Show Me Something - Women’s Final Four With Holly Rowe and Allison Feaster

Episode Date: April 6, 2026

Live from Phoenix, it’s a Women’s Final Four®️ takeover!  Sophie Cunningham and West Wilson check in ahead of the semifinals with two absolute sports legends – journalist Holly Rowe and retired basketball player (and current NBA executive), Allison Feaster – for a conversation that goes way beyond basketball. From behind-the-scenes stories covering the biggest moments in sports, to emotional reflections on the growth of women’s basketball, Holly opens up about her journey, the sacrifices she’s made, and why she’s never left the women’s game.  She flexes her unmatched storytelling skills, revisiting iconic moments from decades covering the sport, breaking down the Women’s Final Four matchups, and diving into the rapid evolution of women’s basketball – a rise she’s witnessed firsthand and helped elevate.  The crew also gets into:•⁠  ⁠Why Phoenix is showing out as a women’s hoops city•⁠  ⁠The story behind spotlighting tunnel fits in the WNBA bubble•⁠  ⁠⁠Launching the “Joy+Us Foundation,” and her work to support cancer survivors  Then Allison Feaster joins to bring a full-circle perspective – from NCAA®️ history-maker to WNBA vet to Boston Celtics executive, and now watching her daughter shine on the biggest stage in college basketball. She shares what it’s like being on the other side of the court as a parent, the power of community behind every athlete, and why this new generation of players is built different.All lines provided by ‪Hard Rock BetSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed human. For an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 26 experience, whether you're heading to a match, visiting FIFA Van Festival Vancouver, or joining the celebration across the city, you'll find everything you need to make the most of your experience, including match day essentials, travel tips,

what to expect, and ways to explore Vancouver and BC. Visit VancouverFWC26.ca.ca. slash know before you go. American soccer is exploding. The knockout rounds are here. The U.S. won their group, and now every match is winner go home. I'm TAB Ramos.

And I'm Tom Boger. On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, we'll talk about the real storylines. Discuss the tactics that actually decide matches. And give you the truth about the U.S. national team from inside the program. Whether you're a lifelong fan or this is your first World Cup.

We've got you covered. Listen, Inside American Soccer with Tom Boger, Tabramos on the iHeart radio app. Apple Podcasts wherever you get your podcast. It's that time to put on your jersey and wave your flag, whoever you root for. Why do I watch the Walk Up? That's like asking me, why do I breed?

And it's beautiful. The guys are young and cute and fit. It's not just a game. It's your culture. I like watching it with my dad. It's a connecting force. From Futuro Studios, I'm Fernanda Chavez. and this is American Football, a show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots.

Listen to American Football on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Joy is essential and it's also elusive, but now there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence. Joy 101. It's a new podcast hosted by me, Hoda Kotby. If you're craving inspiration to maximize your joy, tune into these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. Open your free IHeart Radio app. Search Joy 101 and Listen Now.

Joy 101 with Hoda Kotfi is presented by CVS. What's up, guys? It's West. And Sophie. And if you've noticed, we are not in Indianapolis anymore. We are actually in Arizona for the Women's Final Four, and we have some awesome guests. We have Holly Row and Allison Feaster with us today. That's right.

The Show Me Something podcast with Mary Bonvoy checking in. Live from the Bracket. Some of the best game day memories don't happen on the court. They happen in hotel lobbies over pregame meals and in the moments before tip off. As the official hotel partner of the NCAA, Marriott Bonvoy sees it all from the bracket, pep talks to fans bonding over shared rituals. It's the moments around the game that become the ones people remember. This March Madness, live from the bracket, brings those stories to life in a limited podcast series

about college hoops, travel, and fandom with special guests and experiences along the way. From now until April 15th, Marriott Bonvoy, Members will be able to enter our live from the bracket sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the 2027 Final Four. Follow at ShowMePod on Instagram to learn more. We're talking March Madness above and beyond and you'll want to stay tuned. Marriottomvoy, where Game Day checks in. Boom! Show Me Something podcast live from Sophie's Phoenix, baby!

Sophie's Phoenix! Here we are. This is beautiful. First of all, our studio is outside. And I'm not even that sweaty. We're just surprising. We have fans over here to left. What's up fans? And we're about to have some freaking awesome guests. Yes. Holly Rose is going to show up.

Alison Feaster. Allison Feaster. Whose daughter is actually playing for Yukon. The city is popping full of great energy for the women's final four here. Trophy, cactuses. The mural behind us. The incredible and beautiful, magnificent mural behind us was created by the renowned Phoenix-based artist La Morena. I love that.

So she teamed up with Marriott Bonvoy to create O to Phoenix, travel, and of course, women's basketball. Beautiful. The coloring is perfect. It's so phoenixy. And I love a cactus. And I love that the girls' nails are painted. It makes her sit a little more extra special. But here's La Morena with more. Hi, my name is Laced Inoujo, also known as La Morena. I'm a Phoenix-based artist and I'm here with Marriott-Bong-Boy. I love Arizona. I'm born and raised here. I'm very proud of our Phoenix City. And so when they come across this mural, I want them to first be pulled in by the colors and then engage with the elements that are across. the mural and I think for little res girls seeing this means so much to me because I'm

giving them a mural that they can see themselves and see this journey a future potential them that they can also to play women's college basketball. I'm so excited for women's sports in general because we're on the rise and we're getting so much noise and excitement around women's sports and now we're here we are with the final four women's college basketball and this is the first time in Arizona history that we were hosting them here in Phoenix it's a huge deal for us. I hope little girls see themselves in this girl

and know that it's possible to play in the Final four for Women's College basketball. Final four, we have... All one seeds. Yeah, yeah. The big dogs. UCLA, we have Texas. We have Yukon. We have South Carolina. Yes, we do. So I do think this year you do have the very best top four teams in the nation. Sometimes you get a little Cinderella story or an underdog. I think these are the best

ones. And so it's going to be good. Our first game is Yukon, South Carolina. They've seen each other a zillion times. Which is going to be like, familiar foes. I love this. And I think it's so funny because in the W, you have like your game cocks, you have your huskies and they go at it. You could argue Don Staley and Gino are like an iconic coaching rivalry at this point. A little cute duo.

But I mean, those are two very iconic women's basketball coaches who I feel like see each other in March frequently. A thousand percent. It gives me like Bill Billa Chick. I guess he's Tony Dungy vibes in the 2000s. That's pretty special. No, yeah. It's going to be good. and then you have Texas and UCLA, which honestly, I think, I'm not going to lie to you.

I thought Yukon is looking really tough. They always look tough this time of year. Just the experience, Gino, he's just a legend and is so, so smart and pours into his players like no other. But again, I'm biased. I want an SEC team school to win. And so I'm actually kind of pulling for Texas a little bit. Was your freshman year the first year of SEC? You never played in the Big 12?

