November 7, 2024 • 44 mins
This one’s for you, Hawkeyes! Lucy Olsen joins Sometimes I Hoop in a conversation about her journey to becoming one of the most dynamic scorers in the college game and what she’s bringing to her senior season.
- Transfer portal process, Lisa Bluder retirement, advice from Caitlin Clark (1:20) 🔀💡
- Conference shake-ups, Hannah Stuelke, Lucy’s mid-range game (6:55) 🤯⛹🏾♀️
- Villanova recruitment, Maddy Siegrist’s dominance, 2023 tournament run (16:15) ✍🏻🔥
- Playing against UConn, becoming a vocal leader (24:45) 😤🗣️
- The Jan Jensen era, Iowa’s sold-out season tickets, Vibe Check (35:35) 🎟️✅
About Our Host:
Atlanta Dream guard Haley Jones is an NCAA national champion, All-American, and No. 6 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Listen as she welcomes top players to the mic to dissect basketball’s biggest storylines, celebrate top performances, and give flowers to the players growing the game.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
How excited are you to get to play in front
of a sold out crowd night in and night out.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (00:05):
I can't believe that we practiced in the gym and
there's so many seats in there. It's way bigger than
our Villanova gym. And I'm just like, all these seats
were sold, like I can't wrap my mind around. And
I've never been to a game, so I'm so excited
to walk out the first game and just feel the
energy of the crowd and that everyone there wants to
come watch us.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
I don't know, it's mild to me.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Welcome back to sometimes. I hope today we've got one
of the most dominant scores in the country, quick humble
Bragg ranked third in scoring last season with twenty three
a game, Big East most improved player, and the newest
Iowah Hawkeye none other than Lucy Olsen. Thanks for hopping
on the pod.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Yeah, thanks for having me, of course.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Well, a quick icebreaker before we get into the basketball talk.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Ooh, I think Charlie Pooth.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Charlie Pooth is that the guy who is on TikTok
like crazy and does all the perfect Yeah, did you
seem to the dorating? Yeah, he ate that down.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
I used to love him. I still like him a lot,
but I used to love him.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
I love That's a good first concert. I feel like
that's the first one we've heard of that. So that's amazing.
But jumping into the basketball landscape, transfer in Iowa, we'll
just start there. Amazing junior year at Villanova, huge jump.
What motivated your decision to enter the portal?
Speaker 3 (01:31):
It was a bunch of things, But I think because
I only have one year left, I don't have a
COVID year with which really stinks.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
I wish I had one more.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
But at this point, the women's basketball thriving, Like I
just wanted to go to a school that really appreciated
women's basketball and just go to a bigger school for
my last year.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Oh yeah, I mean I was is the top of
the mountain for that right now. So you mean he
made a good choice. So moving through the transfer portal,
when and how did iwa come into the picture to
be your final landing point.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I didn't have like an idea when I entered. I
was just like, Okay, let's enter the port Let's see
what happens, and they were my first call. Coach Bluter
called right away, and I mean it was Coach Bluter.
I was like my hands were speading. I was so excited.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
I was freaking out.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Yeah, and I just like loved her through the phone,
and then my parents we got on a zoom call
with the rest of the coaches.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
That went well.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
I was talking to other coaches in the meantime and
then they were like.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
All right, let's get you out here. So then I
just went and visited.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I just loved everything about it, and then I committed
the next day, so it was quick.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
It was quick.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Okay, I love that. And so you talked about your
connection with coach Bluter, but not soon after you committed,
she left and Jan Jensen took over. So did that
impact you in any way or it seemed like you
were close enough with the rest of the staff to
continue with your commitment.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Yeah, I mean right when she called me.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
I was like what, yeah, yeah, because.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
I had no idea and she like didn't mention it.
But when she was like coach Ja's taking over, I'm like, okay,
Like I met her, she was always there when I
was with coach Bluter, so I don't know if that
was on purpose or not, but she was always there.
I loved her, and then I loved the rest of
the coaching staff too, and they were all staying. And
then when the whole team was staying too, that like
solidified it for me. I'm like, Okay, coach Ja's gotta
(03:25):
be pretty awesome. If the rest of them are saying
if they didn't like her at all.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
They would leave, I mean that makes sense. I feel
like the players typically give you the most insight into
a program, so I think they're all saying there's gotta
be good vibes there. And so you're out of the
hometown kid being from Pennsylvania playing for Villanova very close
to home. How does it feel moving to not only
a new program, but a new state which is in
the Midwest, pretty different way of life than Pennsylvania. So
(03:51):
is there any nerves with that or just mainly excitement
getting to go to a new place.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
I was nervous at first.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I've never really been that far from my parents, and
once I got here, like it still feels like I'm
just at like basketball.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Camp or something.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
I think my friends all the time and I'm like,
because a few of them transferred.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
From Villanova too.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
I'm like, do you ever just think you're just like
in a dream, Like what's going on? When am I
going back to Villanova? Like not a bad way, but
it just feels like so surreal sometimes.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
But I don't know.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
I think because I'm a senior, Like if it was
my freshman year, I would have been I don't know
if I would have been able to handle being so
far from.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Home, Like I went yeah all the time.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
But since I was in college a few years, I
progressively stopped going home. I feel more comfortable and everyone's
great here, so it feels like family.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Yeah, second home for sure, as any college campus should be.
And I think your point about like now you're older,
so for you being a senior for this team being
one of the vets, because they lost a lot of
not only scoring the statistical categories, but a lot of
their leadership and so you stepping into that role. Have
the seniors who graduated, Caitlin, Kate, Gabby, have they given
(04:58):
you any type of words of advice I used to
patch the torch or showing support for you guys moving
into the next chapter of Iowa basketball.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Yeah, I've talked with Caitlin a little bit. She's very
and she's like, let me know if you need anything, like,
I'm always here.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
I went through a lot like I got you.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
But they were a little busy with their season. Yeah,
I haven't talked to them too much.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Yeah, makes sense for sure, they're a little busy too
in the league. But I'm sure. I mean, Iowa seems
like everybody's always coming back to support the program. I'm
not sure that they'll be there to show face for
coach jan in her first season as well, which is
really exciting. But talking about the current team, you guys
still have a lot of key pieces from last year's
rosters with Stookey, Sidney Kylie, five new freshmen, and some
(05:41):
other key pieces like yourself. So how do you feel
like the team is looking, are we jelling? How's the
chemistry going throughout summer workouts.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
I'm super excited.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
We had a few injuries in the beginning, so some
people are just getting back, but the five freshmen are
adjusting well. I feel like their offense is a lot
of basketball reads and we have a lot of great
basketball players, so that helps a lot to learn the
program a little bit. I think with Hannah and Staid
coming back. They've been through so much, they've made it
so far, and they're just intensity on and off the court.
(06:12):
You can feel it. It floats to everyone else too.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Yeah, No, for sure. I feel like them having Final
four experience back to back years, even though you know
they lost big piece of the team, like, they're still there.
They know how to get there, they know what it takes,
and so I feel like that, combined with your veteran
presence also being a top four seed hosting the tournament,
you guys have a lot to kind of instill in
the younger players, which I'm excited to see because I
(06:36):
feel like a lot of people are like, oh people
left whatever, y'all are still a whole bunch of hoopers
who are gonna be able to get it done. So
I think it's really exciting. And you guys have a
completely new conference which is having a lot of shakeups
and realignments and so bringing in some of my my
PAC twelve loved ones with the Las Oregon in Washington.
How have you, guys, how have you not only been
(06:57):
preparing for a new conference, but also the addition of
new teams with different playing styles. What does that has
that been conversations or things to think about moving into
Big Ten play pretty soon?
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Yeah, I mean it's pretty weird because you play the
same teams for three years and then all of a sudden,
it's like, Okay, a whole new conference. Which I've played
a few Big Ten teams at Villanova, which is nice,
but yeah, now these new teams being added, I haven't
I've never been to California.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Now I'm saying, like, what I don't. I know, Wow,
I gotta get there. Yeah you do, but yeah, I
don't know.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
It's going to be interesting. Just the physicality is different.
I feel like I had to adjust to that a
little more practices and stuff. But yeah, I'm just excited
to play new teams.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
I mean, I think every conference plays completely different style
of basketball, Like from the Pact of the SEC. I
feel like that's so cool too. You get the opportunity
to play against it in practice obviously, to get little
shifts of it. And So, what do you feel like
is the biggest adjustment for you moving from the Big
East to the Big Ten. Do you feel like there's
a different like you talked about or physicality, you feel
(08:01):
like there's a difference in playing style between the two conferences.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
The East is definitely slower.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
The Big Ten just runs like running again, I'm like,
I need to get in better shape for this.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Yeah, I feel like the Big Ten they really be moving,
especially Iowa, like Stoky runs the floor so well and
so specifically with the two of you, her kind of
being the anchor down load for last year's team as
she will be again. How have you guys really been
working on your connection to be that pick and roll
one two punch hitting her on the move like she
likes to be. What have you guys been doing specifically,
(08:33):
And how is that chemistry coming together?
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Here's out for a little bit, so she's coming back
now and just playing with each other like in practice
or if we stay after for a bit, we live together,
so that helps both chemistry off the court, Yeah for sure.
But yeah, I feel like a lot of it was
just getting to know each other off the court and
then talking through it on the court, like hey, blah
blah blah. Like I feel like we've talked a lot
of basketball even though we haven't played together too much.
(08:59):
But now that we're playing together, it's clicking, and yeah,
it's fun.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
I feel like She's such a fun player to play
with because she's so active, like a lot of bigs
don't move the way that she does and has the footwork.
So I feel like she'd be a fun player because
you like to run and play fast, and so I
feel like that's right up your alley to play with
a big like her. Yeah, But taking it back a
little bit, jumping into your early hoops and getting into
basketball from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, How did you pick basketball? Who
(09:25):
really put the ball in your hands to get started?
Speaker 3 (09:27):
I have an older sister who's two years older than me,
and my parents like just put her in basketball like young.
And I didn't have a league yet because I was
too young, so I would just be on the side,
like dribbling a ball at her games. And then I
don't know, my parents just said I always had a
ball in my hand, like my dad would take me
outside to play in the driveway, and like my older
(09:49):
sister liked it, but they could just see that I
like loved it, like I always wanted.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
To be outside, yeah, and have a ball.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
I don't like remember it or like when it clicks
or I don't remember of that, but I just I
still love it.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
I just always I just played to have fun.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
I had a very similar experience where my older brother
played my parents coach. So it's just kind of something
that's always with you. Like it was never like, oh
I want to get into this, or oh like I
dread going to price, like I just want to be
outside the cul de sac do whatever he was doing,
and then innately it was my thing too, So I
feel like that's the best way to get into it.
