Talia von Oelhoffen

Heading into the Sweet 16, we welcome Oregon State’s fearless leader –Talia von Oelhoffen! Haley and Talia break down this weekend’s matchups, OSU’s statement-making tournament run, and the future for this young Beavers quad. Tune in!

1. OSU’s first two rounds, changing roles this season, Sweet 16 matchups (3:00)
2. Sleeper teams and players, Pac-12 scouting reports, Haley’s Question of the Day (13:00)
3. Early hoops, choosing Oregon State, Haley and Talia first impressions(26:00)
4. Trusting the process at OSU, this year’s success, defensive prowess (42:30)
5. Raegan Beers, Timea Gardiner, Vibe Check  (57:30)

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Just being kind of the underdog. Like we were picked
the finish tenth in the pack. Now we're going into
the Sweet sixteen. You would think like, Okay, you see
that we're picked tenth, Like you would think that we
would be like feel like disrespected or be like mad
that we were paying like truly for me.

Speaker 2 (00:17):
Like I saw that, and I was like, they have
no idea.

Speaker 3 (00:19):
Yeah, You're like Beth Truly.

Speaker 1 (00:21):
I had no hard feelings about it. I was just like, okay,
like they have no idea what's coming. So like I
think that was like kind of a fun thing for
us to like rally around is like yeah, I don't know.
It was almost like a positive thing for us. We
were like, Wow, they have no clue what's coming on?

Speaker 4 (00:36):
Yeah, welcome back to Sometimes. I hope today we've got
one of Packed twelve's finest joining us on the pod.
Quick Humble Bragg twenty twenty four all packedwelve member one
thousand point club men is from the three point Line,
famlessly leading Oregon State into the Sweet sixteen, none other
than Superstar to Leah Vanalhoffin.

Speaker 3 (00:58):
Thanks for happing on the pod.

Speaker 2 (00:59):
Thanks thanks for having me. I'm excited.

Speaker 3 (01:01):
I'm excited to have you here. I feel like it's
been a while since we've got into chat.

Speaker 4 (01:08):
Presented by Wendy's heading into the Sweet sixteen? What song
is on repeat for you right now?

Speaker 1 (01:19):
Ooh?

Speaker 2 (01:20):
What song?

Speaker 1 (01:21):
I'd have to say, I don't even know anything off
Drake's album. I've been listening to Drake have recently got
back into that seven al fridal Plath is a song
that I just rediscovered, so I've been listening to that one.

Speaker 3 (01:36):
Ooh, okay, that's good.

Speaker 4 (01:37):
I feel like that's a classic vibe heading into tournament
really all the time, but jumping into women's hoops landscape
right now, You guys had a great win over Nebraska
in the second round when they're a tough team to beat.
They beat Iowa earlier of the year. You led the
team with nineteen points, eight rebounds, five threes in your
team at ten collective blocks.

Speaker 3 (01:55):
Tell me about the game. What moment were you like,
we're gonna win, We're going to the Sweet sixteen.

Speaker 4 (02:00):
What were the vibes like? Cause I know Gilby getting
real loud up in there.

Speaker 2 (02:03):
Real loud.

Speaker 3 (02:04):
Yeah.

Speaker 1 (02:05):
I mean, obviously you got a whole game to go,
but that first quarter just the way that we came out,
in the way that we were defending, like you said,
a lot of blocks, we were kind of disrupting all
their actions, and then we were hitting shots in that
first quarter and everything just felt good. Like you said,
the crowd was allowed. So in that moment, I was
kind of like, yeah, there's no way we lose this game.
Obviously three quarters to go, but I mean it felt

(02:27):
good from the start, and then yeah, I think our
defense is what did it? I think held them to
fifty one.

Speaker 2 (02:32):
I want to say, and they're a really.

Speaker 1 (02:34):
Good offensive team. They shoot the ball really well, so
we did a great job running them off the three
point line and then held their center to good numbers
for us. So yeah, it was just a great defensive effort,
and you know, the crowd kind of carried us through it.

Speaker 2 (02:49):
It was insane.

Speaker 3 (02:50):
No, it looks really cool.

Speaker 4 (02:51):
And I think what you talked about getting a jump
on them, getting a jump on a team like that
is really important because they have so many different weapons offensively,
and coming off the first round went against Eastern Washington,
you had six assists doing a lot more facilitating the scoring.
Not your best shooting night, So what's that mindset like
having a quick back to back weekend, having the understanding
that you know, you lose, you're done. There's not a

(03:12):
lot of time to really have that pity. I know
I've had games where it's like, Okay, that wasn't that
was kind of crappy, but you got to turn it around.
And so what is that mindset like being able to
kind of get that get back and have big buckets
on Nebraska that next game.

Speaker 1 (03:27):
Yeah, I think Eastern is obviously a great team, but
just knowing like every round the competition gets tougher and
tougher and you kind of got to step up more
and more. So I knew that, you know, I can't
have performances like that for us to win games going forward.
And then just knowing kind of how they play defensively
and knowing that we're probably gonna get a lot of
looks from three just because of the way they hedge

(03:48):
ball screens and obviously having to help on Reagan and
squeeze off her. So I knew I was going to
get some open looks from three. So just like having
that mindset going in of Okay, I need to shoot
the ball, well, I need to make good decisions off
pick and rolls because you know, I'm not going to
come off and have my jumper because they're coming out
on that. So we're kind of just going into the
game knowing the reads and obviously coaches helping me with that.

(04:10):
But yeah, you have to have a short memory when
it comes to games like that and it's just on
to the next.

Speaker 4 (04:15):
Yeah, for sure, there's no time. And like you said,
like all the teams are so well scouted and there's
just such a different mindset when you get into tournament
time knowing that every game could be your last. I
feel like everybody's so locked into the scout, like you
have to.

Speaker 3 (04:28):
Know what read you're going to get.

Speaker 4 (04:29):
Defensively, everybody's executing, and I feel like the brackets being
so tough this year. The competition is so stiff. Like
in the first round we saw Middle Tennessee over Louisville.
Second round Colorado over k State. We know Colorado's tough,
Baylo or Virginia Tech. Talk to me about just the
atmosphere of the tournament this year.

Speaker 1 (04:47):
Yeah, it's insane. And I think the parody in women's
basketball every year is just like increasing and you truly
never know you know what way games are going to go,
and like you said, everything so well scouted, and basketball
is kind of a game of you know, what are
you going to give up? And so just knowing what
looks you're going to get and having those reads going

(05:08):
into it, and then it kind of comes down to,
you know, who's going to make better decisions and knock
shots down. So it's super exciting kind of to watch
as a fan. Like, obviously I'm in the tournament, I'm
really excited for like our games this weekend, but I'm
also like just excited to watch other teams, and you know,
growing up, you know, watching every game, and so I
kind of still feel like a fan in a way,

(05:28):
Like I'm excited to watch all these other Hoopers. I'm
obviously locked into our game and all that, but just
as a fan of women's basketball and just seeing the
game grow, it's super exciting.

Speaker 3 (05:39):
No, it's so cool.

Speaker 4 (05:40):
I feel like every game has been kind of close.
There hasn't really been a huge blowout yet, and so
I feel like it's so cool. Like you talked about
the parody, like the competition of women's basketball, the level
of play, the skill sets have gotten so much better.
Year after year, which is so exciting for the game.
And I guess I'm a fan of the tournament now,
Like it's weird to think that I'm this far move
from it, So I'm just strictly a fan nowadays. But

(06:03):
it's so exciting to like see all of you guys
really showing out on.

Speaker 3 (06:06):
The biggest stages. And you have a big game coming up.

Speaker 4 (06:10):
You're playing Notre Dame and last time y'all played, you
dropped twenty five. It was a close loss, but you
dropped twenty five. So how are we feeling heading into
the game. I feel like they've a lot of heavy hitters,
but so do you guys with you, Reagan and Donovan,
the list just go on.

Speaker 3 (06:23):
So what are the vibes going in?

Speaker 2 (06:25):
Yeah, I'm doing good.

Speaker 1 (06:26):
I think last time we played, I was definitely in
more of like a scoring role, Like I was more
a high volume that was kind of just my role
on that team. So now I feel like I'm more
like a playmaker and then kind of just feeling out,
you know, if I need to score a lot, or
if I just need to lock down on d and
get the ball away, you know, kind of just feeling
that out. Through all the games. But no, we're feeling

(06:47):
really good. I think we match up well and our
team is super deep this year, so we just have
so many different looks that we can throw at people.
And that's just always exciting because you never know who
on our team is going to have a big night
and so yeah, I don't know. I'm just excited to
see how it goes, and just to be on the stage.
I mean, we've been on the PAC twelve network all year,
so from ESPN games, like that's exciting. I think a

(07:10):
lot of people don't know about our team and so
kind of like the underdogs in that way, especially with
like getting that media and that attention out that that's
what you play for. But you know, I don't think
a lot of people have seen our team play. So
I'm just excited for our young guys to be on
that stage and just have this opportunity.

