1 00:00:01,040 --> 00:00:03,440 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're requesting 2 00:00:03,480 --> 00:00:06,720 Speaker 1: permission to become one with our couches. This weekend, so 3 00:00:07,160 --> 00:00:10,680 Speaker 1: many sports to watch. It's Friday, March sixth. Then on 4 00:00:10,720 --> 00:00:13,360 Speaker 1: today's show, we'll be chatting with the cross superstar Charlotte 5 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:16,000 Speaker 1: North ahead of the conclusion of the Women's Lacross League. 6 00:00:15,800 --> 00:00:17,360 Speaker 2: Championship Series this weekend. 7 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:20,799 Speaker 1: We discuss how the postgrad LAX landscape has changed in 8 00:00:20,840 --> 00:00:24,280 Speaker 1: recent years, her team's bid to repeat as championship series 9 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:27,280 Speaker 1: winners this weekend, and the future of the WL beyond 10 00:00:27,400 --> 00:00:30,400 Speaker 1: this weekend, a future that includes a full schedule of 11 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:34,040 Speaker 1: games across the country this summer, plus our take it 12 00:00:34,080 --> 00:00:37,920 Speaker 1: Back segment returns for Women's History Month. Another record breaking 13 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:40,839 Speaker 1: PWHL game is on the horizon, and give it up 14 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:44,320 Speaker 1: for the champs. It's bubbly bats and shoeies for the misties. 15 00:00:44,760 --> 00:00:58,720 Speaker 1: It's all coming up right after this Welcome back slices, 16 00:00:58,800 --> 00:01:03,600 Speaker 1: Happy Friday. Here's what you need to know today. Let's 17 00:01:03,600 --> 00:01:06,480 Speaker 1: start with Unrivaled, where there's a new champ in town. 18 00:01:06,959 --> 00:01:09,880 Speaker 1: Number two Missed beat Number one Phantom eighty to seventy 19 00:01:09,920 --> 00:01:13,600 Speaker 1: four Wednesday Night to win. Unrivaled sophomore season, captain and 20 00:01:13,720 --> 00:01:16,440 Speaker 1: unrivaled co founder Brianna Stewart led the myst to victory 21 00:01:16,440 --> 00:01:19,440 Speaker 1: with thirty two points, four rebounds for asses, two blocks, 22 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:22,839 Speaker 1: two steals, and a controversial game winning free throw, earning 23 00:01:22,880 --> 00:01:27,399 Speaker 1: her Finals MVP honors. Arikay Agunbowale put up nineteen points 24 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:30,640 Speaker 1: to help. Elna Smith added eleven and Ali Chagre had twelve. 25 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:33,600 Speaker 1: Phantom put up a fight despite injuries, with captain Kelsey 26 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:37,480 Speaker 1: Plumb scoring a heroic forty points, but it wasn't quite enough. 27 00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:40,199 Speaker 1: As I mentioned, the game ended with an offensive foul 28 00:01:40,240 --> 00:01:43,840 Speaker 1: call on Stuart getting reviewed and overturned to a block, 29 00:01:44,360 --> 00:01:46,800 Speaker 1: sending her to the free throw line for the winning points. 30 00:01:47,160 --> 00:01:51,440 Speaker 1: But a wins a win, and miss BC definitely celebrated accordingly. 31 00:01:51,880 --> 00:01:54,720 Speaker 1: Alana Smith, for instance, went with a questionable but traditional 32 00:01:54,720 --> 00:01:58,320 Speaker 1: Australian celebration called a shoey, where you pour a beer 33 00:01:58,440 --> 00:01:59,600 Speaker 1: into your shoe. 34 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:00,000 Speaker 2: And drink it. 35 00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:04,520 Speaker 1: Yuck, But if I'm being honest, it's absolutely something I 36 00:02:04,560 --> 00:02:07,760 Speaker 1: would do. The celebrating move to Miami night club eleven 37 00:02:07,840 --> 00:02:10,400 Speaker 1: for the official after party, same spot. The US men's 38 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:13,359 Speaker 1: hockey team celebrated their Olympic win, though I don't think 39 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:16,440 Speaker 1: Pat McAfee picked up the tab this time. The Mistys 40 00:02:16,480 --> 00:02:18,600 Speaker 1: may not have felt great waken up Friday morning after 41 00:02:18,639 --> 00:02:21,000 Speaker 1: that party, but they gotta feel good about waking up 42 00:02:21,040 --> 00:02:24,079 Speaker 1: with an extra one hundred thousand dollars in their pockets 43 00:02:24,160 --> 00:02:27,280 Speaker 1: each and Ali Shagray has taken home even more. She 44 00:02:27,360 --> 00:02:29,600 Speaker 1: also added a cool fifty k for coming in second 45 00:02:29,639 --> 00:02:32,360 Speaker 1: in the league's one B one championship, plus another fifty 46 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:35,760 Speaker 1: k for winning unrivaled second half free throat Challenge. So 47 00:02:35,800 --> 00:02:39,440 Speaker 1: I guess what I'm saying is drinks on Alisha to Lacrosse. 