May 21, 2025 • 31 mins
This week Khristina brings together the past, present, and future of the WNBA in one jam-packed episode. First, the legendary Diana Taurasi returns to the show to reflect on her first season away from the game, how she’s embracing life off the court, and what her next chapter might hold. From family life to legacy-building, DT keeps it real as always. Then, LA Sparks guard Odyssey Sims shares her powerful story of resilience, motherhood, and rediscovering her love for the game through Athletes Unlimited. With over a decade in the league, Sims opens up about what makes this season feel different—and why she’s not done yet.
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
Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a rating and a review!
CREDITS
Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producers:
Mike Coscarelli
Buffy Gorrilla
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Host:
Khristina Williams
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
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. Here on iHeart Women's Sports,
and you guys know that we do a big every
(00:21):
single week. But this episode is kind of a full
circle moment because last year and this show dropped. Today's
guest was the very first guest to come through the doors,
and so I'm super excited to have this person rejoin
the show. Diana Trazzi won three national titles and six
(00:44):
gold medals. She was a WNBA Rookie of the Year
and after two seasons, she was named to the WNBA's
All Decade Team. She's a three time w champ and
in two thousand and nine she won an MVP. She
was the v of the two thousand and nine and
twenty fifteen WNBA Finals. She played from one team her
(01:06):
entire career, and I think that's enough to be a
go right, the Phoenix Mercury. That is a record in basketball.
Kobe Bryant called her the White Mamba, which is a
high praise in itself. Indeed, and Diana's impact on the
court is unrivaled. And it's not just because she's an
all time leading scorer, but because she handles the pressure
(01:29):
with grace and ease. And now DT, as she's known
to her teammates and friends and all of us, is
stepping off the court to pursue other projects, and she's
here to talk about those things, what she's been up
to and her legacy. Please welcome back to in case
you missed it with Christina Williams. Because last summer at
(01:50):
WNB Alsto on Phoenix DT, Diana Tazzi was one of
the first guests that we actually had on the show
and now we're on episode fifty six, which feels weird,
but please welcome to the show, Diana Tarrazi. Diana, Welcome
to the show.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
It's so good to be back. I remember training camp.
We were one of the first ones.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Yes, absolutely, So this is the first season in two
decades that you're not suiting up with the w NBA,
and I know the whole world wants to know what
have you been up too lately and what is it
like watching the league from the outside Now?
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah, I mean, look, I've I've had such a great,
amazing career that you know, it's exciting to watch how
the league has changed in this weekend seeing opening night.
You know, our off season so long, all the fans,
everyone's waiting to see these teams and players that haven't
seen in you know, six seven months, and what a
great opening night to just kick off with great season
(02:47):
to depth. You know, did I miss it a little bit? Nope,
I'm good.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
I was.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
You know, I was running the kids around in that
soccer practice, basketball practice.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
I was doing all good little parent things, So I
was good. I was busy after all of these years
of like constant competition. What was the biggest surprise for
you about just taking that step back.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Once the season ended last year? I really wasn't sure
where I was going to end up or land. You know,
once you hit a certain point in your career, whether
it's thirty six, thirty seven, thirty eight, thirty nine, you
start thinking about what's next and how was that gonna
you know, translate into into what life looks like afterwards,
And to be honest, I'm just really leaning into all
(03:31):
the little things in life, all the things that for
the last twenty years I might have mentally not been
there for because I was always so worried about training
and you know, the next opponent or you know, I
can't go here, I have to go to sleep, I
have to get some rest, I have to recover. And
now I can really just be here. And it's been
really nice to be around and kids and do all
(03:52):
the things that that I really have missed out in
the last couple of years.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
You said that your kids are playing sports now and
you mentioned basketball, So is there some playing basketball now?
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Is Leo is on his first grade team? And Penny
and I are the coaches, And I don't know how
good of a coaching staff we are, but you know,
we did all right, We did all right.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
I must be so amazed to be able to watch
him kind of following your step, your footsteps and Pennies
footsteps as well. And you talked about the next chapter
and how you're approaching it. What's that main focus? Is
just focusing on family and that's it? Or can we
see you doing some broadcasting or Team USA stuff in
the future.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Yeah, you know, right now, I think I'm what they
call it a gap year, I believe, thinking about all
the things that I like and the things that I
don't like. I think that's so important when you step
away from something you've been doing for so long, as
you can easily just throw yourself into a lot of
different things that you might think you do like or
you're interested in. But at the same time, I want
(04:52):
to do something that I really love and I think
that'll come with time. So right now, just enjoy the summer.
We're heading out to Australia in a week or so
and I'm gonna spend the summer down there.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Sue Burber was recently named, you know, the director of
Team USA women's basketball, and she's been a guest on
the show twice already, and she brought up some of
the funniest stories about you know, you two having that
relationship from Yukon to Team USA. What are your thoughts
or reactions to Sue just stepping into that role in
this next chapter of her life.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Yeah, it's amazing. I think I texted her the other
day and I was like, this role was made for you.
There's no other person that could take on this role
and be better at it than Sue. She just has
a great way of communicating what a team should look
like feel I'd play like that selfishness that USA basketball is.
I mean, Sue embodies all of that. And you know,
(05:44):
also you have to have that basketball like you She
understands the things that make a team really really good,
and I think she'll just make USA basketball even better. Uh,
you know, her experience of winning five gold medals and
being all those teams and you know, being our point
guard in our general, I think all those things will
translate into her being you know, amazing at this position.
(06:05):
And you know, I think it's well needed for some
representation as players too to have a voice, and I
think too well the players and be that go between
with the USA basketball.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
All right, j'all we're gonna take a quick break and
when we get back more from this conversation with Diana Tarazi. So, Diana,
tell us about your new partnership with Sanathi and Regeneron
and why you feel it's important to raise awareness about
(06:41):
your journey with ezema. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
I mean, it's been an amazing partnership with Santathine Regeneron.