No, I didn't. But they were the year before. So in 2014. Okay. So you have good reason to be an SEC fan. A thousand percent. This is game day also. You can feel it in the air. You can smell it even. So who you got, give me the expert analysis. I know you have. Yeah, I truly do like all four programs. I like players from all four teams. If you would have asked me a little bit ago, I thought Yukon would take it. And part of me still thinks that they will take it. But a big portion of me is thinking that Texas is peaking at the right time. And I also played against Coach Schaefer. His, his, his, his daughter we played against and now she's an assistant coach so kind of a cool storyline there but texas is looking pretty dang good so you think texas wins today and they'll they'll see either yukon or sc yes i do i think um i think that yukon south carolina game i don't even know who's going to win that because yukon they they are athletic they have the IQ um south carolina is just

so so athletic and they they have the experience having don staley knowing you know what she knows and her being a player in the w playing overseas for however long she really knows she really knows how to pour into her kids. And so that matchup, I can't even predict. Yeah, but it's gonna be fun. Sophie, this pod will be dropping after we have crowned our Women's Final Four champion. Well, can you look into this camera for me

and tell me who you got? My future self, this has already happened. I think, who I almost just said Yukon, is that my gut feeling? I thought you were gonna throw them up. Texas, Miami, SCC! I thought you're gonna throw them up. I'm going Texas.

All right, everybody. Our first guest today is one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting. Very much so. She is an award-winning reporter covering college basketball, football, softball, and some of the biggest moments in sports for over two decades.

You've seen her on the sidelines of the final four college football playoff and countless championship games. She's known for her insight, storytelling, and connection with players. Please welcome Holly Row, everybody. This was a big kick. She's a busy lady, everybody.

Before we hop into women's college basketball, I have a question for you. You've done so many games for so long. Are they all kind of a blur? Or if I were to call it a game, would you remember the moment? I remember stories.

Like, I might not remember the score, but I will remember the situation or something that happened or a story I told. Like, it's locked in forever, I hope. Are you gonna test me? Remember ninth grade? Oh, gosh.

Well, you'd have been seventh grade. I'd have been ninth grade, Mazu KU., men's hoops. Of course I do. Zaire Taylor. Hit a shot. Back of the rim and then it bounced in to Missouri beat KU.

To beat Kansas. And I did the post. interview the fans rush the field and I ask him a question he goes I can't hear it that's why she's one of the greatest that's like so I I think everyone we watch on TV we all have moments that like we're a part of our lives so we remember you from those moments and I remember obviously that game was so important but I remember you having to be like go celebrate we can't hear each other and that to me is like my Holly Row memory oh I love that so much because that is such an organic moment that we'll never have again you know the

The KU-Mazoo rivalry was one of my favorites ever. I know they've played again recently, but kind of broke it up for a while. But I love that rivalry. One of my favorite games I've ever covered in my life was the Kim English era. Do you guys remember the team? That was our team. I loved that team. And the game at Mizzou against KU, like that was a wild one too.

I missed that. When they left the Big 12, those are like our childhood. And so that was really special. We are here to talk about women's college basketball. And obviously the women's college basketball, fandom has been growing like crazy the last few years and we're feeling it here in Phoenix. Obviously we have a lot of fans with us right now. Players are front and center and fans have traveled all over the world to come watch women's

college basketball. What are your thoughts just on the state of women's hoops right now? I think it's the best it's ever been. And I think I'm an expert. I'm not saying that from a cocky standpoint, but I've been covering college basketball for 30 years. So when I say I have watched this entire thing and I hope have been a proponent and pushing this constant.

narrative. We've known forever that this is a really good product. And I feel like the general public is just now kind of catching up with us. And it feels really good. And I don't want to have the attitude of like, well, we told you so. I want to have the attitude of like, yay, finally you get to see what we've been loving for such a long time. So I think it's a really beautiful place. And the thing I'm proud of is women like Sophie, you know, the players that I get to cover, they're not disappointing. They keep upping their game and leveling up and getting better. The W is better than it's ever been. College basketball is better than it's ever been.

And that's real credit to the athletes and the coaches. So we know that you travel all the time. Like you'll be here today and then somehow you'll be in like Europe tomorrow. Yes. Covering a sport that I don't know, no one even knew what's going on. What sports team or town or city has the fandom just grown where you're like, wow, people need to know more about this? I would say that, so this is an obvious one because I'm talking to you, but Indianapolis. So Indianapolis is a really cool sports town in that.

They have a lot of final fours there. They have a lot of men's and women's college basketball, sports events there. But the WMBA and the excitement behind the Indiana fever has completely changed that city. And I actually was doing some research with the Chamber of Commerce last year about the impact of fans traveling from out of state and coming in. And it's hotel stays, hotel rooms, flights. And so like we are really changing the face of Indianapolis right now with the WMBA. It is palpable.

I mean, we're talking millions and millions of dollars of economic impact because of the Indiana fever. So I'm really proud for that team and that organization because they deserve it. Love that. Is Salt Lake going to get a women's team anytime soon? We used to have one. This is a sad story. So I have been working in the W ever since it started. I started out pulling cables for the Utah Stars.

I worked my way up to be the color analyst for the Utah. stars. First woman, by the way, right? First female to ever do that. That's a real boss. Turrell Blazers. We had a really good team. Jennifer Aze, Natalie Williams, Margo Dedeck, like some of the true greats in the early WMBA. And then the team went to San Antonio to the Star, to the San Antonio Stars, and it is now the Las Vegas Aces. So that is our franchise. So I feel sad because I'm like, we're just going to have to love the Aces then, you know. Yeah, I was going to say, so deep down, are you wishing that the Aces win every year? I don't. I want.

I don't because I want to be unbiased, truth. But I do have a soft spot in my heart for them because that's my franchise. Yeah, and they're going to bring back and have a reunion in the end of July. And I said to them, I'm like, you need to bring back the old broadcasters. Like we were a part of this when nobody really was paying attention. So bring us back. Seattle lost to Supersonics, and I think that they're going to get another team. So I think some cities.

Yeah. You just got a hockey team. We just got an Hockey team. We just got NHL, yes. So there's always hope. Yeah, there is hope. for sure there's hope. But the aases are close. I think a lot of fans go down there, so I'm getting settle in for them. Right now in my heart, they're the Utah stars slash aces.

Good for you. Is there a moment for you, Holly, that you feel like clicked with women's basketball? It could be WNBA or college, but something that you think really set things apart. Like, obviously, I think Caitlin's emergence is like a massive moment that we'll look back and be like, this changed the sport forever. But for you, is there something maybe earlier? Yeah, there's a different moment for me because I remember working a game. And to this day, I still believe it's the best WMBA game I've ever worked in my life. It was 2016, Game 5, the L.A. Sparks at Minnesota Links. And Nekha Ogunakeh had a put back basket to win the title for the L.A. Sparks.

That series, because if you look at the rosters of those two series, there were like, I want to say seven Hall of Fame players in that series. So Candace Parker, Neku Mooka, Chelsea Gray, Alana Beard, and then for Minnesota, Rebecca Brunson, Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Simone Augustus, Sylvia Fowls. That's eight Hall of Fame, maybe nine Hall of Fame players in one series. To me, that was the moment we really started to rise. And yes, I will always give Caitlin her flowers and credit because she did take it to a new level, but we were rising before that too.

I like that. So I have a question for you because I know that the CBA has just gotten, you know, kind of, I don't even know if it's in writing yet. I have no idea. I know something. It's April 3rd today. There you go. Holly, that's why you're the reporter and I'm just the athlete here.

