October 29, 2025 • 35 mins
This week, Ole Miss Women’s Basketball head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, affectionately known as Coach Yo, reflects on eight seasons of building the Rebels into a competitive program. She talks about what makes the SEC such a special conference, the excitement of landing Cotie McMahon—one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal—and watching Sira Thierno step into her second year. She also shares her pride in leading the Bahamian national team and their plans for the 2028 Olympics.
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
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
Missed It with Christina Williams right here on iHeart Women's
Sports Network and our college covers continues and today's guest
(00:25):
comes out of the world of women's college basketball because
we've got all of the excitement, the storylines and the
teams to watch this season. So joining me today is
Yo let McKee McQuinn aka Coach Yo, head coach at
Oldness Women's Basketball and the Bahamian senior women's national team,
now entering her eighth season at the helm of one
(00:47):
of the top programs in the SEC. So, Coach Yo,
welcome to you in Case you miss it. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
I'm excited. I feel all honored to be on listen.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Only the best that mostly come through to the show,
so we're happy to have you, so coach. Sure, we
like to start every episode of in Case You Missed
It with our guest sharing a win of the week,
and that could be anything. So what's your win of
the week. I know the week just technically started, but
what was a win in the last seven days.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Well, yeah, okay, in the last forty eight hours a win.
I have two wins. I have won my daughter I
went to her first middle school dance and so and
I was able to get her dressed and ready for that,
makeup and all that, and she thought I did a
great job.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
So that was a win for me.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
My welcome win was my youngest played in a soccer
game and they won their game. So two wins.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
I love that. It's nothing like family time, so I
love that. I love that. That's your win for the week.
All right, So I want to dive right into this.
You're heading into your eighth season at ONNUS, looking back
at everything you've built an experience with the program over
the years. How does it feel to reach this mouthstone
and how are you heading into this eighth season.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Yeah, I can't believe I'm one of the ogs in
the league.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Now.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
We've had so much change. I'm still young, but we've
had so much change.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
In the league.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
And I'm one of the longest tenured coaches. It's just
a few of us, So that in itself is a blessing.
Because the demands are high in the SEC and the
best of the best play here.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
And I know people would want to argue, but you know,
I think we have a fair argument that are that
our league is, if not.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
The best, one of the best eight years at all.
Miss It's been a long journey, you know. I've come
in and I remember taking the job like it was yesterday,
not knowing what I was walking into, realizing that I
was walking into something that is going to take a
lot of work, and uh, just being able to be
(03:11):
here and now being known as a top program in
the country is something that I could only dream about
and I'm extremely grateful for.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
So this season on this roster features nine newcomers. What
if I U see the most about just having all
of these new pieces heaving into the season. Yeah, I
just think a fresh a fresh start.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Every year as a coach, you know, you're excited about
you know your team, and every year, even if you
have a lot of returners, it's a new team because
it's a new year. They're in a new mental space.
But for me, I've I've completely bought into the changes
that the NCAA has percent presented and the portal is
(03:57):
one of those things.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
And so.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
For me, I'm always excited about what's new, the new personalities,
new challenges, and I'm just always pumped about being on
the journey with them.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Seratino had a strong freshman season. How are you expecting
her to step into a bigger role this season?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Yeah, I mean Sirah has really showed a growth level,
a jump in her maturity already, just from the summertime.
You know, she had a chance to go home and
play for her team and Molly and they played in
the African Games and and came up short with a
silver medal, but she really played well, and then she
(04:42):
had this a little bit of the summer with us,
and it's I just think once you once you play
in the in the Southeastern Conference for a year, you
come back as a different person that that first experience
you can't really you don't know what to expect. But
that second year is like, Okay, I know what college
(05:02):
is like, I know what the conditioning test feels like.
You know, I know the expectations. And she's really looking
like someone that has been here before. And I think
what's scary about Sira is while there has been a
great growth from last year to this year, she's stronger,
(05:22):
her body is filled out. She has about two more
octaves she can go, and so that's something that I'm
incredibly excited about and I expect her, you know, at
some point, to be the face of ole Miss women's basketball.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Another huge pickup for you this season in the transfer
portal was Cody McMahon. Can you walk us through what
that process was like recruiting her? What made you feel
like she was right for the old Miss program?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yeah, well, I mean the whole basketball community felt that way,
because so when she got in the portal, I got
fifty million and notifications like, oh, she should be with you,
and I don't. I don't really know what that means
other than they felt like we would be a good fit.
But when when Cody got in the portal, I got
(06:13):
a call from her AU coach and they told me
that I should reach out. I would have never reached
out to Cody because I didn't recruit in high school
and I knew she was a good player, but I
didn't know much about her. And so usually in the
portal I go after players that you know, I'm I've
(06:34):
known before, like I'm comfortable, no, I've recruited them in
high school. It didn't work. Out and then they're circling back.
So this was this was this was different.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
I called her.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
We had a great conversation, and maybe after like two
to three more conversations after that, she she made up
her mind and she wanted to come to Ole miss
And I told her I wouldn't let her come in
and until she comes to see campus. And so that
she came and saw campus. Really was more focused on
(07:08):
where she would spend the most of her time, which
was the weight room in the gym and uh and
and kind of look at some properties for where she
would stay. And it was really a day trip.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
It was.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
It was a unique recruiting process. But when you deal
with transfers, they kind of know what they're looking for.
It's not a lot of you don't got to smooth
them like they kind they know they're leaving one place
and they're going to the next.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
And then the rest was history.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And now she's a graduate of Ohio State, and you know,
McGuff did a great job with her, and now it's
on me to help her in her last lap.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Before she goes to the pros. I was always curious
about how like nil and the collective impacts of coaching
recruiting strategy. How does that impact how you are approach
the transfer portal and get these recruits.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Well, now college coaches that do have nil and reughshare money.
We're like gms, so you know, we kind of have
to think about the overall pitcher, how much money we have.
You know, who are going to be our high cap players.
And I kind of took the model from the NBA.
They have two players that are in the twenty percent
of their cap and then they fill in the rest.
(08:27):
In the WNBA, I think it's like eleven percent, but
that's because of the amount of money that they have,
And so I kind of look at the pro model
and then we build our roster from there. And so
my recruiting philosophy first is retention. Who cannot making sure
I retain the ones that need to be retained. After
(08:50):
that is the freshman recruiting high school because they get
to sign in November. And once I get the high
school players and I know who I want to retain,
that's when you start thinking about the portal. What do
you need out of the portal? Before the portal even
opens up, you sit around and you think, Okay, I'm
(09:10):
gonna need this. We're losing Madison Scott, We're gonna need this.