Speaker 2 (07:28):
We're really excited and already, No, for.

Speaker 4 (07:30):
Sure, I think on the pod specifically, like you guys
have come up as a team all the time about
being like Okay, Oregon State's kind of a dark horse,
like they're coming to the tournament. I feel like you
talked about on years past You've definitely been more of
a high volume shooter, like you had to score twenty
five night at a night out for you guys to compete,
and this year, like, we know you can all get

(07:52):
to that, but it's like that's you're playing so much
more facilitator. And so tell me about the adjustment, because
that's that can be different cult sometimes, Like obviously you're
the type of person where you want to share the
ball and everything, but having that mindset where you have
to get those it's it's hard to then adjust to,
you know, incorporating everybody else taking the right shots, understanding

(08:12):
now in a facilitator role when you still need.

Speaker 3 (08:14):
To be that guy and take over a game.

Speaker 4 (08:16):
And so has there been an adjustment period for you
kind of taking on this new role as you're getting
later in your career at Oregon State.

Speaker 1 (08:24):
Yeah, I think it's been a little bit of a struggle, honestly,
finding that balance of you know, my priorities this year
I think are more just leadership and defense and you know,
kind of filling out offensively, you know what kind of
night it's going to be. And I think obviously, yeah,
trying to be more of a facilitator. You know, sometimes
I can turn into overpassing or not looking for my own.

Speaker 3 (08:46):
That balance, that balance.

Speaker 1 (08:47):
That balance, because you know, if you're not looking for
your own shot or you're not looking to score, then
then things don't open up. So I think I've definitely
this year had some games where I'm passing too much
or this is the first year I've been told I
need to shoot the ball like that. Yeah, Like, especially
to start the year I was coached, were getting on
me a lot for passing up open looks, and so

(09:10):
just kind of adjusting to that and knowing that, you know,
I still need to keep my confidence as a shooter
and as a scorer, even though I am in that
role of trying.

Speaker 2 (09:17):
To create for others.

Speaker 1 (09:19):
So it's definitely been a growing process of figuring out
that balance. And I think I'm at a point now
where you know, I can come out, I can get
twenty or I mean, I think against Cal was the
first game of my career.

Speaker 2 (09:30):
I didn't take a single shot, and I s yeah, I.

Speaker 1 (09:34):
Thought I played, but like, I mean, Scott talk to
me after the game and he was like, you had
such an impact on that game and you didn't take
a shot, And like I came out of the game
thing like I played well, Like I did my sensive assignment.
You know, I distributed and I didn't take a single shot.

Speaker 2 (09:48):
And if you would have.

Speaker 1 (09:49):
Told me my freshman year like that that was gonna happen,
and I was gonna come out of a game saying
I played well with a goose egg.

Speaker 2 (09:56):
On the stage, it would have been like what.

Speaker 1 (09:59):
So, I think growing as a player and that in
that role has been everything, and I feel like it's
made me way more versatile and you know, can my
stats can look way different night tonight, but it's just
that overall impact on the game is my focus.

Speaker 4 (10:15):
So well, I think that's really special. And that's so
crazy that you didn't take a single shot, because like
just knowing you from a competitor and like being on
the scout, it's like take away, the three, take away, this.

Speaker 3 (10:26):
D D D, like all these different things.

Speaker 4 (10:28):
And so I think what you said that piece about
like finding that balance between understanding when it's your time,
like if you don't take it, then it messes up
the whole flow of the offense. And on one hand,
you're like, oh, I have reggae and I have this person,
I have that person I want to get them the ball,
but also like people still need to play you on
us and so it's that balance finding that and it's hard,
like it's a struggle to find that, But I think

(10:50):
that you have and I think that's part of the
reason why you guys are doing so well this year.
Like Scott talked about, like you impact the game in
so many different ways, which is so cool to see.
But we're going to get back more into that, talk
more about the tournament. Also in your side of the bracket,
we have South Carolina and Indiana, which is another big
game coming up which I'm interested about. I'm really excited

(11:10):
for the other Portland region with NC State in Stanford.
I feel like, obviously like I want Stanford to win,
but I'm really interested to watch that matchup because I
feel like there's a lot of different heavy hitters on
both sides. But is there a matchup that you see
coming up, whether it be USC Baylor, Yukon Duke, I'm
interested in Iowa, Colorado LS UCLA. Like there's so many

(11:32):
good games. What games are you really looking forward to,
maybe even calling an upset as we head into this weekend.

Speaker 1 (11:38):
Yeah, I think those last year at LSU Ucla and
then Iowa Colorado. Yeah, I'm excited for because I went
to the game in Seattle last year where I play
in Colorado, you know, on my crutches.

Speaker 2 (11:51):
I was in arena.

Speaker 1 (11:53):
Yeah, yeah, I pople to watch that game, and Colorado's
roster is obviously super similar to last year, so I'm
excited for that matchup. I think I got Colorado on
this one. I want the upset. Yeah, but yeah, and
then that LSU Ucla game too. I honestly I'm rooting
for the whole Pack twelve, Like, I think it'd be
super cool to see, especially in our last year, just

(12:14):
to see the West Coasts come through. Like, I'm excited
for all the Pack twelve teams.

Speaker 4 (12:19):
I agree back to Pack always wears rocking with the Pack,
But I think I didn't even realize that this was
a rematch between and I went Colorado. You're so right,
because last year I was really close. But I called
Colorado earlier in the year with LSU, and I feel
like I'm going to back them again because you can
literally never count them out and playing against them it's

(12:39):
really annoying.

Speaker 3 (12:40):
But like now being.

Speaker 4 (12:41):
Away from it, I love watching them play and seeing
Jalen and Tamiya and Quay and everybody. They are just
dogs like night in and nine out. And I really
enjoy watching aaronet this year. I feel like she has
grown so much. But thinking about the tournament, I want
to fuel the madness a little bit. And these next
questions are brought to you by our lovely sponsor, Wendy's. So,

(13:05):
which teams in the tournament so far have made you
do a double take? A team that's maybe gone further
than you thought, or like put up a stronger fight
in earlier rounds.

Speaker 1 (13:15):
Probably Colorado, I think going to play at K State,
I think they I want to say they sold it out. Yeah,
it's not an easy place to play, so going into
that environment, a sold out crowd, and then not only
to get the upset, but I think they went by
like ten, yeah, so convincingly.

Speaker 2 (13:31):
Like that's so hard to do.

Speaker 1 (13:33):
I mean I got to play in Gil and I
can't even imagine like coming into Gil to play a
tournament game as.

Speaker 2 (13:39):
A post team, Like that's so tough.

Speaker 1 (13:42):
So like, you know, if you win by ten in
that environment, you know that's kind of a blowout. Like
anywhere else do you know what I mean, Like it's
kind of like it doesn't do it justice. So that
was super impressive to me. And I wasn't able to
watch that game, but I remember just being like color
out of one, like my goodness, So that one was
shocking to me.

Speaker 3 (14:02):
No, I agree.

Speaker 4 (14:03):
I think what you said, like taking into account the atmosphere,
it definitely is more of a blowout than ten, Like
it's a lot more going into that because going into
opposing crowd is already so much in a place like
k State where they're having an amazing year, all these
record breaking things, that's tough. So we talked about team,
but what players are impressing you this tournament that maybe

(14:23):
you hadn't expected or kind of like an unsung hero
that really came to light right now.

Speaker 2 (14:28):
Well, and I'm talking about Colorado.

Speaker 3 (14:30):
We're just loving on Colorado right now, you know we are.

Speaker 2 (14:33):
But you said it earlier.

Speaker 1 (14:35):
Aaronett Neddie is such a great year, and I think
she had seven steals against Kansas State.

Speaker 3 (14:40):
Which is like, what that's not the usual.

Speaker 1 (14:45):
And you know, she's an organ kid and very close
with Benduo is one of my former teammates, and so
just to see her growth.

Speaker 2 (14:52):
I mean, she's so good and so smooth.

Speaker 1 (14:55):
And then yeah, obviously I had a huge performance these
first two rounds, so both ends of the floor. I mean,
she's she's really impressed me all year, and then obviously
had a great game against K State.

Speaker 2 (15:06):
But yeah, lots of Colorado love.

Speaker 4 (15:07):
Today, just love it on the buffs right now. But
you know, on one hand, like we love the bus,
but also not too much because the bus begin under
my skin.

Speaker 2 (15:16):
They they do.

Speaker 4 (15:20):
But you talked about, like with K State, these crazy
fan bases that we have right now, and I feel
like even sometimes heading into these neutral sites in the
Sweet sixteen and on, it doesn't always seel like a
neutral site with the way that these fan bases travel.

Speaker 3 (15:33):
So what fan base of.

Speaker 4 (15:35):
The Sweet sixteen teams do you feel like has the
craziest fans right now?