You know, I went to my germatologist a year or
so ago and she had recommended topix It and it
was something I wasn't aware of. Its something that I
didn't even know was on the table. You know, Exema
is something I've been for twenty years, something that you know,
from the outside, you would never know. It was something
(07:04):
I was struggled with so deeply every single day. And
you know, I would use all the lotions, the motions,
and you know, all the creams and all the things
to really try to calm all my symptoms. But nothing
really helped me as much as jupis and has with
you know, lessening my itch and my redness. And you know,
if you know anyone with ezema, it's something that takes
(07:24):
a toll on you every single day.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
What helped you to finally, you know, get the answers
or relief when it came to managing your ezemma. I'm
a little bit of color, so that is something that
everyone's prevalent in our community, something that I struggle with
as well. But how is that process with getting those
right answers to be able to begin the treatment.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Yeah, I think first off, you can go to your
debritologists and you really start asking questions and you start
really tapping into all the knowledge that they have. And
you know, my dermatologist was great enough to mention and
recommend do Bixon and you know, like anything in life,
I think the more research that you do, it works
differently for a lot of different people. And when you
(08:07):
find something that works for you, there's nothing better. There
are certain situations where now I cast myself saying, well,
I wasn't doing that through four years ago, like I couldn't.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
It just wouldn't.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
It wouldn't work with how systematic I was and how
triggered I was by my ex and mind. And now
I don't even think twice about it. And those are
the times where I'm like, really really thankful.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Working at the broader perspective, when you think about your
career and totality, you don't off there and see one
players who have played two decades of a sport at
such a high level like you. But when you look
at all of the things that you were able to do,
what do you feel like took it to the next
level for you to be able to sustain longevity in
(08:48):
women's basketball?
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Oh well, I mean there's probably a laundry list of things,
but the party, the one thing that comes to mind
is I involved. You know, as your career goes on,
I think sometimes as athletes, you get stuck in thinking
you're one thing, or you're one type of player. You
have a certain skill and I have to be this
type of player. And in a lot of ways, life
is about evolving, you know. Whenever you're in basketball in
(09:12):
a career, you have to evolve. You have to change
the way you think to change, change the way you eat,
change the way you train, change the way you look
at the game and how you value the game. And uh,
you know, every part of my career I try to
evolve and be a better teammate, a better player, better prepared,
and better shape.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
So I think all those things.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
You know, really helped me in those twenty years.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
And a couple of years ago, I asked you a
question about how you view your legacy and you said
it's for other people to write. In hindsight, do you
still think that it's for other people to write or
how would you view your legacy?
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Oh, I mean, you know, leasy's one of those funny
words where you know, people always what's your leg Well,
my my legacy is all the things that I've done.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
I mean they're there, Yeah, I mean they're all there.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
You know, you're there. I don't know like, I don't
know why. I don't know how people value them or
how you compute them. And you know whether it's a
great career a subpar career. But I knows as an athlete,
I could speak for a lot of athletes, is there's
a lot of obstacles that come with a legacy and
playing for a long time. And you know, you have
(10:28):
to have a lot of luck. You have to have
a lot of great people on your side that help
you along that that journey. And I would say my
legacy is a legacy of people, of connectivity, of family,
of loyalty. Those are the things to me that when
I think of my career are the things that come
to mind.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
And you certainly left the game way better than when
you came in. And I want to know, Diana, the
secret behind im a WNBA logo? Now that you're retired,
are you a WNBA local?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Well, we'll see if I get royalty checks in a month.
At I l a little bit late.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
I was in college to get a Speaking of college,
Yukon won their twelfth title. What does that mean to
you in terms of the pride of the program?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Oh, I mean it means everything. Uh, you know, once
a Husky. He always a husking. And to see, you know,
the maturation of Page in those four and a half
five years and what that kid went through with injuries
and the expectations and the pressures of playing at Connecticut.
You know what a resilient, amazing human being she is.
(11:43):
Uh And to get to know Grage a little bit
more in the last couple of years, she is not
only one of the best basketball players I've ever seen
play basketball, but one of the best people. And you
know how she can galvinate and galvanize a team and
really tap into the best of teammates. That skill, that
skill is uncharted waters in a lot and I'm so
(12:06):
excited to see her play in the WBA. I was
excited for coach or Ama. You know, I think sometimes
he gets spoiled for how much winning he's done in
his career. That making it to a Final four and
losing almost became this disappointment a couple and I think
he started believing that a little bit and for him
to be able to get over the hump and just
(12:28):
the way they played, I think more than anything, when
Kocherman thinks about the way his teams play, that team
that won a national championship. That's exactly how our teams
play together. Hard, sharing the basketball, valuing possession, playing hard
on defense, being great teammates.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
All those things that they did.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
That's what Connecticut basketball is about.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Their name is synonymous with Phoenix basketball. And now that
one era is ended and a new one has become
a gun, let's hear hope for a new era of
Phoenix basketball.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
I you know, I just love where we're at right now.
Obviously retaining Ka and what she's brought to our program.
You know, that mentality of resiliency and you know she
comes into work every single day. Adding Alyssa Thomas, who's
one of my favorite players in the league. Talk about
someone who can do everything, and I think that's so
(13:24):
underrated when you know, sometimes we get it mesmerized by
big numbers, where like Alyssa Thomas makes the right plate
every single time down court, and you know, when you're
at basketball, you know, junkie, you appreciate that. I mean,
Satu is one of the most special players I've ever
seen on a basketball court, and I think she's she's
really honing in our crash. She get a huge offseason
(13:47):
playing it on a r I had a little in
great shape.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
She's healthy.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
I think she's put in the situation where you know
they're going to surround her with amazing vets and players
and coaches and staff.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
And so two is going to be a scary sight
and we're certainly looking forward to what the new era
of Phoenix basketball looks like. Diana, if you could point
out one memory throughout the two decades of your career,
over the championships, the gold medals, the whole journey, what's
a moment that stands out to you? Oh?
Speaker 2 (14:17):
I mean I always say Game five, two thousand and
nine finals in Phoenix. You know there's something to be
said about winning at home on your own court, in
your city.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
You know, that to me was always a great moment.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
We you know, we were facing a great Ink of
Fever team with Tamika Cashing's Katie Dias. Just the more
that almost a really really Jessica dabbed for a really
really great, tough nose, tully tough team and first to
go out there and be able to win it at home,
that to me is always a great moment.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
And lastly, ask me close this out. What excites you
the most about where the w NBA is headed.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
It's such a great space right now, so many eyeballs,
so much viewership, so many companies investing. You know, it
really makes you feel really good. And the future of
the wants and such great names with you know, the
old Guard Stewie and the Neca, Gluo, Rickay's and I
can go on and on and now with the young
(15:17):
kids with you know, Angel and Kaitlin and Paige. I
think this Cameron brig I mean, this league is such
a great place and you know, like always the game first.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Well, thank you so much Diana for just talking about
your health journey, what you've been up to lately, and
what excites you about the next chapter of the w NBA.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Thank you for joining us this week.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
I'll problem see you next year, see you next year.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Alright, all we're gonna hold right there and when we
get back more in case you missed it, shout to
Diana sa Rozzi for coming through to the show this week.