We're losing KK Deen's, we'll need this. And so you
kind of know the positions you need, but you just
don't know who's gonna be in those positions. And then
you sit around and you wait for the portal. And
then once the portal pops up and Cody popped up
(09:32):
in there, I was like, man, and I got the call.
I'm like, if we could make this happen, this will
be great. And then then you look and see how
much money you got. But most transfers is not a
money grab. They really want to go where they think
that they can make the most of their last year
(09:53):
or two years, and so as long as you're in
the ballpark, you can pretty much make a credible offer.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
You know, on the men's college side, you see teams
starting to hire general managers, and I know that the
Syracuse team they just hired their first general manager. Do
you see that trend to continue to happen in women's
college basketball? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Absolutely, I mean before any of these cats started doing it,
I have one. We just call them something different. And
so Patrick Henry is our chief of staff. He's been
on staff with me here I think three years now,
and so this was before all of this happened, but
now he's heavily in that space. But I've also I'm
(10:35):
a business major. Before I got into coaching, I wanted
to be a CEO. I wanted to be a manager.
So it is something that I'm comfortable. I'm comfortable in
that space. But he works with the contracts and making
sure our players get what they need and then the
nil piece, he is the liaison And I think if
(10:59):
every coach doesn't have it now, they will in a
year or two because a lot of coaches are not
business savvys. Some coaches are just ex'es and old coaches,
you know what I'm saying. So they have to bring
people in that have that mindset. Okay, let's even go further.
You know, unfortunately women are not comfortable in negotiating spaces
(11:20):
because we didn't have an opportunity to negotiate coming up.
You know, that's not a comfortable space that we're in.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
So a lot there's.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
A lot of change, and as college coaches, we have
to adjust or you're gonna die.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Absolutely, And I want to follow this up with I
know every year you come up with a word for
your team to kind of offset the year. And I
know you had a word for last year. It was joy, right, Yeah,
what's the word this year? Coach? Yo?
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Yeah, the word this year is give.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
And the way it goes down for me is kind
of organic.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
I kind of wait and see, like, okay, with what
what does God want?
Speaker 1 (12:01):
What?
Speaker 2 (12:02):
What word is he going to put in my heart?
Uh for the for the year. And as I was
sitting around and I'm usually pay patient now my marketing
team they hate it, but I want it to be organic.
I don't just make something up like oh, this is
going to be a great name and the and the
word give just kept coming.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
In my mind my heart and as.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
I thought about it, you know, give, our players received
so much. I just think it's important and important tool
for all of them to have to to understand the
power of giving.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
And the more they give, the more they will receive
in life.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
And I and I think you know, all my players
want to be bosses, entrepreneurs, leaders and and and in
true leadership, it's servinghood, it's giving. And so you have
to to have a free spirit and a and a
and a and a mindset to do that and it's
a life tool. So I think it's it's important that
(13:04):
my players give one hundred percent practice, give to each other,
give to this community that gives so much to them.
And so that's in essence what the word give means.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
The SEC is one of the toughest conversations on It's basketball.
You kind of alluded to a little bit earlier. But
what is it like to have a team compete in
that environment year after year?
Speaker 2 (13:37):
It's the baby WNBA. It's a jungle. It's an unforgiving league.
You you you ain't come, you don't come to play,
you get your head beating, and and there's no gentleman's rule,
Like there's no mercy you. You you don't come to play,
you get beat by forty. You don't come to play,
(13:59):
you lose to team that doesn't have a.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
Win, you know.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
So, I mean, it's an incredible amount of talent, the
pace that that our players UH in the league playing.
I was just looking. I just had to do the
votes for for UH the All Conference, and I was
and I was looking at the names and I was
(14:23):
just like, oh my god, Like, we have so many
great players in our league from top to bottom, and
and and and it's a fun league to be a
part of. And then let's talk about the coaching. You know,
we got we got coaches that have coached in numerous
Final fours, you know, from Christy Curry. People don't know
(14:44):
Christy Curry's og. You know, you got Molkie, you got down,
you got big and and and then you had Mike Neighbors,
who was a Final four coach. And and now you
got the up and coming coaches, the ones that that
have been in the league, Jonie A and m and
then and then myself and so like this league ain't
(15:07):
nothing to play with, Christina, I mean it's the best
of the best for real.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
How keep seeing the conference evolved during your time at
Olney's because like right now it's as you mentioned, it's
a jungle. But you how have you seen this conference evolve? Well,
I mean you can just tell from the transfer portal.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Look at the players that are leaving elite level programs
and other conferences and like, nah, I want to go
to the SEC, the SEC. And you've also seen players
no shade come to the SEC and not make it
and then leave and they look great. You know, So
this this this league ain't for the week. You know,
(15:45):
you got to be a dog to be in this
league and to make it.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
And so I think the transfer.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Portal has really allowed the best of the best to
come into the league. But also the different coaches we
have in We got Kenny Brooks and Kim and these
are offensive minded coaches and Jenny at Oklahoma. So the
league back in the day was all defensive minded. You know,
(16:15):
you would sit down guard, can't nobody score, And now
in the league you got you mean, I think LSU
and Oklahoma the score was one oh five to one hundred.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
I think we were like.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
Eighth and scoring, and we average seventy five points a game, right,
So the league has just grown not only from a
defensive standpoint and a toughness and a grit, but also
from an offensive standpoint as well. And then so's the
diversity in the league.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Has has really grown. I think that sort of mirrors
what's happening in the W as well, where you think
about how that's become more of an offensive game as well.
Over the years, Oldness has definitely made a name for
itself in the SEC Conference. Did you think that people's
thoughts about the program started to shift or was just
(17:06):
differently about the old Miss program. In terms of the
success you've been having these last few seasons.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, you know, I think when we beat Stanford at Stanford,
I thought that was our coming out party.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
Like, you know, we went up in there and they
hadn't lost. I think I think they hadn't lost a
game like in seven years or something like. It was
something crazy.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
It was like a crazy stat so they don't lose
a lot and in Tarra's era, and we just walked
up in there and you know, I told my team,
I'm like, we're from the South, We're from the SCC, Like,
I don't care what they've done. They ain't never played
no team like this. And we went out there and
(17:50):
dictate and disrupted them for forty minutes. And since then
we hadn't looked back. You know, when we went to
n Cuba's running Man the first, I know was cool.