On a real note, I feel like you kind of hit on it with the family of like when they do have that reunion, bring back the people who were there from the very beginning. I think that you, Rebecca, Ryan, you guys have really been in it with us. And I remember talking to you before the Aces Finals. It was like, Indiana versus Aces. Yes. And I was like, what should we? And honestly, I'm just going to be, you guys know what I mean as being honest. I was like, how can we do better with the refs?

They are part of our game. They are part of our family. They deserve to get paid more. Fine incoming. No, no, I'm being for real. Like they are part of our family and I think that we should be taking care of them. But you guys have such great insight because you are in it more than not more, but the same amount we're in. Yeah.

I feel you can be a GM or an owner or a coach by now. Don't you kind of feel that way? Well, we are invested for sure. Yes. I think we were all like, you should see our text chain for the last three months like angsting over the CBA and are we going to have a season. And like we really, it is a lifelong passion of mine. So the refereeing is an issue. And we saw that last season and it was a real issue last season.

And I think where we're at right now is the problem is to become a ref at the highest levels. You have to start out probably in high school, probably in a low college. So one of other ways I think we could improve refereeing is to get more former players who maybe didn't make it as a pro. I think we need more former players reffing. So I'll give you an example. I covered a woman at the University of Utah, one of the greatest three-point shooters in NCAA history, Julie Cromenhook. She has worked her way up to be a high-level college referee right now. we need to be growing our own former athletes

because they played the game, they know how to officiate it a little differently. I want us to be growing former players into that referee pool. And this is why I brought up, because we had such a great conversation. And I'm like, it's the insight because we are not against them. We want everyone to grow in our league. Let's talk about this final four, though.

Like, what excites you? What team do you think is peaking at the right time, what players are peeking at the right time? And kind of give your insight on, you just said, like, hey, we got to go because I have, you know, walk in. Yeah, I have coaches rivals interviews right now, so it's a lot of stress. But here's who I think is peaking is Texas.

So if you would have asked me three weeks ago who was going to win at all, I said Yukon, and I believed that. I think they were the best team in the country. They had the best efficiency defensively, offensively, all those things. They have not quite hit on all cylinders in the first couple of rounds. Does that mean they're not still dominant? Probably not. But they've got to figure a few things out.

And they're going against a very athletic physical South Carolina team. So a player that I think is really blossoming and on a really high trend right now is Raven Johnson. Yes. So I think Raven Johnson is one of the greatest stories in all of college basketball right now because she stayed, tore her ACL, fought back. A lot of online criticism almost her mom shared with me that she almost quit after all the online criticism she faced. And she has all she's done is stay true, be resilient and show up for her team. And she is the best version of herself right now and I'm loving that for Raven. but Texas has momentum.

Aside from like in the weeds college basketball, I'm curious if you have a moment, and this is more about Holly than it is teams or other players, do you have a travel moment that you all like remember forever, whether that's some hotel was booked and you didn't have anywhere to stay or a flight got delayed and you ended up in some random city and had the best night ever? How long do we have for this podcast?

So like full disclosure, I am almost at four million miles right now on one airline. But here's what I'll say. So I know this is a Marriott podcast, but one of the reasons I really wanted to come on other than you was I'm a Marriott girl. Like I am, and I'm not just saying. She was pointing at me. Oh, she was pointing at me. I'm just meeting you.

No offense. We're teasing. But I love Marriott because I really, I'm from Utah. It's a Utah company. And so I have really tried to build points with one company. So right now I almost have a million Marriott points. Right. That is insane.

One hotel night away from the top level. So like when I tell you, I'm like, psychotically Marriott. Wait, where do you live? I live in Salt Lake City. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. That's my home base. And like how, like, are you, how often are you there? Probably like about a week a month, maybe. So I travel a lot because I'm covering so many sports. But I would tell you that my travel memories that have been really funny are three years ago, we were doing, we were getting ready to have our very first ever college game day show on ESPN. First one ever. There was a young woman playing basketball that I thought was playing at such a high. level and nobody was giving her any attention. And it was January. So I did an NBA game in Utah,

did a red-eye flight, and I slept on the floor at the Atlanta airport. I did that last night, Miami. Oh, there we go. And I had no, I had no pride. I was like, I'm sleeping. I'm on the floor at the airport so that I could get the 7 a.m. flight to the location where I would do the interview with this young woman. And I did the first ever feature on her on first ever college game day. Who is this? It's going to be. One big. Three months later, Angel Reese won a national championship. That's awesome.

So I'm really proud of that story because I had to sacrifice. I slept on the floor at the airport for Angel Reese because I believed so deeply in her and nobody was talking about her. And I had the instinct and I was right. And so I'm really proud of that story because I had to sacrifice to get there. I had to truly believe in this young woman. And I'm proud of her. Three months later, they won the national championship.

And I was like, I was on to something here. Like, I was so proud of that. Wait, can I ask, where is it your mom? Is it your dad? Like, how do you have such a gift of storytelling? And, like, there are scouts in basketball. They can tell a young talent who has potential. You have that, but with storytelling in the behind the scenes.

Who do you get that from? And why is that, why are you so good at it? I appreciate you saying that. But I think it's just natural curiosity. Like, I'm so curious about people. And I just, you know, like, I'll see something or I'll hear something. And I'll be like, oh, my gosh. So I had a funny story that happened last weekend.

We were covering Michigan, and we were out having a walk in downtown Fort Worth, and we stopped at this park to watch the end of the Yukon Duke Men's Game. So I'm with Chinet and Andrea and Christine and Rebecca was there, and we're like screaming in this park at the end of that game, you know, that shot. And so this lady comes over to me, and she's like, oh, my gosh, we love your work. My daughter plays for Michigan. And so she ends up telling me this incredible story about Brooke Quarles-Daniels, who is 5-7 and the leading offensive rebounder on her team.

No way. And I'm like, how is she so good? Why is your daughter such a crazy offensive rebounder at 5-7? And she's like, well, her brother is 6-7, and here's video of them playing in the driveway. And so we use that in our broadcast. Awesome. That happened because we were walking down the street in the park, right?

So those are the kind of things that I live for of like you just naturally, curiously fall into things. Can I also give you some props? Because I think that you do stories and you find, people that everyday people can relate to and you give them hope that like just a little bit of hope that maybe they could do that one day doesn't matter what they look like where they're from how tall they are how much they weigh like that that gives a 5-7 guard hope that like hey i could go be the leading rebounder in the nation you know what i mean yeah like i can be the leading

offensive rebounder on a elite eight team that's insane it is insane but yeah i think that we live i love all the i'm i'm the hopeful storyteller like i just want hope and and encouragement and happiness. Like I don't love doing the hard stories. This is a little slight pivot, but you've got some kicks on today. Plan ahead for an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026 experience.

Whether you're heading to a match, visiting FIFA Van Festival Vancouver, or joining the celebration across the city. You'll find everything you need to make the most of your experience, including match day essentials, travel tips, what to expect, and ways to explore Vancouver and BC. Visit Vancouver FWC26.ca slash know before you go.

