July 4, 2025 • 28 mins
Bria Hartley joins the show to talk about her return to the WNBA after two ACL injuries and the challenge of competing at the highest level after time away. Now with the Connecticut Sun, she reflects on the ups and downs of her career, how the league has evolved, and why better support for player-moms is long overdue. Hartley also shares how the team is building chemistry under Coach Rachid Meziane and offers her take on where the league stands as players push for fairer compensation in the next CBA.
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:
Buffy Gorrilla
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 it's Friday, and it's also July fourth,
so if you celebrate that, happy July fourth.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
But it's a Friday and you already know what time
it is.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
We know that we have important conversations every single Friday
here on the show, and today is no different. And
I'm super excited about this week's guest because she's in
New York early, just like myself, but she hails from the.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Streets of North Babylon.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
She's a two time national champion at Yukon, a two
time Turkish Super League champion as well. Was drafted in
twenty fourteen at seventh overall the WNBA. That's really made
a name for herself after nearly a decade of playing
pro basketball. So helped me in honoring and welcoming Bria
Hartley to the show. Welcome to the show. Thanks for
(01:00):
having me Ria. So I know that things have been
super busy from you, but listen, you.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Grew up in New York ands.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
You made a name for yourself at Yukon, and now
you're back in Connecticut nearly ten years after being drafted.
How do you feel coming into this season. Does it
feel like sort of a homecoming for you to be
back into w.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Yeah, No, it's crazy, especially after missing the last two
seasons just with injuries. It's just been a really warm welcome,
and it's honestly, it's all I've been focused on the
ever since I've tore my ACL the second time, So
just to have the opportunity to get back here, it's
just been I'm just really really grateful. And then I
just try to go out there and play the game
(01:44):
that I love. You know what I'm saying, Enjoy every
moment of it, go out there and play hard and
try to represent myself and this organization really well.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
You talked about having two ACL injuries throughout your career.
What was that like trying to get back to yourself
and the player that you know you could be.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
What was that journey like for you? Everybody knows it's
not a journey that's easy at all. It was really tough.
I think the timing of mine was also really tough.
It's really, the beginning of my prime is when I
had my first one, and then when I felt like
I was coming back a little bit, my second one happened.
So trying to get back now I'm thirty two, kind
of towards the end of my prime, it is a
(02:20):
lot harder. It's kind of discouraging where you're like, our
team's gonna take a risk on me? Are they gonna
want me because I'm older? But I thought Connecticut kind
of called me in and they saw what value I
could bring, And honestly, I came in and I played
really well. It wasn't for certain, but I kind of
just bet on myself and I had confidence in myself
and the work that I put in the last few
(02:41):
years just to get my body right and to feel good.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
And this Sun team is a young team, just still
finding their way under a new head coach. So what
has it been like trying to find that bedroom presence
on this young team and you guys are all learning together,
So what has that experience been like so far?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Yeah, I mean, we take it day by day. It's
always kind of difficult when you have a bunch of
new players together, a lot of young players. I think
with my role being here, just the experience I have
throughout the league is just trying to help these young
players just kind of reach their potential and just kind
of teach them how to think the game at the
next level, how to play the game at the next level.
And I really embrace that role. But then at the
(03:22):
same time, I also feel like, in order for people
to value what you're saying, you got to make sure
you're going out there performing and doing what you need
to do. So I'm also focused on making sure I'm
trying to be as consistent as possible, just working on
how I feel on the core and building my confidence
with it being my first season back in a few years,
so I'm trying to balance all that. But it's been cool,
(03:43):
you know. Like I said, I'm grateful to have the
opportunity to play like I love playing basketball. I'm out
there having fun being able to do that kind of
back in my normal routine. The last couple of years,
it's been weird not playing in the summer. So I'm
just happy that I'm back here and just happy to
try to guide these rookies and help them in this
way possible.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
And he talks about having two years or moved from
the w from your perspective, what's different from even just
two years ago compared to now.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
I will say when I first came back, I was like,
was it always this physical? Like it was always more
physical than college, And I don't know, maybe I know
for sure it was a lot faster when I was younger,
with injuries kind of slowed me down, So maybe it's that,
But it does feel like it's a lot more physical
than what I remember. But you know, I've gotten bit
bigger physically and stronger, so just kind of adjusting to
(04:31):
that at first, even like not playing after a while,
getting used to getting hit and everything. I think the
first couple of games, I was like taking a step back.
Now I'm like prepared for it and ready. So that's
the biggest thing that I've noticed. And then the league
is also obviously it's a lot younger than when I
was here. I'm i think probably the second or third
oldest on the team, so that feels a little weird
(04:53):
when I was used to being like one of the
younger ones on the team. So it's just a shift.
It's a lot of different coaches, a lot of different
fas for when I first came in the league. It's
been a lot of movement with the league, but then
the growth of the league, the charter flights. I remember
getting on the first charter flight. I was like, oh,
this is nice, Like this is different from what I'm
used to. So there's just a lot more things for
(05:14):
like the quality of life that you can have when
you're playing in the W now compared to when I
was here a few years ago.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Yeah, I met you when you played for the New
York Liberty and you've had several souless what hasn't been
like to just reunited with the player like Tina Charles
and be close to the New York City area where
you grew up.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
No, it's awesome. I mean being back here in Connecticut.
I spent a lot of years here, a lot of
time in New York. Especially this drive. This drive from
Connecticut New York. I used to do it all the time.
So it's nice to be closer to the family again.
I was out in the Midwest and out in the
West for a little bit. Having that option and my
son loves it too, to have like my family close by.
My brother's in Boston, so I'm able to see my
(05:53):
family a lot more, so that's good. And then being
back to Tina, we had that relationship, We have that
connection on the court playing together for three years and
then I mean we also go back to Yukon and
everything like that, so we always had a really good relationship.
Even I went to Turkey this year and I saw
her over there, got to watch her play. So we've
always kept in touch. So it was nice just to
(06:14):
get back and be able to play with her again.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
When you think about the Bria who came into the
league in twenty fourteen compared to who you are now,
what would surprise her the most about who you are now?
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I think just my ability to think the game now.