But when we beat Stanford at Stanford, I think people
started to recognize and say, okay Ole Miss is here
and they ain't playing around.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Over the last few seasons, you also had success and
seeing some of your players get wrapped into the w NBA,
including two in that first round. How do you approach
preparing your players to compete at the next level.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Yeah, well, a lot of people try to say, right now,
colleges the pros, and I just don't agree with that.
While we have aspects of the pros because the players
make a lot of money, there's still kids and they
still don't have the freedom that professionals in the W
have and and they're not even developed like they are
in the W. So we consider ourselves a pro prep
(18:49):
and we try to get our players to be two
way players, to be recognized on both ends of the floor.
We run the same system that the teams in the
W run. If you watch us play, you could take
our playbook and take the Las Vegas ass playbook.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
And it's the same.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
So you have to be able to play in ball screens,
you have to be able to create for yourself, you
have to be efficient.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
These are the things that they do in the W.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
So we try to just focus on preparing our players
to be comfortable enough to play in any type system.
Where a traditional college system is incredibly systematic as far
as like a certain offense they run, but we're transition
and we're set heavy from a continuity base and that
(19:40):
allows freedom for our players to be able to perform
in space, and our focus is completely advantage basketball it wears.
Speaker 1 (19:49):
The advantage is if.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Cody has a smaller guard on her, is their advantage
on the perimeter or is it inside in the post?
So we kind of focus on whatever. Uh, the position
is forced to create an advantage. And all of our players,
lastly are very skilled. You know, we got Latasha lotta
(20:13):
more that I think we'll get drafted as well. She's six'
five forward for, us and she can shoot the, three
she can stretch the.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Floor you.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Know we we try to recruit players that fit in
this style and so. Seamlessly then you add a little
defense in there and toughness and.
Speaker 1 (20:32):
Grit they're ready for THE. W i think that's super.
Important i've been covered TO w for about seven and
a half, years and SO i have noticed that these
rookies in general are coming in more prepared and that
there isn't a huge gap in you, know the transitioning
from college to the, Pros especially like the last couple
of draft, classes like they were able to make adjustments
(20:55):
quickly because that time between getting drafted and going to
training camp is what to and so you have to
be ready because there's not a lot of roster. SPIECES
i mean with expansion there will be more. Jobs But
i've noticed the difference in rookie is coming in year
over year that they have.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
Been more prepared and you can see like where they're coming,
from like the schools that they're coming, From like they
play a pro style, offense you, know and they're able
and our players have in the. Past now we have
some star studed names With cody and And tosh And
Caitlin peterson even who was A big Twelve player of The.
(21:35):
Year now we have, names but before Like Marquisha davis
win the. Name but when we have what it's called
a pro dating so we have ours tomorrow where pro
teams all log in and watch our team and so
we've on we've usually had every organization log in and
(21:57):
watch our team. Practice and so the exposure that they're
getting from now and then they're able to watch them
as they go through conference play has really. Helped and
and and again our league is is known for developing.
Pros so at any, point especially in conference, play you
(22:19):
have three four W nba gms at the game because
they can they can double. Dip now they're watching my
team and they're watching the the the.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
Other, team you.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Know and so my players have been able to show
what they're capable of versus who is considered the best
of the, best and have made opportunities for. Themselves i'm
super proud of them, men and now we're going to
continue to do. That And marcusia is a W nba.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Champion so, Yes i'm, curious what's one of let's get
one of your proudest moments watching a former player. SUCCEED
i just Mentioned marquicia winning at W nba. Championship but
as a, coach.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
YEAH i, MEAN i think ANYTIME i hear their name
get called in the, draft that's always that's always pretty
cool BECAUSE i know that's something that they that's important for,
them you. Know and as, coaches we want to see
our players live out their. Dreams and so my players
come here with dreams and. Goals and you, know qu
(23:25):
wanted to get drafted. Desperately that was something that she.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
Always had and then it kind of went away.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
At her first school and she transferred here and started
to see that maybe it was a. Possibility and then
When maddie saw her get. Drafted she's, like, WELL i
definitely want to do that as, well and that was
something that she always wanted to. Do so just hearing
their names get, called and even Like rita E bakwe
(23:56):
When New york invited her To Camp Angel, baker ANYTIME
i see my players live out their, dreams that's a
win for.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
ME i want to pivot the conversation a little bit
because you're the head coach for The bahamian national team
and you've been a part of that program for such
a long, time and you take so much pride in
(24:26):
where you're. From what does it mean to you to
be able to lead your country on that international? Stage?
Speaker 2 (24:34):
YEAH i mean ANY i think any coach can that
has coached on a national, level it is probably the
most rewarding thing ever because that's you're you're representing your,
country you know WHAT i, mean like where you were.
BORN i remember even Coaching John tuell for the first, TIME.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
I wasn't just about to SAY i, KNOW i, know
and don't. Worry we're up to.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Something we're up to. Something we're gonna bring her back
and get her to be able to. Play But i'll
tell you, this like just being able to play for.
Coach for first of, ALL i played on the national,
team so that meant a lot for, me and being
able to coach for your country is completely, gratifying especially
(25:27):
when you come from a little country like The, bahamas
it means a. Lot and So John quell has opened
up the doors for. Many you can't be what you can't.
See just like HOW i, Said maddie saw que and then,
said you know, WHAT i can do this. Too these
we have so many players from The bahamas that are
(25:49):
playing in The United states at different colleges because of
what they Saw John quell. Do AND i think that's
just what our tree is, about just being able to
show what you can do and then getting the opportunity
to do. It and so one of my goals for
(26:09):
the national team is hopefully being able to get us
to move up like the men did and try to
position ourselves to get An olympic bid that that would
mean the world for.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
Me you broken barriers as the First bahamian woman to
sign A d one letter of intent and the first
to serve as A d one head. Coach how do
you hope your journey inspires the next generation Of bahamian
players and. Coaches there's been an optic.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
Lately of behaming young behaming women that want.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
To, coach and even.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
Men i've had male coaches tell me front Of bahamas
like that they they are were inspired by. Me Tom,
temmy you, know he's coaching At Bowling. Green and then
you Have michael as A kentucky, man you, know these
these are my these are my little, nephews you know,
(27:06):
so and they call me all the time to seek.
Advice and then you have female coaches that are coming
up a lot in a high school level that that
we're able to see me do, it and they're looking for.
