that, and
I know when that announcement does come out, people are
gonna be excited about it.
Speaker 1 (23:45):
So I'm super excited to hear Who's boring at the
twenty twenty five WNBA All Star because I feel like
every year it's just getting better and better and better
with the performance performances at All Star. All Right, So,
in your dual role as a chief operating officer and
general manager, how do you find balance with those two
(24:06):
different roles because we've seen over the years that a
lot of organizations have kind of went the opposite direction
of having one person do two things. So how are
you finding balance between the two end? How is being
in those two roles helping you, I guess, to get
things done?
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Yeah, I mean it's very similar to how I finish
my time in Phoenix, you know, in terms of working
on both sides of the business. And then in Connecticut,
Kurt Miller was the head coach in GM, but I was,
you know, working a lot on the basketball side as well,
so similar in that regard. But it's a great question.
I think having Kelly in the president's role, you know,
(24:43):
we both have the basketball and the business background, so
that really lends itself to us being able to tag
seam on various projects depending on what they are. It's
a collaborative effort on the basketball side when you talk
about the incredible coach staff that we have, when you
have Kelly, We've still got Lyn Dunn as a senior advisor,
(25:05):
so it really is just carving out the time with
that group to make sure we're all aligned and on
the same page. And then on the business side, I mean, again,
I've just been blown away by the staff here in
Indianapolis on in every vertical of the business, from our
digital marketing team to our ticket sales team. I mean,
(25:26):
the resources that are dedicated to the Fever and how
many people are working across both properties at the same
time and really giving it incredible attention and focus. Is
like nothing I've ever seen. So it really allows me
to be strategic on that side and not get into
(25:46):
the weeds too much because those folks know what they're
doing and I'm not going to get in their way.
They're doing a fantastic job for us. So it is
really a balance. But I think again my experience through
the years, I've learned how to really balance both and
be able to do both effectively.
Speaker 1 (26:04):
So I'm thinking about, like how like the game day
value in each organization's like when I go to different
arenas and just experience the game day presence. I think
about Ellie in New York, Ellie the Elephant and the mascot,
just all the different dance teams and things like that.
Why should fans be excited outside of Kitlyn Clark and
everything that she brings in the star Power be excited
(26:27):
to attend Fever games in twenty twenty five, Like, what
do you guys have in your bag that fans should
get ready for?
Speaker 2 (26:35):
I mean Freddie Fever. Freddie Fever became an icon during
the last season, like he's an original, an original with
the Fever, And I think at one point Caitlin voiced
her love for Little Freddie. So we've got Little Freddie
and Big Freddie. You know, I can see them being
incorporated more into the show. We've got incredible dance team,
(26:56):
The Inferno, And again I just I actually had last
week a fantastic meeting with our entire game presentation team
and it's just blown away at what they were already
thinking about headed into the Fever season. But it's such
an incredible building too. You know that plaza area, there's
so much opportunity for programming there. Obviously Indianapolis it's hot,
(27:19):
but it's not too hot, so you can do a
lot outside. We've got a great basketball court that I've
heard is, you know, activated almost every game, and kids
are out playing, so there's a lot when you think
about coming down for the game and coming early. The
retail is a huge hit. Obviously, the lines are long,
(27:39):
so we'll continue to look for opportunities to expand on
all of those. But I love that you asked that
question because I think it's so much of what makes
the w unique is that experience around the game itself
and the energy that the fan brings and listen like,
I think that's key to that too. We've got an
engaged excited fan base that from the from tip off,
(28:03):
you know, is on their feet, they're cheering, and after
you know, years of rebuilding, are so excited to be
back to the glory years of you know, when Catch
was here and they were winning championships and consistently going
to the playoffs. So you always want it for the
fans because those are the people that are showing up
and have been showing up since day one.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
One of the things that obviously we all notice is
how the fever was intentional about putting women in these
front office roles in the head coaching positions. Why should
organizations continue to fill these rules with women and what
advice do you have for people who may want to
(28:46):
be in front offices or on the bench as a
head coach in the future who may be listening to
this podcast.
Speaker 2 (28:52):
I think another thing you're seeing just because of our league,
you know, again becoming more mature, is former players. You know,
Steph is obviously an example of that. You know, you've
got Becky and others around the league. So that's a
great friend that we're seeing also. But you know, I
(29:13):
think we've now got more opportunities with expansion, right to
create pipeline. I think the trend I've really seen that
excites me the most. When I started, people were getting
into the w as a stepping stone. So it's like,
I want to be a ticket seller. I want to
be on the community side so that I can move
over to the NBA or I can go to the NFL. Now,
to a person, almost everyone that reaches out to me says,
(29:36):
I want a career in women's sports. I want a
career in the WNBA. I want to be a part
of it. So I think just being really intentional about that,
and nothing has changed, Christy, and I mean, it is
about networking. It's about you know. I try to answer
almost every LinkedIn request and take as many of those
phone calls because you know, somebody gave me an opportunity.
J Perry gave me an opportunity in Phoenix when I
(29:57):
didn't know much about anything and taught me and brought
me up through the ranks. So I think we all
have to have those people behind us, and I try
to be that and pay it forward as much as possible.
So I think that's really it. It's just being intentional,
being intentional about having those conversations, whether it's on the
business side, the basketball side, creating those opportunities. As our
(30:19):
staffs continue to grow, that creates more opportunities too, whether
that's on the basketball or business side, and that's from
intern all the way up to senior executive position. So
I think you'll continue to see, you know, again, more
women stepping into these roles and hopefully staying in it
for the entirety of their career.
Speaker 1 (30:36):
We're certainly looking forward to all the Fever has to
offer in twenty twenty five WNBA season and especially w
and be All Star. Super excited about getting out there
for that. Amber, thank you so much for joining us
this week on the show.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
So great to be here again. Continued success. Such a
fan of everything that you do, so I just appreciate
you having having me on today.
Speaker 1 (30:59):
Thank you and best of luck.
Speaker 2 (31:00):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
Okay, we're going to take another quick break and when
we get back, we're going to do the things that
I love this week more from In Case you missed
It with Christina Williams when we get back, welcome back
(31:23):
to In Case you missed It with Christina Williams. I
just want to thank Ambercox again for coming through to
the show this week. Had so much fun chatting with her,
and now it's time for my favorite segment, the Things
that I Love this Week. Honestly, this week has been
a little kookie, but I guess I'll say this one
(31:43):
of my favorite things that happened this week is that
my nephew, he had like a homecoming game yesterday. He
plays basketball, but it was just a surreal moment as
an auntie I guess to go and see him play
one of his senior games because I remember when he
was born and was kind of still in high school,
so it's just so crazy. So witness that his team
(32:05):
won by like thirty points. But we had an auntie
nephew kind of day, took him out to dinner, and
it was just great to just see him fall in
love with the game of basketball because basketball has done
so much for me in my life, and obviously I
work in the sports media space, but to chill with
my nephew, Jalen, it was such a blast to be
(32:26):
able to do that shout out to Jay and shout
out to his team, his high school team. They won
by thirty points, so it was such a blast to
be able to do that, And that was the thing
that I loved this week, and that's going to do
it For this week's show, don't forget to rate, review,
and subscribe to the podcast. And on next week's show,
(32:49):
we're counting down the top fifteen moments of twenty twenty
four in women's basketball and I have a special crew
joining me, so you're not gonna want.
Speaker 2 (32:58):
To miss it, PA.
Speaker 1 (33:03):
In case you missed it, with Christina Williams 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.
Host
Khristina Williams
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