48 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:43,000 Speaker 1: The Women's Lacrosse League aka the WL, concludes its twenty 49 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:46,760 Speaker 1: twenty six championship series this weekend just outside Washington, DC. 50 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:48,240 Speaker 2: Quick refresher. 51 00:02:48,639 --> 00:02:51,240 Speaker 1: WL launched last year as an offshoot of the men's 52 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:54,120 Speaker 1: Premier Lacrosse League and consisted of just one short tournament 53 00:02:54,120 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 1: in February and an all star game in Kansas City 54 00:02:56,680 --> 00:02:59,399 Speaker 1: in July, but we're getting a full season this year. 55 00:02:59,560 --> 00:03:02,000 Speaker 1: More on that later in the show. In the meantime, 56 00:03:02,120 --> 00:03:04,960 Speaker 1: all four WL women's teams are currently competing in. 57 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:07,400 Speaker 2: This year's championship series, which began last Friday. 58 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:10,240 Speaker 1: The round robin portion of the tourney concludes tonight, with 59 00:03:10,320 --> 00:03:12,960 Speaker 1: the last ranked Boston Guard taking on the Maryland Charm. 60 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:15,840 Speaker 1: Once the round robin standings are final, the top ranked 61 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:18,400 Speaker 1: team gets a bye to Sunday's championship game, while the 62 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:20,519 Speaker 1: second and third place teams will compete in a semi 63 00:03:20,560 --> 00:03:21,600 Speaker 1: final on Saturday. 64 00:03:21,960 --> 00:03:24,000 Speaker 2: We'll have plenty more on the WLL. 65 00:03:23,680 --> 00:03:26,840 Speaker 1: Championship Series and the state of pro lacrosse in general. 66 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:29,320 Speaker 1: Later in the show was Charlotte, and we'll link to 67 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:33,079 Speaker 1: this weekend's WLL schedule in the show notes to soccer 68 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:35,760 Speaker 1: and the She Believes Cup. The US defeated Canada one 69 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:38,280 Speaker 1: nil Wednesday night, with friend of the Show Ali Sentinor 70 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:39,920 Speaker 1: scoring the lone goal of the game. 71 00:03:39,760 --> 00:03:41,040 Speaker 2: In the fifty fifth minute. 72 00:03:41,120 --> 00:03:43,440 Speaker 1: The twenty two year old Centenor now has three goals 73 00:03:43,480 --> 00:03:46,600 Speaker 1: in four games to start twenty twenty six, with a 74 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:48,560 Speaker 1: two to zero record in the tournament. The US national 75 00:03:48,600 --> 00:03:50,880 Speaker 1: team will look to clinch this year She Believes Trophy 76 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:54,240 Speaker 1: when they take on Columbia on Saturday in Harrison, New Jersey. 77 00:03:54,480 --> 00:03:57,120 Speaker 1: That game begins at three thirty pm Eastern, following an 78 00:03:57,160 --> 00:03:59,800 Speaker 1: earlier twelve thirty pm Eastern matchup between Canada, and o 79 00:03:59,840 --> 00:04:03,280 Speaker 1: Urina More soccer. The Portland Thorns announced that the club 80 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:06,600 Speaker 1: has hired Swedish native Robert Villahem as the club's new coach. 81 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:10,400 Speaker 1: The hiring process took Portland nearly the entire NWSL offseason, 82 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:13,640 Speaker 1: and per ESPNS Jeff Casoof, Villahem didn't become a candidate 83 00:04:13,720 --> 00:04:16,320 Speaker 1: until later in the search period. He most recently served 84 00:04:16,320 --> 00:04:18,880 Speaker 1: as head coach of the Tottenham Hotspur Women in England's 85 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 1: WSL from twenty twenty three to twenty five, and led 86 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:23,960 Speaker 1: them to their first FA Cup final in twenty three 87 00:04:24,040 --> 00:04:26,359 Speaker 1: twenty four, but he was fired last June after the 88 00:04:26,360 --> 00:04:29,080 Speaker 1: team finished the twenty four to twenty five season eleventh 89 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:31,960 Speaker 1: in the league. The appointment, which is contingent on Villahm 90 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:34,680 Speaker 1: receiving a P one visa, comes just one week ahead 91 00:04:34,680 --> 00:04:37,400 Speaker 1: of the start of the twenty twenty six NWSL regular season, 92 00:04:37,720 --> 00:04:40,479 Speaker 1: so tbd whether he'll be there on the sidelines for 93 00:04:40,520 --> 00:04:43,839 Speaker 1: the team's season opener with the Washington Spirit on March thirteenth. 