But were there any players that you feel like growing
(10:26):
up you watched and maybe modeled your game after, or
really wanted to take pieces of what they had and
add it to your own.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Arsenal I love Giannis, but I don't play like him
at all.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
So I say, I was like, I love him too.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Yeah, so I don't.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
I don't know if that's like where I modeled my game,
but I definitely loved watching him. Chris Paul, though, yes,
modeled my game a little bit after Chris Paul. Just
how he uses his body and he's not too tall,
he's not the most athletic guy out there, but he
has a high release, finds the scenes really well.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
He's a great passer. So I took a lot of
that like his midding.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Yeah, I can see that for sure. I too had
a Chris Paul face. I was like obsessed with him
when he was in New Orleans. I thought it was
so sick. Yeah, but I definitely see the similarities in
your games. Like you talk about just elevating people in
the mid range getting your shot off very not a
lot of people can do that, and I feel like
the mid range game is kind of a lost art,
and so you feel like that's always been something that
you've really been into or did you really start to
(11:23):
hone the mid range craft throughout your college years.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
This is funny because we just had media today at
Iowa and like someone asked me something like that and
I answered like, oh, I don't know, blah blah, And
my daddy calls me. He's like, you had a midran
game since high school? Like, why don't you remember this?
You keep telling me everyone you got it in college.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
I'm like, I don't remember when I got my midran game.
He like sent me all these clips.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Yeah, okay, fine, next person that asked sometime like I've
had one in high school.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
But I think just in high school. Yeah, I just
shop where I was open. I don't know.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
And then for sure when college came, I think I
started lifting more, getting more athletics, so then and the
other players were bigger. I personally remember using it more
in college. I'm like getting to the baskets tougher just
because of the physicality. Yeah, but I have length, so
my pull up's always open, and then I just like
(12:18):
honed in on it, I guess for.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
Sure, Yeah, finding the balance. It's like wherever I'm opening
and that's that's where I'm shooting it. And I feel
like that solf of your dad says that I feel
like parents always remember things better, especially when it comes
to like athletic things, like I'll be in an interview
that say's the thing. Immediately my mom and dad call me.
They're like, actually, Hayley, we had this article from wherever.
This is what you said. I don't remember right these
(12:40):
things Like, sorry, it's not a big deal, but I
feel like they're always on top of it about it.
I'm with you completely. But your high school career, like
we're talking about, you also played tennis, is that correct?
Me also a tennis star? How did you always play
tennis on the side or was it something that you
kind of picked up during high school.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
So my mom is a big tennis player, okay for fun,
but she like put me in it.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
Probably in like sixth grade.
Speaker 3 (13:05):
I played like a summer one season and then I
just didn't play any organized in tennis, and then high
school came around. My older sister played volleyball. My dad
was a volleyball guy. But I picked tennis because it
was the shortest season, so that then I could get
into basketball.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Got you, got you? Yeah, with you?
Speaker 3 (13:25):
But actually, fun fact, I won a state championship in
tennis with my team.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
No way, yep, not basketball. I want one in tennis.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Well at least you got one. That's more than I
ever had, so yeah, champ sleigh major. Okay, so back
to your basketball career. When do you feel like there
was a moment that you decided, Okay, like I want
to play beyond high school. I want to play college,
not only in college, but at a major school. Villanov
was a big basketball school. So when did you understand, Okay,
I want to take this to the next level and
(13:54):
put in those extra hours in the gym.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
I think like eighth grade, my main goal was I
want to start as a freshman for high school for varsity.
So I remember like that was pretty serious. Like my
dad was like, okay, if you want to start, like
you gotta get in the gym.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
But I never like I just didn't know people didn't
play in college, Like.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Oh everyone, Yeah, that's obviously that's what I'm going to do.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
That's what I said. I People would ask like, oh,
you want to play in college. I'm like, yeah, what else?
Speaker 1 (14:24):
What else? What do you mean?
Speaker 2 (14:25):
So I don't know.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
I just like my mind was just I love basketball.
I want to keep playing.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
So I never had a point where I was like, okay,
like you got to lock in to play. It was
more of I just love playing basketball.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Yeah, I want to keep playing.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Yeah, you're like, what else would I do? I want
to I want to play as long as.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
I can exactly. That's still how I am.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
I'm with you. I'm with you. And so you talked
about wanting to start as a freshman. Do you feel
like I mean, you were a Dahmer scorer last year
and I feel like you're going to be this year
at Iowa being one of the heavy options. Do you
feel like you always had a school mindset or do
you feel like throughout your high school career, maybe preparing
for college, you became more like, Okay, i'm gonna be
a dominant score, I'm gonna get to my spots. I'm
(15:07):
gonna do x y z mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
I think I became one, Like I always had that mindset.
But then my freshman year of high school, I remember
being scared because I was a freshman and like, oh,
you're a senior, like you take it. Yeah, And then
by senior year, I was like just like okay, I
want to win, like when let's go. And then my
freshman year of college too, like Maddie Secres is on
(15:30):
my team, and I was like Maddie, Maddie, like.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
You just take them ball, like you're so good.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Like I would just give her the ball every time
and it worked, So I wasn't that aggressive. And then
junior year came around, Maddie was gone, and like we
needed someone to step up. So my my instincts just
took over. So I think I've always had it, but sometimes, yeah,
it like hides a little bit because I don't even
know my mindset.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Yeah, like figure out your role on the team and
whatever the team needs, that's what you're gonna do I
get exactly, And I feel like that's such a common
experience for freshmen coming in, even though you may be
the best on the team already. It's kind of awkward,
like tell these older girls because in the high school
you're like fifteen, You're telling these eighteen year olds like, yeah,
give me the ball. I know that's not how it's working. Yeah.
So I think that's a very shared experience. But how
(16:16):
was your recruiting process? Talk to me about that. When
you feel like you had a special game or moment,
you're like, Okay, I'm on the map. Now people are
calling me, I'm getting letters. Things are starting to happen.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
I don't know, Like.
Speaker 3 (16:27):
I would just say, I switched AAU teams to be
on a better one. My AU coach he like handpicked people.
So it brought a bunch of pretty solid players together
and we had six or five Bellismuda who plays at
Liberty now uh huh. So she like she brought a
lot of coaches over just because of her height, and
that helped me a lot.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
But I don't remember like a specific game.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
I just remember, like I would say, like my sophomore
year is when I got my first offer from Villanova,
and I.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Was like, oh wait, like that's so exciting.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
Yeah, but I didn't have too many offers in high school,
so it wasn't like a crazy like okay, like yeah,
a crazy game. But it was just like, all right,
well Villanova. Then I was like, okay, this is awesome.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
Yeah, you're like, let's do it. Love it. What about
Villanova stood out to you? Did you take an official
visit and be like or was that during that wasn't
COVID was it?
Speaker 3 (17:22):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:22):
I didn't get any officials.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Okay, so then what made you want to pick Villanova?
Was it all over the phone and just like yeah,
nice getting to tell you, like I'll see you there?
What was that like?
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Yeah, I don't remember meeting the team.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
I grew up going to some of the Villanova camps
or a few of their games, so I knew a
little bit. But we walked around campus one day. It
was like my highest offer, I'd say, and like I
loved the family atmosphere as well. And I don't even
know how I like figured that out. If I didn't
go on any.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Visits, it was just the vibes over the phone or something.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
Yeah, I don't know what it was, but I just
liked it and it was close to home.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
It was like the perfect fit for me.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Oh, I love that. And so you get to Villanova
freshman year. I know for me, I had a very
humbling experience freshman summer having to play against Lexihull and
Dn Carrington and I'm like, what do you want me
to do here? So getting to Villanova having those first
few practices, was it what you expected or were was
it a bigger adjustment that you were going to have
(18:20):
to make.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
When I was coming in, Like their point guard just left, Okay,
so there was a point guard spot open and they
didn't really have like a true point guard on the
bench already. Yeah, so it was like, okay, there's a
spot open. You just have to take it pretty much.
But then, like I said, Matti Segret like she was there.
She's obviously not a point guard, but I remember the
first few practices.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
She like just didn't miss.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
Yeah, Like, oh my gosh, this is so different than
high school. Yeah, it was a big adjustment just because
people are bigger, faster, stronger. It just took me a
few practices and be like, okay, we're still playing basketball.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Yeah, just play calm down. You obviously have to settle in.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
But I remember being like, holy crap, Maddie, like you
don't miss.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Yeah, no, she really doesn't. I was at AU this
past year with her and I was like, girl, you
can't take a break. You ain't gotta be making all
these shots all the day time. It's like contested too,
it's not even like they're wide open. But I remember
for me freshman year, I have so many horror stories
just being in film Tarby and all me. I was
(19:24):
a turnover queen my freshman year because I want to
make all these fun passes and I feel like I'm
very high risk, high reward. So I was like, you're running,
throwing it, I'm doing it all the things. And so
do you remember maybe a freshman horror story from your
freshman summer on campus or even just throughout your first
year in the Big East.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Yeah, I think the only thing would be like the
first time we got like yelled at oh. I don't
remember what we did though, but it was yeah, we
probably lost, like watching film and like they just went.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
Down the line.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
It was like and you and yeah, okay, it.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Was like I deserve that one, yuh.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Because sometimes you just have to take it. Like sometimes
I remember tar I would ask us a question. She'd
be like, Hayley, what were you thinking? And I'm like, oh, well,
you know, like I thought she was gonna do this,
and that all my senior teammates are looking at me
like girls, shut up, just take it. And I always
was like, no, well, she asked me, this is what
I thought was gonna happen. Clearly not. But I feel
like once you get young that enough, you're just like, yeah,
you know, my bad girl, I'll keep the pushing.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Sorry, I want to do that again.
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Yeah, never again. Will I ever make that mistake. Talking
about that adjustment from high school to college, we talked
about bigger, faster, stronger everybody in college. What do you
feel like specifically for you, you felt like you were
going to stand out immediately. You talked about the point
guard role being open. What were you able to bank
on yourself and be like, Okay, I bring this to
(20:47):
the team. This is what's going to get me that
starting job.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
Just like my ball handling, like, I'm fine with pressure,
that type of thing. I feel like in high school,
we didn't have anyone else that went to you want
all my high schools team.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Mm hm, So I liked it a lot.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
You carry the team, you yeah, but I think just
like ball handling and then just my hustle.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
But a lot of people have a motor, So.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
I don't know, Yeah, a lot of people have a motor.
But I feel like when you play, like a lot
of people have a motor and they could coach through
the whole game, but you you're like you're there, You're there,
You're on the ground, you're running, You're like you your
motor is like pale to the metal for forty minutes,
and so I feel like that's different where a lot
of people their motors just like okay, like I can
go fast the whole game, I can run with pace,
(21:33):
but like when you're doing it, will continuously taking charges,
diamond on the ground, like I bet your jersey is
soaked off the games like like dang, I see you
working the whole time, which I feel like is a
really special trait to have. It's an intangible thing that
coaches look for that sets you apart. I feel like
youmates respect people a lot for that. So I think
that's definitely something that sets you apart as a player,
(21:56):
but as a freshman, you have seven points a game.