Opportunities it means a lot to. Me it is something
(27:27):
THAT i don't want to be the, last you. KNOW
i hope that many people can come after me and
be able to do What i'm. Doing But i'm still
young in This, Christina so, Shoot i'm Still i'm not
even in my prime.
Speaker 1 (27:41):
Yet i'm just trying to get.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Going not from the Basketball i'm gonna let y'all quite
a handle that my knees are too bad And i'm too,
short but from the coaching, standpoint you, know trying to
just give visibility for people back home and two four
two and just letting them know that IF i was
able to do, it they can.
Speaker 1 (28:02):
TOO i just love when The New York liberty have
games Because i've been seeing you on The South lines
And i'm, like, Okay like the relationship With John quall
is still. Strong the five yeah from The bahamas is.
Strong what was it like having her be a part
of the team At you said you're making them one
for twenty. Eight so Now i'm a campaigning to get her.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Back, well she wants to come, back she wants to,
play but you, know so With John quall's, situation she
kind of had to do what was best for her
at the. Time and SO i THINK i forget the.
Team it Was bosnia some it was some like team
she went and played. For and so now we have
(28:42):
to get it reversed for her to come back to
her birthright. Country and even if not five v, five
definitely three x three is popping.
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Now so that's something that we want to.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
Do but the story With John, quall LIKE i Knew
John quell since she was probably eight nine years, old
AND i remember saying to, her you want to come to.
College this was WHEN i was just starting as a college.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Coach.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
And she, said, YEAH i want to. PLAY i want
to play in. College and SO i helped her get
over to The United states and introduced her To Diane
richardson and got that. Started and people don't, know like
for a Short stan John quell played for me WHEN
i was an assistant coach At, clemson BUT i wasn't in,
charge SO i was just an assistant finding my. Way
(29:31):
and then she went back and played With diane and
finish her career As diane was an assistant At George.
Washington But i'm just really super proud THAT i was able,
to you, know be a part of her. Life and
she's still like this with my dad because my, dad
he's the one that called me and SAID i got this.
(29:53):
Kid And, christina, PEOPLE i remember watching this young girl
walk through the bushes and come on this court and
we call them like track, roads so like she wherever
she was coming, from came through these bushes and here
is this five nine kid that's like working out for
me to convince me the letter help her get to
(30:17):
The United states and follow her. Dreams and now she's six'
five and she's still just the other day she was
calling me because my dad changed his number and she
wanted to go. See him so she doesn't forget, her
roots and that's what you LOVE.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
ABOUT jj i want to talk about your coaching philosophy
and what you value as. A coach, i, mean obviously
relationships is at. The forefront you just talked about how
important your Relationship with john cull has been since she
was a. Young kid but one of the things that
you want every player to take with them once they part.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
FROM you i think, for me what is important is
that they have the tools and skills to be successful.
Speaker 1 (30:57):
In life, you KNOW.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
When i talk about, PRO prep i mean pros, in
life not.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
JUST sports i. HAVE players i have a player that
just became a. POLICE officer i have one as, a,
lawyer nurse.
Speaker 2 (31:13):
CHEMICAL engineer i have players that are pros in all fields.
Speaker 1 (31:19):
Of life and, You know.
Speaker 2 (31:21):
I've changed my players Have said i've, softened UP but
i don't Know that i've. Softened up i've just. Really
evolved and so when you first get, into coaching you
usually coach how you, were coached and that old school
style of coaching doesn't. Work Anymore so i've Had to
i've had to adjust. And so and then also from a,
(31:42):
personal standpoint when you get older and you start to
figure out who you want, to be then you decide
what type of coach you want. To be AND so
i didn't want to be a coach anymore that shout
and screened and had to discipline.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
By fear and. All that, You know i've Evolved and
i'm more.
Speaker 2 (32:00):
Into empowering my players and getting them to see their
own power and their.
Speaker 1 (32:05):
Own STRENGTHS and i think that's just a part.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
Of evolution and SO now i want my players to
look at me and use me as an example of.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
How they should.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
Approach life and so that's an accountability piece. For ME
so i have to live in a WAY that i
would want them, to follow you Know what. I'm saying
so it's more so from a mentorship standpoint and really
helping them be successful. In life basketball is a conduit,
to it and it's a, Great piece but ball is.
(32:40):
Not life ball is a part, of life even if
they go TO, the WNBA and i just want to
help them, OR professionally i want to help them be
pros in their.
Speaker 1 (32:50):
Own space, all, RIGHT coach i want to close out
this interview with. THIS question i know that you don't
pay attention to The preseason lincoln's you don't care about.
That stuff but tell us why fans should be excited
about allness this season and what we. Can.
Speaker 2 (33:06):
Expect, Yeah well i'll tell you. One thing we don't make.
Ourselves small we think that we're one that we should
be in the discussion as any other program. Should be
we have an. Exciting team they're. INCREDIBLY mature i think
if you're a, basketball fan you want to stick with
(33:26):
us because this is like really cool to have nine
players come from nine different places and just watch us
evolve and. Become one because right now. We're twelve but
as we go through, the season hopefully you get to
see us. Become one hopefully you get To see. Cody's
(33:47):
maturation she's already. Matured tremendously i'm excited about her growth
and the rest of. The team sirah chinus new faces.
Speaker 1 (33:58):
That maybe you don't.
Speaker 2 (33:59):
Know about we're, gonna defend, of course but but we
can score in. Every position so it's gonna be a.
Fun style we're gonna, be competitive and we're gonna try
to show up and show out every time we step
out on.
Speaker 1 (34:15):
The floor, for sure and there you. Have It, coach
yo thank you so much for joining us this Week
On In case You. Missed it i'm looking forward to
seeing what all of us does, this Season and i'm
sure you women's basketball fans everywhere also going to be
tuned in and. Locked in wishing you all the best.
This season thank you for. Joining, us yeah.
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Thank you this.
Speaker 1 (34:34):
IS this i hadn't done a lot.
Speaker 2 (34:35):
Of shows i've been, saying no left, and right but
when you, REACHED out i, was like this will. Be
good this will be, a fresh. Fresh PERSPECTIVE so i
love your work and love what.
Speaker 1 (34:45):
You do. Thank you this is a long. Time coven
this has been a long time covering, this INTERVIEW so
i just want TO say i appreciate you for taking
out the time, And again i'm gonna be tuned into
y'all all. Season long So thank i'm excited. For y'all
all Right You. Bill Schilling, all. Right y'all that's gonna
do it for this Edition Of In case You missed
It With. Christina williams we'll be back here the same time.