American soccer is exploding. The knockout rounds are here. The U.S. won their group, and now every match is winner go home. I'm Tad Ramos. And I'm Tom Boger. On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, we'll talk about the real storylines. I'm not worried about Policic. I'm not worried about balligan.

I'm not worried about McKinney. My only concern is what happens in the back. and give you the truth about the U.S. national team from inside the program. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals. Whether you're a lifelong fan or this is your first World Cup. We've got you covered. Listen, Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogart and Tabramus

in the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcast. I love the sounds, the buzzing from the stadium, the chanting from the fed, and the announcers calling the place soccer, football at home. Why do I watch the World Cup? That's like asking me, why do I breed? I inherited that fandom from my mom. I like watching it with my dad. It's a connecting force.

From Futuro Studios, I'm Fernanda Chavari, and this is American Football, a show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots. We go beyond the game to the people. and the stories that make it great. A soccer game is a festival. It's not just a game. It's your culture.

I took an elbow to my head, which cracked my skull. It is an American game. The Brazilians don't like hearing that, though. Are they the only ones that don't like that? Nobody likes that. As we get ready for the Men's World Cup this summer, listen to American Football as part of the MyCultura podcast network, available on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcast. The basketball fashion world is ever changing. Do you feel like you have to keep up with the... Dude, Holly's been a fashion icon. No, I know, but it's always growing, and I feel like shoes are such a big part of it. And obviously, I can tell you know what's going on. Yeah. Well, here's what I will say.

So back in 2020, I was in the WMBA bubble. And I remember calling my boss and saying, hey, you know, like, the fits are a thing. Like, they keep coming in and we're doing tunnel fits. and we don't ever broadcast it. We're not showing it on TV. And my producer was literally like, I don't understand what you're saying to me. What is a fit?

So I had to explain to her what a fit was. And so, like, I take a teeny bit of pride in that, like, I was the first one that got tunnel fits on TV in the bubble. Like, maybe we were doing some before in games, but I don't really remember it. Holly, I was walking in in, like, pajamas, sweats. Now you can see people's, like, style who they are personally of, like, walking in.

You know, like, she can be feisty. I love that. It personalizes players. I think it personalizes players. And it really showcases whatever your vibe is. You get to be really personal with it. And I like it because it elevates fandom. And I love it for the fans.

And I think it's fun for you guys. I don't know. I know some players are like, okay, now this is a hassle because it's a whole thing. But you can do it or you don't have to do it. And I think it's very personal. And I really love it because it shows personality. And it's like I do think that the W is where fashion and culture. sure, you know, it's intersectional, and so I really like that. Holly, how do you see travel impacting

sports as we know it right now? My niece is a young basketball player, and so it's really my first relative that has wanted to be a college basketball player. So I'm pouring everything into her. Like, I'm trying to sponsor her teams. She's in Utah? She's in Utah. And she's here at the final four. Her team has a tournament. Oh, really? And so, like, I will always, like, donate points so they can get hotel rooms for free. So I'm, like, staying in my marriott so I can get points. So then I I can give them to my niece. I'm really trying to give back that way with my merit points. And I think it's really special.

I've done that for them at the WMBA All-Star Game. And then one other cool thing we're doing with our merit points right now is my son and I started a foundation. Yes. Joyous. Joyous. Yeah. We are doing the Joyous Foundation where we are just, like, I was in the depths of stage four cancer.

You know, it was a really scary, dark place. And so we're trying to figure out how can we help people going through cancer find joy during this really scary time of their life. And so we are also using my merit points to bring cancer patients. So we have a woman that we've brought here. I've got her staying at a Sheraton right here to using my points so that we can bring her to a South Carolina game. She's a three-time ovarian cancer survivor. But what's brought her joy is watching the South Carolina Gamecox play, and she will get to see them play in person today.

That is absolutely so amazing. That's absolutely. That's right there. Thousand percent. That's incredible. I was reading you kept a joy journal. As you were going through treatment and stuff, and that I feel like little things like that, we often don't, it seems maybe like fleeing in the moment, but I'm sure that's something that you look back on and like that was very powerful and like kept you positive through so many dark moments. It's really true because when you're in cancer, you can't control anything.

Like I can't control what's happening in my body and I'm having another spread and another surgery and another bad scan and it's really stressful. And so during that time, I was like, I can't control what's. happening to me, but I can control if I'm joyful every single day. So I still keep my joy journal. I love it. And I will write down these things that bring me joy. So I'll give you an example. I wrote down last year at the WMBA draft, this player for Yukon that had played at Princeton,

transferred in. I just believed in her so much. And so during the draft, I said, I think Caitlin Chen should go up and sit in the front row where the Yukon team. Like they were all there watching their other Yukon friends, Paige Becker's, get drafted and I just had this instinct and I said to one of her teammates tell Caitlin to go sit in that front row right now and like literally two minutes later she got drafted to the Valky's she has played for the Valky's has been an unbelievable player in the WMBA so that went in my joy journal because

that brought me so much happiness so that's that's kind of what I want us to do is if you're not experiencing joy every day what are you doing so that's kind of where we're trying to get to speaking of joy um I know I just landed here in Phoenix but I've lived out here for seven, eight years now. I feel like women's basketball has kind of taken over downtown Phoenix a little bit. Are you feeling that vibe? No, we literally said when we landed like, what a great spot for the final four. There's billboards everywhere. There's signs everywhere. Like, I love it because we want to feel like this is a big event and big time. And I really am proud of sponsors. There's more money than there's ever been with sponsorships. Like this opportunity you're getting Sophie. We didn't used to have these. And so I'm really proud of how brands

have gotten behind women's sports and fans. The fans, you guys have always been here. You are so tried and true. And we are literally nothing without you. But what I love is the money that is flowing into our sport. Women deserve it. And we're finally seeing it pay back. For us, I think I was in the league at the perfect time.

Because I was in it when we were still like, it was rough. And now I'm kind of getting to see the positive impact of how awesome the WMBA can be, not only on our lives, but for the next generation. And I feel like when companies, truly get to meet you or Asia or Angel, Caitlin, Cameron, like all these people, they see how awesome us women really are outside of basketball and they pour in. But I think the most important thing to me is you see these little girls out here like we're making it better for them. And so when they're in our seats, they're going to be probably doing what the men are doing.

You know what I mean? And that's like you were a trailblazer for that. And so it's so cool for you kind of full circle to be on this show when you've been around this entire time. Yeah. What I love for these young women, as there are so many more opportunities. So I'm going to tell you one quick story. The last time that Yukon, right now they're on a 54-game winning streak. The last time Yukon was on a long winning streak, they were on a 111 game winning streak. And the team that beat them was coached by Vic Schaefer with a little tiny player that's 5-4 named Morgan William.

And Morgan William rises up and hits this shot to end Yukon's 11-game winning streak. What school was that? Mississippi State. Mississippi State. I remember that. I remember that. Yes. That was my college era.