Speaker 1 (15:41):
I mean I think in terms of traveling, it would
probably be Iowa or Yukon. Yeah, but yeah, I mean
you're probably not going to see a lot of Oregon
State fans in all.

Speaker 3 (15:51):
Been in New York and New York is hard.

Speaker 2 (15:53):
Yeah, yeah, I know.

Speaker 1 (15:54):
I mean if we were in Portland, I think I
would have to say us, but they got us over here.
But yeah, I think teams like Iowan, Yukon, you know,
they have fans all over I mean there were someone
wearing a Caitlin Clark jersey at our game, so seriously, yeah.

Speaker 3 (16:12):
And I was just like, not a core valast, what
what are you doing here?

Speaker 1 (16:16):
But I think it's just you know, those are when
you think women's basketball right now, you know, you think
people like Caitlyn Clark. So I think it's just good
for the game. And you know they're bringing fans wherever
they're at, so yeah, it's just good.

Speaker 2 (16:29):
For the game.

Speaker 1 (16:29):
And the turnouts this year have been crazy, so many
records being broken, so you just love to see it
no matter who it is.

Speaker 3 (16:36):
I agree.

Speaker 4 (16:37):
I feel like what we're going to see this year
is just like there's so many players that people are
following like crazy, and I feel like even though they're
watching for them, I think even if those teams do
get eliminated, like people are going to continue to watch
because of the pub around the tournament this year and
the skill level, Like you may come to watch one person,
but then you always end up finding somebody on the
other team that you love and you're like, oh and

(16:58):
I want to follow them this and that, and so
I feel like it's so exciting. And I would also
throw the South Carolina fan base into the mix because
I've seeing them up on Twitter and I know they travel.
They be everywhere game POC nation like follows me and
I see them commenting under every single post.

Speaker 3 (17:14):
They're amazing.

Speaker 4 (17:15):
But we talked about the PAC twelve and the immense
amount of talent that we have. Which player in the
pack do you feel like is the toughest player to guard?

Speaker 2 (17:24):
Ooh, that's tough.

Speaker 1 (17:27):
I feel like, I mean, well, I don't know if
this is my answer, but guarding Hannah Jump is just
the worst thing. I mean, I'm coming off eight screens
of possession.

Speaker 2 (17:40):
I'm just chasing this girl around.

Speaker 1 (17:42):
So I think from like from an always moving standpoint
of just like all the actions that you do to
get her open and obviously like already knowing you have
to chase her off everything.

Speaker 2 (17:53):
It's like flare pin down and then she goes to
that and she's just like.

Speaker 1 (17:56):
Yeah, a marathon. I mean, she's literally like a track star.
And that's just so impressive of like her ability to shoot,
because it's like that shot comes after she had just
been running for twenty five seconds.

Speaker 3 (18:08):
Show you're completely right.

Speaker 1 (18:10):
So I think from that perspective, I would say her
and then Charisma too. I think just her bag so
deep that it's like, Okay, whatever our tendencies are, you
want her to go this way and take this shot,
and then she hits it and you're like, okay, what
about it?

Speaker 2 (18:26):
Yeah?

Speaker 3 (18:27):
What next? Okay, I did my job.

Speaker 1 (18:29):
Yeah, She's just one of those players. She doesn't have
a super strong tendency. She can kind of just get
to any shot, and she's a gamer and you know,
wants big moments and just super athletic and can kind
of do it all.

Speaker 2 (18:42):
So I'll say those two for sure.

Speaker 4 (18:44):
Those two are two good picks, especially the Hannah jump.
When being her teammate, I always just think about, like
how within the offense there's so many actions for her.
I've never thought of a defensively having reguard that like
that would be exhausting because being her teammate, I'm just like,
come on, Hannah, like run faster. I know you're not tired,
Like do this, think about defensively, like y'all really be

(19:05):
chasing her around, and she gets that shot off in
less than a second, so like if you're late, it's happening,
and Charisma is just a bucket like all around, she's very.

Speaker 3 (19:14):
Annoying to guard. So I agree with that one as well.

Speaker 4 (19:17):
But we've touched on a little bit of just like
all the different players with talent, and I still want
to give some other players their flowers heading into the
tournament time.

Speaker 3 (19:26):
So without giving.

Speaker 4 (19:27):
Away Scott's immensely deep like scatting report that he has,
I want you to break down just how good some
of these players are that I'm going to name within
the pack. So we'll start off with my girl, who's
most improved player obviously Kiki. Era often tell me about
Kiki and what makes her so good.

Speaker 1 (19:45):
I think she's just so physical, and then her ability,
I mean obviously super athletic kind of in that mid
post area, just her ability to face up and then
you know now that she's added kind of hitting that
shot over the top, so you have to respect that.
And then her first step you know, if you let
her go baseline, it's overtime.

Speaker 2 (20:05):
Just that quick rip through.

Speaker 1 (20:07):
Yeah, and then obviously her ability to oh board and
just like anticipate shots and that athleticism I had to
guard her at the end of our game at home
because Ray was out so small, so I was running
the one on offense, but I was on.

Speaker 2 (20:23):
Key for the last.

Speaker 1 (20:24):
The last few minutes and I was just like fighting
for my life down there. Yeah, she's just the combination
of size athleticism and then you know her bag's deep
and you know, most most improved player obviously it's gotten
deeper this year. She's incredible and we saw it in
that game. Whoever they just played at home? I forgot, but.

Speaker 3 (20:45):
Oh yes, when they played Iowa State.

Speaker 1 (20:47):
Yeah, yeah, that was insane performance. So she's definitely up next,
and she's most improved player for a reason.

Speaker 4 (20:55):
No, I can't believe you had to guard her because
I didn't even like guarding her in practice, Like she's
a beast. It's so hard to deal with. So you know,
props to you for doing it and getting down there,
because that's a lot to handle. My next player on
the list, we talked a little about UCLA Charisma. There
are other star Guard Kiki Rice. I feel like she's
also come into her own a lot this year, running

(21:18):
the point for them, doing a lot of different things.
So tell me about Kiki. The other Kiki in the pack.
Wow other key.

Speaker 1 (21:25):
Yeah, she's an amazing floor general, like you said, running
the one for them, I think. And she's also been
hitting more threes recently, like adding that, stretching the floor
a little bit more. I think she's hit a few
in this tournament. And so yeah, she's such a solid
point guard and obviously an amazing defender, and yeah, just
just facilitates their whole offense, makes really good decisions and

(21:46):
then finishes super well around the rim, like gets up
and is super athletic too. So she kind of is
like their utility player. Just everything kind of runs through her,
and you know, allowing Charisma to play off the ball
and be more of a score or two super important
for them. So yeah, I'm super impressed by her, and

(22:06):
she's had a great year as well.

Speaker 3 (22:08):
I agree.

Speaker 4 (22:08):
And then our last one before we just get all
about you. We talked a lot about Colorado and I
feel like their engine is Jaylen Sharrat. She does so
much for them, So tell me about Jalen.

Speaker 1 (22:19):
Yeah, she's an amazing player as well. Just her almost
like it's almost like an intimidation factor with her, like
she just wants to overwhelm you, kinda does a lot
of like ra ra like whatever.

Speaker 4 (22:31):
Even before the game, like she'd be sitting on the
bench watching the other team warm up. I'm like, whoa,
don't you need to be in your shots up?

Speaker 3 (22:38):
Like she's a mental game.

Speaker 1 (22:40):
Got the face mask on, just like watching. Yes, literally,
I mean I think that that's what makes her her.
And she's obviously a great defender. But you know, she
came out against us both times and hit like you know,
you're kind of playing her for the drive because she's
so quick and you have to respect that.

Speaker 2 (22:57):
And both games against us, she came out and like
hit a.

Speaker 1 (23:00):
Shot over the top to start the game and we're
kind of just like, oh, it's like that, okay.

Speaker 3 (23:03):
Yeah, yeah, that'll change those game.

Speaker 2 (23:06):
Yeah.

Speaker 1 (23:07):
And she but she just leads them, I mean in
every category. Obviously defensively, she's a great point guard, distributor,
and then especially this year, you know, hitting shots when
they need you to, and like especially like when teams
are going under ball screens. You know, that's a lot
of times that's kind of what you're doing. And then
her hitting shots behind it. Just adding that to her
bag has been amazing. And then just being kind of

(23:29):
the voice and the leader of that team I think
is everything for them, and I think they're is as
good as she is every night. And so yeah, like
you said, she's their engine and she's what makes them
so great, and so it's cool to see and I
love seeing, you know, success of everyone in the pack.
So I'm happy for them, and I hope they can
do great on the on the rest of their run.

Speaker 2 (23:49):
For sure.

Speaker 4 (23:49):
Yeah, for sure, I'm excited to see how far she
takes them because she's definitely what makes them go, and
she's the heart and soul that seem like emotionally watching
her get her team so hyped up. I remember like
being next to her and then watching her in their
huddle and I'm like, okay, Jalen piped down.

Speaker 3 (24:04):
They don't.