(35:08):
Next week don't forget, to rate review and subscribe to.
The podcast we'll see you. Next time 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 podcast or
wherever you get. Your podcasts
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
Missed It with Christina Williams right here on iHeart Women's
Sports Network and our college covers continues and today's guest
(00:25):
comes out of the world of women's college basketball because
we've got all of the excitement, the storylines and the
teams to watch this season. So joining me today is
Yo let McKee McQuinn aka Coach Yo, head coach at
Oldness Women's Basketball and the Bahamian senior women's national team,
now entering her eighth season at the helm of one
(00:47):
of the top programs in the SEC. So, Coach Yo,
welcome to you in Case you miss it. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
I'm excited. I feel all honored to be on listen.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Only the best that mostly come through to the show,
so we're happy to have you, so coach. Sure, we
like to start every episode of in Case You Missed
It with our guest sharing a win of the week,
and that could be anything. So what's your win of
the week. I know the week just technically started, but
what was a win in the last seven days.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Well, yeah, okay, in the last forty eight hours a win.
I have two wins. I have won my daughter I
went to her first middle school dance and so and
I was able to get her dressed and ready for that,
makeup and all that, and she thought I did a
great job.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
So that was a win for me.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
My welcome win was my youngest played in a soccer
game and they won their game. So two wins.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
I love that. It's nothing like family time, so I
love that. I love that. That's your win for the week.
All right, So I want to dive right into this.
You're heading into your eighth season at ONNUS, looking back
at everything you've built an experience with the program over
the years. How does it feel to reach this mouthstone
and how are you heading into this eighth season.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Yeah, I can't believe I'm one of the ogs in
the league.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Now.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
We've had so much change. I'm still young, but we've
had so much change.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
In the league.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
And I'm one of the longest tenured coaches. It's just
a few of us, So that in itself is a blessing.
Because the demands are high in the SEC and the
best of the best play here.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
And I know people would want to argue, but you know,
I think we have a fair argument that are that
our league is, if not.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
The best, one of the best eight years at all.
Miss It's been a long journey, you know. I've come
in and I remember taking the job like it was yesterday,
not knowing what I was walking into, realizing that I
was walking into something that is going to take a
lot of work, and uh, just being able to be
(03:11):
here and now being known as a top program in
the country is something that I could only dream about
and I'm extremely grateful for.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
So this season on this roster features nine newcomers. What
if I U see the most about just having all
of these new pieces heaving into the season. Yeah, I
just think a fresh a fresh start.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Every year as a coach, you know, you're excited about
you know your team, and every year, even if you
have a lot of returners, it's a new team because
it's a new year. They're in a new mental space.
But for me, I've I've completely bought into the changes
that the NCAA has percent presented and the portal is
(03:57):
one of those things.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
And so.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
For me, I'm always excited about what's new, the new personalities,
new challenges, and I'm just always pumped about being on
the journey with them.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Seratino had a strong freshman season. How are you expecting
her to step into a bigger role this season?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Yeah, I mean Sirah has really showed a growth level,
a jump in her maturity already, just from the summertime.
You know, she had a chance to go home and
play for her team and Molly and they played in
the African Games and and came up short with a
silver medal, but she really played well, and then she
(04:42):
had this a little bit of the summer with us,
and it's I just think once you once you play
in the in the Southeastern Conference for a year, you
come back as a different person that that first experience
you can't really you don't know what to expect. But
that second year is like, Okay, I know what college
(05:02):
is like, I know what the conditioning test feels like.
You know, I know the expectations. And she's really looking
like someone that has been here before. And I think
what's scary about Sira is while there has been a
great growth from last year to this year, she's stronger,
(05:22):
her body is filled out. She has about two more
octaves she can go, and so that's something that I'm
incredibly excited about and I expect her, you know, at
some point, to be the face of ole Miss women's basketball.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Another huge pickup for you this season in the transfer
portal was Cody McMahon. Can you walk us through what
that process was like recruiting her? What made you feel
like she was right for the old Miss program?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yeah, well, I mean the whole basketball community felt that way,
because so when she got in the portal, I got
fifty million and notifications like, oh, she should be with you,
and I don't. I don't really know what that means
other than they felt like we would be a good fit.
But when when Cody got in the portal, I got
(06:13):
a call from her AU coach and they told me
that I should reach out. I would have never reached
out to Cody because I didn't recruit in high school
and I knew she was a good player, but I
didn't know much about her. And so usually in the
portal I go after players that you know, I'm I've
(06:34):
known before, like I'm comfortable, no, I've recruited them in
high school. It didn't work. Out and then they're circling back.
So this was this was this was different.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
I called her.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
We had a great conversation, and maybe after like two
to three more conversations after that, she she made up
her mind and she wanted to come to Ole miss
And I told her I wouldn't let her come in
and until she comes to see campus. And so that
she came and saw campus. Really was more focused on
(07:08):
where she would spend the most of her time, which
was the weight room in the gym and uh and
and kind of look at some properties for where she
would stay. And it was really a day trip.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
It was.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
It was a unique recruiting process. But when you deal
with transfers, they kind of know what they're looking for.
It's not a lot of you don't got to smooth
them like they kind they know they're leaving one place
and they're going to the next.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
And then the rest was history.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And now she's a graduate of Ohio State, and you know,
McGuff did a great job with her, and now it's
on me to help her in her last lap.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Before she goes to the pros. I was always curious
about how like nil and the collective impacts of coaching
recruiting strategy. How does that impact how you are approach
the transfer portal and get these recruits.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Well, now college coaches that do have nil and reughshare money.
We're like gms, so you know, we kind of have
to think about the overall pitcher, how much money we have.
You know, who are going to be our high cap players.
And I kind of took the model from the NBA.
They have two players that are in the twenty percent
of their cap and then they fill in the rest.
(08:27):
In the WNBA, I think it's like eleven percent, but
that's because of the amount of money that they have,
And so I kind of look at the pro model
and then we build our roster from there. And so
my recruiting philosophy first is retention. Who cannot making sure
I retain the ones that need to be retained. After
(08:50):
that is the freshman recruiting high school because they get
to sign in November. And once I get the high
school players and I know who I want to retain,
that's when you start thinking about the portal. What do
you need out of the portal? Before the portal even
opens up, you sit around and you think, Okay, I'm
(09:10):
gonna need this. We're losing Madison Scott, We're gonna need this.