I think when I came in, I was always like,
had a decent IQ, but it just wasn't to that
level where a point guard needed to be in this
league yet. And I remember just kind of I run
a play and I'm like, oh, I need this gardener
action and I'm like, oh, I forget I need this
post and the action as well, and then just kind
of thinking at the next level. So I think I
(06:46):
did have a really good coach in Mike Tebow my
first three years, and then I Haddil Lambier my next
few years. So I was fortunate to come in and
have coaches that really taught me the game and taught
me just the next level. So they helped me become
a better player than even going overseas all that experience
over there, you have different coaches where you're able to
learn different styles of play, either the French national team,
(07:09):
the Turkish League, different things like that. I've seen different
styles of basketball. I've been able to adjust and to
learn different aspects from all of that to incorporate it
in my game now.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
And he talked about having to adjust, and you're someone
who's been like a journey woman in the league and
you've played for so many different teams five and the
nine years span, and what would you say that experience?
How has that experience helped you to adapt and adjustede
to different situations that you've been in.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me is I
think I can really go to any team and kind
of make an impact on any role. Like I've been
on teams where I was a starter. I've been on
teams where I'm a sixth man. I've been on teams
where I'm towards the end of the bench, and I
think I've learned how to adapt and bring a quality
of leadership, whether it's from a starter's perspective or from
the bench. And I think teams of value that I've
(07:56):
played for, and that's one of the reasons I've been
able to last in this league along. I think when
you go out there and you have an attitude where
you're trying to get better every day, you're trying to
be positive, and you're trying to help others and be
unselfish and help your team in whatever way you can,
I think that is valued. So it's been good. And
then if you want me to come in, I'm just
(08:17):
playing my game basketball. You know, I'm a scoring guard
that could come in. I can also facilitate for others,
and I just try to embrace just who I am really.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
And on the flip side, I mean, you mentioned your
son earlier, but how has being a mom helped you
when it came to how you moved through the league,
When you come to those decisions about what team you
want to play for, where you want to be with
the situation is how has that helped?
Speaker 2 (08:41):
I think for me, especially my first free agency when
I ended up going to Phoenix. Being a mom was
a big factor in that. I think going to play
for coach Sandy Brundello, she just had this perspective where
she really understood what I needed, and then she also
just helped in her own way and like she didn't
have to do those things, but you know, like I
(09:04):
tore my acl, I'm rehabbing, I'm in Arizona, kind of
buy myself with my son to be like, oh, he
can come to my house and help. We were going
to the Bubble the year before that and I was
like kind of figured it out and I was like,
I don't know if I have anyone who can come
with me. She's like, that's all right, Like we're gonna
get you there. We're gonna make sure we have everything
you need. And I think that was not to say
other programs different, but I think it was just a
(09:24):
different perspective from someone who has been a mom and
really understood what was needed, because I think there were
certain things that I didn't even understand that I needed
or needed to ask for prior to that, being a
young mom in the league and just trying to figure
it out. So I think that factored in They had
nanny's at the game and everything like that when I
was going there, so I knew I could go there,
even though I was leaving my East Coast roots. I
(09:47):
knew I could go there and I would have the
resources that I need. But then even with that new
CBA in twenty twenty, we added some different things for mom.
I was a player rep with most of the teams
I've played for, and I really did advocate for a
lot of that stuff for moms to have so that
we have just a better quality of life and a
better work life balance, because I think prior to that
(10:10):
it really it really was a bit difficult to try
to manage all that. But now I think we're understanding
that women can have kids and still come back and
play at the top of their game and almost be better.
I mean, you look at the feast of Collier. I
think me after I had my son, some of my
best years are there. So it's just good that the
league is now adapting to that and establishing things to
(10:30):
help moms. You talked about how difficult it used to be.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Can you elaborate on like going back to when you
were pregnant with your son and everything that you had
to go through in those early years, you kind of
had to take the hit in order to.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
The benefits of JAM And yeah, there was a lot
in the old CBA. There was like four sentences in
that maternity leave, like there was no maternity leave. I
remember I was young and I probably didn't understand, but
I remember, like I didn't tell Coach T I was pregnant,
so I was like four and a half months pregnant
or something like that. I was like, I don't know,
they might cut me this or that, like because you
(11:20):
weren't protected in that same way.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
Then.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
I just think with my pregnancy coming back in New York,
just as far as the resources you had, I think
you only got a one bedroom. We just have to
share hotels. So my son when I came back playing,
my son was four months so he was traveling with
me and I was paying for a nanny to for
her flight. I was paying for the hotel room, and
then I was paying the nanny on top of that,
(11:45):
you know what I mean. So all this stuff like
that adds up. Whereas now, okay, we take charters flights
and if you have a caregiver, you have a child
that can come, they automatically give you a two bedroom
if you're a mom. I remember I was in DC
when I initially got pregnant, So I was like, Oh,
I'm gonna go back to DC only like three hundred
dollars a month for the extra bedroom. I get traded
to New York. They're talking about fifteen hundred dollars a
(12:05):
month for extra bedroom. I was like, I'm not paying that.
So my son's carib is in the living room and
stuff like that. So there's a lot of different things
I think people don't necessarily know through that experience. That
is just different now and we have a lot more
resources that it could still there's a lot of things
we can still improve on, you know what I mean.
Like that's just the first step.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
But.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
It is better than what it used to be.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Yeah, and the league, you guys are currently in the
middle of CBA negotiations now, and I know Satoo Sobii
made some comments the other day about how those negotiations
were going in terms of the offer.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
That the league made.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
What could you tell us if you know anything about,
you know, the current negotiation process and what is the
conversation amongst the players when it comes to this new CBA.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
I think the biggest thing for us is the business.
We want to make sure that the money represents what
the business is earning. So now we're approaching this as
far as like, we want to make sure we're getting
what we're worth and we won't want to go out
there and be low balled. We want to make sure
that we're making the amount of money. Especially with the
growth of women's basketball the last few years. We all
see it. We see it in the stands, we see
(13:15):
it in Jersey sales, we see it in the TV viewership.
So our salaries should reflect that. And that's the biggest
kind of point that we want to make this year.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
And do you feel like those conversations that the league
is being receptive to what you guys are trying to.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Negotiate on some things? I think that being receptive on
some other things maybe not. And I think that's where
we have a bit more back and forth, and the
conversation is ongoing, and we're going to keep having those conversations.
We're keep pushing for the things that we feel like
we deserve, and that's just kind of where we're at
right now. We still have a bit of time before
that needs to be determined and it will still continue
to be discussions. And you talked about the differences.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
You said, it's like night and day between some of
your earlier years in the CVA in terms of the
motherhood benefits and what you received now. But I want
to go back to just being a mom because I
remember seeing you in the offseason this year at Athletes Unlimited.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
I could not believe your son was that big. I'm like,
oh my god, the Liberty days, but he was so small.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Yeah, all this it didn't like to just have him
on this journey with you, And is he into sports?