That is pretty nags as a freshman. You guys had
a great season, eleven seed in the tournament and then
was that like a surprising thing to be an eleven
seed after going twenty four to nine. Then you guys
upset BYU. What was that tournament run like? Because I
feel like you guys were kind of under the radar
that season compared to later seasons when you guys really
(22:17):
started to heat up in the Big East.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
We were like we made merch mad, Like it did
not matter what scene we were, we were.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Just yeah, we made it cause we were we were
right on the edge.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
We're on the bubble of it. So that was super exciting.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Yeah, and then when we beat the YU, that was
an upset, so that was also crazy. Yeah, Like we
knew we deserve to be there, but then like we're like, okay,
we can just play. There's not really a lot of pressure.
No one expected us to be here anyway, so let's
just go out and see what happens. And then we
beat the YU, Like what that was awesome? And then
(22:50):
we lost to Michigan, But it was fun.
Speaker 1 (22:54):
I feel like that's so fun when you don't have
any pressures, Like you just get to go in and
do whatever you need to do and it's if you lose,
you lose, But nobody expects anything. So I feel that's
kind of a fun position to be in. And then
compared to later years, the next season, twelve points a game.
That's a big scoring jump. What do you feel like
changed from your game or something that you really focused
(23:14):
on that summer moving from freshman a sophomore year to
have a jump like that.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
I think confidence, Like I said, like coming in as
a freshman, I was a little scared of the seniors
and like the upperclassmen. So then once I got more
comfortable in my confidence, gir a bit, I was like, Okay,
I can play with Maddie. I don't have to just
give the ball to Maddie. Yes, So I think that
helped a lot, and that helped her too, because then
they had to guard more than just her.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Yeah, you guys really became a one two punch that year,
and it only got better with your connection moving into
your junior year, but specifically your sophomore year. Like you said,
it opens up things for Maddie, it opens up things
for you. The rest of your team. So when do
you feel like you guys really solidified being that one
two punch for Villanova, the go to players, And also like,
how was that for you? Defenders had to lock in
(23:59):
on you now more than they did the past year.
You know, you're getting harder scouts, better defenders are now
upon you. How is it dealing with that?
Speaker 3 (24:06):
It just like naturally happened with Maddie and I. She
would be like, shoot at, like you're open, shoot at
Like she instilled confidence in us as well as the coaches. Yeah,
I don't, I don't know. It's just seemed natural. I
don't think anything specific.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Yeah happened, And I mean, and she's easy to play with.
She is like that, like even though she's such a bucket,
she's always like, okay, but let's move it move. If
it comes back to her, she'll shoot it. But it's
not like some people are like one pass, Oh, it's
going up. But I feel like she's really good at
still involving everyone. Which that's what made you, guys like
such a good team is having somebody like that, having
(24:40):
somebody like you who's still moving the ball do whatever
needs to be done. And so then through twenty two games,
y'all only had three losses playing against the legendary team
that Yukon is in the program, all your losses coming
to them. What was the atmosphere like at those games?
Because it is lit playing Connecticut, like y'all are, it's
(25:00):
turned up, so were there was there like a special
vibe to those games? What was it like?
Speaker 3 (25:05):
Okay, so our freshman year, we beat them and that
was like my first game ever playing against them, Okay,
and like as a freshman, it's obviously like, oh my god,
like this is Yukon.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
Yeah yeah, be husky.
Speaker 3 (25:16):
So we just came out and beat them. I was like, what,
I'm undefeated against Yukon.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
I have to say that.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Yeah yeah.
Speaker 3 (25:24):
But then I think every game after that and then
like my sophomoreing, we lost to them, and then my
softomaker came. It's like we can still beat them, Like
you never know what's gonna happen. We never did beat
them again, but we always going into that game, it
was always like super high energy. We're gonna be positive.
We're not going into it thinking we're gonna lose. But
the crowd there it's so loud. Yeah, the energy's crazy.
(25:47):
But it's a lot of booing against them, So it
was fun, but it was definitely an experience.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Definitely an experience. I love that way, have the positive spin,
keep it pushing. And then you guys had a really
good tournament run that year after a great season that
you guys had, and I feel like it was really
from the outside perspective, it was the breakout year for
Villanova to be back on the map as a premier program,
and so you guys were forcing the tournament, got to host.
(26:14):
Did you guys expect that to happen or was that
like kind of like your freshman year making the tournament
excitement or did you guys like I deserve to host
and be a number four seed.
Speaker 3 (26:22):
Yeah, I think a high seed for sure, But we
were like hosting that's crazy.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
Yeah, hosting is kind of crazy, Like having everybody in
your gym is such a fun experience. And then you
guys made it to the Sweet sixteen, ended up losing
to the Cinderella team of that year being Miami. But
what was it like reaching the Sweet sixteen for the
first time program history in a long time. They hadn't
been there in a minute, and for you really getting
your first time deep into March madness. So what was
(26:49):
that like getting to be in the Sweet sixteen? I know,
I was always looking forward to them gifting suites. I
got me an air fire, some lit What was the
whole Sweet sixteen experience like for you guys, I.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Say, just like the host thing first.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
That was really cool because we sold out our gym
and that hasn't really happened too much, and it was
so loud in there. And then we're like, okay, we're
getting on the airplane, like we're going to South Carolina.
We're playing Miami. This is gonna be awesome. Yeah, it
was just like really good vibes all around. Again, we've
never really been there, and so it's like it's not
too much pressure. It's just like let's see what happens
(27:23):
again because it is what it is. But yeah, we
just like went out there and played I remember that
game too. We were down so much. It was I
think we got down twenty and then came back and
like tied it up and then we lost. But so
that was like we're like right there, like that's so annoying. Yeah,
but it was a really cool experience all around.
Speaker 1 (27:43):
For sure. I feel like this Wee's sixteen. It's really
fun because that's what, like you said, you get to
travel and you get to be there for a minute.
And obviously losing a tough game like that is heartbreaking,
but it seemed like you use that as motivation moving
into junior year. Girl, going from twelve to twenty three
a game, Come on, who does aletoid difference? Is crazy?
So what do you feel like allowed you to make
(28:05):
that jump in scoring? Obviously it's different Maddy left all
eyes are on you to kind of take charge of
the team, but it seemed like you really expanded your
skill set as well to be able to take on
that role and stride And so what do you feel
like we're your main focus is that summer?
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Definitely picking rolls like that's been to focus. How to
use my body, getting stronger, that was a big one.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
I think a lot of it, like was just not
being used. So I didn't expand my game too much.
I just worked on the things that I had and
made sure they came out the next year.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (28:39):
Yeah, and then I think, just like I said, my
instincts kind of took over at that point, Like m hm,
we have that dog mentality like, all right, there's shots
to be taken.
Speaker 2 (28:48):
We want to win.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
If we need to score the ball, like, we're gonna
do it for sure. I think I don't know if
it was like my summer work or if it was
just more opportunity was there to change how I play.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
I feel like that makes it. It's a mix of
you continuing to work on the things that make you grade,
which is you being first of all, just a walking
bucket but lethal mid range, making the right decisions, and
so a lot of times like you met the opportunity,
you rose the occasion, which I think is why you're
able to carry Villanova to have a pretty good year
last year, And so I think that's big. And beyond
(29:20):
transitioning into more of a scoring role on the team
and leading the team in that way, you also had
to transition to a leadership role with like you said,
Maddie's class and all the older players leaving it opened
up that role as well, and so transitioning it to that,
How hard is that to become a leader, Because I
feel like I'm not naturally a vocal person. When it comes,
(29:41):
it feels awkward, and I feel like I'm constantly overthinking
everything that I say, and I'm like, did that's on corney?
I'm trying to be inspirational. I don't know how to
you know. So what was that transition like for you
to be more of a vocal leader on the team.
Speaker 2 (29:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
My coach has definitely got on me about that because
I'm more like lead by example. I feel like, just
lead by example into it, you gotta know. Yeah, but
they were like, you need to have a voice out there,
even if you don't think you're saying the right thing,
like they want to hear from you type of yeah things.
Speaker 2 (30:08):
So I did stuff with.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
Them just to try to learn more about leadership and
like read a book or.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
We all probably did that. But yes, but everyone goes
through that.
Speaker 3 (30:18):
I feel like, but yeah, it actually really helped and
I became more vocal.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
M h.
Speaker 3 (30:22):
So yeah, I feel more comfortable, and I think when
you feel more comfortable, you're more confident and then you're
willing to say more.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
Thanks to your team for sure. But it definitely feels
awkward at first. It's like it just doesn't come natural.
You're just like, oh, what do I even say? Does
that sound right? But like you said, I think once
you get comfortable in it. Then it's just you're rolling
through it. You're confident, Teammates looking to you. So I
think that's amazing and you're going to need that moving
into your role at IA this year as well. But
(30:48):
last year a pretty good season, especially for you personally
not making the tournament. You guys went to the WBIT
first year of the existence, making the championship game. It
is postseason play. But do you feel like you felt
a difference playing in the tournament because that's all you
had known at that point in time. Playing the tournament
compared to playing in the WBIT.
Speaker 2 (31:09):
Well, yeah, I was just like annoying.
Speaker 3 (31:12):
I'm glad we're still playing, but I want to be
playing for the first place, not sixty fifth place.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Yeah, I got you.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
So that was annoying.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
But it was a really well rand tournament for being
like the first one, and there's still competitive. The teams
were still fighting for a championship for sure, it just
wasn't the championship you want to be fighting for.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Yeah, yeah, I understand what you're saying. It's different, Like
it's still competition, but it's just it's not the NCAA title,
which is what everybody's obviously pushing for from the beginning
of the season. Okay, well, moving into our next area here,
we're gonna talk about NIL and how it's changed. I
think it's changed just the college landscape forever and how
everybody moves. So what is the best financial advice you've
(31:55):
received navigating ANIL and who gave it to you?
Speaker 3 (32:00):
I think my parents, Like we just talked about anything
you make is an extra bonus, like for you in
the future to figure out your life after basketball. Yeah,
and I think that that was like the best just
because I am here to play basketball. I just want
to play basketball wherever I'm at, and NIL is awesome.
At this time, I'm so happy I'm in it, But
(32:22):
not everyone got to make this, so it is just
a bonus, like you don't need it, but it'll help
you out in the future.
Speaker 1 (32:30):
Yeah, for sure. How do you feel like you've been
able to balance your NIL opportunities with your obligations to basketball.
Speaker 3 (32:38):
Yeah, at Villanova we didn't have too many, so coming
to Iowa, it's definitely a balance they do a great
job with Obviously, everyone supports women's basketball around here, so
they do a great job of finding us opportunities. And
I would say, the team has tried to get a
lot of their stuff done like before the season really starts,
and like so then we're locked in to bas during
(33:00):
the season. But I think navigating like you gotta find
the right people to help you out. You don't want
to just sign something to make money. You want it
to be on brand, you want it to be you.
You want to support the right things. So I think
that's like a little balance that I like to look
into to make sure I'm not just signing some random I.