Speaker 4 (24:04):
We don't need to get them that happed up right now,
Like it's insane how hype Colorado began during their games.
But before we talk about you and your hoop journey,
my question of the day has been the past few times,
question of the day is going to be a little
bit off the rails, is what is the biggest animal
you feel like you could beat in a fist fight

(24:25):
with the face you made with no weapons you're in
there terrain. What animal could you beat in a fist fight?

Speaker 1 (24:32):
Oh my goodness, yeah, the biggest. Let's see all the
ones I can think of. I definitely couldn't, Like what
what's coming to mine? I mean the first one was gorilla,
So she said that's a no, that's a no. I'm
just thinking of big ones, like like, uh.

Speaker 2 (24:53):
I don't can you give me like options?

Speaker 4 (24:55):
Okay, Well mine is a giraffe because I feel like
I could take out the knees and then kind of
like go from there. So I feel like that's a
classic one. People in the past have said, Oh what
if people said, I feel like somebody said a bear,
my roommate, my roommates set a shark. I don't remember
who said a bear Hannah. Hannah said she could take

(25:17):
a giraffe to my roommates had a shark, which is insane?

Speaker 2 (25:22):
Is crazy?

Speaker 4 (25:23):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I think a Alyssa Peelee said bear,
and so honestly that I feel like she's the only
one I was allowed to say bear. Somebody else said kangaroo.
Yeah it's yours.

Speaker 2 (25:35):
I'm gonna say kangaroo because they'd be like boxing for real.

Speaker 4 (25:39):
That's what I'm saying, so you think you could box
a kangaroo, because that's insane.

Speaker 1 (25:42):
Maybe, Like have you seen those pictures of like the
really tough ones.

Speaker 3 (25:47):
Those are scary?

Speaker 1 (25:48):
Yeah, okay if it looks like that, no, but I
feel like that just the average kangaroo.

Speaker 3 (25:52):
Yeah yeah, yeah, money's on me, an average Joe. Wow. Okay, Honestly,
I like the confidence. I like the companies a lot.

Speaker 2 (26:01):
So that's amazing. I'm not going down without a fight.

Speaker 3 (26:04):
Okay, good for you, Good for you.

Speaker 4 (26:06):
Okay, So getting into you now, let's talk about your
early hoop journey. And so you started off in Tri Cities, Washington.
Who put the ball into your hands?

Speaker 1 (26:17):
Ooh? I think for me, like I don't remember ever
not having a ball in my hands. I'm the youngest
of three, so my older sisters are nine and four
years older than me, so like since I can remember,
they were in the gym, and so it kind of
just like was something that I immediately did, like as
soon as I could walk, like, I had a ball

(26:37):
in my hands. So I'd just say, like my older
sisters and then my mom played hoops in college, so
I kind of just grew up around it.

Speaker 3 (26:44):
That's how I was too. It's just like it's what's happening.
You're a O fan.

Speaker 4 (26:49):
Did you feel like growing up you modeled your game
after any specific player.

Speaker 2 (26:53):
I don't.

Speaker 1 (26:54):
I think just like for me, I feel like I
get asked that a lot. Like for me, I grew
up just watching my older I mean, obviously there was
a lot of like WNBA and college players that I watched,
but at like a young young age, it was all
just watching my older sisters and their teammates too. Like
I remember kind of having some of their AAU teammates
that you know in D one and we're kind of

(27:16):
big time.

Speaker 2 (27:17):
So I remember like watching.

Speaker 1 (27:18):
Them, and then like later years, like middle school, then
I started and then it started.

Speaker 2 (27:22):
To be like maya more, you know, things like that.

Speaker 1 (27:25):
But I think from a young age, yeah, it was
just growing up watching my big sisters play.

Speaker 3 (27:29):
That is so sweet.

Speaker 4 (27:30):
Oh gosh, that is like the sweetest answer I think
I've ever heard.

Speaker 3 (27:35):
I love that. I love that so much.

Speaker 4 (27:38):
But so talking about your journey, I feel like there's
always a moment in some of his career when they're
kind of like I'm getting better than my competition, I'm
getting better than people in my area all these different things.

Speaker 3 (27:48):
When for you did you realize like.

Speaker 4 (27:50):
Okay, I could take this somewhere, like I'm getting abnormally
good at this.

Speaker 1 (27:55):
Oh, I think, oh, this is a funny question. I
think from a young age, like you could kind of
see I was also I mean, I'm only like five ten,
but I hit five nine I think in like fifth grade,
like I grew super early.

Speaker 2 (28:15):
So I was always like way.

Speaker 1 (28:17):
Bigger, faster, stronger than anyone when I was like really little.
So I think from a young age, like I was
playing three or four years up in au and all
those things, and so I think when it got to
a point like middle school, when I was playing three
or four years up and I was like kind of hooping,
then I was like and I was like oh okay, and
then yeah, middle school is when you know, you start

(28:39):
getting the letters, and then that's kind.

Speaker 2 (28:41):
Of when it's like, oh this is real. Yeah. So
I don't know if there was ever a moment, but
I think just overall.

Speaker 1 (28:47):
Like being able to play up and then still you know,
be one of the better players. I think it's kind
of just like the overall that's when I was like, okay,
I could I could do something with this.

Speaker 4 (28:58):
You're completely right, Like playing up in age groups is
very humbling, and I never thought I was very good,
but then once you get to your own age group,
you're like, oh, I'm kind of a bucket.

Speaker 3 (29:06):
I'm kind of like that.

Speaker 4 (29:08):
And honestly, you saying that recruiting letters came in middle school,
so casually is not the normal to lea many people
start getting recruited in high school.

Speaker 2 (29:16):
Letters do not come to middle school.

Speaker 3 (29:18):
For everyone, so that that was kind of crazy.

Speaker 4 (29:21):
But you know that's amazing because you've just been a
bucket basically, So wow, just when I was just wow,
just like a quick, humble bride that you did for yourself.
So yeah, you know, letters came to me when I
was eleven. It's we're talking about me.

Speaker 2 (29:38):
We're not talking about me letters in elementary school.

Speaker 4 (29:42):
Nor no, man, we're not talking about me. So AnyWho
about your recruiting, you kind of had an unorthodox start
to your college career, graduating high school early, joined in
January half of the season, and honestly, like you started
getting buckets in the pack.

Speaker 3 (29:57):
Immediately, like it was insane.

Speaker 4 (30:00):
You came in so hot, So tell me about that decision.
Of starting college early and why you want to go
to Oregon State.

Speaker 1 (30:07):
Yeah, I think the decision was just like, well, first
of all, my high school season had gotten canceled or
postponed or whatever, so I already wasn't going to have
like a senior year, and that whole year was already online.
Where I'm from in Washington, like everything was kind of
closed down, and so you know, I was just kind
of working out, like I had my trainer and we

(30:29):
would go to like the local gym that would allow
us to but it was like Clay Courts, like I
had to go outside a lot, Like it was just
not a good situation. And I was just like literally
all I was doing was like working out, like we
were doing three days just because it was like there
was nothing else to do. And so I was just
like really itching to like play, honestly, Like that's kind

(30:49):
of what it came down to.

Speaker 2 (30:50):
There was no high school ball and no AAU, and
I was just like bored.

Speaker 1 (30:54):
Like I was just like I mean obviously like working
out and like the grind is fun, but like you
missed like that comp like anything. And so I think
there was a kid at Gonzaga that we had heard
when early and that was the first I heard of it,
and then I think Olivia Miles at Notre Dame was
like one of the next ones, and then we kind
of started to look into it. I only needed like

(31:14):
art and PE credits, I think, to graduate, and so
I got I had to get the PE credits waived,
and then I did like some online like art class,
and then I was just like might as well, Like
what else am I doing? Yeah, So the process of
like okay, I'm gonna do this to like me being
on campus, I think was.

Speaker 2 (31:32):
Like two weeks.

Speaker 3 (31:33):
Oh wow.

Speaker 1 (31:34):
Yeah, it was like super fast, literally, like it was
the fastest turnaround. And so I honestly don't even remember
a lot of those two weeks, Like it was just
it all happened so fast, and I literally like, well,
let's just let's do it. And then all of a sudden,
I'm on campus. I had to quarantine for five days.
Oh god, not the you remember those days?

Speaker 3 (31:55):
Oh god?

Speaker 1 (31:57):
And then so I quarantined for five days. My first
practice with the team was on a Friday, and then
I played that Sunday. So I had two practices and
then yeah, we played Washington State that Sunday. So like
literally it all happened so fasted, like I couldn't even
explain it, Like I was just like what.

Speaker 2 (32:14):
Am I doing today? And I was like all I
could focus on.

Speaker 1 (32:18):
So yeah, I think the decision was just like I
might as well go get this experience and like kind
of get a head start and enroll early because like
what else am I doing right now? Like it's kind
of it made sense for me. And it wasn't too
far from home so my family could come see me,
and so yeah, it was just it kind of made
sense for everything, and it was a good experience.