What is his relationship like with basketball? Is he enjoying it?
Speaker 2 (14:19):
What's going on now? It's awesome. It's awesome. Honestly. I
will say when I got injured a couple of years,
he started kindergarten and it was just kind of like
figuring out where I was living and all that stuff.
So I had some time away from him a bit
more than I would have liked. But every time around him,
like he's definitely like attached to me very much. So, uh,
(14:39):
he still does his own thing. He's independent at the
same time, but then like he's like, where's my mom?
So it's cool then to see how much he's grown,
Like he's gotten so tall, like it's crazy.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Then with basketball, he actually doesn't play as much basketball yet.
I feel like every time we try to do basketball,
it's like in the winter, and it was like the
COVID years then a lot of times if I was
overseas or something, he'd come visit me for extended period
of time and you missed like the whole window. So
he's really big into soccer. So he was playing for
(15:10):
a soccer club in Minneapolis that they're pretty good. It
was eight and under. They actually we just played in Minnesota.
He had a soccer tournament the day before our game
and they played up nine and under and the kids
didn't even score. They won every game by like four
plus goals, So like they're really good. He really likes soccer.
He really favors that right now. But I'm knocking too
(15:32):
because most people don't know that I played soccer a
lot when I was younger. Soccer is my first sport.
I actually didn't start playing basketball till I was like nine,
So I played soccer since I was four or five
years old. So I'm like, okay, he kind of just
take that same journey. I do want him to kind
of try basketball a little bit. I think right now
he's just used to being around adults in the gym,
where sometimes he gets discouraged and he's like, nah, I
(15:52):
don't want to do that. Like if we're making all
our shots, he gets mad because he's not making it.
But if you put him out, he's done some like
basketball sessions and stuff, and when he's with kids his aide,
then all of a sudden he wants to play. So
it's just getting him around, getting him more organized basketball
and like little like training sessions. Then he's fine with it.
But sometimes moving around all the time, finding a new
program here and there has kind of been the difficult
(16:15):
part of it. I love that for him, and I'm.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Looking forward to seeing what sport he chooses in the future. Saying, so,
going back to those Yukon days and you want to
titles and championship teams have a certain mindset and culture.
What's one thing from those Yukon runs that you find
yourself trying to implement on this Connecticut Sun team, even
(16:38):
if it's not about necessarily winning. Right now, I think the.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Biggest thing is paying attention to the small details and
building those good habits even in games sometimes, like you know,
there's been some games where we've kind of gotten blown out,
and I like to remind the rookies like we're still building,
Like we're still out here, we're down, like we still
need to execute, we still need to work on the
things we need to work on. You know what I'm saying.
We're not just out here like oh, we're losing, like
(17:05):
I'm gonna give up, Like no, I'm going out there.
I'm playing hard. We're building our confidence, you know what
I'm saying. We have Anissa, she had back to back
double doubles. We want her to go out there and
still play her game. We want to know I to
come on. She's a defensive stopper, she can get to
her mid range all that, Like we want her to
be on attack. So that's the biggest thing I tried
to implement with her. And then another thing is just
like I think sometimes when people train, we're like, oh
(17:27):
we do this, like, oh, yes, I got it right.
And the biggest thing is like you don't do something
till you get it right. You want to do something
you can't get it wrong, so you want to constantly,
like stay on that and keep perfecting your craft.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
At the end of the day, this Connecticut Sun team
is really gained the reputation around the Lake.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
For being a team that takes no e as.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
What's the chemistry like amongst all the players and just
the sisterhood that you guys have been able to build
and develop in a short amount of time.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Yeah, I think we're continuing to grow. I think we
came in, like I said, we had a bunch of
new players. They only had two returning players from last year.
And I mean I played with Tina for three years.
I played with La for I think one season, but
that's really it. I don't really play with anyone else.
So like we're building that chemistry, and I think as
the year goes on, we're building even more and more
chemistry on the court and then off the court. I think,
(18:20):
you know, we had some games. These games are physical.
You know, they get physical, they get chippy. Like we're
not gonna back down either though, Like you know, we're
gonna step up, We're gonna fight for each other. We're
gonna make sure that we're out there. We're kind of
coming together and always gonna have our teammates back.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
What's the philosophy that coach Rashid is trying to implement
with this spot. I think the biggest thing for us
is like coming out with toughness, coming out with energy
is the biggest thing that we need to do because
I think there's some games that we're kind of on
our heels and then the team comes out physical and
with this physical energy and we kind of get knocked
back and we're like, oh snap, and it's like no,
(18:55):
we got to come up.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
We gotta show up ready. And we're continued to build
on that. We have a group of that's really talented,
you know what I mean, and then we got some
players with experience, and so we just want to continue
to go out there and bring our energy no matter what.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
How would you say that you view what success looks
like in this part, in this journey of your career,
through all of the adversity that you've been through.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
The biggest thing for me, I've always say like it's
me against me every time I'm in the gym, like
I'm making sure I'm getting better and being a better
version of myself. And I try not to compare myself
to anyone else because everybody's journey, everybody's adversity that they've
dealt with is completely different, you know, Like everyone has
some adversity, but you know what I'm saying, it's all different.
So I make sure like for me at first, it's like, okay,
(19:54):
just getting back to lead. Like I remember Alyssa Thomas
tried to talk trash to me in Again and she
was like, oh, you on a sorry team or something
like that. I'm like, girl, I'm grateful to be on
a team, like it was taken away from me for
two years. So like you could talk trash, that doesn't
affect me because I'm here. Like most people after two
acls kind of stop. So that's my perspective is that
(20:15):
I'm getting one percent better every day and I'm reaching
the little goals that I set for myself every day.
And then also on top of that, at the end
of the day, I'm an example for my son. So
through this process and everything I've been through, he's been
right by my side and he's been watching me, and
I want to make sure that I'm the best example
for him and how to deal with adversity and how
to kind of approach life. You know, sometimes things don't
(20:37):
always go your way, But that don't mean you got
to get knocked down and stay down. You can still
push her. He talks about, you know, I wanted to
keep going.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Was there ever a time through those two injuries that
you felt like it was a rap, like you.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Didn't want to go on? And what helped you push through?
So I'll say, I don't think there was ever a
moment where I didn't want to go on, but there
was a moment where I felt like I wouldn't get
the opportunity. I felt like kind of people just wrote
me off. They're like, ah, she even injured, she's done.