It's always great when the goat can stop by and
(16:06):
you guys, I have another treat for you. We have
another guest joining the show this week, and last week
I was able to speak to Los Angeles Sparks guard
Odyssey Sims ahead of their season opener for the Valkyries,
And this conversation is very dear to me because I'm
someone who have had the pleasure of covering Odyssey from
(16:28):
her early days to now, and I think that her
journey is worth platforming and talking about. So I hope
you guys enjoy this conversation featuring Odyssey Sims. I want
to welcome in Odyssey Sims to the show today. Hi,
Honysty how are you doing? Hey, y'all, So, how does
it feel to be back in LA at this stage
(16:50):
of your career?
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Things are just coming back full circle? It was a
totally different team, totally different culture when I was here
in twenty seventeen. So I think like LA has struggled
just the last few years trying to get back to
how they were before, which is winning. And I think
this year we have all the pieces to win and
(17:13):
be a playoff team. It's gonna take it's gonna take time.
We're gonna have moments where some games that might just
you know what I mean, it's just gonna be We're
just gonna lose where it's just gonna feel like we
didn't compete. It's just letting us know, like we're still
in We're gonna have work to do after every game,
win or lose. We're just gonna keep trying to get
better and just keep pushing each other. But I do
(17:33):
think like when it's all said and done, we'll be
in the playoffs for sure.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Talks about this being a full full circle moment for
you and in twenty seventeen that La Sparks team that
you were part of went to the finals. Is there
anything about this team this season that reminds you sort
of of that team that you played with in twenty seventeen.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
Can't really say it reminds me of I mean, we
haven't started playing yet, so I don't know. I think
this team is better than what we think we are.
But definitely excited to start Friday because like I said,
I do think we are going to have a winning season.
Where was Like I said, We're just gonna have our moments.
It's about just pushing through and just knowing like we
(18:12):
still have time to get better. We have time to
get better, just gonna do it. Hopefully we get everything together,
you know, obviously before it's too late. But we have
the leadership from the Vets mixed in with the younger
players what they can learn from us. So I think
we had a good combination of both.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
You've been in in a part of this league for
over a decade. Now what about this situation feels different
from your previous stops? And how satisfying is it to
know that you know you have somewhere to be grounded
now hard.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Works pays off.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
I've just been motivated the last couple of years man
at the league, just trying to stand ready.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
I mean, I'm happy to be here.
Speaker 4 (18:52):
I think like LA welcome you with open arms last year,
Like when I got here, I felt the love from
day one, all right. I felt it on the flight
like it was something that I guess I haven't felt
in a long time.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
So it felt good. And then to be.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Back, it's a good group, Like we love each other,
We don't have any issues, Like we're constantly competing, making
each other better every day, pushing each other on each
other accountable.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
So it definitely feels great to.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
Wake up and know like I have a team that
wants to get better, Like we know our INNGO and
we're constantly pushing each other and we love each other.
Like I said, like we all love each other, so
that makes everything better when you have chemistry on and
off the court.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
What's your early impressions about coach Linn Roberts and the
energy she's bringing into this new chapter for the Sparks.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
Calm, cool, collected. She doesn't yet.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
She stays like pretty same, you know, same her. She
always has great energy. I mean she's had her moments
where like she's like mad, but it's given fake man,
not for real like mad, you know, but she's like, like,
I love her. I think she's really like really good coach.
(20:05):
The concepts of especially like offensively once we get down
like our timing and the cutting. As we continue to
keep working on it, breaking down the offense, I think
like we're going to be really good, really hard to guard.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
But just like I said, just continuing to work.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
But she's just doing a good job of keeping us
in film, making sure we're watching not only just yourself,
but watching the team seeing you know, she likes giving,
likes for us to give her feedback on what we see.
She's not coming in and just like well it's this, this, this,
She's like, no, I'll sit here till a couple of
you say something, so I like that too, and even
(20:41):
come and talk to her about anything. She's very approachable.
I love a player's coach. Haven't always had players coaches
since I'm in the league, but to have that Max,
it definitely makes my job easier. And just knowing, like
I just have a coach that trusts me. Obviously we're
still building my trust, but she trusts me on the court.
(21:01):
Like if I call something and she calls, hey, oh sorry,
you got it? Hey, okay, KP called something, She's okay
with that. And I love that you.
Speaker 1 (21:08):
Finished your second season at appens to a limited this
off season and you finished second place this year. But
I thoroughly have enjoyed watching your off season basketball because
I think that it feels your production in the regular season.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
You're a dog if.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
No one has told you, you can fucking know hoop
otysy like. I truly appreciate players like you, But what
did that stretch of basketball in the off season mean
to you?
Speaker 4 (21:33):
Playing athletes unlimited is always fun. I did go overseas
in November and December. I was in China, didn't Mike.
It wasn't really the best situation, so I played Athletes
Unlimited for another year, and it's just like for me,
every year just gets more and more fun. Au I
felt like came at the right time the first year.
(21:53):
It started maybe the second year just because I felt
like I.
Speaker 3 (21:58):
Was losing my love for the game.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
I didn't know after the year I had Auntienty twenty
one with Atlanta. It was a lot on the core
off the court physically, mentally, it was just a lot.
That was probably one of my worst worst WNBA seasons ever.
I don't know right now, like I'm just in a
really good space, like I like where I'm at, and
Athletes on Athletes on Limited just helped me find it.
(22:24):
I knew I didn't lose it completely, but it was
slowly but surely. I felt like it was almost out
of reach. And here com Athletes Unlimited. First year, I'm like, okay,
first sure, it was cool.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
It was in veiz.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Second year, I'm like, okay, cool. Third year, Wow, you
know what I mean. It's just like every year it
got better. So it definitely helped me to basically like
not give up. I'm not gonna say I was on
the verge, but just you know, like the WNBA has
changed from how it was when I got dropped in
twenty fourteen to now, you see kind of like more
(22:57):
Vets kind of on the back end rather now team
was more of younger players.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
You know.
Speaker 4 (23:02):
Before when I came in, it was like Vets always
were taking care of you know, like unsigned, unsigned, we
want Vets, we want Vets. So the game is changing,
you know. So it definitely just made me like love
the game more. I was like I found it again.
So I just I don't know, I just continue to
go harder every day. I play every game like it's
(23:22):
my last. I practice like it's my last.