Speaker 4 (32:39):
Yeah, you're like, may as well whatever two practices, get
out there play against a Paxwell.

Speaker 3 (32:43):
Team like ready to go.

Speaker 2 (32:44):
That's the thing that's crazy.

Speaker 1 (32:45):
It is like I didn't think I was gonna play,
Like I went to like go be in the practices
and like get the experience, like have that extra time
to learn the system and like get my body ready
to play the next year. And then like that Sunday,
I think I played twenty five minute.

Speaker 4 (33:00):
You were in there immediately to Leah immediately.

Speaker 2 (33:03):
Yeah. Yeah, so that was not the plan, but it
works out.

Speaker 3 (33:07):
Oh my god, that's so crazy.

Speaker 4 (33:09):
And I remember hearing about it, we were like, she's
doing because you had just came on your visit in
the fall, and so we were like, and now she's
where like just like that. It was crazy, but it
was so cool to be able to see you do that,
Like after now hearing it was two practices, it's actually wild.

(33:30):
You know, you made that adjustment. It seemed from the
outside very seamless. That adjustment was easy high school to collegeball?
Was it hard to kind of integrate to a team
halfway through the season two practices you're getting in because
they've been together summer session months on end? So what
was that like coming in, learning the system in two days,
having Scott play you for twenty five minutes the next game?

Speaker 3 (33:52):
Like what was that adjustment period?

Speaker 4 (33:54):
Like?

Speaker 1 (33:55):
Yeah, I think that for me, like what I can
attribute it to is just like a basketball IQ. I
feel like that's like one of the things that has
kind of like from a young age, been like my
best asset. And so I think for me going from
you know, high school where you know you're not respectfully
like you're not playing with people with like the highest

(34:17):
basketball IQ.

Speaker 4 (34:18):
Yeah, yeah, it's a different level.

Speaker 1 (34:20):
Yeah, yeah, Yeah, it's a different level, so like kind
of the frustrations that come with that. So then going
into college and you know, the way Scott operates his
system is so like cerebral and it like it just
makes so much sense. So honestly, the transition not I
don't want to say it was easier, but it was
like in the sense that like everything made sense. Everyone

(34:41):
was on the same page, everyone kind of understood the
concepts and so like you kind of knew where people
were going to be and it was all just like
it just like there was such more of an IQ
than what you play with in high school. And so
like that kind of made it easier for me because
it's like, Okay, if I drive to the side that
the post is on, like she's going to know that
she needs to relocate.

Speaker 4 (35:01):
Andails the circle around. She knows those things.

Speaker 1 (35:04):
Yes, So that that kind of was what made it
easier for me to adjust, is kind of just having
that like IQ already. And I had watched Oregon State
play a lot, and so not that I knew like
the play calls and stuff, but I knew for the
most part, like a lot of the actions that they ran,
and you know, the way that they called the plays,
and the way that they taught it to me was

(35:25):
super easy to understand. And they also weren't doing the
most complicated stuff when I was out there, they kind
of he kind of knew not to like made it,
throw too much at.

Speaker 3 (35:34):
It, don't get too crazy, not too Yeah.

Speaker 1 (35:35):
They kept it simple. So yeah, I think just just
the IQ was the biggest thing for adjusting.

Speaker 4 (35:43):
Yeah, I mean I think I didn't even think about
that in high school. Like, you know, you're trying to
get people to understand the actions, like.

Speaker 3 (35:49):
Why are you doing this?

Speaker 4 (35:50):
And like doing it without me dribbling at you and
telling you to get out of my way as I'm
already down through the paint. Like there's just things that
didn't need to be said. And when you get to college,
everybody has that, which is so nice. But so you
get there early, all these things are going well, do
you feel like you had like welcome to college basketball moment,
like holy crap, this is really happening, because, like I

(36:13):
know I did. Freshman year, we played that Oregon team
that had Sabrina Ruthie Sattoo everybody in the world, and
I was like, holy crap, you know what's going on?
Like Sabrina gave me a bucket. Satu gave me a bucket.
I had to go sit on the bench. So was
there a moment for you were you like, okay, like
I'm playing collegeball. Now I'm in the pack, this is
for real.

Speaker 1 (36:32):
I think, honestly, it was probably that first year playing
you guys, just because that was the fastest like things
had come at me up to that point, just like
this speed and pace that you guys play with, like
obviously adjusting to college basketball that quickly, and then it
was it was just it's almost like a different speed
playing like your offense versus other offenses, and just how

(36:55):
fast it comes at you. Yeah, And I don't know
if there was like a moment, but I just remember
that was the first because honestly, like the first few games,
like I was fine, but that was the first game
where I was like, there's so much going on right now,
and just from like like on defense, like going from
playing high schoolers and then like a month later you're
playing Stanford and that was the year you guys want it.

(37:17):
So it's like you're playing not only at the highest level,
but the best team at the highest level. And I
just remember, like and I think I was guarding Lexi hole.
So she's just running around, she's going, she's going, yes, flying,
and so yeah, I would say that was the first
moment where I was like, well, okay, I need to
lock in right.

Speaker 4 (37:36):
No, we were quick that year, but I remember when
we played you guys, like the coaches made a point
they were like, they have a girl who just came
out of high school, so you guys are going to
lock a discout all those things. We were like whoa,
Like it became a thing like we're not We're not
doing this with Talia today. So that was so just
so you know, you were circled on that scouting report

(37:58):
that you were not.

Speaker 3 (37:59):
It was not happying for you that day.

Speaker 4 (38:02):
AnyWho, I remember meeting you on your official visit and
then obviously we played against each other for like however
many years. But what we're going to talk about our
first impressions and so do you want to go first
or do you want me to go first?

Speaker 2 (38:14):
The first impression of you? Yeah, oh yeah, I'll go
first time first.

Speaker 1 (38:18):
Well, I think Stanford was my first like real visit
because I had gone to Orek and State already, but
it was just like a quick like because I could
drive there. I was like, I'm just gonna go to
the game. So it wasn't like a planned out visit.
So this was my first like real, it wasn't my
official visit, but I went with like cam yeah and
China and so it was kind of like the official

(38:39):
visit experience and just you guys were so nice, but
you specifically, like I remember being like, Wow, this is
actually like the nicest person I've ever met in my life.
Like literally you're so welcoming and you and Fran I
think we're kind of the ones that kind of were
with me everywhere. But I just remember you're so nice,
like answered all my questions. And also like I had

(39:02):
seen you like obviously on social media and like you're
a big deal. So I was like, I know who
Hailey Jones is and like stop, but it would have
been so easy for.

Speaker 2 (39:13):
You to like, you know, have like an ego or whatever, like,
but you were.

Speaker 1 (39:17):
Just so down to earth and not that I wasn't
expecting that, but I was like, oh my gosh, this
is a Hailey Jones and she's actually just like the
sweetest person ever.

Speaker 2 (39:25):
So that was that was what I.

Speaker 3 (39:26):
Thought wow, well, thank you from my side.

Speaker 4 (39:29):
You were so sweet and like me and Fran, I
remember us talking about it because we were kind of.

Speaker 3 (39:34):
Driving you everyway.

Speaker 4 (39:35):
We were well with you, and I remember you we
were with you and you went somewhere and Fran and
I were like, we really hope she comes here.

Speaker 3 (39:43):
She's so cool.

Speaker 4 (39:44):
And then we were like talking, We're like, do we
think that she thinks that we're cool? Are we being
too weird right now? And I remember we were just
trying to like figure out how to make it happen,
and it didn't, which was fine, but I feel like
we made we made a little connection so that every
time I played against you guys, we would keep in touch.
We would about this and that, see how things were going.
But I just thought like, first of all, we had
watched all your highlights, like you know, you do your

(40:06):
little FBI digging before somebody comes on a visit. You
see what they're like. So we watched all your highlights.
We're like, wow, she's a bucket.

Speaker 3 (40:12):
But you came in.

Speaker 4 (40:13):
You were so nice, you were so fun, like I
feel like you fit in, like you were doing everything
that we were doing, try new things, which I think
was just great, but wow, very heartwarming to Leo.

Speaker 1 (40:24):
Oh my gosh, AnyWho so having a moment on the pods, having.

Speaker 3 (40:29):
A moment back to basketball.

Speaker 4 (40:31):
So you only played thirteen games that season, what upperclassmen
on that team were you learning from and like looking
up to your first season there.

Speaker 1 (40:40):
Aliah Goodman for sure, that was like her team at
the time. She was the senior point guard and then
just has that personality of just like coach on the floor,
leader and then now she's my coach now.

Speaker 2 (40:52):
Yeah, And so I get.

Speaker 1 (40:54):
Asked about that a lot, but like I see Aliyah
in her role as an assistant was like kind of
her role to me coming in that first year. Like
I mean, obviously I didn't know a lot of things.
We couldn't know anything, so helping me with like play
calls and different things, like she kind of was like
an assistant coach to me that year. So now to
have her actually on staff and kind of be in

(41:17):
that role for you know, my younger teammates is super
cool because she's kind of was my mentor at first
and kind of you know, paved the way for me
and has kind of been the blueprint for me, especially
this year, being that leader, and you know we do
like the talks before practice, the talks before games, and
like that that was her role and like now it's mine.