And I mean people said these things to me, you
know what I'm saying, like, oh, she's probably done or
(21:10):
this and that. So I do think there was moments.
I mean, even I didn't get signed to Connecticut. I didn't
get signed to a training camp before camp started this year,
so it kind of just felt like, you know, people
just wrote me off. I'm older, They're like, she has injuries,
she can't do this. And even though I played well
in AU, I just kind of felt like, you know,
maybe they're just moving in a different direction. And then
(21:31):
when Connecticut called and I did get the opportunity. I
just tried to make sure I make the most of it.
And then even last year I ended up getting cut
from Vegas. I was living in DC for the summer.
I went to a few games and people were like, oh,
you were tired, and it really used to piss me
off because I'm just like, no, I'm not like I'm
trying to get signed with a team.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
You.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
I'm trying to do all this stuff. And like I said,
I think the biggest thing for me, like the W
was always the goal. Don't get me wrong, but I
was to the point where I was just like, I
just want to play basketball. I knew I could play overseas,
and then we have AU now in different leagues in
the States that I was just like, I'm just grateful
and I want the opportunity to play basketball. And I
think once I got that perspective and kind of stop
(22:10):
pressing about the W, then all of a sudden, that
W called came. So I'm just grateful.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Yeah, And the league this week announced three new expansion
teams by twenty thirty. How excited are you to see
the league continuing to expand?
Speaker 2 (22:24):
No, I love it. It's just crazy because I don't
know if I ever thought I would see it in
my playing career, even like the charter flights and everything
like that. So to be able to kind of still
benefit from that and see all that stuff is really
really cool. I'm excited for them to add to Toronto
team next year in Portland, right, so that'll be really cool.
(22:45):
I'm just excited to see the league grow and to
have more opportunities because I still feel like there's a
lot of players that are pretty good that aren't on
teams now or that have been way from teams this
year that also deserve opportunity to play on some teams.
So we just want to continue to grow our league
and show case they're really good women's basketball players that
we have. So I'm a little biased because we're from
New York and I feel like New York has the
(23:06):
best hoopers in the world. Like New York pretty different, right,
very different?
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Uh, just talk about your upbringing and who inspired you
growing up in New York City to want to play
basketball to get into the sport.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
So you know, it's crazy. Growing up, I was like
a really active kid. My dad was a pro boxer,
so at first he took me to the boxing gym
with him all the time. And then I have a brother.
I have two older brothers that play sports. So my brother,
like I did everything he played besides football, but like
everything he played. And then I was a kid. We
grew up like we had the basketball hoop in the driveway.
(23:45):
We was playing kickball out there. We had a bunch
of kids on the box. So I was just active
and always did a bunch of sports. But then I
think like as I got older, I just kind of
shifted more towards basketball, and especially when I started playing
in New York City, so I had a I was
playing like a Long Island team, which we were local,
like we were all right, we wasn't really that good.
And then a coach like kind of found me just like, nah,
(24:07):
I want you to go to AAU Nationals. And at
this point I didn't even play AU. This is like
twelve under. I didn't even play AU at all. I
was playing more soccer at that age in the summertime.
So he was like, nah, you're gonna go. I'm gonna
put you on this team from Harlem, like they're going
to AU Nationals. Go play with them. So when I
went out there, and I started playing. That's when I
feel like that's when I just started to grow. And
then I started playing like on the A Circuit and everything.
That's when I started getting looks and everything. And then
(24:29):
I just think my passion for basketball group and then
like that street ball, like we would play Nike Swiss League,
We're playing at Riverbank State Park, We're playing at Rockeup
Park and everything. Like I still think, say, we used
to play on concrete, because I'll never play on concrete again.
But it was just a different toughness and a different
like you know you out there in New York too,
those tournaments, like you got the announcer kind of talking trash,
(24:50):
like sorry about the game, Like it's a different it's
a different breed out there when you when you're playing
in New York City. So I think I just love
that competitive side of it and it's kind of that
g and then I think that's when I really started
to be like, Nah, basketball is it for me?
Speaker 1 (25:04):
I asked Super this question when she's on this show.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
She's from New York.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
Yeah, but what do you think separates New York City
guards from everyone else in the country?
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Makes what makes me different? I think it's that I
always say, like we play basketball, but then we a
little rough around the edges, like we come out there
like we're trying to hoop, and then like we talk trash.
Like I always say, like talking trash is a love
language for New Yorkers and everything. So I feel like
just that grit that you have, like you know, they
say it's the concrete jungle. You have that extra grit
(25:35):
about you. You got that extra toughness and confidence, borderline
arrogance when you come out there playing. So I think
that's really what separates New York guards. Who's the best
trash talker in the week because you run up trash
talk Listen Thomas for sure, Like she just me talking.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
I'm like, girl, you always she's quiet vibes and those
she don't She's quiet everywhere else, but on the court,
Like when you on the court, it's just like, nah,
she always are.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
It's a few, but she's always the one that stand
out for me. That's hilarious.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
No, But like from the from the surface level, Alyssa
comes off very quiet, very introverted. So it's it's so
crazy to hear she's one of the craziest.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
Trash talkers in the league. For her. We ain't played
Kelsey Plumb this year, nough, But Kelsey's my dog. But
Kelsey me talking too. She definitely did.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
And a few more before you get out of here.
We always like to ask players to reflect on that
welcome to the W moment. And you came into the
league at a very unique time. So who is that
player who gave you your welcome to the W moment?
Speaker 2 (26:38):
I always say this, and it's just like people may
not even like remember her, but I always say our
MINSI Harrington was my welcome to the W moment. And
I remember like it was like an emphasis on the scout,
Like she plays passion lane and she plays passing lane.
She pays plass and lance and literally like I come
out there and I go to make a cross court pass,
she just jumps the gap. And I remember Coach she
(26:58):
was like sub, like, just sub me right out right
back to the bad He's like, what do we say
on this scout? And I was like, dang, Like so
that was my welcome to the W moment. What excites
you the most about this new chapter for your career?
For you, I'm just excited to be out here playing
you know what I'm saying, at thirty two years old,
still being around here in my body, like I feel great.
(27:19):
Like obviously the last couple of years I have been moved,
but like I feel like I'm moving really well and
I continue to get better and better the more that
I play in these games. So I'm just really excited
to play, going into this league and then seeing this
league grow the next two years. I'm just hoping I
have the opportunity to play for a few more years.