Yes. I was in college. And so she rises up, hits this shot over a Gabby Williams coming out to block it. And when I went to do the postgame interview with Morgan, I said, what did you see when you rose up to take that shot? And she said, opportunity. And it still to this day makes me want to cry and give me chills because all we have ever, I'm going to cry right now. All we have ever asked is opportunities for these little girls, for women. And so now that women are getting them, I just feel so, so.

proud and grateful. I got chills too. Yeah, me too. Don't mean me cry. It's okay. Yeah. I think what's also really admirable is you've been in the highest level of men sports spaces for a long time and you still made the active decision to give back to women's sports

when you very much could have taken more money or more opportunities to continue doing higher level men sports. And I just think it's really admirable that you never left like what you cared about and giving back to women and highlighting women. And so I think you deserve so much credit for like always staying true. And I think getting to see you do that has been very cool. But I am curious how continuing to cover women's sports and I guess watching it evolve and having like some skin in the game this whole time, how has that changed you personally

or as a journalist yourself? Well, since I'm already crying now, I'm going to cry more. Oh my God. I'm really proud of that. I'm grateful that you even notice that because in my era, you know, there would be a lot of sportscasters and young reporters, and they would start out on women's sports. And then when they hit the big time, they would go on to the men's sports. And I am very proud I have never done that because I believe the big time is women's sports. And so I have really sacrificed.

You know, I will do a college football game, and I will be in an SEC city at midnight, and then I will be at a tip-off at noon in Indianapolis for a WMBA game. And I got there by driving through the night by myself. Like, I have gotten there by really truly. truly being committed to women's sports. But it's more than that, it's like I'm that little girl that wished I had these opportunities. You know, like I played every sport growing up in basketball, in high school, but I didn't have the opportunities in college that people have. And so really, I am that little girl that I am covering these sports for.

So I keep doing it because that's who I am and I love it. But it's changed me more than I've ever changed it. That is not true, Holly. That is not true at all. Don't let me cry. This is supposed to be a happy podcast. All right, guys, real quick, we're going to do the perfect travel play. Okay, we're drawing it up late second time out.

I have a board of the 50 U.S. states here. Actually, no Hawaii and Alaska. So we got the Continental 48. And we're going to draw our perfect road trip, okay, four cities. Mark them down. It could be about sports. It could be about food. You let me know 60 seconds.

Let's get into it. Holly, you're excited. Do you want to go first? I'm excited about mine because mine is super specific. Can I go first? Yeah, I'm ready. All right. So here I am.

I am starting here for the SEC. softball tournament in Lexington, Kentucky. I am driving up through the night, doing the semifinals, driving up through the night for the season opener WMBA game, Dallas at Indiana. Whoa, okay. Shut up to those things. That's a nice little drive.

Then I'm flying to Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series. Then I'm going to Salt Lake City, Utah for the very first ever AUSL pro softball debut for the Utah Talens. Wow. Before I take a vacation. to Italy in New York. And I'm flying to Italy, so that is a very important

arrow out. And this is a true story, and I didn't even know I was doing this. I am staying in only Marriott properties in Italy. I'm going to the Lake Como edition, the St. Regis in Florence, and the St. Regents in Rome. Can I give a shout out to landlocked states? The coast, guys, coast are overrated. I know people only care about the coast. You live on a coast.

But I still am from Missouri, and everyone knows it, you know? Coasts are not overrated. I love California, too. But I'm just saying you, a lot of people would do Florida, California, and that's a very... No, I'm all sports center. I care about the sports. Here's mine, guys. Okay, I started in Seattle because I was thinking Pacific Coast Highway, because it's a great road trip, but then I realized I'm not going to get a lot of sports in, on the coast of Oregon.

Seattle has a lot of good sports. But Seattle is a good sports city, so we're going to start there. We're going to drive through Lake Cortal Lane and end up in Bozeman, Montana for a little Montana state Bobcat football game. That's where you boy, we're going to start. into undergrad. Then we're going to drive straight down through the Rockies to Holly's hometown, Salt Lake City. Let's go.

Also a reality TV capital of the world, which people don't know about. I have details. My hair stylist does the hair for the real housewives of Sawyer. Stop! See, I knew Holly would have some thoughts. Can we have another hour? I have details.

I have details. We can watch NHL hockey and pro softball. Yes, Utah Mammoth. Yes, a USL, Utah Talents. And check in with Holly if she's got any time off. And then we're going to go, one of the worst drives imaginable. I-70 straight through Colorado and Kansas to Kansas City.

We're going to get some barbecue and watch the Chiefs revamp their dynasty. Well, your guys is, this is very Sophie driven. Okay. So they didn't put on here. I don't know if you guys can see fans, but I'm starting in Hawaii. Oh, we should have thought it's not on there. We should have thought of that. Yep.

So I'm going to go there, a little island life. That's right up my alley. I'm going to go straight up to Columbia, Missouri to get some booches and some barbecue. That's where I'm from. where my family's at. I'm going to Nashville to, you know, listen to some country music, maybe meet a cowboy or two. Okay. And then I am going straight down to Florida to get a tan.

Wow. Okay. Any sports or you're avoiding sports? No sports. This is some time off. Okay. That tells you how our brains are different. Like, for my time off, I'm like, I'm going to all the sports.

No. I'm hitting family and beaches. I've been the Columbia to Nashville drive a lot of times. It's not bad. It's not bad. It's not bad. Six and a half. Speaking of which, I was doing a speaking engagement years ago and I was in Columbia.

and these two women came up to me and really bent my ear for like 30 minutes and it was your mom and maybe your grandma. Oh, no, not them. They were sending me pictures of when they used to play. They were so cute and I was obsessed and I love them very much. Holly, did you know the University of Missouri

Women's Basketball team at one point had four starters from our high school? Oh my gosh, that's amazing. My freshman year. It was fun. Pretty special. I love that. Speaking of Nashville, I thought we were going to get a team.

I was so hopeful we were getting a team in Nashville. I feel like it could still happen because Candice Parker had a group put together there. And I was literally like, if she gets a group, then I'm going to retire and work on that team. But I think that's, you know, we'll have more expansion. I think Kathy has said that they want more expansion by 2028. So I think we'll see more. We'll get there. Come on Nashville.

Holly, before we go, you had one more story for us. Oh, my gosh. Okay. So we were talking about travel and hotels and everything. So my son and I love to travel together and we went to the Olympics. He's 30. I talk about him like he's 12, but he's 30. We talk about the Olympics.

So I am a huge fan of the Olympics. So we went to the Paris Olympics just as fans. And we had the time of our lives. And we got to go to Team USA Women's Gold Medal Basketball game and be there when Stewie and Asia and Chelsea Gray and be there with all of them at the celebrations. And you just got to enjoy it. We just got to enjoy it. And we were just fans. Like I was painting my face red, white and blue and just being a fan, not a reporter.

So I really do like travel for love of sorts. sports and I've been all over the world and really using sports as kind of my lifeline for life. Wait, what makes a good hotel room to you? Okay, so to me, so right now I'm super in love with the additions on the Marriott brand because you walk into the lobby and there's a feeling. So one of my favorite hotels is the addition Miami. It's Miami Beach and you walk in and it's like cream and wood and plants and it's very natural and elegant. So I'm really picky about hotels because I stay in hotels more than I stay at my own home. So I am very pretty pretty much. picky, but I would say the Marriott Editions are my favorite brand right now because there is a

feeling when you walk in the door. So I'm really excited to go to the one in Lake Como. I think it's going to be gorgeous. So Lake Como, Italy. Then I also just stayed at the St. Regis in Chicago. Oh, yeah. I'm obsessed. Have you ever stayed there? Oh, my God. It's, it's nice that despite how much you do travel for work, that you can still find time to like, because when you're in an airport, not by choice always, it's a daunting idea to want to book your own plane to. And but it's good that you're still finding time to like visit places that you want to see. Yeah. The second I don't have a game, I book a flight. So I'm like, I'm like, oh God, I can finally do something I want. Let me book a flight to this game. You're not a homebody.