Speaker 1 (23:25):
Would you say that's what you credit your longevity to
you in the league. Then it's just the hard work
paying off and just playing every game like it's your last. Yeah,
I mean motivating motivation from my son of course, and
just knowing that I wasn't done. I think like a
couple of years ago, being in and out the league,
I think it was like a test for me to
(23:45):
see are you gonna foe or are you going to continue?
Speaker 4 (23:48):
And something just kept telling me. I don't know what
it was. Something it was just like you're not done yet.
You're not done yet. You're good enough to be in
the league. You've been in the league, you know. So
it was just like, I have to change my mindset.
And when I changed my mindset, that's why I was
able to stay with it. That's why I continue. I
still played basketball. I still you know, damn my thing.
And I was just like, wait, no, my moment, I'm like,
I get picked up. It's coming, whether it's a hardship,
(24:08):
whether it's you know what I mean, half the season,
the season, so I just stay motivated, honestly, and I'm
just like looking back and I'm like proud of myself, Like,
how did I get through it?
Speaker 3 (24:17):
I don't know, like did eye my moments? Absolutely, but it.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
Was well worked it in the end, and here I
am full contract again and I think I might have
found a home for sure. So I'm loving it, just
loving Dan here, just love playing with KP so far.
Speaker 3 (24:34):
Just all in. I think I have a great team.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
And you talked about your son being a motivator, and
I think that one of the things that I enjoyed
watching going to Athletes unlimited is just seeing you be
a mom in all of those different moments. Uh, He's
seen you play pretty much since day one. Uh, in
that bubble season. I remember you, yes, the evolution of
your game and how much you've been, you know, working
(24:59):
so hard in this league. What do you think he's
learned about basketball just by being around you and being
around you so much.
Speaker 4 (25:06):
I think like he's used to just going to the
gym with me, and he definitely wants to play basketball.
He said he wants to be like mommy, So I'm
excited about that. I think he's gonna be super tall,
so I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
About that too. But I don't know, Like he's a
mama's baby.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
So it's like long as he with me, doesn't care,
Like we can be at the gym for ten hours
and he's like it's okay.
Speaker 3 (25:28):
You know.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
I really can't wait till I can put him in like, hey,
you basketball and little like spring leagues and stuff like that,
because I'm gonna be a proud parent. I don't know
if I'm gonna be yelling at people. I don't know
if I'll be like, don't touch my kid, you know
what kind of thing, or if I'm gonna just let
it play.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
I don't know. I am looking forward to that.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
I'm not gonna lie to you, just to see, like
what kind of parent I'm gonna be, you know, like
an athlete, paarent I don't know.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
It's weird, not weird, but it's just crazy.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
And honestly, before you get out of here, I always
like to end the show on a high note, and
so I ask every guest that comes through to share
something that has brought them joy. This week, was something
that's brought you joy? This week, I had a great
mother's thing. I didn't do anything but relax, how kick
my feet up. I did exactly what I wanted to do.
So yeah, well, I'm so happy that you were able
(26:19):
to relax, and we're super excited to see you play
with the Purple and Gold this season for the La Sparts.
Thank you so much for joining us on in case
you missed it.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
I hope you guys enjoyed the conversation with Odyssey Simms
and our check in with Diana Tarazzi this week. Before
we get out of here, I just want to talk
about some of the things I love because that is
my favorite part of the show. All right, So there
wasn't one thing that I loved this week. There were
many things that I loved this week, and of course
(26:49):
we got to talk about WNBA Opening weekend. It was
action impact and drama field of course with all of
the mess, but we're gonna keep it positive on this show.
So I want to talk about some of the favorite
moments that you all wrote into me on x SO,
I posed the question what was some of your favorite
(27:10):
things from opening Weekend? And Renee Stubbs, who is also
on the iHeart Orders podcast network, she typed in a
ring statue of Liberty in check, so I'm gonna translate
that as she loved ring Day New York Liberty Ring
Day was definitely something that was great. I was there
to see the banner get hanged. Their rings are massive, y'all.
(27:33):
They had their custom made rings from Jacob of Beverly Hills.
The ring had custom airrings embedded into them that they
can take out and wear the air rings, and the
New York Liberty extended those rings to fans and they're
able to order their own replica versions of the championship rings.
I thought that was joke, but as a native New Yorker,
(27:55):
just seeing the banners being raised, I think that that
was like kind of a full Circle moment for me.
So I thoroughly enjoyed ring Day.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
All right.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Kelsey Plumb, who was on our show last week, I'm
just gonna say that we were good luck for that.
She dropped thirty seven points in her season opener for
the Los Angeles Sparks, easy underscore. He said that was
one of his favorite moments from the week. And then Valerie,
she wrote in and said that the Fever Sky game
(28:24):
in person was her favorite thing. She said, there were
so many great plays, triple doubles by Caitlin Clark, two
double doubles, rookie scoring four points, and of course we
got to recognize another front to the show and Dewana
Bonner who moved up to third in all time scoring
in the WNBA. There was great team play and individual accomplishments.
(28:46):
So she hashtag Fever Rising vice everywhere. Typed in and
said Toash on the court in Barclays, I've never experienced
joy from a fan base like I did, and I
would have to agree. I was at Barclays and just
the erupting of the chants and cheers from the fans
every time Tosh made a play, every time she got
(29:07):
a stop. It was real and so Brooklyn fans are
rocking with toash Cloud. That was great, Derek, he said,
Asia going Asia, and of course Asia Wilson. She also
broke a record against the New York Liberty and moving
up in terms of the amount of double doubles that
she's had in her career. And also a huge a
(29:28):
one drop last week, So shout out to Asia Wilson.
Most Shark wrote in and said that his favorite thing
about Opening Leaking was the crowd and atmosphere at Chase
Center for the first Valkyries game. Over eighteen thousand fans
and a non Caitlyn Clark game showed up and showed
out at Chase Center for the Valkyries and their historical
(29:51):
season opener. So Shelta, Jess Smith, Oheima, and Natalie that's
such a huge accomplishment. An account that says DT forever
satoo in at Going Off and putting on a show
for the X Factor. They definitely blew my mind. I
did not think that Phoenix would win without Khalia Copper
and they proved me wrong. And one of my favorite
(30:12):
things about Opening weekend was the Washington Mystics rookies, Sonya
Centron and Kiki erie Ethan they bawled out. The Mystics
are two and zero at the time of this podcast recording,
so undefeated, going from one of the worst teams last
season to now entering a new era of Mystics basketball.
The rookies on the Mystics have a promising future. I'm
(30:35):
looking forward to seeing them. Shout out to Kiki, who
notched her first career double double and Sonya Sitchron who
made a huge stop and clutch free throws to steal
the game for the Mystics. Shout out to those rookies.