Speaker 1 (27:36):
So for you, I want to thank you for joining
us on In Case you missed It with Christina Williams
this week. I'm excited to continue to see.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
You who and I know that all.
Speaker 1 (27:45):
The fans listening are excited to see the Connecticut son
and what you all do this season.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
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 it's Friday, and it's also July fourth,
so if you celebrate that, happy July fourth.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
But it's a Friday and you already know what time
it is.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
We know that we have important conversations every single Friday
here on the show, and today is no different. And
I'm super excited about this week's guest because she's in
New York early, just like myself, but she hails from the.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Streets of North Babylon.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
She's a two time national champion at Yukon, a two
time Turkish Super League champion as well. Was drafted in
twenty fourteen at seventh overall the WNBA. That's really made
a name for herself after nearly a decade of playing
pro basketball. So helped me in honoring and welcoming Bria
Hartley to the show. Welcome to the show. Thanks for
(01:00):
having me Ria. So I know that things have been
super busy from you, but listen, you.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Grew up in New York ands.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
You made a name for yourself at Yukon, and now
you're back in Connecticut nearly ten years after being drafted.
How do you feel coming into this season. Does it
feel like sort of a homecoming for you to be
back into w.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Yeah, No, it's crazy, especially after missing the last two
seasons just with injuries. It's just been a really warm welcome,
and it's honestly, it's all I've been focused on the
ever since I've tore my ACL the second time, So
just to have the opportunity to get back here, it's
just been I'm just really really grateful. And then I
just try to go out there and play the game
(01:44):
that I love. You know what I'm saying, Enjoy every
moment of it, go out there and play hard and
try to represent myself and this organization really well.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
You talked about having two ACL injuries throughout your career.
What was that like trying to get back to yourself
and the player that you know you could be.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
What was that journey like for you? Everybody knows it's
not a journey that's easy at all. It was really tough.
I think the timing of mine was also really tough.
It's really, the beginning of my prime is when I
had my first one, and then when I felt like
I was coming back a little bit, my second one happened.
So trying to get back now I'm thirty two, kind
of towards the end of my prime, it is a
(02:20):
lot harder. It's kind of discouraging where you're like, our
team's gonna take a risk on me? Are they gonna
want me because I'm older? But I thought Connecticut kind
of called me in and they saw what value I
could bring, And honestly, I came in and I played
really well. It wasn't for certain, but I kind of
just bet on myself and I had confidence in myself
and the work that I put in the last few
(02:41):
years just to get my body right and to feel good.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
And this Sun team is a young team, just still
finding their way under a new head coach. So what
has it been like trying to find that bedroom presence
on this young team and you guys are all learning together,
So what has that experience been like so far?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Yeah, I mean, we take it day by day. It's
always kind of difficult when you have a bunch of
new players together, a lot of young players. I think
with my role being here, just the experience I have
throughout the league is just trying to help these young
players just kind of reach their potential and just kind
of teach them how to think the game at the
next level, how to play the game at the next level.
And I really embrace that role. But then at the
(03:22):
same time, I also feel like, in order for people
to value what you're saying, you got to make sure
you're going out there performing and doing what you need
to do. So I'm also focused on making sure I'm
trying to be as consistent as possible, just working on
how I feel on the core and building my confidence
with it being my first season back in a few years,
so I'm trying to balance all that. But it's been cool,
(03:43):
you know. Like I said, I'm grateful to have the
opportunity to play like I love playing basketball. I'm out
there having fun being able to do that kind of
back in my normal routine. The last couple of years,
it's been weird not playing in the summer. So I'm
just happy that I'm back here and just happy to
try to guide these rookies and help them in this
way possible.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
And he talks about having two years or moved from
the w from your perspective, what's different from even just
two years ago compared to now.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
I will say when I first came back, I was like,
was it always this physical? Like it was always more
physical than college, And I don't know, maybe I know
for sure it was a lot faster when I was younger,
with injuries kind of slowed me down, So maybe it's that,
But it does feel like it's a lot more physical
than what I remember. But you know, I've gotten bit
bigger physically and stronger, so just kind of adjusting to
(04:31):
that at first, even like not playing after a while,
getting used to getting hit and everything. I think the
first couple of games, I was like taking a step back.
Now I'm like prepared for it and ready. So that's
the biggest thing that I've noticed. And then the league
is also obviously it's a lot younger than when I
was here. I'm i think probably the second or third
oldest on the team, so that feels a little weird
(04:53):
when I was used to being like one of the
younger ones on the team. So it's just a shift.
It's a lot of different coaches, a lot of different
fas for when I first came in the league. It's
been a lot of movement with the league, but then
the growth of the league, the charter flights. I remember
getting on the first charter flight. I was like, oh,
this is nice, Like this is different from what I'm
used to. So there's just a lot more things for
(05:14):
like the quality of life that you can have when
you're playing in the W now compared to when I
was here a few years ago.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Yeah, I met you when you played for the New
York Liberty and you've had several souless what hasn't been
like to just reunited with the player like Tina Charles
and be close to the New York City area where
you grew up.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
No, it's awesome. I mean being back here in Connecticut.
I spent a lot of years here, a lot of
time in New York. Especially this drive. This drive from
Connecticut New York. I used to do it all the time.
So it's nice to be closer to the family again.
I was out in the Midwest and out in the
West for a little bit. Having that option and my
son loves it too, to have like my family close by.
My brother's in Boston, so I'm able to see my
(05:53):
family a lot more, so that's good. And then being
back to Tina, we had that relationship, We have that
connection on the court playing together for three years and
then I mean we also go back to Yukon and
everything like that, so we always had a really good relationship.
Even I went to Turkey this year and I saw
her over there, got to watch her play. So we've
always kept in touch. So it was nice just to
(06:14):
get back and be able to play with her again.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
When you think about the Bria who came into the
league in twenty fourteen compared to who you are now,
what would surprise her the most about who you are now?
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I think just my ability to think the game now.
I think when I came in, I was always like,
had a decent IQ, but it just wasn't to that
level where a point guard needed to be in this
league yet. And I remember just kind of I run
a play and I'm like, oh, I need this gardener
action and I'm like, oh, I forget I need this
post and the action as well, and then just kind
of thinking at the next level. So I think I
(06:46):
did have a really good coach in Mike Tebow my
first three years, and then I Haddil Lambier my next
few years. So I was fortunate to come in and
have coaches that really taught me the game and taught
me just the next level. So they helped me become
a better player than even going overseas all that experience
over there, you have different coaches where you're able to
learn different styles of play, either the French national team,
(07:09):
the Turkish League, different things like that. I've seen different
styles of basketball. I've been able to adjust and to
learn different aspects from all of that to incorporate it
in my game now.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
And he talked about having to adjust, and you're someone
who's been like a journey woman in the league and
you've played for so many different teams five and the
nine years span, and what would you say that experience?