Speaker 1 (33:22):
Think you said it perfectly, especially earlier when you talked
about like you're here for basketball, And I think it's
also the understanding that Niil isn't going to come without you,
number one, performing on the basketball court and doing everything
that you need to be doing. But then also like
you need to do what you do in the classroom.
Basketball doesn't come without school, and then Niles is gonna
come without that. So there's definitely a hierarchy in terms
(33:44):
of your priorities. And I think what you said about
like not just signing something like you want to align
with you. I feel like whenever you see people posting something,
I'm like, you don't use that product that doesn't even
match up with anything that you ever talked about. And
so it's also about being authentic to your audio and
to yourself, Like I'm like, send me the product, let
me try it. And if I don't want this, if
(34:05):
my curls aren't popping after I try your products, I'm
not gonna promote it to my young girls who follow
me and are gonna go buy it. So I think
it's finding that balance is really important. But thinking about
your upcoming year, senior season, big stuff, how would you
describe the evolution of your game from freshman year to now?
Speaker 2 (34:24):
I think stronger.
Speaker 3 (34:25):
I don't know if that's like a basketball but yeah,
that's definitely one I had to focus on.
Speaker 2 (34:30):
And just confidence.
Speaker 3 (34:31):
I think those two things they bring out the best
basketball part of.
Speaker 2 (34:34):
You, and you can only do so much.
Speaker 3 (34:37):
When you're weak or when you're not confident at all,
you're not going to be the best that you can.
So I think those two things are were my biggest
growth throughout my college career.
Speaker 1 (34:47):
Yeah, I think you're completely right, Like, you can work
on all the skills in the world, and you can
be in the gym shooting, shoot and shooting, but like
you get ast to the game of your second guessing
it it's not going to play out how you wanted
it to, and all those outers in the gym are
really going to be for nothing if your mindset isn't
right and your body's repaired. So I think you're completely
on the money with that one and talking about coming
into Iowa big shoes to fill, but like they're getting
(35:10):
you and you average twenty three a game last year,
Like they're getting a big bucket in you. And so
what would you tell the Iowa fan base that they're
gonna get to see out of you this upcoming season?
Speaker 2 (35:20):
Oh, it was some fun.
Speaker 3 (35:24):
Yeah, I don't know, just like hardworking, gonna do whatever
coach needs me to do to get away.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
Yeah, but yeah, we're gonna They're gonna have a fun year.
Speaker 1 (35:32):
Good answer. If I'm a Hawkeye, I'm excited. I'm turned.
And then we talked about jan This is her first
year as a head coach. What do you feel like
she's bringing it to the team. Obviously a lot of
similarities with coach Blueter, but what do you feel like
she's bringing that's her own flare that may be new
to the Iowa fan base.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
Yeah, I think I think the system is gonna be
pretty similar. I think our defense is gonna get amped
up a bit. And she's just so positive. I don't
really know Coach pleuted her coach she was the nicest person,
but I've never really got the basketball side of it. Ryah,
So Coach Shan is just like the most positive person ever.
Even when she gets angry, she's like she'll like in
(36:11):
her speech, her anger speech, she'll be like, I love
you guys so much, like like I'm just so proud
to like I'm so happy that I get to coach
you guys, but you.
Speaker 2 (36:20):
Need to do this. And I'm like, oh things, yeah,
I agree, Like it makes you so much. But she's
just so positive.
Speaker 1 (36:28):
That is so funny, just like yelling positive things at y'all.
You're like, okay, so are we in trouble or am
I being votivating? What's going on? That's hilarious. And then
just talking about being at a bigger school of Iowa
and specifically it's kind of a Wombs basketball school nowadays.
So you guys already sold out your season tickets. How
excited are you to get to play in front of
(36:49):
a sold out crowd night in and night out.
Speaker 2 (36:52):
Yeah, I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
I can't believe that we practice in the gym and
there's so many seats in there. It's way bigger than
our Villanova gym, and I'm just like.
Speaker 2 (37:00):
All these seats were sold, Like I can't wrap my
mind around.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
And I've never been to a game, so I'm so
excited to walk out for the first game and just
feel the energy of the crowd and that everyone there
like wants to come watch us.
Speaker 2 (37:13):
I don't know, it's mild.
Speaker 1 (37:15):
Yeah, yeah, it's definitely hard to fathom that all those
people are gonna be feeled. I feel the same way
whenever you're in a big arena you're looking around, You're like,
you're telling me about how many people up in here?
How am I gonna be able to talk here? Myself? Think, like,
it's crazy to play an environment like that. So I'm
excited for you. Also with the upcoming season, ESPN doesn't
have you guys in the way too early. Top twenty five.
(37:36):
Are we using that as motivation one of the team's
vibes moving into the season with.
Speaker 3 (37:40):
That, Yeah, for sure, I mean, come on, like, we
got so many people returning, Like we've put the team
together like let's go. But yeah, no, it's definitely fuel.
We've talked about it. Yeah, but underdogs, like we said,
are always good. Like then you don't have too much pressure.
You could just go out and play and make something happen.
Speaker 1 (38:00):
Everyone loves an underdog for sure. I feel like everybody
always gets behind one, especially you guys. Like the storyline
is huge, like you back to back nintal fours, losing
key players, rebuild. Who doesn't love a rebuild, Like y'all
gonna come out and go crazy. So I'm excited to
see you guys really shake things up. Thinking about that.
With the talent that's in the college landscape right now,
it's insane, from incoming freshmen to final the years of
(38:23):
eligibility senior seasons. Like you, what do you feel about
this team? This year is going to surprise the world,
the nation about what you guys have, the talent that
you're bringing in.
Speaker 3 (38:33):
Yeah, I just think so many of us, like I
don't know, we just want to win so badly, and
a ton of people do. But the competitiveness and like
I said before, Sit and Hana, I've been there, they
know how hard it is. Not a lot of teams
can say they want to the past two final four.
So yeah, having people on the team that can help
lead you there that have already done it, I think
that's definitely unique. And then five freshmen coming in you
(38:56):
can't scout.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
Them, but they're good.
Speaker 1 (38:58):
Sure, Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (38:59):
I think we're just people are not getting the whole
picture yet.
Speaker 1 (39:04):
I agree when teams lose players like that. It's like
you talked about when Maddie left, and you had the
opportunity and you rose the occasion. And I feel like
a lot of the Iowa players on your team are
really excited to get to do the same and showcase
their talents and why coach Blueda recruited them, she saw
something in them as well, and so this is their
opportunity to step on the national stage, prove some people wrong,
(39:24):
have them learn their names, and so I'm really excited
to see how you and the rest of them take
that and stride. So I'm excited to watch you guys.
But moving into our last section here, it's called the
Vibe Check Rapid Fire Answers, So we're just gonna dive
into things I think you're gonna do great. So Okay,
what's the drill you never want to see on the
practice plan?
Speaker 3 (39:47):
We did this two minute ball handling one. We just
run up and down the court for two minutes.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
Oh, no, ball handling is exhausting, stationary, like I've be
driven sweat for no reason.
Speaker 3 (40:00):
Yes, I like ball handling, but no, I don't like
that one.
Speaker 1 (40:05):
Okay, So next one game winning shot or game winning steel.
Speaker 2 (40:10):
Oh, game winning shot.
Speaker 1 (40:13):
I like it. And one or three pointer?
Speaker 3 (40:16):
Oh, that one's heard, I think. And one just because
I don't get a man smash.
Speaker 1 (40:22):
Group TikTok or solo TikTok oh group TikTok okay, toughest
place to play on the road, You can't. I was
guessing the answer was going to be you can for
that one. Who's the biggest trash talker you ever had
to play against?
Speaker 2 (40:37):
I don't trash talk, so I don't know.
Speaker 1 (40:38):
If nobody's ever just done to you first type thing.
Speaker 3 (40:42):
Yeah, I'm very like, I like, I don't hear it.
Speaker 2 (40:47):
I don't know, so I think I'm I probably miss it.
Speaker 1 (40:49):
I'm the same way like I've had a game and
then my mom will call me and be like, what
did she say to you? Who? Girl? I was going
to focus on my play and what I was doing.
I don't have time for those things. I'm completely with
you on that one. Who's the hardest player you've had
to guard?
Speaker 2 (41:06):
Probably Paige Beckers.
Speaker 1 (41:08):
That's a good answer, can't go wrong there. Who's the
biggest flopper? This could be somebody you've played, somebody at
practice on the team.
Speaker 3 (41:16):
Biggest flopper, probably my old teammate, Megan ol Breus Villanova.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
Yeah. Stop.
Speaker 1 (41:25):
I feel like it's so hard at practice too, because
I see you all the time and you gotta keep
flopping with me. Okay, what's your biggest basketball.
Speaker 3 (41:32):
Probably flopping? Like stop flopping. You're holding on to me
the whole time, like exactly.
Speaker 1 (41:38):
And it's always the players who'll be doing the sneaky
dirty stuff want to be the biggest floppers. Like you
were grabbing me over there, and now you want to flop.
I'm not dealing with this. Who is your basketball goat?
Speaker 2 (41:51):
Kobe?
Speaker 1 (41:52):
Kobe? Okay? Do you feel like you have a celebrity lookalike?
Speaker 2 (41:55):
If so, who Oh, I haven't really gotten too many.
Speaker 1 (42:00):
One of a kind. That's my favorite answer. Okay, If
you had to pick someone to be your two on
two teammate, but none of your current Iowa teammates. Who
would you pick? And it could be like anybody college bro.
Speaker 2 (42:12):
Can I pick Yannis or does it have to be No,
you can.
Speaker 1 (42:15):
Picky, you can pick Honusya would be dominant. Okay. What's
your favorite pregame song?
Speaker 2 (42:22):
I'm a big like R and B before game?
Speaker 1 (42:25):
Shut up? Okay, Okay, what's your what's your go to
artist right now?
Speaker 3 (42:30):
Oh gosh, I'm really bad at music. I just put
on like some Spotify radio.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
I think that's so funny hearing R and B hearing
that your first concert was Charlie Pooth and now you're
like big R and B girl, We've we've had a change,
and I like it a change for the better. Okay,
last question here, what's your best impression of coach jan Jensen.
Speaker 3 (42:54):
Okay, so in the middle of practice, like we go
shoot free throws and she's like.
Speaker 2 (42:59):
Who are we gonna beat today?
Speaker 1 (43:00):
Okay what?
Speaker 3 (43:02):
And then anyone will respond a team like whoever? She asked?
Speaker 1 (43:06):
I would love to see that live every day.
Speaker 3 (43:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (43:10):
I feel like every coach has their little quirk like
that that they have to do, and it like the
first time you hear it you turn You're like, what
are you zobed about right now? I'm sure when you
first got there you were like, I don't know. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (43:24):
I was like, is this a normal thing?
Speaker 3 (43:25):
Like tont liter to this, And then I found out
it was just I was like, okay, yeah, J trying.