I'm looking forward to seeing what they do all season long.
And that's gonna do it. For this episode of And
Casey Missed It with Christina Williams, don't forget to rate,
(30:57):
review and subscribe to the podcast and we'll see you
guys next week. 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
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. Here on iHeart Women's Sports,
and you guys know that we do a big every
(00:21):
single week. But this episode is kind of a full
circle moment because last year and this show dropped. Today's
guest was the very first guest to come through the doors,
and so I'm super excited to have this person rejoin
the show. Diana Trazzi won three national titles and six
(00:44):
gold medals. She was a WNBA Rookie of the Year
and after two seasons, she was named to the WNBA's
All Decade Team. She's a three time w champ and
in two thousand and nine she won an MVP. She
was the v of the two thousand and nine and
twenty fifteen WNBA Finals. She played from one team her
(01:06):
entire career, and I think that's enough to be a
go right, the Phoenix Mercury. That is a record in basketball.
Kobe Bryant called her the White Mamba, which is a
high praise in itself. Indeed, and Diana's impact on the
court is unrivaled. And it's not just because she's an
all time leading scorer, but because she handles the pressure
(01:29):
with grace and ease. And now DT, as she's known
to her teammates and friends and all of us, is
stepping off the court to pursue other projects, and she's
here to talk about those things, what she's been up
to and her legacy. Please welcome back to in case
you missed it with Christina Williams. Because last summer at
(01:50):
WNB Alsto on Phoenix DT, Diana Tazzi was one of
the first guests that we actually had on the show
and now we're on episode fifty six, which feels weird,
but please welcome to the show, Diana Tarrazi. Diana, Welcome
to the show.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
It's so good to be back. I remember training camp.
We were one of the first ones.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Yes, absolutely, So this is the first season in two
decades that you're not suiting up with the w NBA,
and I know the whole world wants to know what
have you been up too lately and what is it
like watching the league from the outside Now?
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah, I mean, look, I've I've had such a great,
amazing career that you know, it's exciting to watch how
the league has changed in this weekend seeing opening night.
You know, our off season so long, all the fans,
everyone's waiting to see these teams and players that haven't
seen in you know, six seven months, and what a
great opening night to just kick off with great season
(02:47):
to depth. You know, did I miss it a little bit? Nope,
I'm good.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
I was.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
You know, I was running the kids around in that
soccer practice, basketball practice.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
I was doing all good little parent things, So I
was good. I was busy after all of these years
of like constant competition. What was the biggest surprise for
you about just taking that step back.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Once the season ended last year? I really wasn't sure
where I was going to end up or land. You know,
once you hit a certain point in your career, whether
it's thirty six, thirty seven, thirty eight, thirty nine, you
start thinking about what's next and how was that gonna
you know, translate into into what life looks like afterwards,
And to be honest, I'm just really leaning into all
(03:31):
the little things in life, all the things that for
the last twenty years I might have mentally not been
there for because I was always so worried about training
and you know, the next opponent or you know, I
can't go here, I have to go to sleep, I
have to get some rest, I have to recover. And
now I can really just be here. And it's been
really nice to be around and kids and do all
(03:52):
the things that that I really have missed out in
the last couple of years.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
You said that your kids are playing sports now and
you mentioned basketball, So is there some playing basketball now?
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Is Leo is on his first grade team? And Penny
and I are the coaches, And I don't know how
good of a coaching staff we are, but you know,
we did all right, We did all right.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
I must be so amazed to be able to watch
him kind of following your step, your footsteps and Pennies
footsteps as well. And you talked about the next chapter
and how you're approaching it. What's that main focus? Is
just focusing on family and that's it? Or can we
see you doing some broadcasting or Team USA stuff in
the future.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Yeah, you know, right now, I think I'm what they
call it a gap year, I believe, thinking about all
the things that I like and the things that I
don't like. I think that's so important when you step
away from something you've been doing for so long, as
you can easily just throw yourself into a lot of
different things that you might think you do like or
you're interested in. But at the same time, I want
(04:52):
to do something that I really love and I think
that'll come with time. So right now, just enjoy the summer.
We're heading out to Australia in a week or so
and I'm gonna spend the summer down there.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Sue Burber was recently named, you know, the director of
Team USA women's basketball, and she's been a guest on
the show twice already, and she brought up some of
the funniest stories about you know, you two having that
relationship from Yukon to Team USA. What are your thoughts
or reactions to Sue just stepping into that role in
this next chapter of her life.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Yeah, it's amazing. I think I texted her the other
day and I was like, this role was made for you.
There's no other person that could take on this role
and be better at it than Sue. She just has
a great way of communicating what a team should look
like feel I'd play like that selfishness that USA basketball is.
I mean, Sue embodies all of that. And you know,
(05:44):
also you have to have that basketball like you She
understands the things that make a team really really good,
and I think she'll just make USA basketball even better. Uh,
you know, her experience of winning five gold medals and
being all those teams and you know, being our point
guard in our general, I think all those things will
translate into her being you know, amazing at this position.
(06:05):
And you know, I think it's well needed for some
representation as players too to have a voice, and I
think too well the players and be that go between
with the USA basketball.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
All right, j'all we're gonna take a quick break and
when we get back more from this conversation with Diana Tarazi. So, Diana,
tell us about your new partnership with Sanathi and Regeneron
and why you feel it's important to raise awareness about
(06:41):
your journey with ezema. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
I mean, it's been an amazing partnership with Santathine Regeneron.
You know, I went to my germatologist a year or
so ago and she had recommended topix It and it
was something I wasn't aware of. Its something that I
didn't even know was on the table. You know, Exema
is something I've been for twenty years, something that you know,
from the outside, you would never know. It was something
(07:04):
I was struggled with so deeply every single day. And
you know, I would use all the lotions, the motions,
and you know, all the creams and all the things
to really try to calm all my symptoms. But nothing
really helped me as much as jupis and has with
you know, lessening my itch and my redness. And you know,
if you know anyone with ezema, it's something that takes
(07:24):
a toll on you every single day.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
What helped you to finally, you know, get the answers
or relief when it came to managing your ezemma. I'm
a little bit of color, so that is something that
everyone's prevalent in our community, something that I struggle with
as well. But how is that process with getting those
right answers to be able to begin the treatment.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Yeah, I think first off, you can go to your
debritologists and you really start asking questions and you start
really tapping into all the knowledge that they have. And
you know, my dermatologist was great enough to mention and
recommend do Bixon and you know, like anything in life,
I think the more research that you do, it works
differently for a lot of different people. And when you
(08:07):
find something that works for you, there's nothing better. There
are certain situations where now I cast myself saying, well,
I wasn't doing that through four years ago, like I couldn't.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
It just wouldn't.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
It wouldn't work with how systematic I was and how
triggered I was by my ex and mind. And now
I don't even think twice about it. And those are
the times where I'm like, really really thankful.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Working at the broader perspective, when you think about your
career and totality, you don't off there and see one
players who have played two decades of a sport at
such a high level like you. But when you look
at all of the things that you were able to do,
what do you feel like took it to the next
level for you to be able to sustain longevity in
(08:48):
women's basketball?