How has that experience helped you to adapt and adjustede
to different situations that you've been in.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me is I
think I can really go to any team and kind
of make an impact on any role. Like I've been
on teams where I was a starter. I've been on
teams where I'm a sixth man. I've been on teams
where I'm towards the end of the bench, and I
think I've learned how to adapt and bring a quality
of leadership, whether it's from a starter's perspective or from
the bench. And I think teams of value that I've
(07:56):
played for, and that's one of the reasons I've been
able to last in this league along. I think when
you go out there and you have an attitude where
you're trying to get better every day, you're trying to
be positive, and you're trying to help others and be
unselfish and help your team in whatever way you can,
I think that is valued. So it's been good. And
then if you want me to come in, I'm just
(08:17):
playing my game basketball. You know, I'm a scoring guard
that could come in. I can also facilitate for others,
and I just try to embrace just who I am really.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
And on the flip side, I mean, you mentioned your
son earlier, but how has being a mom helped you
when it came to how you moved through the league,
When you come to those decisions about what team you
want to play for, where you want to be with
the situation is how has that helped?
Speaker 2 (08:41):
I think for me, especially my first free agency when
I ended up going to Phoenix. Being a mom was
a big factor in that. I think going to play
for coach Sandy Brundello, she just had this perspective where
she really understood what I needed, and then she also
just helped in her own way and like she didn't
have to do those things, but you know, like I
(09:04):
tore my acl, I'm rehabbing, I'm in Arizona, kind of
buy myself with my son to be like, oh, he
can come to my house and help. We were going
to the Bubble the year before that and I was
like kind of figured it out and I was like,
I don't know if I have anyone who can come
with me. She's like, that's all right, Like we're gonna
get you there. We're gonna make sure we have everything
you need. And I think that was not to say
other programs different, but I think it was just a
(09:24):
different perspective from someone who has been a mom and
really understood what was needed, because I think there were
certain things that I didn't even understand that I needed
or needed to ask for prior to that, being a
young mom in the league and just trying to figure
it out. So I think that factored in They had
nanny's at the game and everything like that when I
was going there, so I knew I could go there,
even though I was leaving my East Coast roots. I
(09:47):
knew I could go there and I would have the
resources that I need. But then even with that new
CBA in twenty twenty, we added some different things for mom.
I was a player rep with most of the teams
I've played for, and I really did advocate for a
lot of that stuff for moms to have so that
we have just a better quality of life and a
better work life balance, because I think prior to that
(10:10):
it really it really was a bit difficult to try
to manage all that. But now I think we're understanding
that women can have kids and still come back and
play at the top of their game and almost be better.
I mean, you look at the feast of Collier. I
think me after I had my son, some of my
best years are there. So it's just good that the
league is now adapting to that and establishing things to
(10:30):
help moms. You talked about how difficult it used to be.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Can you elaborate on like going back to when you
were pregnant with your son and everything that you had
to go through in those early years, you kind of
had to take the hit in order to.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
The benefits of JAM And yeah, there was a lot
in the old CBA. There was like four sentences in
that maternity leave, like there was no maternity leave. I
remember I was young and I probably didn't understand, but
I remember, like I didn't tell Coach T I was pregnant,
so I was like four and a half months pregnant
or something like that. I was like, I don't know,
they might cut me this or that, like because you
(11:20):
weren't protected in that same way.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
Then.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
I just think with my pregnancy coming back in New York,
just as far as the resources you had, I think
you only got a one bedroom. We just have to
share hotels. So my son when I came back playing,
my son was four months so he was traveling with
me and I was paying for a nanny to for
her flight. I was paying for the hotel room, and
then I was paying the nanny on top of that,
(11:45):
you know what I mean. So all this stuff like
that adds up. Whereas now, okay, we take charters flights
and if you have a caregiver, you have a child
that can come, they automatically give you a two bedroom
if you're a mom. I remember I was in DC
when I initially got pregnant, So I was like, Oh,
I'm gonna go back to DC only like three hundred
dollars a month for the extra bedroom. I get traded
to New York. They're talking about fifteen hundred dollars a
(12:05):
month for extra bedroom. I was like, I'm not paying that.
So my son's carib is in the living room and
stuff like that. So there's a lot of different things
I think people don't necessarily know through that experience. That
is just different now and we have a lot more
resources that it could still there's a lot of things
we can still improve on, you know what I mean.
Like that's just the first step.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
But.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
It is better than what it used to be.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Yeah, and the league, you guys are currently in the
middle of CBA negotiations now, and I know Satoo Sobii
made some comments the other day about how those negotiations
were going in terms of the offer.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
That the league made.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
What could you tell us if you know anything about,
you know, the current negotiation process and what is the
conversation amongst the players when it comes to this new CBA.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
I think the biggest thing for us is the business.
We want to make sure that the money represents what
the business is earning. So now we're approaching this as
far as like, we want to make sure we're getting
what we're worth and we won't want to go out
there and be low balled. We want to make sure
that we're making the amount of money. Especially with the
growth of women's basketball the last few years. We all
see it. We see it in the stands, we see
(13:15):
it in Jersey sales, we see it in the TV viewership.
So our salaries should reflect that. And that's the biggest
kind of point that we want to make this year.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
And do you feel like those conversations that the league
is being receptive to what you guys are trying to.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Negotiate on some things? I think that being receptive on
some other things maybe not. And I think that's where
we have a bit more back and forth, and the
conversation is ongoing, and we're going to keep having those conversations.
We're keep pushing for the things that we feel like
we deserve, and that's just kind of where we're at
right now. We still have a bit of time before
that needs to be determined and it will still continue
to be discussions. And you talked about the differences.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
You said, it's like night and day between some of
your earlier years in the CVA in terms of the
motherhood benefits and what you received now. But I want
to go back to just being a mom because I
remember seeing you in the offseason this year at Athletes Unlimited.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
I could not believe your son was that big. I'm like,
oh my god, the Liberty days, but he was so small.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Yeah, all this it didn't like to just have him
on this journey with you, And is he into sports?
What is his relationship like with basketball? Is he enjoying it?