Speaker 1 (43:29):
She's making her own mark. She said, yeah, yeah, I
don't know, it's me now my program.
Speaker 2 (43:33):
I love that for her exactly.
Speaker 1 (43:35):
Well, Lucy, thank you so much for coming on. This
has been such a pleasure. Good luck this season.
Speaker 2 (43:40):
Thank you, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (43:41):
Of course, and thanks everyone for listening. Stay tuned for
more episodes of Sometimes I Hope the Players Tribute dot
(44:09):
Com
How excited are you to get to play in front
of a sold out crowd night in and night out.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (00:05):
I can't believe that we practiced in the gym and
there's so many seats in there. It's way bigger than
our Villanova gym. And I'm just like, all these seats
were sold, like I can't wrap my mind around. And
I've never been to a game, so I'm so excited
to walk out the first game and just feel the
energy of the crowd and that everyone there wants to
come watch us.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
I don't know, it's mild to me.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Welcome back to sometimes. I hope today we've got one
of the most dominant scores in the country, quick humble
Bragg ranked third in scoring last season with twenty three
a game, Big East most improved player, and the newest
Iowah Hawkeye none other than Lucy Olsen. Thanks for hopping
on the pod.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Yeah, thanks for having me, of course.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Well, a quick icebreaker before we get into the basketball talk.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Ooh, I think Charlie Pooth.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Charlie Pooth is that the guy who is on TikTok
like crazy and does all the perfect Yeah, did you
seem to the dorating? Yeah, he ate that down.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
I used to love him. I still like him a lot,
but I used to love him.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
I love That's a good first concert. I feel like
that's the first one we've heard of that. So that's amazing.
But jumping into the basketball landscape, transfer in Iowa, we'll
just start there. Amazing junior year at Villanova, huge jump.
What motivated your decision to enter the portal?
Speaker 3 (01:31):
It was a bunch of things, But I think because
I only have one year left, I don't have a
COVID year with which really stinks.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
I wish I had one more.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
But at this point, the women's basketball thriving, Like I
just wanted to go to a school that really appreciated
women's basketball and just go to a bigger school for
my last year.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Oh yeah, I mean I was is the top of
the mountain for that right now. So you mean he
made a good choice. So moving through the transfer portal,
when and how did iwa come into the picture to
be your final landing point.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I didn't have like an idea when I entered. I
was just like, Okay, let's enter the port Let's see
what happens, and they were my first call. Coach Bluter
called right away, and I mean it was Coach Bluter.
I was like my hands were speading. I was so excited.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
I was freaking out.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Yeah, and I just like loved her through the phone,
and then my parents we got on a zoom call
with the rest of the coaches.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
That went well.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
I was talking to other coaches in the meantime and
then they were like.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
All right, let's get you out here. So then I
just went and visited.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I just loved everything about it, and then I committed
the next day, so it was quick.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
It was quick.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Okay, I love that. And so you talked about your
connection with coach Bluter, but not soon after you committed,
she left and Jan Jensen took over. So did that
impact you in any way or it seemed like you
were close enough with the rest of the staff to
continue with your commitment.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Yeah, I mean right when she called me.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
I was like what, yeah, yeah, because.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
I had no idea and she like didn't mention it.
But when she was like coach Ja's taking over, I'm like, okay,
Like I met her, she was always there when I
was with coach Bluter, so I don't know if that
was on purpose or not, but she was always there.
I loved her, and then I loved the rest of
the coaching staff too, and they were all staying. And
then when the whole team was staying too, that like
solidified it for me. I'm like, Okay, coach Ja's gotta
(03:25):
be pretty awesome. If the rest of them are saying
if they didn't like her at all.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
They would leave, I mean that makes sense. I feel
like the players typically give you the most insight into
a program, so I think they're all saying there's gotta
be good vibes there. And so you're out of the
hometown kid being from Pennsylvania playing for Villanova very close
to home. How does it feel moving to not only
a new program, but a new state which is in
the Midwest, pretty different way of life than Pennsylvania. So
(03:51):
is there any nerves with that or just mainly excitement
getting to go to a new place.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
I was nervous at first.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I've never really been that far from my parents, and
once I got here, like it still feels like I'm
just at like basketball.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Camp or something.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
I think my friends all the time and I'm like,
because a few of them transferred.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
From Villanova too.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
I'm like, do you ever just think you're just like
in a dream, Like what's going on? When am I
going back to Villanova? Like not a bad way, but
it just feels like so surreal sometimes.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
But I don't know.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
I think because I'm a senior, Like if it was
my freshman year, I would have been I don't know
if I would have been able to handle being so
far from.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Home, Like I went yeah all the time.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
But since I was in college a few years, I
progressively stopped going home. I feel more comfortable and everyone's
great here, so it feels like family.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Yeah, second home for sure, as any college campus should be.
And I think your point about like now you're older,
so for you being a senior for this team being
one of the vets, because they lost a lot of
not only scoring the statistical categories, but a lot of
their leadership and so you stepping into that role. Have
the seniors who graduated, Caitlin, Kate, Gabby, have they given
(04:58):
you any type of words of advice I used to
patch the torch or showing support for you guys moving
into the next chapter of Iowa basketball.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Yeah, I've talked with Caitlin a little bit. She's very
and she's like, let me know if you need anything, like,
I'm always here.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
I went through a lot like I got you.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
But they were a little busy with their season. Yeah,
I haven't talked to them too much.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Yeah, makes sense for sure, they're a little busy too
in the league. But I'm sure. I mean, Iowa seems
like everybody's always coming back to support the program. I'm
not sure that they'll be there to show face for
coach jan in her first season as well, which is
really exciting. But talking about the current team, you guys
still have a lot of key pieces from last year's
rosters with Stookey, Sidney Kylie, five new freshmen, and some
(05:41):
other key pieces like yourself. So how do you feel
like the team is looking, are we jelling? How's the
chemistry going throughout summer workouts.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
I'm super excited.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
We had a few injuries in the beginning, so some
people are just getting back, but the five freshmen are
adjusting well. I feel like their offense is a lot
of basketball reads and we have a lot of great
basketball players, so that helps a lot to learn the
program a little bit. I think with Hannah and Staid
coming back. They've been through so much, they've made it
so far, and they're just intensity on and off the court.
(06:12):
You can feel it. It floats to everyone else too.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Yeah, No, for sure. I feel like them having Final
four experience back to back years, even though you know
they lost big piece of the team, like, they're still there.
They know how to get there, they know what it takes,
and so I feel like that, combined with your veteran
presence also being a top four seed hosting the tournament,
you guys have a lot to kind of instill in
the younger players, which I'm excited to see because I
(06:36):
feel like a lot of people are like, oh people
left whatever, y'all are still a whole bunch of hoopers
who are gonna be able to get it done. So
I think it's really exciting. And you guys have a
completely new conference which is having a lot of shakeups
and realignments and so bringing in some of my my
PAC twelve loved ones with the Las Oregon in Washington.
How have you, guys, how have you not only been
(06:57):
preparing for a new conference, but also the addition of
new teams with different playing styles. What does that has
that been conversations or things to think about moving into
Big Ten play pretty soon?
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Yeah, I mean it's pretty weird because you play the
same teams for three years and then all of a sudden,
it's like, Okay, a whole new conference. Which I've played
a few Big Ten teams at Villanova, which is nice,
but yeah, now these new teams being added, I haven't
I've never been to California.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Now I'm saying, like, what I don't. I know, Wow,
I gotta get there. Yeah you do, but yeah, I
don't know.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
It's going to be interesting. Just the physicality is different.
I feel like I had to adjust to that a
little more practices and stuff. But yeah, I'm just excited
to play new teams.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
I mean, I think every conference plays completely different style
of basketball, Like from the Pact of the SEC. I
feel like that's so cool too. You get the opportunity
to play against it in practice obviously, to get little
shifts of it. And So, what do you feel like
is the biggest adjustment for you moving from the Big
East to the Big Ten. Do you feel like there's
a different like you talked about or physicality, you feel
(08:01):
like there's a difference in playing style between the two conferences.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
The East is definitely slower.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
The Big Ten just runs like running again, I'm like,
I need to get in better shape for this.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Yeah, I feel like the Big Ten they really be moving,
especially Iowa, like Stoky runs the floor so well and
so specifically with the two of you, her kind of
being the anchor down load for last year's team as
she will be again. How have you guys really been
working on your connection to be that pick and roll
one two punch hitting her on the move like she
likes to be. What have you guys been doing specifically,
(08:33):
And how is that chemistry coming together?
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Here's out for a little bit, so she's coming back
now and just playing with each other like in practice
or if we stay after for a bit, we live together,
so that helps both chemistry off the court, Yeah for sure.
But yeah, I feel like a lot of it was
just getting to know each other off the court and
then talking through it on the court, like hey, blah
blah blah. Like I feel like we've talked a lot
of basketball even though we haven't played together too much.
(08:59):
But now that we're playing together, it's clicking, and yeah,
it's fun.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
I feel like She's such a fun player to play
with because she's so active, like a lot of bigs
don't move the way that she does and has the footwork.
So I feel like she'd be a fun player because
you like to run and play fast, and so I
feel like that's right up your alley to play with
a big like her. Yeah, But taking it back a
little bit, jumping into your early hoops and getting into
basketball from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, How did you pick basketball? Who
(09:25):
really put the ball in your hands to get started?
Speaker 3 (09:27):
I have an older sister who's two years older than me,
and my parents like just put her in basketball like young.
And I didn't have a league yet because I was
too young, so I would just be on the side,
like dribbling a ball at her games. And then I
don't know, my parents just said I always had a
ball in my hand, like my dad would take me
outside to play in the driveway, and like my older
(09:49):
sister liked it, but they could just see that I
like loved it, like I always wanted.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
To be outside, yeah, and have a ball.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
I don't like remember it or like when it clicks
or I don't remember of that, but I just I
still love it.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
I just always I just played to have fun.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
I had a very similar experience where my older brother
played my parents coach. So it's just kind of something
that's always with you. Like it was never like, oh
I want to get into this, or oh like I
dread going to price, like I just want to be
outside the cul de sac do whatever he was doing,
and then innately it was my thing too, So I
feel like that's the best way to get into it.
But were there any players that you feel like growing
(10:26):
up you watched and maybe modeled your game after, or
really wanted to take pieces of what they had and
add it to your own.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Arsenal I love Giannis, but I don't play like him
at all.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
So I say, I was like, I love him too.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Yeah, so I don't.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
I don't know if that's like where I modeled my game,
but I definitely loved watching him. Chris Paul, though, yes,
modeled my game a little bit after Chris Paul. Just
how he uses his body and he's not too tall,
he's not the most athletic guy out there, but he
has a high release, finds the scenes really well.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
He's a great passer. So I took a lot of
that like his midding.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Yeah, I can see that for sure. I too had
a Chris Paul face. I was like obsessed with him
when he was in New Orleans. I thought it was
so sick. Yeah, but I definitely see the similarities in
your games. Like you talk about just elevating people in
the mid range getting your shot off very not a
lot of people can do that, and I feel like
the mid range game is kind of a lost art,
and so you feel like that's always been something that
you've really been into or did you really start to
(11:23):
hone the mid range craft throughout your college years.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
This is funny because we just had media today at
Iowa and like someone asked me something like that and
I answered like, oh, I don't know, blah blah, And
my daddy calls me. He's like, you had a midran
game since high school? Like, why don't you remember this?