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Oh well, I mean there's probably a laundry list of things,
but the party, the one thing that comes to mind
is I involved. You know, as your career goes on,
I think sometimes as athletes, you get stuck in thinking
you're one thing, or you're one type of player. You
have a certain skill and I have to be this
type of player. And in a lot of ways, life
is about evolving, you know. Whenever you're in basketball in
(09:12):
a career, you have to evolve. You have to change
the way you think to change, change the way you eat,
change the way you train, change the way you look
at the game and how you value the game. And uh,
you know, every part of my career I try to
evolve and be a better teammate, a better player, better prepared,
and better shape.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
So I think all those things.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
You know, really helped me in those twenty years.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
And a couple of years ago, I asked you a
question about how you view your legacy and you said
it's for other people to write. In hindsight, do you
still think that it's for other people to write or
how would you view your legacy?
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Oh, I mean, you know, leasy's one of those funny
words where you know, people always what's your leg Well,
my my legacy is all the things that I've done.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
I mean they're there, Yeah, I mean they're all there.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
You know, you're there. I don't know like, I don't
know why. I don't know how people value them or
how you compute them. And you know whether it's a
great career a subpar career. But I knows as an athlete,
I could speak for a lot of athletes, is there's
a lot of obstacles that come with a legacy and
playing for a long time. And you know, you have
(10:28):
to have a lot of luck. You have to have
a lot of great people on your side that help
you along that that journey. And I would say my
legacy is a legacy of people, of connectivity, of family,
of loyalty. Those are the things to me that when
I think of my career are the things that come
to mind.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
And you certainly left the game way better than when
you came in. And I want to know, Diana, the
secret behind im a WNBA logo? Now that you're retired,
are you a WNBA local?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Well, we'll see if I get royalty checks in a month.
At I l a little bit late.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
I was in college to get a Speaking of college,
Yukon won their twelfth title. What does that mean to
you in terms of the pride of the program?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Oh, I mean it means everything. Uh, you know, once
a Husky. He always a husking. And to see, you know,
the maturation of Page in those four and a half
five years and what that kid went through with injuries
and the expectations and the pressures of playing at Connecticut.
You know what a resilient, amazing human being she is.
(11:43):
Uh And to get to know Grage a little bit
more in the last couple of years, she is not
only one of the best basketball players I've ever seen
play basketball, but one of the best people. And you
know how she can galvinate and galvanize a team and
really tap into the best of teammates. That skill, that
skill is uncharted waters in a lot and I'm so
(12:06):
excited to see her play in the WBA. I was
excited for coach or Ama. You know, I think sometimes
he gets spoiled for how much winning he's done in
his career. That making it to a Final four and
losing almost became this disappointment a couple and I think
he started believing that a little bit and for him
to be able to get over the hump and just
(12:28):
the way they played, I think more than anything, when
Kocherman thinks about the way his teams play, that team
that won a national championship. That's exactly how our teams
play together. Hard, sharing the basketball, valuing possession, playing hard
on defense, being great teammates.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
All those things that they did.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
That's what Connecticut basketball is about.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Their name is synonymous with Phoenix basketball. And now that
one era is ended and a new one has become
a gun, let's hear hope for a new era of
Phoenix basketball.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
I you know, I just love where we're at right now.
Obviously retaining Ka and what she's brought to our program.
You know, that mentality of resiliency and you know she
comes into work every single day. Adding Alyssa Thomas, who's
one of my favorite players in the league. Talk about
someone who can do everything, and I think that's so
(13:24):
underrated when you know, sometimes we get it mesmerized by
big numbers, where like Alyssa Thomas makes the right plate
every single time down court, and you know, when you're
at basketball, you know, junkie, you appreciate that. I mean,
Satu is one of the most special players I've ever
seen on a basketball court, and I think she's she's
really honing in our crash. She get a huge offseason
(13:47):
playing it on a r I had a little in
great shape.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
She's healthy.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
I think she's put in the situation where you know
they're going to surround her with amazing vets and players
and coaches and staff.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
And so two is going to be a scary sight
and we're certainly looking forward to what the new era
of Phoenix basketball looks like. Diana, if you could point
out one memory throughout the two decades of your career,
over the championships, the gold medals, the whole journey, what's
a moment that stands out to you? Oh?
Speaker 2 (14:17):
I mean I always say Game five, two thousand and
nine finals in Phoenix. You know there's something to be
said about winning at home on your own court, in
your city.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
You know, that to me was always a great moment.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
We you know, we were facing a great Ink of
Fever team with Tamika Cashing's Katie Dias. Just the more
that almost a really really Jessica dabbed for a really
really great, tough nose, tully tough team and first to
go out there and be able to win it at home,
that to me is always a great moment.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
And lastly, ask me close this out. What excites you
the most about where the w NBA is headed.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
It's such a great space right now, so many eyeballs,
so much viewership, so many companies investing. You know, it
really makes you feel really good. And the future of
the wants and such great names with you know, the
old Guard Stewie and the Neca, Gluo, Rickay's and I
can go on and on and now with the young
(15:17):
kids with you know, Angel and Kaitlin and Paige. I
think this Cameron brig I mean, this league is such
a great place and you know, like always the game first.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Well, thank you so much Diana for just talking about
your health journey, what you've been up to lately, and
what excites you about the next chapter of the w NBA.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Thank you for joining us this week.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
I'll problem see you next year, see you next year.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Alright, all we're gonna hold right there and when we
get back more in case you missed it, shout to
Diana sa Rozzi for coming through to the show this week.