Speaker 2 (14:19):
What's going on now? It's awesome. It's awesome. Honestly. I
will say when I got injured a couple of years,
he started kindergarten and it was just kind of like
figuring out where I was living and all that stuff.
So I had some time away from him a bit
more than I would have liked. But every time around him,
like he's definitely like attached to me very much. So, uh,
(14:39):
he still does his own thing. He's independent at the
same time, but then like he's like, where's my mom?
So it's cool then to see how much he's grown,
Like he's gotten so tall, like it's crazy.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Then with basketball, he actually doesn't play as much basketball yet.
I feel like every time we try to do basketball,
it's like in the winter, and it was like the
COVID years then a lot of times if I was
overseas or something, he'd come visit me for extended period
of time and you missed like the whole window. So
he's really big into soccer. So he was playing for
(15:10):
a soccer club in Minneapolis that they're pretty good. It
was eight and under. They actually we just played in Minnesota.
He had a soccer tournament the day before our game
and they played up nine and under and the kids
didn't even score. They won every game by like four
plus goals, So like they're really good. He really likes soccer.
He really favors that right now. But I'm knocking too
(15:32):
because most people don't know that I played soccer a
lot when I was younger. Soccer is my first sport.
I actually didn't start playing basketball till I was like nine,
So I played soccer since I was four or five
years old. So I'm like, okay, he kind of just
take that same journey. I do want him to kind
of try basketball a little bit. I think right now
he's just used to being around adults in the gym,
where sometimes he gets discouraged and he's like, nah, I
(15:52):
don't want to do that. Like if we're making all
our shots, he gets mad because he's not making it.
But if you put him out, he's done some like
basketball sessions and stuff, and when he's with kids his aide,
then all of a sudden he wants to play. So
it's just getting him around, getting him more organized basketball
and like little like training sessions. Then he's fine with it.
But sometimes moving around all the time, finding a new
program here and there has kind of been the difficult
(16:15):
part of it. I love that for him, and I'm.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Looking forward to seeing what sport he chooses in the future. Saying, so,
going back to those Yukon days and you want to
titles and championship teams have a certain mindset and culture.
What's one thing from those Yukon runs that you find
yourself trying to implement on this Connecticut Sun team, even
(16:38):
if it's not about necessarily winning. Right now, I think the.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Biggest thing is paying attention to the small details and
building those good habits even in games sometimes, like you know,
there's been some games where we've kind of gotten blown out,
and I like to remind the rookies like we're still building,
Like we're still out here, we're down, like we still
need to execute, we still need to work on the
things we need to work on. You know what I'm saying.
We're not just out here like oh, we're losing, like
(17:05):
I'm gonna give up, Like no, I'm going out there.
I'm playing hard. We're building our confidence, you know what
I'm saying. We have Anissa, she had back to back
double doubles. We want her to go out there and
still play her game. We want to know I to
come on. She's a defensive stopper, she can get to
her mid range all that, Like we want her to
be on attack. So that's the biggest thing I tried
to implement with her. And then another thing is just
like I think sometimes when people train, we're like, oh
(17:27):
we do this, like, oh, yes, I got it right.
And the biggest thing is like you don't do something
till you get it right. You want to do something
you can't get it wrong, so you want to constantly,
like stay on that and keep perfecting your craft.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
At the end of the day, this Connecticut Sun team
is really gained the reputation around the Lake.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
For being a team that takes no e as.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
What's the chemistry like amongst all the players and just
the sisterhood that you guys have been able to build
and develop in a short amount of time.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Yeah, I think we're continuing to grow. I think we
came in, like I said, we had a bunch of
new players. They only had two returning players from last year.
And I mean I played with Tina for three years.
I played with La for I think one season, but
that's really it. I don't really play with anyone else.
So like we're building that chemistry, and I think as
the year goes on, we're building even more and more
chemistry on the court and then off the court. I think,
(18:20):
you know, we had some games. These games are physical.
You know, they get physical, they get chippy. Like we're
not gonna back down either though, Like you know, we're
gonna step up, We're gonna fight for each other. We're
gonna make sure that we're out there. We're kind of
coming together and always gonna have our teammates back.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
What's the philosophy that coach Rashid is trying to implement
with this spot. I think the biggest thing for us
is like coming out with toughness, coming out with energy
is the biggest thing that we need to do because
I think there's some games that we're kind of on
our heels and then the team comes out physical and
with this physical energy and we kind of get knocked
back and we're like, oh snap, and it's like no,
(18:55):
we got to come up.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
We gotta show up ready. And we're continued to build
on that. We have a group of that's really talented,
you know what I mean, and then we got some
players with experience, and so we just want to continue
to go out there and bring our energy no matter what.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
How would you say that you view what success looks
like in this part, in this journey of your career,
through all of the adversity that you've been through.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
The biggest thing for me, I've always say like it's
me against me every time I'm in the gym, like
I'm making sure I'm getting better and being a better
version of myself. And I try not to compare myself
to anyone else because everybody's journey, everybody's adversity that they've
dealt with is completely different, you know, Like everyone has
some adversity, but you know what I'm saying, it's all different.
So I make sure like for me at first, it's like, okay,
(19:54):
just getting back to lead. Like I remember Alyssa Thomas
tried to talk trash to me in Again and she
was like, oh, you on a sorry team or something
like that. I'm like, girl, I'm grateful to be on
a team, like it was taken away from me for
two years. So like you could talk trash, that doesn't
affect me because I'm here. Like most people after two
acls kind of stop. So that's my perspective is that
(20:15):
I'm getting one percent better every day and I'm reaching
the little goals that I set for myself every day.
And then also on top of that, at the end
of the day, I'm an example for my son. So
through this process and everything I've been through, he's been
right by my side and he's been watching me, and
I want to make sure that I'm the best example
for him and how to deal with adversity and how
to kind of approach life. You know, sometimes things don't
(20:37):
always go your way, But that don't mean you got
to get knocked down and stay down. You can still
push her. He talks about, you know, I wanted to
keep going.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Was there ever a time through those two injuries that
you felt like it was a rap, like you.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Didn't want to go on? And what helped you push through?
So I'll say, I don't think there was ever a
moment where I didn't want to go on, but there
was a moment where I felt like I wouldn't get
the opportunity. I felt like kind of people just wrote
me off. They're like, ah, she even injured, she's done.
And I mean people said these things to me, you
know what I'm saying, like, oh, she's probably done or
(21:10):
this and that. So I do think there was moments.