No. Is your son in sports? He's not. He's an actor. Oh, is he really? Yeah, he's an actor. He was actually in the Kurt Warner movie, American Underdog. Did you ever watch that movie? I watched that. My son is in that movie. There we go. Where does he live? New York. He lives in New York. New York City. Okay, nice. Have you lived in any other state that isn't Utah? Yeah, I lived in L.A. When I was doing my cancer treatment, I was getting treated at the UCLA Medical Center. So I lived in L.A. for four years. And then I lived in New York for four years.

Wow. Holly, you're the best. Guys, we, for the first time on this podcast, laughed and cried. Oh, my gosh. And so that feels good. No, that's so awesome. And it's nice to ask someone questions and let someone share their story who is often sharing other people's stories. Oh, that's nice.

That's so cool. And we thank you very much. Well, thank you. And you're going right back to work after this. I'm going to work right. This is minute. I'm formulating my questions right now, the arrival interviews for Coach Don Staley and Gina Oriama.

So I'm excited. I think we're going to get two really good games. I will be really surprised if these aren't two very competitive games. I think we have the four best teams in the country. So I'm really excited. And I just want to compliment you guys because I really enjoy your show. I watch your show and I think it's so fun. But in my head, I've been like, who the hell is this guy?

And why is he on with Sophie? High school friends? Yeah. But you do a good job. Thank you. Like, you really know stuff. So he worked for complex. You worked for,

Bleacher report for four years. Okay. So I've been doing interviews and producing and stuff for a long time. So this is very good. And his show is so fun and so cute. But this is my first time I've gotten to interact with you. So I just say,

I'm proud of you. You're doing a great job. I appreciate that. And you're part of my childhood core memories. All the Missou games. So that's like awesome. All of our core memories, Holly. I really love that that I mean your childhood core memories.

You are. Thank you for coming. Thanks, Holly. Alison Feister has played and traveled all over the world and is a lifelong athlete. She's an executive for the Boston Celtics and the mother of an NCAA star athlete and an advocate for the power of sports. She was a part of the first 16 seed to beat a one seed. I knew you beat a one seed, but I wasn't sure if it was the first one ever. She was actually only on the women's side.

Incredible. Incredible. When Harvard beat Stanford, what was it, 1990? 1998. She went on to play in the WNBA for the Sparks, the Charlotte Sting, and the Indiana Fever. Come on now. Now she's here with us in Phoenix for the 2006 NCAA Women's Championship. Where her daughter, which is absolutely amazing, full circle moment, Sarah Strong, who was just named the AP player of the year as a sophomore at Yukon.

That is crazy. Absolutely insane. But I do have to say one thing. I keep having nuggets before we hop into everything. I covered the McDonald's All-American game in Houston. Would have been two years ago. Yeah. So we did like fun social content and stuff with her. So I actually got to hang out and meet Sarah two years ago. Did you, in the moment when you guys were the first 16 to win, did it just feel like, I mean, obviously, it's a tournament win.

It's a bigger win than normal. But did you know in the moment like what you had done? Or was it like, oh, big win, let's keep it moving? I think we were cognizant. I think the grainy, you know, barely colored video that they show every year during the tournament, you know, you can see my teammates just losing it. We knew it that it would reverberate almost 30 years later. No, because it's just not, hasn't been known on the women's side. And it's just.

I've been doing twice in the men's too. Twice in the men. Yeah, it's not that comment. I feel like the women side, there's not even, there's such a huge different between a one seat and a two seat. Like, I mean, that's historic historic. You don't see a lot of upsets or Cinderella stories on the women's side. You just don't. Plan ahead for an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026 experience, whether you're heading to a match,

visiting FIFA Van Festival Vancouver, or joining the celebration across the city. You'll find everything you need to make the most of your experience, including match day essentials, travel tips, what to expect, and ways to explore Vancouver and BC. Visit Vancouver FWC26.ca slash know before you go. American soccer is exploding. The knockout rounds are here.

The U.S. won their group, and now every match is winner go home. I'm Tad Ramos. And I'm Tom Boger. On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, we'll talk about the real storylines. I'm not worried about Policic. I'm not worried about Balagan. I'm not worried about McKinney. My only concern is what happens in the back.

And give you the truth about the U.S. national team from inside the program. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals. Whether you're a lifelong fan or this is your first World Cup. We've got you covered. Listen, inside American soccer with Tom Bogart and Tabramos and the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcast. I love the sounds, the buzzing from the stadium, the chanting from the fans, the announcers calling the place soccer, football at home.

Why do I watch the World Cup? That's like asking me, why do I breed? I inherited that fandom from my mom. I like watching it with my dad. It's a connecting force. From Futuro Studios, I'm Fernanda Chavari, and this is American Football, a show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots. We go beyond the game to the people and the stories that make it great.

A soccer game is a festival. It's not just a game. It's your culture. I took an elbow to my head, which cracked my skull. It is an American game. The Brazilians don't like hearing that, though. Are they the only ones that don't like that? Nobody likes that. As we get ready for the Men's World Cup this summer,

listen to American Football as part of the My Coultera Podcast Network, available on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Selection Sunday, we were given a 16-C. We thought we were much better. We found out we were going to go play at Stanford, which is number one seed. So we were going in with a chip on our shoulder.

They had a 50-something game win streak, and we prepared these play cards because it was so loud. And I think because of the, earthquake, there's some type of system where the, it's just some type of shock system. So it's really loud. You can feel the court shake. I was a nation's leading score at the time. So there wasn't a ton of respect for a Harvard player lead the nation in scoring. And I will say this in all fairness, Stanford did have two, they were missing two starters. I don't care. We don't do it. It totally doesn't matter because you got to play the game. One thousand percent. We just

chopped away at it and won. I'm probably, I'm hitting YouTube when I, I get to the hotel. I want to know, was it you and then just like a bunch of other people? Or did you have some studs on your team too that were like, good? You know, our college coach. And I'm not even trying to be disrespectful, but I just want to know. Our college coach set the stage at the beginning of the year, act as if your role in a team is the most important role.

And each and every person knew what she was supposed to do on the court. I just happened to, you know, want to be the best player in the team and score the most points. But my teammates, they knew what they were supposed to do. And they did, one of my teammates hit a three-pointer to seal the win. So people were confident in what they had to do. You're saying that. And like, that's what we're trying to get in the W on. The championship team say the same exact thing.

And it's like, know your role, own your role. And that, even if it's getting two boards a game, own that. You know what I mean? And the team needs that. And so I absolutely love that. It is. I wonder what the difference, like the feeling between that win versus if Sarah wins a championship. I mean, they're both like very euphoric.