94 00:04:44,839 --> 00:04:47,080 Speaker 1: To college hoops, where teams across the country are in 95 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:49,839 Speaker 1: the thick of conference championships right now, and as of 96 00:04:49,880 --> 00:04:52,200 Speaker 1: this recording, the early rounds are happening, but if you 97 00:04:52,200 --> 00:04:53,440 Speaker 1: want to keep an eye out for some of your 98 00:04:53,440 --> 00:04:57,400 Speaker 1: top favorite squads. UCLA place today at noon Eastern, same 99 00:04:57,440 --> 00:05:00,200 Speaker 1: with South Carolina, while Vanderbilt takes the court tonight at 100 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:02,560 Speaker 1: six pm Eastern and Texas tips off tonight at eight 101 00:05:02,640 --> 00:05:05,880 Speaker 1: thirty Eastern. Top ranked Yukon will start their campaign tomorrow 102 00:05:05,960 --> 00:05:09,640 Speaker 1: at Newon Eastern. Speaking of Yukon, sophomore forward Sarah Strong 103 00:05:09,760 --> 00:05:12,240 Speaker 1: was named Big East Player and Defensive Player of the 104 00:05:12,279 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 1: Year on Thursday. This is just the third time a 105 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:17,080 Speaker 1: player has earned both honors in the same season, and 106 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:20,440 Speaker 1: the first time since two thousand and one. To college hockey, 107 00:05:20,480 --> 00:05:24,000 Speaker 1: where it's also conference tournament season, every women's D one 108 00:05:24,040 --> 00:05:27,040 Speaker 1: conference will crown a champion on Saturday, and those winners 109 00:05:27,080 --> 00:05:30,800 Speaker 1: will all receive an automatic bid to the Ncaattorney Mercyhurst 110 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:34,159 Speaker 1: and Penn State will battle for the AHA title. Yukon 111 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 1: and Northeastern play for Hockey East glory, and the NEWHA 112 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:40,960 Speaker 1: title comes down to Saint Anson and Franklin Pierce. As 113 00:05:40,960 --> 00:05:43,920 Speaker 1: for the WCCHA, we're recording this episode ahead of that. 114 00:05:43,960 --> 00:05:47,440 Speaker 1: Conference is semifinals Thursday night, and the ECAC has its 115 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:49,960 Speaker 1: semi finals this afternoon. So we'll link to the full 116 00:05:49,960 --> 00:05:52,640 Speaker 1: slate of results and games in the show notes. As 117 00:05:52,640 --> 00:05:54,680 Speaker 1: for the conference losers, many of them will still be 118 00:05:54,720 --> 00:05:57,279 Speaker 1: hoping to get an at large bid to the NCAA tournament. 119 00:05:57,440 --> 00:05:59,799 Speaker 1: Those six spots will be handed out on Sunday morning 120 00:06:00,120 --> 00:06:02,640 Speaker 1: and revealed during a selection show at eleven thirty am 121 00:06:02,680 --> 00:06:07,200 Speaker 1: Eastern on ESPNU to the Paralympics. The Milan Courtina Games 122 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,000 Speaker 1: officially get underway today with opening ceremony where the US 123 00:06:10,080 --> 00:06:12,760 Speaker 1: flag will be carried by alpine skier Lorie Stevens and 124 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:15,680 Speaker 1: sled hockey player Josh Paul's Bianca told you a bit 125 00:06:15,680 --> 00:06:19,000 Speaker 1: about Stevens and yesterday's show. She's a seven time Paralympic 126 00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:21,400 Speaker 1: medalist who will be making her sixth. 127 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:22,880 Speaker 2: Winter Paralympic appearance in Italy. 128 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:26,479 Speaker 1: On Saturday, it's time to start awarding medals and handing 129 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:30,120 Speaker 1: out melos. Alpine skiing gets underway with the women's downhill 130 00:06:30,160 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaker 1: and its three main event categories sitting, standing, and visually impaired. 