It's always great when the goat can stop by and
(16:06):
you guys, I have another treat for you. We have
another guest joining the show this week, and last week
I was able to speak to Los Angeles Sparks guard
Odyssey Sims ahead of their season opener for the Valkyries,
And this conversation is very dear to me because I'm
someone who have had the pleasure of covering Odyssey from
(16:28):
her early days to now, and I think that her
journey is worth platforming and talking about. So I hope
you guys enjoy this conversation featuring Odyssey Sims. I want
to welcome in Odyssey Sims to the show today. Hi,
Honysty how are you doing? Hey, y'all, So, how does
it feel to be back in LA at this stage
(16:50):
of your career?
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Things are just coming back full circle? It was a
totally different team, totally different culture when I was here
in twenty seventeen. So I think like LA has struggled
just the last few years trying to get back to
how they were before, which is winning. And I think
this year we have all the pieces to win and
(17:13):
be a playoff team. It's gonna take it's gonna take time.
We're gonna have moments where some games that might just
you know what I mean, it's just gonna be We're
just gonna lose where it's just gonna feel like we
didn't compete. It's just letting us know, like we're still
in We're gonna have work to do after every game,
win or lose. We're just gonna keep trying to get
better and just keep pushing each other. But I do
(17:33):
think like when it's all said and done, we'll be
in the playoffs for sure.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Talks about this being a full full circle moment for
you and in twenty seventeen that La Sparks team that
you were part of went to the finals. Is there
anything about this team this season that reminds you sort
of of that team that you played with in twenty seventeen.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
Can't really say it reminds me of I mean, we
haven't started playing yet, so I don't know. I think
this team is better than what we think we are.
But definitely excited to start Friday because like I said,
I do think we are going to have a winning season.
Where was Like I said, We're just gonna have our moments.
It's about just pushing through and just knowing like we
(18:12):
still have time to get better. We have time to
get better, just gonna do it. Hopefully we get everything together,
you know, obviously before it's too late. But we have
the leadership from the Vets mixed in with the younger
players what they can learn from us. So I think
we had a good combination of both.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
You've been in in a part of this league for
over a decade. Now what about this situation feels different
from your previous stops? And how satisfying is it to
know that you know you have somewhere to be grounded
now hard.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Works pays off.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
I've just been motivated the last couple of years man
at the league, just trying to stand ready.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
I mean, I'm happy to be here.
Speaker 4 (18:52):
I think like LA welcome you with open arms last year,
Like when I got here, I felt the love from
day one, all right. I felt it on the flight
like it was something that I guess I haven't felt
in a long time.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
So it felt good. And then to be.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Back, it's a good group, Like we love each other,
We don't have any issues, Like we're constantly competing, making
each other better every day, pushing each other on each
other accountable.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
So it definitely feels great to.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
Wake up and know like I have a team that
wants to get better, Like we know our INNGO and
we're constantly pushing each other and we love each other.
Like I said, like we all love each other, so
that makes everything better when you have chemistry on and
off the court.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
What's your early impressions about coach Linn Roberts and the
energy she's bringing into this new chapter for the Sparks.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
Calm, cool, collected. She doesn't yet.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
She stays like pretty same, you know, same her. She
always has great energy. I mean she's had her moments
where like she's like mad, but it's given fake man,
not for real like mad, you know, but she's like, like,
I love her. I think she's really like really good coach.
(20:05):
The concepts of especially like offensively once we get down
like our timing and the cutting. As we continue to
keep working on it, breaking down the offense, I think
like we're going to be really good, really hard to guard.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
But just like I said, just continuing to work.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
But she's just doing a good job of keeping us
in film, making sure we're watching not only just yourself,
but watching the team seeing you know, she likes giving,
likes for us to give her feedback on what we see.
She's not coming in and just like well it's this, this, this,
She's like, no, I'll sit here till a couple of
you say something, so I like that too, and even
(20:41):
come and talk to her about anything. She's very approachable.
I love a player's coach. Haven't always had players coaches
since I'm in the league, but to have that Max,
it definitely makes my job easier. And just knowing, like
I just have a coach that trusts me. Obviously we're
still building my trust, but she trusts me on the court.
(21:01):
Like if I call something and she calls, hey, oh sorry,
you got it? Hey, okay, KP called something, She's okay
with that. And I love that you.
Speaker 1 (21:08):
Finished your second season at appens to a limited this
off season and you finished second place this year. But
I thoroughly have enjoyed watching your off season basketball because
I think that it feels your production in the regular season.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
You're a dog if.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
No one has told you, you can fucking know hoop
otysy like. I truly appreciate players like you, But what
did that stretch of basketball in the off season mean
to you?
Speaker 4 (21:33):
Playing athletes unlimited is always fun. I did go overseas
in November and December. I was in China, didn't Mike.
It wasn't really the best situation, so I played Athletes
Unlimited for another year, and it's just like for me,
every year just gets more and more fun. Au I
felt like came at the right time the first year.
(21:53):
It started maybe the second year just because I felt
like I.
Speaker 3 (21:58):
Was losing my love for the game.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
I didn't know after the year I had Auntienty twenty
one with Atlanta. It was a lot on the core
off the court physically, mentally, it was just a lot.
That was probably one of my worst worst WNBA seasons ever.
I don't know right now, like I'm just in a
really good space, like I like where I'm at, and
Athletes on Athletes on Limited just helped me find it.
(22:24):
I knew I didn't lose it completely, but it was
slowly but surely. I felt like it was almost out
of reach. And here com Athletes Unlimited. First year, I'm like, okay,
first sure, it was cool.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
It was in veiz.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Second year, I'm like, okay, cool. Third year, Wow, you
know what I mean. It's just like every year it
got better. So it definitely helped me to basically like
not give up. I'm not gonna say I was on
the verge, but just you know, like the WNBA has
changed from how it was when I got dropped in
twenty fourteen to now, you see kind of like more
(22:57):
Vets kind of on the back end rather now team
was more of younger players.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
You know.
Speaker 4 (23:02):
Before when I came in, it was like Vets always
were taking care of you know, like unsigned, unsigned, we
want Vets, we want Vets. So the game is changing,
you know. So it definitely just made me like love
the game more. I was like I found it again.
So I just I don't know, I just continue to
go harder every day. I play every game like it's
(23:22):
my last. I practice like it's my last.
Speaker 1 (23:25):
Would you say that's what you credit your longevity to
you in the league. Then it's just the hard work
paying off and just playing every game like it's your last. Yeah,
I mean motivating motivation from my son of course, and
just knowing that I wasn't done. I think like a
couple of years ago, being in and out the league,
I think it was like a test for me to
(23:45):
see are you gonna foe or are you going to continue?
Speaker 4 (23:48):
And something just kept telling me. I don't know what
it was. Something it was just like you're not done yet.