You keep telling me everyone you got it in college.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
I'm like, I don't remember when I got my midran game.
He like sent me all these clips.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Yeah, okay, fine, next person that asked sometime like I've
had one in high school.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
But I think just in high school. Yeah, I just
shop where I was open. I don't know.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
And then for sure when college came, I think I
started lifting more, getting more athletics, so then and the
other players were bigger. I personally remember using it more
in college. I'm like getting to the baskets tougher just
because of the physicality. Yeah, but I have length, so
my pull up's always open, and then I just like
(12:18):
honed in on it, I guess for.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
Sure, Yeah, finding the balance. It's like wherever I'm opening
and that's that's where I'm shooting it. And I feel
like that solf of your dad says that I feel
like parents always remember things better, especially when it comes
to like athletic things, like I'll be in an interview
that say's the thing. Immediately my mom and dad call me.
They're like, actually, Hayley, we had this article from wherever.
This is what you said. I don't remember right these
(12:40):
things Like, sorry, it's not a big deal, but I
feel like they're always on top of it about it.
I'm with you completely. But your high school career, like
we're talking about, you also played tennis, is that correct?
Me also a tennis star? How did you always play
tennis on the side or was it something that you
kind of picked up during high school.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
So my mom is a big tennis player, okay for fun,
but she like put me in it.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
Probably in like sixth grade.
Speaker 3 (13:05):
I played like a summer one season and then I
just didn't play any organized in tennis, and then high
school came around. My older sister played volleyball. My dad
was a volleyball guy. But I picked tennis because it
was the shortest season, so that then I could get
into basketball.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
Got you, got you? Yeah, with you?
Speaker 3 (13:25):
But actually, fun fact, I won a state championship in
tennis with my team.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
No way, yep, not basketball. I want one in tennis.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Well at least you got one. That's more than I
ever had, so yeah, champ sleigh major. Okay, so back
to your basketball career. When do you feel like there
was a moment that you decided, Okay, like I want
to play beyond high school. I want to play college,
not only in college, but at a major school. Villanov
was a big basketball school. So when did you understand, Okay,
I want to take this to the next level and
(13:54):
put in those extra hours in the gym.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
I think like eighth grade, my main goal was I
want to start as a freshman for high school for varsity.
So I remember like that was pretty serious. Like my
dad was like, okay, if you want to start, like
you gotta get in the gym.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
But I never like I just didn't know people didn't
play in college, Like.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Oh everyone, Yeah, that's obviously that's what I'm going to do.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
That's what I said. I People would ask like, oh,
you want to play in college. I'm like, yeah, what else?
Speaker 1 (14:24):
What else? What do you mean?
Speaker 2 (14:25):
So I don't know.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
I just like my mind was just I love basketball.
I want to keep playing.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
So I never had a point where I was like, okay,
like you got to lock in to play. It was
more of I just love playing basketball.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Yeah, I want to keep playing.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Yeah, you're like, what else would I do? I want
to I want to play as long as.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
I can exactly. That's still how I am.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
I'm with you. I'm with you. And so you talked
about wanting to start as a freshman. Do you feel
like I mean, you were a Dahmer scorer last year
and I feel like you're going to be this year
at Iowa being one of the heavy options. Do you
feel like you always had a school mindset or do
you feel like throughout your high school career, maybe preparing
for college, you became more like, Okay, i'm gonna be
a dominant score, I'm gonna get to my spots. I'm
(15:07):
gonna do x y z mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
I think I became one, Like I always had that mindset.
But then my freshman year of high school, I remember
being scared because I was a freshman and like, oh,
you're a senior, like you take it. Yeah, And then
by senior year, I was like just like okay, I
want to win, like when let's go. And then my
freshman year of college too, like Maddie Secres is on
(15:30):
my team, and I was like Maddie, Maddie, like.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
You just take them ball, like you're so good.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Like I would just give her the ball every time
and it worked, So I wasn't that aggressive. And then
junior year came around, Maddie was gone, and like we
needed someone to step up. So my my instincts just
took over. So I think I've always had it, but sometimes, yeah,
it like hides a little bit because I don't even
know my mindset.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Yeah, like figure out your role on the team and
whatever the team needs, that's what you're gonna do I
get exactly, And I feel like that's such a common
experience for freshmen coming in, even though you may be
the best on the team already. It's kind of awkward,
like tell these older girls because in the high school
you're like fifteen, You're telling these eighteen year olds like, yeah,
give me the ball. I know that's not how it's working. Yeah.
So I think that's a very shared experience. But how
(16:16):
was your recruiting process? Talk to me about that. When
you feel like you had a special game or moment,
you're like, Okay, I'm on the map. Now people are
calling me, I'm getting letters. Things are starting to happen.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
I don't know, Like.
Speaker 3 (16:27):
I would just say, I switched AAU teams to be
on a better one. My AU coach he like handpicked people.
So it brought a bunch of pretty solid players together
and we had six or five Bellismuda who plays at
Liberty now uh huh. So she like she brought a
lot of coaches over just because of her height, and
that helped me a lot.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
But I don't remember like a specific game.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
I just remember, like I would say, like my sophomore
year is when I got my first offer from Villanova,
and I.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Was like, oh wait, like that's so exciting.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
Yeah, but I didn't have too many offers in high school,
so it wasn't like a crazy like okay, like yeah,
a crazy game. But it was just like, all right,
well Villanova. Then I was like, okay, this is awesome.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
Yeah, you're like, let's do it. Love it. What about
Villanova stood out to you? Did you take an official
visit and be like or was that during that wasn't
COVID was it?
Speaker 3 (17:22):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (17:22):
I didn't get any officials.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Okay, so then what made you want to pick Villanova?
Was it all over the phone and just like yeah,
nice getting to tell you, like I'll see you there?
What was that like?
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Yeah, I don't remember meeting the team.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
I grew up going to some of the Villanova camps
or a few of their games, so I knew a
little bit. But we walked around campus one day. It
was like my highest offer, I'd say, and like I
loved the family atmosphere as well. And I don't even
know how I like figured that out. If I didn't
go on any.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Visits, it was just the vibes over the phone or something.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
Yeah, I don't know what it was, but I just
liked it and it was close to home.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
It was like the perfect fit for me.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Oh, I love that. And so you get to Villanova
freshman year. I know for me, I had a very
humbling experience freshman summer having to play against Lexihull and
Dn Carrington and I'm like, what do you want me
to do here? So getting to Villanova having those first
few practices, was it what you expected or were was
it a bigger adjustment that you were going to have
(18:20):
to make.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
When I was coming in, Like their point guard just left, Okay,
so there was a point guard spot open and they
didn't really have like a true point guard on the
bench already. Yeah, so it was like, okay, there's a
spot open. You just have to take it pretty much.
But then, like I said, Matti Segret like she was there.
She's obviously not a point guard, but I remember the
first few practices.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
She like just didn't miss.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
Yeah, Like, oh my gosh, this is so different than
high school. Yeah, it was a big adjustment just because
people are bigger, faster, stronger. It just took me a
few practices and be like, okay, we're still playing basketball.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Yeah, just play calm down. You obviously have to settle in.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
But I remember being like, holy crap, Maddie, like you
don't miss.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Yeah, no, she really doesn't. I was at AU this
past year with her and I was like, girl, you
can't take a break. You ain't gotta be making all
these shots all the day time. It's like contested too,
it's not even like they're wide open. But I remember
for me freshman year, I have so many horror stories
just being in film Tarby and all me. I was
(19:24):
a turnover queen my freshman year because I want to
make all these fun passes and I feel like I'm
very high risk, high reward. So I was like, you're running,
throwing it, I'm doing it all the things. And so
do you remember maybe a freshman horror story from your
freshman summer on campus or even just throughout your first
year in the Big East.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Yeah, I think the only thing would be like the
first time we got like yelled at oh. I don't
remember what we did though, but it was yeah, we
probably lost, like watching film and like they just went.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
Down the line.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
It was like and you and yeah, okay, it.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Was like I deserve that one, yuh.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Because sometimes you just have to take it. Like sometimes
I remember tar I would ask us a question. She'd
be like, Hayley, what were you thinking? And I'm like, oh, well,
you know, like I thought she was gonna do this,
and that all my senior teammates are looking at me
like girls, shut up, just take it. And I always
was like, no, well, she asked me, this is what
I thought was gonna happen. Clearly not. But I feel
like once you get young that enough, you're just like, yeah,
you know, my bad girl, I'll keep the pushing.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Sorry, I want to do that again.
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Yeah, never again. Will I ever make that mistake. Talking
about that adjustment from high school to college, we talked
about bigger, faster, stronger everybody in college. What do you
feel like specifically for you, you felt like you were
going to stand out immediately. You talked about the point
guard role being open. What were you able to bank
on yourself and be like, Okay, I bring this to
(20:47):
the team. This is what's going to get me that
starting job.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
Just like my ball handling, like, I'm fine with pressure,
that type of thing. I feel like in high school,
we didn't have anyone else that went to you want
all my high schools team.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Mm hm, So I liked it a lot.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
You carry the team, you yeah, but I think just
like ball handling and then just my hustle.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
But a lot of people have a motor, So.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
I don't know, Yeah, a lot of people have a motor.
But I feel like when you play, like a lot
of people have a motor and they could coach through
the whole game, but you you're like you're there, You're there,
You're on the ground, you're running, You're like you your
motor is like pale to the metal for forty minutes,
and so I feel like that's different where a lot
of people their motors just like okay, like I can
go fast the whole game, I can run with pace,
(21:33):
but like when you're doing it, will continuously taking charges,
diamond on the ground, like I bet your jersey is
soaked off the games like like dang, I see you
working the whole time, which I feel like is a
really special trait to have. It's an intangible thing that
coaches look for that sets you apart. I feel like
youmates respect people a lot for that. So I think
that's definitely something that sets you apart as a player,
(21:56):
but as a freshman, you have seven points a game.
That is pretty nags as a freshman. You guys had
a great season, eleven seed in the tournament and then
was that like a surprising thing to be an eleven
seed after going twenty four to nine. Then you guys
upset BYU. What was that tournament run like? Because I
feel like you guys were kind of under the radar
that season compared to later seasons when you guys really
(22:17):
started to heat up in the Big East.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
We were like we made merch mad, Like it did
not matter what scene we were, we were.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Just yeah, we made it cause we were we were
right on the edge.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
We're on the bubble of it. So that was super exciting.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Yeah, and then when we beat the YU, that was
an upset, so that was also crazy. Yeah, Like we
knew we deserve to be there, but then like we're like, okay,
we can just play. There's not really a lot of pressure.