131 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:37,520 Speaker 1: Also on Saturday, Paara Biathlon will award its first medals 132 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:39,880 Speaker 1: in the women's sprint, which means will be on Oaksana, 133 00:06:39,960 --> 00:06:43,720 Speaker 1: Master's and Kendall gretch, podium watch looking ahead to Sunday 134 00:06:43,760 --> 00:06:46,600 Speaker 1: medals and snowboarding are on the line in the snowboard 135 00:06:46,640 --> 00:06:50,200 Speaker 1: cross competition where Brenna Huckabee should be a factor. And 136 00:06:50,240 --> 00:06:52,520 Speaker 1: that's just a slice of what's happening, not to mention 137 00:06:52,760 --> 00:06:56,520 Speaker 1: all the curling, truly so much curling. We'll link to 138 00:06:56,520 --> 00:06:58,960 Speaker 1: the full Paralympic schedule in the show notes. 139 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:00,520 Speaker 2: Curling. 140 00:07:00,760 --> 00:07:03,880 Speaker 1: The Associated Press reported earlier this week that two stones 141 00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:06,520 Speaker 1: set to be used at the Paralympics were stolen from 142 00:07:06,520 --> 00:07:09,080 Speaker 1: the competition venue ahead at the start of the Games. 143 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:12,400 Speaker 1: The stolen stones were replaced by spares, so the heist 144 00:07:12,440 --> 00:07:15,240 Speaker 1: didn't delay the competition. Though you will recall from our 145 00:07:15,280 --> 00:07:18,160 Speaker 1: Olympic Curling episode that athletes do keep notes on each 146 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,680 Speaker 1: specific stone as each one behaves slightly differently, so if 147 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:24,040 Speaker 1: they were warming up or practicing ahead of the Games 148 00:07:24,080 --> 00:07:27,880 Speaker 1: with those stones, they better update their rock journal. Also, 149 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:32,000 Speaker 1: those puppies are pricey. Olympic certified stones cost over nine 150 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:35,720 Speaker 1: hundred dollars a piece to the PWHL where the league 151 00:07:35,720 --> 00:07:38,360 Speaker 1: announced on Thursday that next month's game at Madison Square 152 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:40,840 Speaker 1: Garden between the New York Sirens and Seattle torrent is 153 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:44,880 Speaker 1: already sold out with a capacity of just over eighteen 154 00:07:44,960 --> 00:07:47,640 Speaker 1: thousand for hockey, the game is expected to break the 155 00:07:47,760 --> 00:07:51,040 Speaker 1: US women's hockey attendance record, which was just broken again 156 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:52,920 Speaker 1: last week at Climate Pledge Arena. 157 00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:55,320 Speaker 2: I think this would be the fourth time this year 158 00:07:56,160 --> 00:07:56,840 Speaker 2: and that's not all. 159 00:07:56,960 --> 00:07:59,800 Speaker 1: The PWHL also announced that April's game at Boston's td 160 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:02,640 Speaker 1: Go Garden is sold out. That venue has a capacity 161 00:08:02,640 --> 00:08:06,679 Speaker 1: of just over seventeen thy eight hundred. Women's hockey Rodney 162 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:10,560 Speaker 1: sky High Olympic Bump. We love to see it. In 163 00:08:10,600 --> 00:08:13,360 Speaker 1: the meantime, there are two PWHL games this weekend, both 164 00:08:13,400 --> 00:08:16,520 Speaker 1: on Sunday, with the Toronto Scepters hosting the Minnesota Frost 165 00:08:16,600 --> 00:08:19,920 Speaker 1: and the New York Sirens hosting the Ottawa Charge Back 166 00:08:19,960 --> 00:08:22,560 Speaker 1: to Hoops. Ahead of next week's Feeble Women's World Cup 167 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:25,880 Speaker 1: qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA Basketball has 168 00:08:25,920 --> 00:08:28,800 Speaker 1: announced a few changes to its roster. The program announced 169 00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:32,000 Speaker 1: that Sonya Citron and Eleah Boston are no longer available 170 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:34,959 Speaker 1: to compete at the tournament. Both sustained injuries while playing 171 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:37,840 Speaker 1: and unrivaled. They'll be replaced on the roster by Monique 172 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:41,520 Speaker 1: Billings and Ray Burrell. The qualifying tourney gets underway next