Women on the Mic
By Kaavya Narayan
Women on the MicDec 28, 2020
Leading Arizona to the National Championship, Playing for Coach Adia Barnes, and Tenacity Through the Lows ft. Arizona WBB Player Sam Thomas
In this episode, Kaavya talks with the amazing Sam Thomas, who just finished her 5th year playing basketball for Coach Adia Barnes at the University of Arizona. They chat about growing up in a basketball playing family, choosing Arizona, and Tiktoking with her team. They also dive into Arizona's amazing story as a program that grew under Coach Barnes and made it to their first Final Four and Championship appearance in 2021. Sam recollects some of the pivotal moments from last season (including beating UConn) as well as playing her sister in the first round of this tournament. She talks about why Coach Adia Barnes is so special as well as the leader she is for her team--especially these last couple of seasons. They also talk about what is next for Sam--WNBA? Coaching? School? She's also going to a concert very soon--listen to find out which one!!
Finding Resilience to Bounce Back, Kobe's Advice, and Giving Back to the Community ft. Pro Basketball Player Reshanda Gray
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Reshanda Gray--a professional basketball player overseas in Italy and the WNBA. They dive into her unconventional and impactful upbringing in South Central LA, as well as her involvement in LA After School All-Stars. She reminisces on the time she met Kobe in middle school and the impact of his advice on the trajectory of her career. Moreover, she talks about the uncertain nature of playing in the WNBA and how she bounced back from being cut and making it back to the league. She details the importance of giving back to the community through her own foundation--No Gray Areas. Through mentorship, she hopes to motivate undecided young girls in LA to find their passions and become empowered academically, socially, and athletically.
Check out No Gray Areas! https://www.nograyareas.org
Joining Angel City FC, Social Entrepreneurship, and Embracing Change ft. NWSL Player Jasmyne Spencer
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Jasmyne Spencer, a professional soccer player for Angel City FC of the NWSL. Angel City is the new NWSL expansion team founded in 2020 (starting play in 2022) with a star-studded lineup of founders and investors such as Natalie Portman, Alexis Ohanian, Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Candace Parker, and more! Jasmyne talks about her collegiate journey at UMD, being apart of the inaugural NWSL season, and being selected in the expansion draft to Angel City FC. They also dive into the growth of the NWSL and the necessary tools needed to grow the league further. Jasmyne is also passionate about the environment, and has channeled this passion into a fashion business called "Jas It Up" (https://www.jasitupofficial.com). Jasmyne also provides her advice on injuries, change, and self-confidence. Check out her website and don't forget to tune into the 2022 NWSL season!
Using Gymnastics to Embrace Individuality, Build Confidence, and Open Doors ft. Auburn Gymnast National Champion Derrian Gobourne
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Derrian Gobourne--a gymnast at Auburn University. Derrian was the first ever gymnastics national champion at Auburn in 2019 (as a freshman!!). She details winning the national championship in vault, competing against Olympians, and how she gets ready to shine in big moments. Many people admire Derrian’s bright and confident nature, so she gives her advice on what it takes to love yourself. Of course, they chat about her teammate at Auburn--Suni Lee--and what it was like to watch her win Gold in Tokyo. With respect to Tokyo, Derrian explains how important mental health and the mind are in gymnastics and praises Simone Biles for setting a precedent for everyone to put their mental health first. Kaavya and Derrian also go into NIL as it relates to the NCAA and Derrian’s new partnership with Salute Leos as well as her own clothing line. Finally, they discuss the importance of diversity in gymnastics, the work Derrian is doing with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics, and implementing gymnastics programs at HBCUs.
Self Reflection and Collegiate Volleyball ft. Cal Poly Alum and FSU Player Torrey Van Winden
Overcoming Multiple Injuries and the Value of Mental Health ft. Syracuse Lax Alum Morgan Alexander
How Sports Uplift Women in India ft. Indian Rugby Player Neha Pardeshi
COVID-19 has hit India hard again and taken a toll on many lives. Hospitals are full, oxygen supplies are lacking, and the sick are dying as they wait to see doctors. If you have the means, it would mean a lot if you could donate to help alleviate this crisis.
Here is a great link with information on how you can help: www.nytimes.com/article/india-covid-how-to-help.html
Fostering Inclusivity in Hockey and Finding Your Voice ft. NWHL Player Saroya Tinker
Training for the Isobel Cup and What’s Next for the NWHL ft. Kaleigh Fratkin of the Boston Pride
Using Sports to Empower Adolescents and Writing Lady-thletes: ft. Author Emily Williams
Check out Emily Williams!
Link to an exclusive copy of her "Note from the Author" from her book, Lady-thletes: us7.admin.mailchimp.com/reports/summary?id=0300d1a4e1f0
Instagram: @coachemilywilliams
Website: emilytheauthor.com/