(41:37):
So kind of just modeling everything after what she did
in that leadership role that year has kind of been
everything for me and so just to have her be
back around the program is super cool.

Speaker 3 (41:47):
Yeah.

Speaker 4 (41:48):
No, I think that's really special, like having that older
teammate that is that mentor for you and now how
that you're comeback. Like when I saw her post on
Instagram and she was going back, I was like, yeah,
like that fits like you you belong to organistic Like
playing against her that year and the year prior, like
she was already a coach on the floor, like you
were talking about it.

Speaker 3 (42:06):
You could see it. She ran everything. She was so vocal.

Speaker 4 (42:10):
And so to hear that she's back and having that influence,
I bet it's really cool for you to see, like
now these younger players that you're mentoring, like now you
get to have both in that situation.

Speaker 3 (42:19):
Which I think is really cool.

Speaker 4 (42:21):
But talking about kind of the orchan state trajectory, I
feel like you guys have always been so talented, but
in years past, these and your first couple of seasons,
it wasn't always translating. And I feel like in the
pack we always knew like you're not gonna go to
Gil and like just Lottie Dow not lock in play
them like you guys are always so well prepared, so

(42:42):
much talent. But it just wasn't really translating ending last year,
not how you guys wanted it to. And that's tough
for any athlete, and knowing you as such a competitor
and so having that understanding that you know you guys
are building something special. Was it hard to trust the
process in those years when things weren't always coming to fruition?

Speaker 2 (43:02):
Yeah, I think so.

Speaker 1 (43:02):
And I think obviously when you commit somewhere, you kind
of have like a vision of what the not what
lineups are gonna be, but like who you're gonna play with.
And I remember like the two classes before me were
kind of stacked, and then coming in with the other
freshman that was with me, like McDonald's all American, and
you have this like kind of vision of like what

(43:24):
things are gonna look like, how you're gonna be playing
within it, within the system with these other players, and
then you know Covid happens transfer portal whole thing, and
so things look so much different than you thought they were,
and so obviously certain aspects of that are frustrating and
you have to adjust and things change, and so I
think it was just a learning process of learning different

(43:46):
roles and having to work with different pieces, and yeah,
it was really hard, like that first year, I don't
even know what we finished in the pack, and then
last year only winning four games, But like you said,
like we feel like we have the talent and we
have the pieces. Kind of just like last year super young,
and then coming into this year obviously kind of kept
the same core group, but now we have a whole

(44:08):
year of experience under our belt, and now like we
have a group that has played together and has that
experience together. And so I think that's kind of been
the difference for us this year, is like we all
know the system. We've all grown in our roles and
within the system, and so I think that's been a
huge part of our success. It's just that, you know,
we've all had time in this program and we kind

(44:31):
of you know, stuck it out and you know, figured
out what we needed to do to get better to
win games and so it's been so fun this year honestly,
just just problem solving that and figuring it out and
also just being kind of the underdog, like we were
picked the finished tenth in the pack now we're going
into the sweet sixteen. Just having that mentality of like,
no one knows how good we can be except for us,

(44:53):
and so just it's just been so fun with this group.
And we don't have any seniors, so we're still really young.

Speaker 3 (44:59):
That's scary.

Speaker 4 (45:00):
That's scary, Yeah, no, but I think that's so cool that.
I mean, even when you talk about like the returners,
like you guys are still a young team and you're
doing this and like you're literally returning everybody next year,
which is crazy. But I think for you to be
able to, you know, see a vision, have it change,
and then kind of still stick with that path, have
the trust in the staff, in your teammates with you,

(45:21):
and aj kind of building with the two of you, really,
I think that that's so special. And it's been really
cool because organ State's always been good final four runs,
always at the top of the pack, and so for
you guys to really come out and kind of make
it all happen this year I think is so amazing
to see, and your dvent has been dominant all season long.

Speaker 3 (45:40):
Reagan, on the inside, you donovant.

Speaker 4 (45:42):
Aj like the list just goes on with the different
weapons and like you said, it could be somebody different
on every single night, which is hard for an opponent
to scout. And so did you feel like there was
a point in the season, in the summer whatever where
you were like, Okay, like we can make a Sweet sixteen,
a Leade eight Final four run, we can really be
a contender in the Pact. Well, when do you feel

(46:03):
like it all kind of came together for you to
see the trajectory of what you guys are doing now.

Speaker 1 (46:07):
Yeah, I think for me when I had that moment
was probably when we went to Italy, and I still
that's early, that's early, No, it was, But I think
that's like one of my I don't know if i'd
call it a fault, but like I've seen that every
team Like that's kind of like, you know, I've always
had that believe in every team in my mom just

(46:28):
like as a competitor. But I think Italy because I
wasn't back yet, so I still couldn't play from my surgery.
And so I was just like on the sidelines, but
just watching the way that you know, you have those
ten practices leading up to it, which also I think
has contributed to our success this year, Like those ten

(46:48):
practices of like that's thirty hours where you know, we
had the extra time to like learn each other and
like then going overseas and getting that experience of just
like getting to know each other better. Like I truly
that has played a huge role in our success this season,
just like that bonus time, but just the way that
we played over there, and like how fun it was,
and we really emphasized like playing fast and like getting

(47:10):
up and pressuring, which isn't really what we do, but
we kind of like emphasized that and it was just
super fun. And so seeing that like from the bench,
like how good we can be and I'm not even
like a part of it. I'm just like dang, like
and the freshman coming in just their ability to defend
and run and we have a super athletic freshman group
that kind of just like changed the dynamic of the team.

(47:32):
That was truly when I was like, oh, like we
could really do this, and then it's exciting because you
know we're piged. I finish tenth like no one has
us on any sort of radar, And for me that
was exciting. I was just like, y'all don't even know
what we have, what we have coming through. So I
would say that trip was really when I was like,
truly I did believe that, Like I had no reason
to probably, but I was like, yeah, we could go far.

Speaker 3 (47:54):
Yeah.

Speaker 4 (47:55):
Well I love that it came so early. You just
knew and that's amazing confidence. And I think it must
have been so interesting for you to like just watch
that from a sideline perspective, like for you getting to
learn the games, doing everything since you weren't able to
play yet. And I think what you talked about, like
the chemistry that you build in the off season means
everything throughout the year in terms of encore chemistry, just

(48:16):
getting along in the locker room, doing all these different things.
It really pays dividends in the long run. But talking
about coming off of an injury, this and that coming
into this year, what do you feel like, we're the
biggest things that you had to focus on, biggest gross
in your game that you saw moving into this season.

Speaker 1 (48:33):
I think definitely defense has been like my biggest point
of growth and just point of an emphasis. I think
to be a great team, to be a Final four team,
and you know, to accomplish what we want to accomplish,
like we have to have a top ten defense, Like
that's always a goal. I mean if you look at
all the Final four teams in years past, and like

(48:53):
we've pulled this up and looked at the stats, like
it's all top ten defenses, Like it's not a secret
that that's what it takes to get to the four.
And so I think just having conversations about that and
then really understanding that and knowing like that I play
a big role and if we're going to have a
top ten defense, and then just taking that so seriously.
And you know, this year, like starting patent, maybe not

(49:16):
the first few weeks, but there was definitely a turning
point impact twelve where I went and I was like,
I want this matchup. I want this matchup. And so
taking on that role I think has been just the
biggest growth in my game. And then also learning to
embrace it and enjoy it and just know that you know,
that's what it takes, and being in a leadership role
and having that mindset, it kind of spreads throughout the

(49:36):
team to where like defense is our identity, and even
you saw in Nebraska, I think we went like eight
minutes without scoring a field goal, which.

Speaker 2 (49:44):
Obviously not okay, like that's not that that's good, but
like our.

Speaker 1 (49:50):
Defense like allowed us to weather that and still like
maintain like a comfortable lead throughout like a drought like that.
And you know that's kind that's what it takes in
March is to have that sort of a defense. So
I think that's definitely like been a nine and day
difference for me this year.

Speaker 4 (50:06):
Yeah, well, I think that like you talked about all
of those different analytics that you look at the final
four teams, like you see the defense, you see the
rebounding assistant turnover ratios, like all those different things. I remember,
like you put those sets and you look at that
throughout the season to see where you're ranking. And so
I think for you, you know, hearing Scott talk about
how you're another coach out there with your basketball a Q,

(50:28):
with your leadership, with your ability to execute, with you
being the head of the snake, and then you buying
into defense, everything just falls after you. And I think
that's so important and for you to understand that you
have that type of power is really important for you
to understand. But stepping into this leadership role even still
so young, which is crazy to think about, like you
still have more time there, but stepping into this leadership

(50:50):
role that you have, you know, when did you kind
of step into that role or how did you adjust
to now being the older one on the team even
though you're not even very old in the grants even things.