No one expected us to be here anyway, so let's
just go out and see what happens. And then we
beat the YU, Like what that was awesome? And then
(22:50):
we lost to Michigan, But it was fun.
Speaker 1 (22:54):
I feel like that's so fun when you don't have
any pressures, Like you just get to go in and
do whatever you need to do and it's if you lose,
you lose, But nobody expects anything. So I feel that's
kind of a fun position to be in. And then
compared to later years, the next season, twelve points a game.
That's a big scoring jump. What do you feel like
changed from your game or something that you really focused
(23:14):
on that summer moving from freshman a sophomore year to
have a jump like that.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
I think confidence, Like I said, like coming in as
a freshman, I was a little scared of the seniors
and like the upperclassmen. So then once I got more
comfortable in my confidence, gir a bit, I was like, Okay,
I can play with Maddie. I don't have to just
give the ball to Maddie. Yes, So I think that
helped a lot, and that helped her too, because then
they had to guard more than just her.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Yeah, you guys really became a one two punch that year,
and it only got better with your connection moving into
your junior year, but specifically your sophomore year. Like you said,
it opens up things for Maddie, it opens up things
for you. The rest of your team. So when do
you feel like you guys really solidified being that one
two punch for Villanova, the go to players, And also like,
how was that for you? Defenders had to lock in
(23:59):
on you now more than they did the past year.
You know, you're getting harder scouts, better defenders are now
upon you. How is it dealing with that?
Speaker 3 (24:06):
It just like naturally happened with Maddie and I. She
would be like, shoot at, like you're open, shoot at
Like she instilled confidence in us as well as the coaches. Yeah,
I don't, I don't know. It's just seemed natural. I
don't think anything specific.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Yeah happened, And I mean, and she's easy to play with.
She is like that, like even though she's such a bucket,
she's always like, okay, but let's move it move. If
it comes back to her, she'll shoot it. But it's
not like some people are like one pass, Oh, it's
going up. But I feel like she's really good at
still involving everyone. Which that's what made you, guys like
such a good team is having somebody like that, having
(24:40):
somebody like you who's still moving the ball do whatever
needs to be done. And so then through twenty two games,
y'all only had three losses playing against the legendary team
that Yukon is in the program, all your losses coming
to them. What was the atmosphere like at those games?
Because it is lit playing Connecticut, like y'all are, it's
(25:00):
turned up, so were there was there like a special
vibe to those games? What was it like?
Speaker 3 (25:05):
Okay, so our freshman year, we beat them and that
was like my first game ever playing against them, Okay,
and like as a freshman, it's obviously like, oh my god,
like this is Yukon.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
Yeah yeah, be husky.
Speaker 3 (25:16):
So we just came out and beat them. I was like, what,
I'm undefeated against Yukon.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
I have to say that.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Yeah yeah.
Speaker 3 (25:24):
But then I think every game after that and then
like my sophomoreing, we lost to them, and then my
softomaker came. It's like we can still beat them, Like
you never know what's gonna happen. We never did beat
them again, but we always going into that game, it
was always like super high energy. We're gonna be positive.
We're not going into it thinking we're gonna lose. But
the crowd there it's so loud. Yeah, the energy's crazy.
(25:47):
But it's a lot of booing against them, So it
was fun, but it was definitely an experience.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Definitely an experience. I love that way, have the positive spin,
keep it pushing. And then you guys had a really
good tournament run that year after a great season that
you guys had, and I feel like it was really
from the outside perspective, it was the breakout year for
Villanova to be back on the map as a premier program,
and so you guys were forcing the tournament, got to host.
(26:14):
Did you guys expect that to happen or was that
like kind of like your freshman year making the tournament
excitement or did you guys like I deserve to host
and be a number four seed.
Speaker 3 (26:22):
Yeah, I think a high seed for sure, But we
were like hosting that's crazy.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
Yeah, hosting is kind of crazy, Like having everybody in
your gym is such a fun experience. And then you
guys made it to the Sweet sixteen, ended up losing
to the Cinderella team of that year being Miami. But
what was it like reaching the Sweet sixteen for the
first time program history in a long time. They hadn't
been there in a minute, and for you really getting
your first time deep into March madness. So what was
(26:49):
that like getting to be in the Sweet sixteen? I know,
I was always looking forward to them gifting suites. I
got me an air fire, some lit What was the
whole Sweet sixteen experience like for you guys, I.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Say, just like the host thing first.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
That was really cool because we sold out our gym
and that hasn't really happened too much, and it was
so loud in there. And then we're like, okay, we're
getting on the airplane, like we're going to South Carolina.
We're playing Miami. This is gonna be awesome. Yeah, it
was just like really good vibes all around. Again, we've
never really been there, and so it's like it's not
too much pressure. It's just like let's see what happens
(27:23):
again because it is what it is. But yeah, we
just like went out there and played I remember that
game too. We were down so much. It was I
think we got down twenty and then came back and
like tied it up and then we lost. But so
that was like we're like right there, like that's so annoying. Yeah,
but it was a really cool experience all around.
Speaker 1 (27:43):
For sure. I feel like this Wee's sixteen. It's really
fun because that's what, like you said, you get to
travel and you get to be there for a minute.
And obviously losing a tough game like that is heartbreaking,
but it seemed like you use that as motivation moving
into junior year. Girl, going from twelve to twenty three
a game, Come on, who does aletoid difference? Is crazy?
So what do you feel like allowed you to make
(28:05):
that jump in scoring? Obviously it's different Maddy left all
eyes are on you to kind of take charge of
the team, but it seemed like you really expanded your
skill set as well to be able to take on
that role and stride And so what do you feel
like we're your main focus is that summer?
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Definitely picking rolls like that's been to focus. How to
use my body, getting stronger, that was a big one.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
I think a lot of it, like was just not
being used. So I didn't expand my game too much.
I just worked on the things that I had and
made sure they came out the next year.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (28:39):
Yeah, and then I think, just like I said, my
instincts kind of took over at that point, Like m hm,
we have that dog mentality like, all right, there's shots
to be taken.
Speaker 2 (28:48):
We want to win.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
If we need to score the ball, like, we're gonna
do it for sure. I think I don't know if
it was like my summer work or if it was
just more opportunity was there to change how I play.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
I feel like that makes it. It's a mix of
you continuing to work on the things that make you grade,
which is you being first of all, just a walking
bucket but lethal mid range, making the right decisions, and
so a lot of times like you met the opportunity,
you rose the occasion, which I think is why you're
able to carry Villanova to have a pretty good year
last year, And so I think that's big. And beyond
(29:20):
transitioning into more of a scoring role on the team
and leading the team in that way, you also had
to transition to a leadership role with like you said,
Maddie's class and all the older players leaving it opened
up that role as well, and so transitioning it to that,
How hard is that to become a leader, Because I
feel like I'm not naturally a vocal person. When it comes,
(29:41):
it feels awkward, and I feel like I'm constantly overthinking
everything that I say, and I'm like, did that's on corney?
I'm trying to be inspirational. I don't know how to
you know. So what was that transition like for you
to be more of a vocal leader on the team.
Speaker 2 (29:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
My coach has definitely got on me about that because
I'm more like lead by example. I feel like, just
lead by example into it, you gotta know. Yeah, but
they were like, you need to have a voice out there,
even if you don't think you're saying the right thing,
like they want to hear from you type of yeah things.
Speaker 2 (30:08):
So I did stuff with.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
Them just to try to learn more about leadership and
like read a book or.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
We all probably did that. But yes, but everyone goes
through that.
Speaker 3 (30:18):
I feel like, but yeah, it actually really helped and
I became more vocal.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
M h.
Speaker 3 (30:22):
So yeah, I feel more comfortable, and I think when
you feel more comfortable, you're more confident and then you're
willing to say more.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
Thanks to your team for sure. But it definitely feels
awkward at first. It's like it just doesn't come natural.
You're just like, oh, what do I even say? Does
that sound right? But like you said, I think once
you get comfortable in it. Then it's just you're rolling
through it. You're confident, Teammates looking to you. So I
think that's amazing and you're going to need that moving
into your role at IA this year as well. But
(30:48):
last year a pretty good season, especially for you personally
not making the tournament. You guys went to the WBIT
first year of the existence, making the championship game. It
is postseason play. But do you feel like you felt
a difference playing in the tournament because that's all you
had known at that point in time. Playing the tournament
compared to playing in the WBIT.
Speaker 2 (31:09):
Well, yeah, I was just like annoying.
Speaker 3 (31:12):
I'm glad we're still playing, but I want to be
playing for the first place, not sixty fifth place.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Yeah, I got you.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
So that was annoying.
Speaker 3 (31:20):
But it was a really well rand tournament for being
like the first one, and there's still competitive. The teams
were still fighting for a championship for sure, it just
wasn't the championship you want to be fighting for.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Yeah, yeah, I understand what you're saying. It's different, Like
it's still competition, but it's just it's not the NCAA title,
which is what everybody's obviously pushing for from the beginning
of the season. Okay, well, moving into our next area here,
we're gonna talk about NIL and how it's changed. I
think it's changed just the college landscape forever and how
everybody moves. So what is the best financial advice you've
(31:55):
received navigating ANIL and who gave it to you?
Speaker 3 (32:00):
I think my parents, Like we just talked about anything
you make is an extra bonus, like for you in
the future to figure out your life after basketball. Yeah,
and I think that that was like the best just
because I am here to play basketball. I just want
to play basketball wherever I'm at, and NIL is awesome.
At this time, I'm so happy I'm in it, But
(32:22):
not everyone got to make this, so it is just
a bonus, like you don't need it, but it'll help
you out in the future.
Speaker 1 (32:30):
Yeah, for sure. How do you feel like you've been
able to balance your NIL opportunities with your obligations to basketball.
Speaker 3 (32:38):
Yeah, at Villanova we didn't have too many, so coming
to Iowa, it's definitely a balance they do a great
job with Obviously, everyone supports women's basketball around here, so
they do a great job of finding us opportunities. And
I would say, the team has tried to get a
lot of their stuff done like before the season really starts,
and like so then we're locked in to bas during
(33:00):
the season. But I think navigating like you gotta find
the right people to help you out. You don't want
to just sign something to make money. You want it
to be on brand, you want it to be you.
You want to support the right things. So I think
that's like a little balance that I like to look
into to make sure I'm not just signing some random I.
Speaker 1 (33:22):
Think you said it perfectly, especially earlier when you talked
about like you're here for basketball, And I think it's
also the understanding that Niil isn't going to come without you,
number one, performing on the basketball court and doing everything
that you need to be doing. But then also like
you need to do what you do in the classroom.