I mean, even I didn't get signed to Connecticut. I didn't
get signed to a training camp before camp started this year,
so it kind of just felt like, you know, people
just wrote me off. I'm older, They're like, she has injuries,
she can't do this. And even though I played well
in AU, I just kind of felt like, you know,
maybe they're just moving in a different direction. And then
(21:31):
when Connecticut called and I did get the opportunity. I
just tried to make sure I make the most of it.
And then even last year I ended up getting cut
from Vegas. I was living in DC for the summer.
I went to a few games and people were like, oh,
you were tired, and it really used to piss me
off because I'm just like, no, I'm not like I'm
trying to get signed with a team.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
You.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
I'm trying to do all this stuff. And like I said,
I think the biggest thing for me, like the W
was always the goal. Don't get me wrong, but I
was to the point where I was just like, I
just want to play basketball. I knew I could play overseas,
and then we have AU now in different leagues in
the States that I was just like, I'm just grateful
and I want the opportunity to play basketball. And I
think once I got that perspective and kind of stop
(22:10):
pressing about the W, then all of a sudden, that
W called came. So I'm just grateful.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Yeah, And the league this week announced three new expansion
teams by twenty thirty. How excited are you to see
the league continuing to expand?
Speaker 2 (22:24):
No, I love it. It's just crazy because I don't
know if I ever thought I would see it in
my playing career, even like the charter flights and everything
like that. So to be able to kind of still
benefit from that and see all that stuff is really
really cool. I'm excited for them to add to Toronto
team next year in Portland, right, so that'll be really cool.
(22:45):
I'm just excited to see the league grow and to
have more opportunities because I still feel like there's a
lot of players that are pretty good that aren't on
teams now or that have been way from teams this
year that also deserve opportunity to play on some teams.
So we just want to continue to grow our league
and show case they're really good women's basketball players that
we have. So I'm a little biased because we're from
New York and I feel like New York has the
(23:06):
best hoopers in the world. Like New York pretty different, right,
very different?
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Uh, just talk about your upbringing and who inspired you
growing up in New York City to want to play
basketball to get into the sport.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
So you know, it's crazy. Growing up, I was like
a really active kid. My dad was a pro boxer,
so at first he took me to the boxing gym
with him all the time. And then I have a brother.
I have two older brothers that play sports. So my brother,
like I did everything he played besides football, but like
everything he played. And then I was a kid. We
grew up like we had the basketball hoop in the driveway.
(23:45):
We was playing kickball out there. We had a bunch
of kids on the box. So I was just active
and always did a bunch of sports. But then I
think like as I got older, I just kind of
shifted more towards basketball, and especially when I started playing
in New York City, so I had a I was
playing like a Long Island team, which we were local,
like we were all right, we wasn't really that good.
And then a coach like kind of found me just like, nah,
(24:07):
I want you to go to AAU Nationals. And at
this point I didn't even play AU. This is like
twelve under. I didn't even play AU at all. I
was playing more soccer at that age in the summertime.
So he was like, nah, you're gonna go. I'm gonna
put you on this team from Harlem, like they're going
to AU Nationals. Go play with them. So when I
went out there, and I started playing. That's when I
feel like that's when I just started to grow. And
then I started playing like on the A Circuit and everything.
That's when I started getting looks and everything. And then
(24:29):
I just think my passion for basketball group and then
like that street ball, like we would play Nike Swiss League,
We're playing at Riverbank State Park, We're playing at Rockeup
Park and everything. Like I still think, say, we used
to play on concrete, because I'll never play on concrete again.
But it was just a different toughness and a different
like you know you out there in New York too,
those tournaments, like you got the announcer kind of talking trash,
(24:50):
like sorry about the game, Like it's a different it's
a different breed out there when you when you're playing
in New York City. So I think I just love
that competitive side of it and it's kind of that
g and then I think that's when I really started
to be like, Nah, basketball is it for me?
Speaker 1 (25:04):
I asked Super this question when she's on this show.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
She's from New York.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
Yeah, but what do you think separates New York City
guards from everyone else in the country?
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Makes what makes me different? I think it's that I
always say, like we play basketball, but then we a
little rough around the edges, like we come out there
like we're trying to hoop, and then like we talk trash.
Like I always say, like talking trash is a love
language for New Yorkers and everything. So I feel like
just that grit that you have, like you know, they
say it's the concrete jungle. You have that extra grit
(25:35):
about you. You got that extra toughness and confidence, borderline
arrogance when you come out there playing. So I think
that's really what separates New York guards. Who's the best
trash talker in the week because you run up trash
talk Listen Thomas for sure, Like she just me talking.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
I'm like, girl, you always she's quiet vibes and those
she don't She's quiet everywhere else, but on the court,
Like when you on the court, it's just like, nah,
she always are.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
It's a few, but she's always the one that stand
out for me. That's hilarious.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
No, But like from the from the surface level, Alyssa
comes off very quiet, very introverted. So it's it's so
crazy to hear she's one of the craziest.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
Trash talkers in the league. For her. We ain't played
Kelsey Plumb this year, nough, But Kelsey's my dog. But
Kelsey me talking too. She definitely did.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
And a few more before you get out of here.
We always like to ask players to reflect on that
welcome to the W moment. And you came into the
league at a very unique time. So who is that
player who gave you your welcome to the W moment?
Speaker 2 (26:38):
I always say this, and it's just like people may
not even like remember her, but I always say our
MINSI Harrington was my welcome to the W moment. And
I remember like it was like an emphasis on the scout,
Like she plays passion lane and she plays passing lane.
She pays plass and lance and literally like I come
out there and I go to make a cross court pass,
she just jumps the gap. And I remember Coach she
(26:58):
was like sub, like, just sub me right out right
back to the bad He's like, what do we say
on this scout? And I was like, dang, Like so
that was my welcome to the W moment. What excites
you the most about this new chapter for your career?
For you, I'm just excited to be out here playing
you know what I'm saying, at thirty two years old,
still being around here in my body, like I feel great.
(27:19):
Like obviously the last couple of years I have been moved,
but like I feel like I'm moving really well and
I continue to get better and better the more that
I play in these games. So I'm just really excited
to play, going into this league and then seeing this
league grow the next two years. I'm just hoping I
have the opportunity to play for a few more years.
Speaker 1 (27:36):
So for you, I want to thank you for joining
us on In Case you missed It with Christina Williams
this week. I'm excited to continue to see.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
You who and I know that all.
Speaker 1 (27:45):
The fans listening are excited to see the Connecticut son
and what you all do this season.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
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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