Speaker 1 (51:01):
Yeah, I think it's been It's kind of been interesting,
like the last few years because I've been in a
weird way, like in a leadership role since my freshman
year just because you know, we had the turnover after
that first year and then we didn't have a ton
of returners, and then especially going into my sophomore year,
Like my sophomore year at Oregon State, I had played

(51:24):
the most games in the most minutes in an organ
State uniform.

Speaker 2 (51:27):
On that team as a sophomore.

Speaker 1 (51:29):
And so like that, not that I felt pressure, but
like in a way that puts me in a really
big leadership role, which is a lot for a sophomore,
Like sophomore year stuff, and then you know, with people leaving,
not having that, you know, like senior to really got
like kind of like how Aliyah did my first year,
like kind of losing that. It put me in a

(51:50):
leadership role that I don't think I was necessarily ready for.

Speaker 2 (51:53):
I don't think anyone could be ready for a role
like that as a sophomore.

Speaker 1 (51:57):
And so I think going through that my first couple
of years, just doing things wrong or seeing what I
could have done better, is what has prepared me for
this year, just because like I've been in situations where
maybe I didn't do the right thing, or I didn't
say the right thing, or you know, whatever it is.
I think like those experiences have really prepared me for

(52:17):
this year. So that even though I am a junior
and I still do have one more year left, like
I've kind of been through a lot to prepare me
for it. So I think it's just been a unique
situation with having to be in a leadership role so early.
I think it has prepared me for this year. And
then obviously have an AJA with me and you know
transfers that have been in leadership roles at other schools,

(52:40):
And I think that's what's really cool about our group too,
is that it kind of comes from everywhere, and we
have that standard of like holding each other accountable that
we haven't had in years past, where it's like it's
coming from everyone, Like it can't just be me holding
everyone accountable. Like we have conversations where I'm like, y'all
need to be getting on me too, Like this just
need to be you know, the culture. And I think

(53:02):
we've done a really great job of that this year
and that's what's allowed us to be as good as
we are, especially defensively.

Speaker 3 (53:09):
Yeah. No, I think that's so interesting.

Speaker 4 (53:11):
I never put together that as a sophomore, like you
are really that guy for Oregon State, for like since
you were young, even coming in as a high school senior,
like you were already a go to any offense, and
so to be able to have that leadership role so
young is it's hard. Like you're already going through so
much trying to figure things out and you're like leading

(53:32):
people older than you. It's almost an awkward situation to
be and sometimes but I think that you did it
with grace and it's seamless and what you're doing now
is special, the way you're leading this team into the tournament.
But a little bit about your style of play. You
do everything out there, as we've talked about, playmaker, facilitator,
all the things, but what's always been a staple is

(53:53):
the sharpshooter three and like not even just like on
three point line, steps back, like we're guarding you five
paces behind the three point line, and so have you
always kind of had that be a part of your game.
Has always been a thing. And just also just from
playing against you, like you're a competitor, Like you're out there,
you're fiery, you're putting in the work, and like seeing

(54:15):
your defense this year, like you're being a dog out there.
You're being the Jalen Sharade of Oregon State right now,
Like you're out there getting in people's grills, loving the defense,
getting hyped up off of it. And so just talk
to me about your style of play.

Speaker 1 (54:28):
Yeah, I think the deep threes have always been like
my favorite thing, Like growing up, that was always I mean,
like high school, I was pulling up from like the
volleyball line, like just reflying like.

Speaker 2 (54:39):
That's kind of my thing.

Speaker 1 (54:42):
I think this year, my like I said, my role
is different, so I haven't shot as many threes, and
like I said, like going through that kind of struggle
of I wasn't looking for it necessarily as much. I
kind of lost that edge as like a shooter because
I am trying to, you know, facilitate be a passer,
be more in that role. And I think like the
Nebraska game kind of that like kind of came out

(55:03):
of me again where I was just like, yeah, no,
I'm just letting this go. Like I had like a
moment to myself before the game. I was like I've
worked for this my whole life, Like I've gotten the
shots up, Like I need to just come out and
shoot if I'm open, Like that's just that's what it's
gonna take. And so I kind of had that realization.

Speaker 2 (55:18):
But yeah, I don't know.

Speaker 1 (55:20):
I think passing has always been my favorite thing to do.
Like I love doing the no looks and like the
behind the backs. That's kind of been like who I am,
like my whole life, like growing up and obviously like
can be too flashy in college, like we gotta we
gotta take care.

Speaker 3 (55:34):
Of the paint a little bit.

Speaker 1 (55:35):
Yeah yeah, but that's always been my favorite thing for sure.
And then you know, adding defense into it, not that
I was ever a terrible defender, but I think now
this year, just like taking it personally matchups and different assignments,
and then just the the level of accuracy you have

(55:56):
to play with to really like shut a great player down,
and like the angles, and you know, watching film and
learning from the coaches, you know you need to close
out at this angle. You can't let her do this,
Like all those little details. It's kind of like the separator,
especially this time of year. So I've like really had
fun with that and really like embraced it and then
really starting to enjoy like those matchups and those challenges.

(56:19):
So I think that's just like another aspect that I've
added to the game for sure.

Speaker 4 (56:23):
Yeah, No, I think it, and you can see it
like it makes a difference, and I think that it's
just going to grow, like now that you are I
don't know, I feel like defense I'm still learning to
love it, honestly, and so I feel like, you know,
once you learn to love it and you love it,
like everything is just going to open up and like
you take it personally and all these different things start
to happen. But defensively, as a team, you guys have

(56:44):
also been amazing, and I feel like just as a
team you have a lot of different weaps. Like we
talked about, you definitely have a big three going with
Reagan averaging a double double seventeen and ten and to
me at averaging eleven and seven, which is like wild
for them to be doing at that young of an agent.
Evenlast year, like they came in and I remember like
scouting them and it's like, Okay, they're freshmen, they're good,

(57:05):
and then you play guests and be like, well, they're
really good, like they already.

Speaker 3 (57:08):
Have it together.

Speaker 4 (57:09):
And so you guys are all dominating on both ends
with an amazing supporting cast as well, everybody buying their role.
So talk to me about Reagan and Tama and what
they're doing for you to guys have that kind of
power duo on the low blocks and to me obviously
stepping out hitting threes for no apparent reason, which is
very annoying as an opponent. So what is it like

(57:31):
having those two that you can always depend on that
in a night out?

Speaker 2 (57:34):
It's incredible.

Speaker 1 (57:35):
I think Ray is kind of like the foundation of
you know, having a post that can score one on
one and can defend one on one is necessary to win,
especially in March, like to beat great teams, you have
to be able to win that matchup. And so having
her size and just like balance, her ability, her hands

(57:57):
like she catches it and that's just and then for
both of them, just how much they'd grown on the
defensive end this year has been insane. And then having Tamia,
who you know plays the four, but now can can
step off and play the five. And we saw against Nebraska,
I mean we went small for that fourth quarter and
she did amazing against their five and like had a

(58:19):
few blocks, because that's a nightmare for a team to guard.
I mean, she's picking and popping like at the five,
especially in the Pac twelve, Like you don't see that
a lot with five. So her being able to step
out and do that when you know, raising foul trouble
or needs a break or whatever. It is just having
that threat at the four where it's like she can
guard any big but you know she can stretch and

(58:41):
shoot the three, and then if you try to put
someone smaller on her, like she can go post up.
So just like that versatility, having that in the offense
is i mean a nightmare for the other team and
it's just so fun to play with too. So those
two definitely have been critical for our offense. But then
and just how much they've grown on defense, Like I

(59:02):
can't even say enough about it, Like they've always been
good defenders, but now like they're great defenders, and having
that presence down there is everything, especially at this time
of year you need. So yeah, they're incredible and their
sophomore sty Seriously.

Speaker 4 (59:17):
I feel what you said about defense, Like it makes
all the difference to have those room protectors, especially moving
through the rest of the tournament and in the pack
with all the different bigs you have, Cam Kikey, Lauren, aaronet,
all these different people, and so I think moving the
rest of the tournament, that's just going to do dividends
for y'allah. But y'all haven't been to the tournament since
your freshman year, and now not only are you there,

(59:37):
but you're a three seat, which is a different type
of vibe. Getting to Hulls doing the whole thing, and
the tournament is really unlike anything else. So I feel
like even this year with all the extra pub around it,
all the visibility, all the different things, how has it
been managing the basketball side of things and staying focused,
but also media side of things. Schoolwork, all the pressures

(59:59):
that co on the court and off the court. What
has it been like for you in this tournament so far?

Speaker 1 (01:00:05):
Yeah, And I would say like this feels like my
first like tournament experience, because last I mean my first
two years it was n T and then we didn't
make postseasons, so it was that first year was the
COVID year, so then that just didn't even feel.

Speaker 3 (01:00:19):
Real like that was a lot.