Basketball doesn't come without school, and then Niles is gonna
come without that. So there's definitely a hierarchy in terms
(33:44):
of your priorities. And I think what you said about
like not just signing something like you want to align
with you. I feel like whenever you see people posting something,
I'm like, you don't use that product that doesn't even
match up with anything that you ever talked about. And
so it's also about being authentic to your audio and
to yourself, Like I'm like, send me the product, let
me try it. And if I don't want this, if
(34:05):
my curls aren't popping after I try your products, I'm
not gonna promote it to my young girls who follow
me and are gonna go buy it. So I think
it's finding that balance is really important. But thinking about
your upcoming year, senior season, big stuff, how would you
describe the evolution of your game from freshman year to now?
Speaker 2 (34:24):
I think stronger.
Speaker 3 (34:25):
I don't know if that's like a basketball but yeah,
that's definitely one I had to focus on.
Speaker 2 (34:30):
And just confidence.
Speaker 3 (34:31):
I think those two things they bring out the best
basketball part of.
Speaker 2 (34:34):
You, and you can only do so much.
Speaker 3 (34:37):
When you're weak or when you're not confident at all,
you're not going to be the best that you can.
So I think those two things are were my biggest
growth throughout my college career.
Speaker 1 (34:47):
Yeah, I think you're completely right, Like, you can work
on all the skills in the world, and you can
be in the gym shooting, shoot and shooting, but like
you get ast to the game of your second guessing
it it's not going to play out how you wanted
it to, and all those outers in the gym are
really going to be for nothing if your mindset isn't
right and your body's repaired. So I think you're completely
on the money with that one and talking about coming
into Iowa big shoes to fill, but like they're getting
(35:10):
you and you average twenty three a game last year,
Like they're getting a big bucket in you. And so
what would you tell the Iowa fan base that they're
gonna get to see out of you this upcoming season?
Speaker 2 (35:20):
Oh, it was some fun.
Speaker 3 (35:24):
Yeah, I don't know, just like hardworking, gonna do whatever
coach needs me to do to get away.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
Yeah, but yeah, we're gonna They're gonna have a fun year.
Speaker 1 (35:32):
Good answer. If I'm a Hawkeye, I'm excited. I'm turned.
And then we talked about jan This is her first
year as a head coach. What do you feel like
she's bringing it to the team. Obviously a lot of
similarities with coach Blueter, but what do you feel like
she's bringing that's her own flare that may be new
to the Iowa fan base.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
Yeah, I think I think the system is gonna be
pretty similar. I think our defense is gonna get amped
up a bit. And she's just so positive. I don't
really know Coach pleuted her coach she was the nicest person,
but I've never really got the basketball side of it. Ryah,
So Coach Shan is just like the most positive person ever.
Even when she gets angry, she's like she'll like in
(36:11):
her speech, her anger speech, she'll be like, I love
you guys so much, like like I'm just so proud
to like I'm so happy that I get to coach
you guys, but you.
Speaker 2 (36:20):
Need to do this. And I'm like, oh things, yeah,
I agree, Like it makes you so much. But she's
just so positive.
Speaker 1 (36:28):
That is so funny, just like yelling positive things at y'all.
You're like, okay, so are we in trouble or am
I being votivating? What's going on? That's hilarious. And then
just talking about being at a bigger school of Iowa
and specifically it's kind of a Wombs basketball school nowadays.
So you guys already sold out your season tickets. How
excited are you to get to play in front of
(36:49):
a sold out crowd night in and night out.
Speaker 2 (36:52):
Yeah, I'm excited.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
I can't believe that we practice in the gym and
there's so many seats in there. It's way bigger than
our Villanova gym, and I'm just like.
Speaker 2 (37:00):
All these seats were sold, Like I can't wrap my
mind around.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
And I've never been to a game, so I'm so
excited to walk out for the first game and just
feel the energy of the crowd and that everyone there
like wants to come watch us.
Speaker 2 (37:13):
I don't know, it's mild.
Speaker 1 (37:15):
Yeah, yeah, it's definitely hard to fathom that all those
people are gonna be feeled. I feel the same way
whenever you're in a big arena you're looking around, You're like,
you're telling me about how many people up in here?
How am I gonna be able to talk here? Myself? Think, like,
it's crazy to play an environment like that. So I'm
excited for you. Also with the upcoming season, ESPN doesn't
have you guys in the way too early. Top twenty five.
(37:36):
Are we using that as motivation one of the team's
vibes moving into the season with.
Speaker 3 (37:40):
That, Yeah, for sure, I mean, come on, like, we
got so many people returning, Like we've put the team
together like let's go. But yeah, no, it's definitely fuel.
We've talked about it. Yeah, but underdogs, like we said,
are always good. Like then you don't have too much pressure.
You could just go out and play and make something happen.
Speaker 1 (38:00):
Everyone loves an underdog for sure. I feel like everybody
always gets behind one, especially you guys. Like the storyline
is huge, like you back to back nintal fours, losing
key players, rebuild. Who doesn't love a rebuild, Like y'all
gonna come out and go crazy. So I'm excited to
see you guys really shake things up. Thinking about that.
With the talent that's in the college landscape right now,
it's insane, from incoming freshmen to final the years of
(38:23):
eligibility senior seasons. Like you, what do you feel about
this team? This year is going to surprise the world,
the nation about what you guys have, the talent that
you're bringing in.
Speaker 3 (38:33):
Yeah, I just think so many of us, like I
don't know, we just want to win so badly, and
a ton of people do. But the competitiveness and like
I said before, Sit and Hana, I've been there, they
know how hard it is. Not a lot of teams
can say they want to the past two final four.
So yeah, having people on the team that can help
lead you there that have already done it, I think
that's definitely unique. And then five freshmen coming in you
(38:56):
can't scout.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
Them, but they're good.
Speaker 1 (38:58):
Sure, Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (38:59):
I think we're just people are not getting the whole
picture yet.
Speaker 1 (39:04):
I agree when teams lose players like that. It's like
you talked about when Maddie left, and you had the
opportunity and you rose the occasion. And I feel like
a lot of the Iowa players on your team are
really excited to get to do the same and showcase
their talents and why coach Blueda recruited them, she saw
something in them as well, and so this is their
opportunity to step on the national stage, prove some people wrong,
(39:24):
have them learn their names, and so I'm really excited
to see how you and the rest of them take
that and stride. So I'm excited to watch you guys.
But moving into our last section here, it's called the
Vibe Check Rapid Fire Answers, So we're just gonna dive
into things I think you're gonna do great. So Okay,
what's the drill you never want to see on the
practice plan?
Speaker 3 (39:47):
We did this two minute ball handling one. We just
run up and down the court for two minutes.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
Oh, no, ball handling is exhausting, stationary, like I've be
driven sweat for no reason.
Speaker 3 (40:00):
Yes, I like ball handling, but no, I don't like
that one.
Speaker 1 (40:05):
Okay, So next one game winning shot or game winning steel.
Speaker 2 (40:10):
Oh, game winning shot.
Speaker 1 (40:13):
I like it. And one or three pointer?
Speaker 3 (40:16):
Oh, that one's heard, I think. And one just because
I don't get a man smash.
Speaker 1 (40:22):
Group TikTok or solo TikTok oh group TikTok okay, toughest
place to play on the road, You can't. I was
guessing the answer was going to be you can for
that one. Who's the biggest trash talker you ever had
to play against?
Speaker 2 (40:37):
I don't trash talk, so I don't know.
Speaker 1 (40:38):
If nobody's ever just done to you first type thing.
Speaker 3 (40:42):
Yeah, I'm very like, I like, I don't hear it.
Speaker 2 (40:47):
I don't know, so I think I'm I probably miss it.
Speaker 1 (40:49):
I'm the same way like I've had a game and
then my mom will call me and be like, what
did she say to you? Who? Girl? I was going
to focus on my play and what I was doing.
I don't have time for those things. I'm completely with
you on that one. Who's the hardest player you've had
to guard?
Speaker 2 (41:06):
Probably Paige Beckers.
Speaker 1 (41:08):
That's a good answer, can't go wrong there. Who's the
biggest flopper? This could be somebody you've played, somebody at
practice on the team.
Speaker 3 (41:16):
Biggest flopper, probably my old teammate, Megan ol Breus Villanova.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
Yeah. Stop.
Speaker 1 (41:25):
I feel like it's so hard at practice too, because
I see you all the time and you gotta keep
flopping with me. Okay, what's your biggest basketball.
Speaker 3 (41:32):
Probably flopping? Like stop flopping. You're holding on to me
the whole time, like exactly.
Speaker 1 (41:38):
And it's always the players who'll be doing the sneaky
dirty stuff want to be the biggest floppers. Like you
were grabbing me over there, and now you want to flop.
I'm not dealing with this. Who is your basketball goat?
Speaker 2 (41:51):
Kobe?
Speaker 1 (41:52):
Kobe? Okay? Do you feel like you have a celebrity lookalike?
Speaker 2 (41:55):
If so, who Oh, I haven't really gotten too many.
Speaker 1 (42:00):
One of a kind. That's my favorite answer. Okay, If
you had to pick someone to be your two on
two teammate, but none of your current Iowa teammates. Who
would you pick? And it could be like anybody college bro.
Speaker 2 (42:12):
Can I pick Yannis or does it have to be No,
you can.
Speaker 1 (42:15):
Picky, you can pick Honusya would be dominant. Okay. What's
your favorite pregame song?
Speaker 2 (42:22):
I'm a big like R and B before game?
Speaker 1 (42:25):
Shut up? Okay, Okay, what's your what's your go to
artist right now?
Speaker 3 (42:30):
Oh gosh, I'm really bad at music. I just put
on like some Spotify radio.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
I think that's so funny hearing R and B hearing
that your first concert was Charlie Pooth and now you're
like big R and B girl, We've we've had a change,
and I like it a change for the better. Okay,
last question here, what's your best impression of coach jan Jensen.
Speaker 3 (42:54):
Okay, so in the middle of practice, like we go
shoot free throws and she's like.
Speaker 2 (42:59):
Who are we gonna beat today?
Speaker 1 (43:00):
Okay what?
Speaker 3 (43:02):
And then anyone will respond a team like whoever? She asked?
Speaker 1 (43:06):
I would love to see that live every day.
Speaker 3 (43:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (43:10):
I feel like every coach has their little quirk like
that that they have to do, and it like the
first time you hear it you turn You're like, what
are you zobed about right now? I'm sure when you
first got there you were like, I don't know. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (43:24):
I was like, is this a normal thing?
Speaker 3 (43:25):
Like tont liter to this, And then I found out
it was just I was like, okay, yeah, J trying.
Speaker 1 (43:29):
She's making her own mark. She said, yeah, yeah, I
don't know, it's me now my program.
Speaker 2 (43:33):
I love that for her exactly.
Speaker 1 (43:35):
Well, Lucy, thank you so much for coming on. This
has been such a pleasure. Good luck this season.
Speaker 2 (43:40):
Thank you, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (43:41):
Of course, and thanks everyone for listening. Stay tuned for
more episodes of Sometimes I Hope the Players Tribute dot
(44:09):
Com
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