The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese

The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” exchange in the 2023 NCAA championship game. There was a fierce debate over their perceived rivalry and it only intensified once they became the hottest prospects in the WNBA's rookie class. The media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s sports for generations. And now that Clark and Reese have brought thousands of new fans to the sport, is it safe to say that this story line is what the WNBA needed? Or has it invited toxicity into a space that has always prided itself on its inclusivity and sisterhood? In this groundbreaking series, Cari Champion searches for answers from those who know Clark and Reese best – from the coaches who helped shape their game, to the players and journalists who have witnessed their meteoric rise first-hand. Champion traces the incredible parallel paths of not just these two historic talents but the WNBA itself, and sets the stage for the collision course that has brought us to this very moment. The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is not just about two of the brightest flames the sport has ever seen, but it also asks an essential question – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us?

Episodes

August 26, 2024 1 min

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Welcome to Season 4 of NAKED SPORTS!

We're excited to kick off the season with a six-episode docu-series, *The Making of a Rivalry*, which follows the rise of women's basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The series traces their journey from high school to college, examining the media frenzy that has fueled their rivalry. It highlights their impact on the sport and how they've shaped the perception of women's basketball. ...

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September 16, 2024 35 mins

In this episode we highlight the evolution of women's sports, particularly focusing on the impact of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA. 

Cari Champion interviews Lisa Bluder, former head coach of the University of Iowa women's basketball team. They discuss the impact of Caitlin Clark on the sport and her experience coaching Caitlin to superstardom.  Bluder shares her thoughts on the challenges and changes in women's athleti...

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September 23, 2024 34 mins

This conversation delves into the complexities of race, rivalry, and media narratives in women's basketball, focusing on the contrasting portrayals of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

Cari Champion interviews Ron James, Reese's former AAU Coach. They discuss Angel's character on and off the court and the role of family in athlete development.

The discussion highlights the importance of rivalry in sports, the evolution of women's bask...

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In this episode, Cari takes listeners back to the 2023 Women's National Championship game between LSU and Iowa — a game that made history and gave rise to one of the most significant moments in sports. We'll delve into its cultural impact, the media's portrayal of the players, and the ongoing conversations around race and gender in sports. The game shattered records and may have shown that every great player needs a foil.

Cari Cham...

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October 7, 2024 35 mins

In this episode, Cari delves into the dynamics of rivalries in sports and music, with a particular focus on the perceived rivalries between female athletes, such as Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese, and likens them to those between artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

If we're being honest, there’s a societal compulsion to compare women, pitting them against each other as though the real competition lies in the comparison itself ...

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October 14, 2024 38 mins

On the season finale of The Making of a Rivalry, Cari interviews Gina Prince - Bythewood, director and screenwriter whose resume includes: The Old Guard, The Woman King and Love and Basketball - a film that centers a Black athlete with dreams of being the first woman to play in the NBA. 

Trista Krick, also joins the conversation to discuss what the future holds for the league and the rising stars who are coming. 

WNBA players featu...

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