Speaker 2 (01:00:21):
Yeah, So I feel.

Speaker 1 (01:00:22):
Like this is like my real first like and Silvilay
tournament like full experience.

Speaker 2 (01:00:27):
So we had finals week when was it two weeks ago?

Speaker 1 (01:00:31):
I think like like the week like getting ready for
you know, Eastern Nebraska was finals week for us.

Speaker 2 (01:00:38):
Yeah, So going through like.

Speaker 1 (01:00:40):
Having to prepare for finals and then it's like, okay,
you have to do a press conference this today, it's
definitely overwhelming. So I'm glad that finals is offer. So
now it's just like focusing on basketball and media. But
you know, I enjoy it. And I just tried to
talk about my teammates a lot in media honestly that
that keeps it like enjoyable for me because I sent

(01:01:02):
up there answering the same questions.

Speaker 2 (01:01:04):
Over and over again.

Speaker 1 (01:01:05):
Can get boring, you know, boring just like you want
to be doing anything else.

Speaker 2 (01:01:10):
So I don't know, it's it's part of it.

Speaker 1 (01:01:13):
And I know that our fans like really appreciate hearing
our perspective on stuff, and I've seen I've seen them
like comment on the press conferences and just like how
much it means to them.

Speaker 2 (01:01:24):
So I think it's super cool and it's a part
of it.

Speaker 1 (01:01:25):
It helps grow the game and and kind of lets
fans into what you're thinking and seeing your perspectives, which
you know, from a fan perspective, like you can appreciate.

Speaker 2 (01:01:34):
So I get that it's part of it.

Speaker 1 (01:01:36):
But you know, just doing whatever you can to just
stay locked in and stay present and not stress too
much over it. I think, especially once you've been in
college long enough, it kind of just becomes like you're
a robot.

Speaker 3 (01:01:48):
Kind of like you just yeah, it's just the way
it goes.

Speaker 1 (01:01:50):
Question and then like you're out, And so I think
I feel like at this point in my career, it's
not it's not too bad.

Speaker 3 (01:01:56):
Yeah, I'm with you.

Speaker 4 (01:01:58):
And then talking about stay in Locky for the tournament,
you and the whole team, do you guys have a
team motto or a manto moving through this tournament.

Speaker 1 (01:02:06):
I don't know if we have like a specific thing.
I kind of talked about this in the press conference
the other day, Like we do really emphasize to each
other like just staying present and taking it all in,
like obviously we're here to win, and we're gonna win,
but you know, even if we don't, like this is
a big deal what we're doing and what we've accomplished
up til this point. So just staying present, being grateful

(01:02:27):
for everything and not getting too caught up in all
the things. Yes, for sure, it's something that we talk
a lot about with each other, and so I think
that just helps you clear your mind and just stay present.
Is just having that gratitude just to be here. And
you know, we talk so much like to start the

(01:02:48):
season of like what our goals are, what we want
to do, and like, you know, making the tournament.

Speaker 2 (01:02:52):
Obviously we'll want a final.

Speaker 1 (01:02:54):
Four to one run, but just to be in the
sweet sixteen with the group that we have and coming
off last year and the adversity we face, like it's
special that we're here. So obviously not done yet, but
you know, just kind of sitting in that gratitude of
like just being able to be here, especially from like
growing up watching this tournament, and it's like, yeah, now
we are those players that little girls are growing up watching,

(01:03:16):
And so I think if you have that perspective, like
it makes it so easy to just stay locked in,
stay present, and just enjoy these moments with each other.

Speaker 4 (01:03:24):
Yeah, I love that, And I always think it's so
weird to like when you do take a step back
and realize that you're the ones.

Speaker 3 (01:03:30):
People are watching.

Speaker 4 (01:03:31):
Now it's like I'm still figuring things out.

Speaker 3 (01:03:33):
Like I I still don't know what's going on right now.

Speaker 4 (01:03:36):
But to understand that their little girls out there watching
they want to be you, like you guys are now
those role models is so exciting. And I think playing
with that mindset is easy to kind of make things light,
not take too seriously because you want to perform at
the highest level, but you don't want to like overdo
your nerves for the game or overdo the excitement. So
it's it's always striking that balance. But yeah, like you

(01:03:57):
talked about, like maybe this week sixteen, you guys have
a bright few future. No seniors on the team returning,
literally everybody next season. Which is going to be huge,
and like being projected tenth in the pack is insane
to be where you guys are now. Like at the
beginning of the season, I saw that, I was like,
are we sure? Like I I personally would never count
Scott out of anything, just and then thinking about like

(01:04:19):
the talent that you guys have too. I think it's
amazing to see how you guys have really like taken
on this underdog story and doing what you're doing and
seeing your growth I think is really special as well,
not only as a player but as a leader.

Speaker 2 (01:04:32):
Yeah.

Speaker 1 (01:04:32):
And what's crazy too, is like you would think, like, Okay,
you see that we're picked tenth, Like like you would
think that we would be like like feel like disrespected
or be like mad that we were paying like truly
for me. Like I saw that, and I was like,
they have no idea, You're like, yeah, like I thought,
I liked truly, Like I had no hard feelings about it.

(01:04:53):
I was just like, okay, we'll see. Like I thought,
it was kind of like they have no idea what's coming.
So like I think the I was like kind of
a fun thing for us to like rally around is
like I don't know. It was almost like a positive
thing for us. We were like, Wow, they have no
clue what's coming, And it was almost like an advantage
in a way of like, for.

Speaker 3 (01:05:12):
Sure, here's blindsided people.

Speaker 2 (01:05:14):
Yeah, for sure headed.

Speaker 4 (01:05:15):
Into our last section. Here, it's rapid fire answers, it's
our vibe check here we go. Ready, Okay, what's the
drill you never want to see on the practice plan?

Speaker 2 (01:05:25):
Oh? Ali, Oh no, tell her.

Speaker 3 (01:05:30):
You gotta tell us in front of her what's true?

Speaker 2 (01:05:32):
What's true? Yeah? Well we okay, weaves, but that's how
we start practicing every day.

Speaker 4 (01:05:37):
Oh yeah, No, weaves are literally horrible. Like I yeah,
I want to walk out of the gym during weaves.

Speaker 3 (01:05:43):
Yeah.

Speaker 2 (01:05:43):
Or like free throw running, we do that too.

Speaker 4 (01:05:45):
Ew Okay, game mony shot or game money steal game shot?

Speaker 3 (01:05:51):
Yeah? And one or three pointer.

Speaker 4 (01:05:54):
And one okay, group TikTok or solo TikTok.

Speaker 2 (01:05:57):
Group TikTok.

Speaker 4 (01:05:59):
All Right, who's the biggest trash talker? It could be
on your team or somebody that you played against.

Speaker 2 (01:06:05):
Now, I feel like there's not a lot going on
in the pack. I got this question.

Speaker 1 (01:06:08):
I got this question the other day, and I think
I said cam I was gonna say I just let
the pack.

Speaker 3 (01:06:13):
There's a lot of trash talk that be going down.
I've been there.

Speaker 1 (01:06:17):
I don't know Broy cam or Charon, but they haven't
even really said a lot to me.

Speaker 3 (01:06:21):
It's just like yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I see that.

Speaker 2 (01:06:24):
All right.

Speaker 3 (01:06:25):
Who's the biggest flopper?

Speaker 1 (01:06:28):
Oh well, we're gonna answer these questions.

Speaker 4 (01:06:32):
You can if you want to cop out, you can
say one of your teammates.

Speaker 2 (01:06:35):
I feel like none of us really flop.

Speaker 3 (01:06:37):
Okay, fine, all right.

Speaker 4 (01:06:39):
So if you could pick a teammate to play two
on two with, but you can't pick one of your
current teammates, who would you pick?

Speaker 3 (01:06:46):
You don't have to.

Speaker 4 (01:06:47):
You don't have say a Leah because she's in the room.
You can give with somebody else.

Speaker 2 (01:06:50):
I need a big though, I need a big uh.
Probably Marie Gulich.

Speaker 4 (01:06:56):
Oh wow, okay, I always say I love love it.
What's your favorite pregame hypes song?

Speaker 2 (01:07:01):
This song forever that has like Drake Eminem.

Speaker 4 (01:07:05):
Yeah, okay, that's a good one. And our last question
is biggest basketball.

Speaker 2 (01:07:10):
A biggest flopping?

Speaker 3 (01:07:13):
I about to say now you want to say flopping?
Now you want to say it?

Speaker 2 (01:07:19):
Honestly, that's a big one.

Speaker 4 (01:07:21):
Oh my god, Okay, flapping Well, Tulia, you've been amazing.
I know you got to go pray for the game,
but thank you so much for being on, thanks for
having me yes of course.

Speaker 3 (01:07:31):
And thank you everybody for listening.

Speaker 4 (01:07:32):
Stay tuned for another episode of Sometimes I Hope as
the tournament unfolds, the players Tribute dot Com