Give me Sarah's win. Okay, okay. You know, so we won, the Celtics won in 2024. I was elated, you know, all the things. And then when they won last year in Tampa, yeah. Yeah, there's nothing like that. That's true. Yeah, yeah, it was so great.

First of all, you're all-star one year for the W, right? Yeah, one year. Yeah, heck yeah, you are. So you played at the highest level, college pros. And now I was just asking you, I feel like probably the most anxious you're ever going to be is being a mom on the sideline, watching your baby girl, her thing on the biggest level of college hoops. Like, what are you truly feeling?

And like being on this side of it, what did you not know then? Beyond nerves. Like, it's zero control on the game, on the outcome whatsoever. I think we parents like to think that we have some magic word that we can say to activate something in our children, but no, powerless. And also positively optimistic that they're going to put their best foot forward. the best team is going to win today. And so that's really all you can hope for.

That's easier said than done. I'm already sweating bullets thinking about it. Just trusting every step of the process. We get caught up and hoping that we make the right decisions along the way. And, you know, I know Gino and the staff have it. As someone who's been involved with sports almost your whole life, do you find it hard to let go a little bit in moments like this? Because obviously you do know what you're talking about.

You've been in these moments. Absolutely. Is it hard to tell yourself, like, let Gino and the staff handle it? Or do you, it's easy to just be a mom? She's calling, you know. Hey, you need. No, I know. As someone who knows what's going on and is a mom?

I think we've gotten to a point this season especially, and looking back at last season, like, she, her phone was off before the final four. And we couldn't get to her anyway. Wow. And when she came out and to see her with that level of focus and just preparedness, like, yeah, they know what they're doing. And so I'm definitely not one to push up on Gino like that. You've been around the game forever, still are with the Boston Celtics,

which is huge, not only for just being in the NBA, but as a woman, trailblazing for people who might want to do that when they're done. What do you kind of see in this generation of players that maybe you didn't see when you were playing? And what excites you about even the next generation after Sarah's done with college? I'm excited about this next generation. And I can tell you even the generation that's, that's, killing it now. You guys, and I include you in there because you're, you know, you're an active player, multi-hyphenates, if I can use that phrase. You guys are so good at so many things,

mastering the on-court stuff. You are getting exposure to all types of things off the court, just building out that professional profile, so to speak, and you can do many things. And I think the younger generation is learning that in real time from you guys. And yeah, you're just ready. Well, I think it shows it's always been there. I think maybe it's just the, the platform, the opportunity. Social media is a good thing, can be a bad thing, but I think that's helped bring a lot of opportunity and eyes to our sport.

But I think you are walking proof that the resume of us being more than just an athlete have always been there. Yeah, it's a different type of hustle. Facts. We definitely had to hustle back on the data to get what you guys are now getting very well-deserved. Obviously, we've talked a lot of women's basketball

and women, like, players and people involved in the WNBA, but as someone who's in the NBA, what do you feel like your trailblazing as someone who you aren't in a women's field, you're in a men's field, but being a woman in such like a high level male-centered office, what are you most proud of as far as being a woman in that space? And this is not, I say this with the utmost humility. Like if you're in a role like I am, if you're in a space that's male dominated and you have some influence, you have to leverage that influence to open doors and provide exposure to, um, the underrepresented, and I'm really proud that I embrace that role. I want young women, young girls to know that there is a place in men's sports for them. Because there's certainly a lot of men in women's professional sports. So we want to make sure that there is just that

that exposure. Everyone is focused on Sarah, right? But I think once you're in it, you realize that it takes a village in a community in a small circle, some big, but mainly a small circle of really getting her to where she's at. And I think I'm just wanting, this isn't a question, this is just me showing appreciation that as an athlete, I just want to say thank you for pouring into women's sports. Thank you for pouring into Sarah to show her

what it can really be like, because I do think that, you know, the kids and the athlete, they get all the credit, but the parents do so, so much, and it's expensive. Oh, my gosh. It's expensive to go and travel on the AAU circuits. It's expensive to travel to every game, to be here in support her, because you say,

you know, oh, her phone's off, She doesn't need you. No, you bring her a certain comfort when she looks up in the stands and she makes eye contact with you. So I just want to say thank you from a child perspective, from an athlete perspective of supportive, awesome parents that pour into your children. When I went to work with the Celtics, she stayed back in North Carolina with her dad. She wore the tires off his car going to tournament to pick up her friends, basketballs in the back. And this past Christmas, she bought him a car as a way to say thank you. Holy cow. Yeah, it was pretty moving.

Love that. Well, speaking of travel, did you have any rituals when you traveled back in the day, either here or overseas? You played overseas for a long time. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tell me about that. I've always been one to kind of delve into the culture wherever I am. Love that. And sitting outside on a terrace, having a drink with friends.

What's going to? Sangria, we need some Tinto de Verano right here. Where did you play overseas? I played in France. six years in France, nine in Spain, one Italy, one Portugal. Sarah is also a naturalized French citizen. Well, she has it by birth, but her dad and I are naturalized. What?

Yeah, having played there for so long. Oh, that's amazing. Did your connections with the Celtics come from playing, you're going to school in Boston? Kind of sort of. When I, at 40, I was like, it's time to retire. Wait, you played until you were 40? I did.

I was playing overseas. I was, you know, it didn't know what I wanted to do and just kept playing, working, hustling until I figured it out. there was a program for former players at the NBA League office. It was called the Basketball Operations Associates Program, something like that. The first cohort were six of us. Me, Stacey Lovelace, a former Purdue Boilermaker, Brian Cardinal, Drew Gooden, Cory McGettie, and Troy Murphy, I want to say,

was the last guy. But yeah, that's how I met Danny Aange and Brad Stevens through that program. Was education growing up, like a big part of like what your, yeah. It was the only, really the only motivation. My mom was a single parent, raising four kids, and, yeah, education was the way to get a good job and make money to help the family. And that's why I chose to forego the scholarship and go to Harvard. Really? Yeah, because Ivy, you cannot do.

They don't have athletic scholarships. Yeah, it's not athletic scholarships. You have to. Clearly, I knew that. Duh. I lived with Harvard football guys, my first two years in New York, and so I learned a lot about the Ivy League sports. We asked Holly this earlier. is there a community right now, and it can be W or college basketball,

that you think embraces women's sports more than anywhere else or somewhere underrated that you're like... Dude, great question for someone who's played. Or it could even be in Europe. Yeah, I'm going to say. They love women's basketball. You know what? So I'm working with men, like the NBA players, I'm around the guys all the time, that they love the game.

And I also want to shout out like the players who use their platform, like Kevin Durant, who's always, you know, reping and uplifting and watching the sport. You know, Kobe, may you rest in peace with the shirt, with the orange sweatshirt. Like that was a watershed moment for the game. And so, yeah, I would call out the NBA players. That's awesome, actually.

That's a really good answer. You know what's funny, and I know you clearly just said this, but to piggyback off that, we know that those guys support us. I mean, you're behind the scenes with those guys, but you also have played yourself. What do you feel like you have seen change the most in the women's game since, like, you played to now?