We're losing KK Deen's, we'll need this. And so you
kind of know the positions you need, but you just
don't know who's gonna be in those positions. And then
you sit around and you wait for the portal. And
then once the portal pops up and Cody popped up
(09:32):
in there, I was like, man, and I got the call.
I'm like, if we could make this happen, this will
be great. And then then you look and see how
much money you got. But most transfers is not a
money grab. They really want to go where they think
that they can make the most of their last year
(09:53):
or two years, and so as long as you're in
the ballpark, you can pretty much make a credible offer.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
You know, on the men's college side, you see teams
starting to hire general managers, and I know that the
Syracuse team they just hired their first general manager. Do
you see that trend to continue to happen in women's
college basketball? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Absolutely, I mean before any of these cats started doing it,
I have one. We just call them something different. And
so Patrick Henry is our chief of staff. He's been
on staff with me here I think three years now,
and so this was before all of this happened, but
now he's heavily in that space. But I've also I'm
(10:35):
a business major. Before I got into coaching, I wanted
to be a CEO. I wanted to be a manager.
So it is something that I'm comfortable. I'm comfortable in
that space. But he works with the contracts and making
sure our players get what they need and then the
nil piece, he is the liaison And I think if
(10:59):
every coach doesn't have it now, they will in a
year or two because a lot of coaches are not
business savvys. Some coaches are just ex'es and old coaches,
you know what I'm saying. So they have to bring
people in that have that mindset. Okay, let's even go further.
You know, unfortunately women are not comfortable in negotiating spaces
(11:20):
because we didn't have an opportunity to negotiate coming up.
You know, that's not a comfortable space that we're in.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
So a lot there's.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
A lot of change, and as college coaches, we have
to adjust or you're gonna die.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Absolutely, And I want to follow this up with I
know every year you come up with a word for
your team to kind of offset the year. And I
know you had a word for last year. It was joy, right, Yeah,
what's the word this year? Coach? Yo?
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Yeah, the word this year is give.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
And the way it goes down for me is kind
of organic.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
I kind of wait and see, like, okay, with what
what does God want?
Speaker 1 (12:01):
What?
Speaker 2 (12:02):
What word is he going to put in my heart?
Uh for the for the year. And as I was
sitting around and I'm usually pay patient now my marketing
team they hate it, but I want it to be organic.
I don't just make something up like oh, this is
going to be a great name and the and the
word give just kept coming.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
In my mind my heart and as.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
I thought about it, you know, give, our players received
so much. I just think it's important and important tool
for all of them to have to to understand the
power of giving.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
And the more they give, the more they will receive
in life.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
And I and I think you know, all my players
want to be bosses, entrepreneurs, leaders and and and in
true leadership, it's servinghood, it's giving. And so you have
to to have a free spirit and a and a
and a and a mindset to do that and it's
a life tool. So I think it's it's important that
(13:04):
my players give one hundred percent practice, give to each other,
give to this community that gives so much to them.
And so that's in essence what the word give means.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
The SEC is one of the toughest conversations on It's basketball.
You kind of alluded to a little bit earlier. But
what is it like to have a team compete in
that environment year after year?
Speaker 2 (13:37):
It's the baby WNBA. It's a jungle. It's an unforgiving league.
You you you ain't come, you don't come to play,
you get your head beating, and and there's no gentleman's rule,
Like there's no mercy you. You you don't come to play,
you get beat by forty. You don't come to play,
(13:59):
you lose to team that doesn't have a.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
Win, you know.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
So, I mean, it's an incredible amount of talent, the
pace that that our players UH in the league playing.
I was just looking. I just had to do the
votes for for UH the All Conference, and I was
and I was looking at the names and I was
(14:23):
just like, oh my god, Like, we have so many
great players in our league from top to bottom, and
and and and it's a fun league to be a
part of. And then let's talk about the coaching. You know,
we got we got coaches that have coached in numerous
Final fours, you know, from Christy Curry. People don't know
(14:44):
Christy Curry's og. You know, you got Molkie, you got down,
you got big and and and then you had Mike Neighbors,
who was a Final four coach. And and now you
got the up and coming coaches, the ones that that
have been in the league, Jonie A and m and
then and then myself and so like this league ain't
(15:07):
nothing to play with, Christina, I mean it's the best
of the best for real.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
How keep seeing the conference evolved during your time at
Olney's because like right now it's as you mentioned, it's
a jungle. But you how have you seen this conference evolve? Well,
I mean you can just tell from the transfer portal.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Look at the players that are leaving elite level programs
and other conferences and like, nah, I want to go
to the SEC, the SEC. And you've also seen players
no shade come to the SEC and not make it
and then leave and they look great. You know, So
this this this league ain't for the week. You know,
(15:45):
you got to be a dog to be in this
league and to make it.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
And so I think the transfer.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Portal has really allowed the best of the best to
come into the league. But also the different coaches we
have in We got Kenny Brooks and Kim and these
are offensive minded coaches and Jenny at Oklahoma. So the
league back in the day was all defensive minded. You know,
(16:15):
you would sit down guard, can't nobody score, And now
in the league you got you mean, I think LSU
and Oklahoma the score was one oh five to one hundred.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
I think we were like.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
Eighth and scoring, and we average seventy five points a game, right,
So the league has just grown not only from a
defensive standpoint and a toughness and a grit, but also
from an offensive standpoint as well. And then so's the
diversity in the league.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Has has really grown. I think that sort of mirrors
what's happening in the W as well, where you think
about how that's become more of an offensive game as well.
Over the years, Oldness has definitely made a name for
itself in the SEC Conference. Did you think that people's
thoughts about the program started to shift or was just
(17:06):
differently about the old Miss program. In terms of the
success you've been having these last few seasons.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, you know, I think when we beat Stanford at Stanford,
I thought that was our coming out party.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
Like, you know, we went up in there and they
hadn't lost. I think I think they hadn't lost a
game like in seven years or something like. It was
something crazy.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
It was like a crazy stat so they don't lose
a lot and in Tarra's era, and we just walked
up in there and you know, I told my team,
I'm like, we're from the South, We're from the SCC, Like,
I don't care what they've done. They ain't never played
no team like this. And we went out there and
(17:50):
dictate and disrupted them for forty minutes. And since then
we hadn't looked back. You know, when we went to
n Cuba's running Man the first, I know was cool.