You're not done yet. You're good enough to be in
the league. You've been in the league, you know. So
it was just like, I have to change my mindset.
And when I changed my mindset, that's why I was
able to stay with it. That's why I continue. I
still played basketball. I still you know, damn my thing.
And I was just like, wait, no, my moment, I'm like,
I get picked up. It's coming, whether it's a hardship,
(24:08):
whether it's you know what I mean, half the season,
the season, so I just stay motivated, honestly, and I'm
just like looking back and I'm like proud of myself, Like,
how did I get through it?
Speaker 3 (24:17):
I don't know, like did eye my moments? Absolutely, but it.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
Was well worked it in the end, and here I
am full contract again and I think I might have
found a home for sure. So I'm loving it, just
loving Dan here, just love playing with KP so far.
Speaker 3 (24:34):
Just all in. I think I have a great team.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
And you talked about your son being a motivator, and
I think that one of the things that I enjoyed
watching going to Athletes unlimited is just seeing you be
a mom in all of those different moments. Uh, He's
seen you play pretty much since day one. Uh, in
that bubble season. I remember you, yes, the evolution of
your game and how much you've been, you know, working
(24:59):
so hard in this league. What do you think he's
learned about basketball just by being around you and being
around you so much.
Speaker 4 (25:06):
I think like he's used to just going to the
gym with me, and he definitely wants to play basketball.
He said he wants to be like mommy, So I'm
excited about that. I think he's gonna be super tall,
so I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
About that too. But I don't know, Like he's a
mama's baby.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
So it's like long as he with me, doesn't care,
Like we can be at the gym for ten hours
and he's like it's okay.
Speaker 3 (25:28):
You know.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
I really can't wait till I can put him in like, hey,
you basketball and little like spring leagues and stuff like that,
because I'm gonna be a proud parent. I don't know
if I'm gonna be yelling at people. I don't know
if I'll be like, don't touch my kid, you know
what kind of thing, or if I'm gonna just let
it play.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
I don't know. I am looking forward to that.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
I'm not gonna lie to you, just to see, like
what kind of parent I'm gonna be, you know, like
an athlete, paarent I don't know.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
It's weird, not weird, but it's just crazy.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
And honestly, before you get out of here, I always
like to end the show on a high note, and
so I ask every guest that comes through to share
something that has brought them joy. This week, was something
that's brought you joy? This week, I had a great
mother's thing. I didn't do anything but relax, how kick
my feet up. I did exactly what I wanted to do.
So yeah, well, I'm so happy that you were able
(26:19):
to relax, and we're super excited to see you play
with the Purple and Gold this season for the La Sparts.
Thank you so much for joining us on in case
you missed it.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
I hope you guys enjoyed the conversation with Odyssey Simms
and our check in with Diana Tarazzi this week. Before
we get out of here, I just want to talk
about some of the things I love because that is
my favorite part of the show. All right, So there
wasn't one thing that I loved this week. There were
many things that I loved this week, and of course
(26:49):
we got to talk about WNBA Opening weekend. It was
action impact and drama field of course with all of
the mess, but we're gonna keep it positive on this show.
So I want to talk about some of the favorite
moments that you all wrote into me on x SO,
I posed the question what was some of your favorite
(27:10):
things from opening Weekend? And Renee Stubbs, who is also
on the iHeart Orders podcast network, she typed in a
ring statue of Liberty in check, so I'm gonna translate
that as she loved ring Day New York Liberty Ring
Day was definitely something that was great. I was there
to see the banner get hanged. Their rings are massive, y'all.
(27:33):
They had their custom made rings from Jacob of Beverly Hills.
The ring had custom airrings embedded into them that they
can take out and wear the air rings, and the
New York Liberty extended those rings to fans and they're
able to order their own replica versions of the championship rings.
I thought that was joke, but as a native New Yorker,
(27:55):
just seeing the banners being raised, I think that that
was like kind of a full Circle moment for me.
So I thoroughly enjoyed ring Day.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
All right.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Kelsey Plumb, who was on our show last week, I'm
just gonna say that we were good luck for that.
She dropped thirty seven points in her season opener for
the Los Angeles Sparks, easy underscore. He said that was
one of his favorite moments from the week. And then Valerie,
she wrote in and said that the Fever Sky game
(28:24):
in person was her favorite thing. She said, there were
so many great plays, triple doubles by Caitlin Clark, two
double doubles, rookie scoring four points, and of course we
got to recognize another front to the show and Dewana
Bonner who moved up to third in all time scoring
in the WNBA. There was great team play and individual accomplishments.
(28:46):
So she hashtag Fever Rising vice everywhere. Typed in and
said Toash on the court in Barclays, I've never experienced
joy from a fan base like I did, and I
would have to agree. I was at Barclays and just
the erupting of the chants and cheers from the fans
every time Tosh made a play, every time she got
(29:07):
a stop. It was real and so Brooklyn fans are
rocking with toash Cloud. That was great, Derek, he said,
Asia going Asia, and of course Asia Wilson. She also
broke a record against the New York Liberty and moving
up in terms of the amount of double doubles that
she's had in her career. And also a huge a
(29:28):
one drop last week, So shout out to Asia Wilson.
Most Shark wrote in and said that his favorite thing
about Opening Leaking was the crowd and atmosphere at Chase
Center for the first Valkyries game. Over eighteen thousand fans
and a non Caitlyn Clark game showed up and showed
out at Chase Center for the Valkyries and their historical
(29:51):
season opener. So Shelta, Jess Smith, Oheima, and Natalie that's
such a huge accomplishment. An account that says DT forever
satoo in at Going Off and putting on a show
for the X Factor. They definitely blew my mind. I
did not think that Phoenix would win without Khalia Copper
and they proved me wrong. And one of my favorite
(30:12):
things about Opening weekend was the Washington Mystics rookies, Sonya
Centron and Kiki erie Ethan they bawled out. The Mystics
are two and zero at the time of this podcast recording,
so undefeated, going from one of the worst teams last
season to now entering a new era of Mystics basketball.
The rookies on the Mystics have a promising future. I'm
(30:35):
looking forward to seeing them. Shout out to Kiki, who
notched her first career double double and Sonya Sitchron who
made a huge stop and clutch free throws to steal
the game for the Mystics. Shout out to those rookies.
I'm looking forward to seeing what they do all season long.
And that's gonna do it. For this episode of And
Casey Missed It with Christina Williams, don't forget to rate,
(30:57):
review and subscribe to the podcast and we'll see you
guys next week. 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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