The amount of resources available, I think that's the obvious thing. But I, the amount of, I mean, the women today are just, they don't have to work two jobs. You know, you can dedicate your livelihood. Your livelihood is basketball and being a professional and honing your craft. What is something you have, like, told Sarah in order to, like, help her? Like, what's your pieces of advice to her? Because you've been in her shoes. I tell her she has to trust, like, the,

work that she puts in. If you're in any role, you might, your confidence might, you know, waver at times. You have to trust that the little daily deposits that you put in over many, many, many, many years. Like, she knows how to do it. That's where you get your confidence from. And also, you know, she's a, she's a whole amazing person if the basketball were not there. You've lived overseas, went to school in Boston, in Boston now. Yes. Grew up in South Carolina. I thought we were going to get a W team in Boston. Yeah. We were close. Keep our fingers crossed. Basketball aside, do you guys as a family find like travel vacations, whatever it is, exploring the country, the world, like an important part of growing as a person? Yeah, we travel a lot.

Last year, we went back to Spain for like a four-day trip, Sarah, my husband, my mom, you know, in tow. We also went to the British Virgin Islands. My husband's from the Virgin Islands. I just got back from there, like this morning. Amazing. Yeah, St. Thomas, St. John. Yeah, my husband's from St.

St. Thomas. Can you guys tell? Oh, really? Yeah, I spent 11 days there the past two weeks. That's amazing. So we do. Like travel is a big part of it. Yeah. I mean, I think like everyone has their own reasons. But for me, I just think, yeah, from a young age learning that people are different than you. Like, not everything is the way it is in your hometown and your family is so important. I was just curious what lessons you think you learn being all over the place and then also like getting to expose, you know, Sarah to different places as well. She has, I don't know if she knows this, but she has such an advantage of being able to already explore Europe and different cultures. of like bringing all the good of each culture and like creating your like creating yourself and you know what I mean that's so true that's so true you make a good point I think that's one of this

that's a skill like being able to go to a country that the foreign country and figure out the language make friends it's like a survival skill that I'm it was hard you know growing up and having to change schools every couple years yeah at the same time that's that's that's what allows her to probably play and not look like she feels pressure or out of source because she's been under pressure and in adversity in other situations. So I think that's one of the things. That's one of the amazing things about traveling and living abroad. You get a chance to, you can't speak the language. You have to find another way to communicate to find common ground. Yeah. Two part question. First one, are you a hotel snob? Absolutely.

Hey, absolutely. And making the NBA does not help. Oh my gosh. There's nothing like being at a nice hotel peaceful, the fragrance, all the things. Wait, so that was my second part. Hold on. Amazing. What makes, and you have to go into detail here,

what makes a great hotel room? The bed, you got to start with the bed, the comforter, the sheets properly tucked. A good tip. The amenities in the bathroom. But you do get kind of boozy, though, because now you have people like check in on you at night.

Hey, do you need a little, do you want your fire on? Do you want your own service? Love it. But what are you excited to see from like a basketball perspective from UCLA, from South Carolina, from Texas? Because we know what you see from Yukon. Everyone sees that. You know what I mean?

It's incredible to have four number one seats. This is going to be a crazy final four. I am excited to see all the seniors who are, who have one more shot at a national title, Lauren Beds, Kiki Rice. I mean, I think they have six seniors that, you know, with UCLA. That's the sad part. That's the other side too when it's over and it's so it's so heartbreaking. Madison Booker, how tough is she and Rory Harmon? That Texas team is stacked and they're due as well. And then you turn to South Carolina and I mean, Don is a former teammate of mine. She's probably one of my, the teammate I admire the most. And yeah, here we go again against South Carolina. So it's going to be a great, great final four.

We were talking earlier about the Gino-Dawn's Daly matchup, is kind of an iconic march. Like, that's almost equally the storyline, or as an important of a storyline, is like the team's playing. Is those two have seen each other so much and are so storied? Like, if you had to give advice to parents or players

in the situation of where college sports are today, what advice would you give these kids that, you know, maybe they are a freshman and they're not getting the stardom that they thought they would? Like, what's it mean to stay? What's it mean to maybe go? Yeah. You know, that's a tough one.

And I think it, and let me just say at the outset, it depends on the family and the player. The situation, each situation is unique. I would say, though, that there's something to be said about figuring it out. Yes. Figuring it out. Like, you did, hopefully you did the research required when you made the decision to go to a school, that you have some semblance of confidence that you can work your way to a point where you need to work to. I just feel like you have such an underdog mentality.

And I think so many people lack that quality. Your story's so dope and how diverse, but it all comes back to basketball. Yeah. But Harvard, like Europe, it's all very cool and it fits like what we're trying to cover today. And so we thank you for pulling up. Thank you guys for having me.

This is so good. It was sick. Thank you. Holy freaking moly. That was awesome. No, that actually was so great. Yeah. So thank you to Holly.

Thank you to Allison. We cried. We literally cried. And we laughed. Laft cried. We did all the moment. and then a huge shout out to Marriott Bonvoy for being here in Phoenix for the point in spinal floor. Thank you. I do one of those. Amazing. Amazing. Your guys' team is amazing. The set was awesome.

We're headed into the women's game and then we're going straight to Indy. Live from the bracket. We already gave away tickets to the 2026 tournament, but we're not done yet. Marriott Bonvoy is giving away a pair of tickets to the 2027 men's and women's championships. To enter for a chance to win, head to at Show Me Pot on Instagram and comment your favorite college basketball team on any of our live from the bracket post related to the sweepstakes. Be sure to include the hashtag Live From the Bracket in your comment to be eligible. Full details in the episode description, do not miss it. No purchase necessary.

Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or D.C. who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry. Ends April 15th, Rules at Rules.D.J.a.com slash live from the bracket. American soccer is exploded. The knockout rounds are here. The U.S. won their group, and now every match is winner go home. I'm Tab Ramos. And I'm Tom Bogart.

On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, we'll talk about the real storylines. Discuss the tactics that actually decide matches. And give you the truth about the U.S. national team from inside the program. Whether you're a lifelong fan or this is your first World Cup. We've got you covered. Listen, Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogart and Tab Ramos on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcast. It's that time to put on your jersey and wave. your flag, whoever you root for.

Why do I watch the World Cup? That's like asking me, why do I breed? And it's beautiful. The guys are young and cute and fit. It's not just a game. It's your culture. I like watching it with my dad. It's a connecting force.

From Futuro Studios, I'm Fernanda Chavari, and this is American Football, a show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots. Listen to American Football on the Eyehorn. Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Joy is essential and it's also elusive, but now there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence, Joy 101. It's a new podcast hosted by me, Hoda Kotby.

If you're craving inspiration to maximize your joy, tune into these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. Open your free IHeart Radio app. Search Joy 101 and listen now. Joy 101 with Hoda Cotphee is presented by CVS. Everyone sees me as a football player, but before anything else, I'm human. Every single day I'm still learning how to live with problems, mistakes, relationships, emotions, ever since I was born. This isn't a normal podcast.

Everything here is spontaneous, real, and genuine, just honest conversations about what it means to be alive. I'm Javier Jor-Nandes, and listen to Learning to Be Human on I-Hart Radio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast Guaranteed human