But when we beat Stanford at Stanford, I think people
started to recognize and say, okay Ole Miss is here
and they ain't playing around.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Over the last few seasons, you also had success and
seeing some of your players get wrapped into the w NBA,
including two in that first round. How do you approach
preparing your players to compete at the next level.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Yeah, well, a lot of people try to say, right now,
colleges the pros, and I just don't agree with that.
While we have aspects of the pros because the players
make a lot of money, there's still kids and they
still don't have the freedom that professionals in the W
have and and they're not even developed like they are
in the W. So we consider ourselves a pro prep
(18:49):
and we try to get our players to be two
way players, to be recognized on both ends of the floor.
We run the same system that the teams in the
W run. If you watch us play, you could take
our playbook and take the Las Vegas ass playbook.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
And it's the same.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
So you have to be able to play in ball screens,
you have to be able to create for yourself, you
have to be efficient.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
These are the things that they do in the W.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
So we try to just focus on preparing our players
to be comfortable enough to play in any type system.
Where a traditional college system is incredibly systematic as far
as like a certain offense they run, but we're transition
and we're set heavy from a continuity base and that
(19:40):
allows freedom for our players to be able to perform
in space, and our focus is completely advantage basketball it wears.
Speaker 1 (19:49):
The advantage is if.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Cody has a smaller guard on her, is their advantage
on the perimeter or is it inside in the post?
So we kind of focus on whatever. Uh, the position
is forced to create an advantage. And all of our players,
lastly are very skilled. You know, we got Latasha lotta
(20:13):
more that I think we'll get drafted as well. She's six'
five forward for, us and she can shoot the, three
she can stretch the.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Floor you.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Know we we try to recruit players that fit in
this style and so. Seamlessly then you add a little
defense in there and toughness and.
Speaker 1 (20:32):
Grit they're ready for THE. W i think that's super.
Important i've been covered TO w for about seven and
a half, years and SO i have noticed that these
rookies in general are coming in more prepared and that
there isn't a huge gap in you, know the transitioning
from college to the, Pros especially like the last couple
of draft, classes like they were able to make adjustments
(20:55):
quickly because that time between getting drafted and going to
training camp is what to and so you have to
be ready because there's not a lot of roster. SPIECES
i mean with expansion there will be more. Jobs But
i've noticed the difference in rookie is coming in year
over year that they have.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
Been more prepared and you can see like where they're coming,
from like the schools that they're coming, From like they
play a pro style, offense you, know and they're able
and our players have in the. Past now we have
some star studed names With cody and And tosh And
Caitlin peterson even who was A big Twelve player of The.
(21:35):
Year now we have, names but before Like Marquisha davis
win the. Name but when we have what it's called
a pro dating so we have ours tomorrow where pro
teams all log in and watch our team and so
we've on we've usually had every organization log in and
(21:57):
watch our team. Practice and so the exposure that they're
getting from now and then they're able to watch them
as they go through conference play has really. Helped and
and and again our league is is known for developing.
Pros so at any, point especially in conference, play you
(22:19):
have three four W nba gms at the game because
they can they can double. Dip now they're watching my
team and they're watching the the the.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
Other, team you.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Know and so my players have been able to show
what they're capable of versus who is considered the best
of the, best and have made opportunities for. Themselves i'm
super proud of them, men and now we're going to
continue to do. That And marcusia is a W nba.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Champion so, Yes i'm, curious what's one of let's get
one of your proudest moments watching a former player. SUCCEED
i just Mentioned marquicia winning at W nba. Championship but
as a, coach.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
YEAH i, MEAN i think ANYTIME i hear their name
get called in the, draft that's always that's always pretty
cool BECAUSE i know that's something that they that's important for,
them you. Know and as, coaches we want to see
our players live out their. Dreams and so my players
come here with dreams and. Goals and you, know qu
(23:25):
wanted to get drafted. Desperately that was something that she.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
Always had and then it kind of went away.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
At her first school and she transferred here and started
to see that maybe it was a. Possibility and then
When maddie saw her get. Drafted she's, like, WELL i
definitely want to do that as, well and that was
something that she always wanted to. Do so just hearing
their names get, called and even Like rita E bakwe
(23:56):
When New york invited her To Camp Angel, baker ANYTIME
i see my players live out their, dreams that's a
win for.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
ME i want to pivot the conversation a little bit
because you're the head coach for The bahamian national team
and you've been a part of that program for such
a long, time and you take so much pride in
(24:26):
where you're. From what does it mean to you to
be able to lead your country on that international? Stage?
Speaker 2 (24:34):
YEAH i mean ANY i think any coach can that
has coached on a national, level it is probably the
most rewarding thing ever because that's you're you're representing your,
country you know WHAT i, mean like where you were.
BORN i remember even Coaching John tuell for the first, TIME.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
I wasn't just about to SAY i, KNOW i, know
and don't. Worry we're up to.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Something we're up to. Something we're gonna bring her back
and get her to be able to. Play But i'll
tell you, this like just being able to play for.
Coach for first of, ALL i played on the national,
team so that meant a lot for, me and being
able to coach for your country is completely, gratifying especially
(25:27):
when you come from a little country like The, bahamas
it means a. Lot and So John quell has opened
up the doors for. Many you can't be what you can't.
See just like HOW i, Said maddie saw que and then,
said you know, WHAT i can do this. Too these
we have so many players from The bahamas that are
(25:49):
playing in The United states at different colleges because of
what they Saw John quell. Do AND i think that's
just what our tree is, about just being able to
show what you can do and then getting the opportunity
to do. It and so one of my goals for
(26:09):
the national team is hopefully being able to get us
to move up like the men did and try to
position ourselves to get An olympic bid that that would
mean the world for.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
Me you broken barriers as the First bahamian woman to
sign A d one letter of intent and the first
to serve as A d one head. Coach how do
you hope your journey inspires the next generation Of bahamian
players and. Coaches there's been an optic.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
Lately of behaming young behaming women that want.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
To, coach and even.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
Men i've had male coaches tell me front Of bahamas
like that they they are were inspired by. Me Tom,
temmy you, know he's coaching At Bowling. Green and then
you Have michael as A kentucky, man you, know these
these are my these are my little, nephews you know,
(27:06):
so and they call me all the time to seek.
Advice and then you have female coaches that are coming
up a lot in a high school level that that
we're able to see me do, it and they're looking for.
Opportunities it means a lot to. Me it is something
(27:27):
THAT i don't want to be the, last you. KNOW
i hope that many people can come after me and
be able to do What i'm. Doing But i'm still
young in This, Christina so, Shoot i'm Still i'm not
even in my prime.
Speaker 1 (27:41):
Yet i'm just trying to get.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Going not from the Basketball i'm gonna let y'all quite
a handle that my knees are too bad And i'm too,
short but from the coaching, standpoint you, know trying to
just give visibility for people back home and two four
two and just letting them know that IF i was
able to do, it they can.
Speaker 1 (28:02):
TOO i just love when The New York liberty have
games Because i've been seeing you on The South lines
And i'm, like, Okay like the relationship With John quall
is still. Strong the five yeah from The bahamas is.
Strong what was it like having her be a part
of the team At you said you're making them one
for twenty. Eight so Now i'm a campaigning to get her.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Back, well she wants to come, back she wants to,
play but you, know so With John quall's, situation she
kind of had to do what was best for her
at the. Time and SO i THINK i forget the.
Team it Was bosnia some it was some like team
she went and played. For and so now we have
(28:42):
to get it reversed for her to come back to
her birthright. Country and even if not five v, five
definitely three x three is popping.
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Now so that's something that we want to.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
Do but the story With John, quall LIKE i Knew
John quell since she was probably eight nine years, old
AND i remember saying to, her you want to come to.
College this was WHEN i was just starting as a college.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Coach.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
And she, said, YEAH i want to. PLAY i want
to play in. College and SO i helped her get
over to The United states and introduced her To Diane
richardson and got that. Started and people don't, know like
for a Short stan John quell played for me WHEN
i was an assistant coach At, clemson BUT i wasn't in,
charge SO i was just an assistant finding my. Way
(29:31):
and then she went back and played With diane and
finish her career As diane was an assistant At George.
Washington But i'm just really super proud THAT i was able,
to you, know be a part of her. Life and
she's still like this with my dad because my, dad
he's the one that called me and SAID i got this.
(29:53):
Kid And, christina, PEOPLE i remember watching this young girl
walk through the bushes and come on this court and
we call them like track, roads so like she wherever
she was coming, from came through these bushes and here
is this five nine kid that's like working out for
me to convince me the letter help her get to
(30:17):
The United states and follow her. Dreams and now she's six'
five and she's still just the other day she was
calling me because my dad changed his number and she
wanted to go. See him so she doesn't forget, her
roots and that's what you LOVE.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
ABOUT jj i want to talk about your coaching philosophy
and what you value as. A coach, i, mean obviously
relationships is at. The forefront you just talked about how
important your Relationship with john cull has been since she
was a. Young kid but one of the things that
you want every player to take with them once they part.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
FROM you i think, for me what is important is
that they have the tools and skills to be successful.
Speaker 1 (30:57):
In life, you KNOW.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
When i talk about, PRO prep i mean pros, in
life not.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
JUST sports i. HAVE players i have a player that
just became a. POLICE officer i have one as, a,
lawyer nurse.
Speaker 2 (31:13):
CHEMICAL engineer i have players that are pros in all fields.
Speaker 1 (31:19):
Of life and, You know.
Speaker 2 (31:21):
I've changed my players Have said i've, softened UP but
i don't Know that i've. Softened up i've just. Really
evolved and so when you first get, into coaching you
usually coach how you, were coached and that old school
style of coaching doesn't. Work Anymore so i've Had to
i've had to adjust. And so and then also from a,
(31:42):
personal standpoint when you get older and you start to
figure out who you want, to be then you decide
what type of coach you want. To be AND so
i didn't want to be a coach anymore that shout
and screened and had to discipline.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
By fear and. All that, You know i've Evolved and
i'm more.
Speaker 2 (32:00):
Into empowering my players and getting them to see their
own power and their.
Speaker 1 (32:05):
Own STRENGTHS and i think that's just a part.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
Of evolution and SO now i want my players to
look at me and use me as an example of.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
How they should.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
Approach life and so that's an accountability piece. For ME
so i have to live in a WAY that i
would want them, to follow you Know what. I'm saying
so it's more so from a mentorship standpoint and really
helping them be successful. In life basketball is a conduit,
to it and it's a, Great piece but ball is.
(32:40):
Not life ball is a part, of life even if
they go TO, the WNBA and i just want to
help them, OR professionally i want to help them be
pros in their.
Speaker 1 (32:50):
Own space, all, RIGHT coach i want to close out
this interview with. THIS question i know that you don't
pay attention to The preseason lincoln's you don't care about.
That stuff but tell us why fans should be excited
about allness this season and what we. Can.
Speaker 2 (33:06):
Expect, Yeah well i'll tell you. One thing we don't make.
Ourselves small we think that we're one that we should
be in the discussion as any other program. Should be
we have an. Exciting team they're. INCREDIBLY mature i think
if you're a, basketball fan you want to stick with
(33:26):
us because this is like really cool to have nine
players come from nine different places and just watch us
evolve and. Become one because right now. We're twelve but
as we go through, the season hopefully you get to
see us. Become one hopefully you get To see. Cody's
(33:47):
maturation she's already. Matured tremendously i'm excited about her growth
and the rest of. The team sirah chinus new faces.
Speaker 1 (33:58):
That maybe you don't.
Speaker 2 (33:59):
Know about we're, gonna defend, of course but but we
can score in. Every position so it's gonna be a.
Fun style we're gonna, be competitive and we're gonna try
to show up and show out every time we step
out on.
Speaker 1 (34:15):
The floor, for sure and there you. Have It, coach
yo thank you so much for joining us this Week
On In case You. Missed it i'm looking forward to
seeing what all of us does, this Season and i'm
sure you women's basketball fans everywhere also going to be
tuned in and. Locked in wishing you all the best.
This season thank you for. Joining, us yeah.
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Thank you this.
Speaker 1 (34:34):
IS this i hadn't done a lot.
Speaker 2 (34:35):
Of shows i've been, saying no left, and right but
when you, REACHED out i, was like this will. Be
good this will be, a fresh. Fresh PERSPECTIVE so i
love your work and love what.
Speaker 1 (34:45):
You do. Thank you this is a long. Time coven
this has been a long time covering, this INTERVIEW so
i just want TO say i appreciate you for taking
out the time, And again i'm gonna be tuned into
y'all all. Season long So thank i'm excited. For y'all
all Right You. Bill Schilling, all. Right y'all that's gonna
do it for this Edition Of In case You missed
It With. Christina williams we'll be back here the same time.
(35:08):
Next week don't forget, to rate review and subscribe to.
The podcast we'll see you. Next time 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 podcast or
wherever you get. Your podcasts
Host
Khristina Williams
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