Wednesday, 173 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:44,800 Speaker 1: March eleventh, and continues through the seventeenth. The US team 174 00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:47,280 Speaker 1: has already qualified for the Feeble World Cup, which will 175 00:08:47,280 --> 00:08:50,960 Speaker 1: be held in Germany in September. To Love Pro Volleyball, 176 00:08:51,120 --> 00:08:53,520 Speaker 1: where the twenty twenty six regular season is just over 177 00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:56,640 Speaker 1: halfway complete. As of this recording, Love Salt Lake currently 178 00:08:56,720 --> 00:09:00,200 Speaker 1: leads the standings, followed closely by Love Houston. There are 179 00:09:00,200 --> 00:09:02,560 Speaker 1: a bunch of matches on the calendar this weekend, beginning 180 00:09:02,559 --> 00:09:05,959 Speaker 1: tonight with a Texas Showdown between Houston and Austin. We'll 181 00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:10,360 Speaker 1: link to the full schedule in the show notes. All right, 182 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:11,920 Speaker 1: we got to take a break. When we come back, 183 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:14,679 Speaker 1: it's lacrosse superstar Charlotte North. I got up with her 184 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 1: on Wednesday ahead of tonight's must win game between her 185 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:20,600 Speaker 1: Boston Guard and the Maryland charm Stick Around. 186 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:28,439 Speaker 2: Joining us now. 187 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:30,600 Speaker 1: She's a lacrosse player for the Boston Guard of the 188 00:09:30,600 --> 00:09:33,400 Speaker 1: Women's Lacrosse League. She played her college lax at Duke 189 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:36,280 Speaker 1: then Boston College, and was a two time Twurton Award 190 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:38,640 Speaker 1: winner as the NCAA's most outstanding player. 191 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:40,760 Speaker 2: She held the Division One record for women's. 192 00:09:40,520 --> 00:09:42,720 Speaker 1: Lacrosse goals when she graduated and went straight to play 193 00:09:42,720 --> 00:09:46,280 Speaker 1: for Team USA and Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse before joining the WLL. 194 00:09:46,320 --> 00:09:49,400 Speaker 1: When it launched last year, LAX experts call her the 195 00:09:49,440 --> 00:09:51,839 Speaker 1: best player on the planet. 196 00:09:52,080 --> 00:09:54,440 Speaker 2: It's Charlotte North. Hi, Charlotte Hi. 197 00:09:54,640 --> 00:09:56,319 Speaker 3: How are you guys? Thank you for having me. 198 00:09:56,640 --> 00:09:58,320 Speaker 2: There's no one better for me to ask. Did I 199 00:09:58,360 --> 00:09:59,439 Speaker 2: say tea Warreton? 200 00:10:00,320 --> 00:10:03,800 Speaker 3: Right? It's hard, it's hard. It's two war Aton. It's 201 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:06,280 Speaker 3: a really really special honor in our sport. It's the 202 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:09,440 Speaker 3: equivalent of the Heisman in football. A lot of history 203 00:10:09,440 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 3: behind the award. It's really special. 204 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:14,280 Speaker 2: Okay, well I'll remember that because you've won two? Are 205 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:15,559 Speaker 2: a ten of them? 206 00:10:16,600 --> 00:10:18,040 Speaker 3: Exactly? Harderful? 207 00:10:18,080 --> 00:10:19,360 Speaker 2: Well, thanks for joining us. 208 00:10:19,360 --> 00:10:21,600 Speaker 1: We're so excited to learn more about the WL and 209 00:10:21,640 --> 00:10:24,840 Speaker 1: its future and the WL Championship series that's closing out 210 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:27,840 Speaker 1: this weekend that folks can watch on the ESPN app 211 00:10:27,880 --> 00:10:30,360 Speaker 1: and on the WLL streaming hub. But before we get 212 00:10:30,400 --> 00:10:31,720 Speaker 1: to all that, I kind of want to go back 213 00:10:31,760 --> 00:10:34,880 Speaker 1: and talk about when you were graduating college, what the 214 00:10:34,920 --> 00:10:38,360 Speaker 1: post collegiate landscape looked like. You graduated in twenty twenty two, 215 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:40,440 Speaker 1: what did it look like if you wanted to play 216 00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:43,080 Speaker 1: pro or play for the national team, what were your options. 217 00:10:43,679 --> 00:10:46,920 Speaker 3: Yeah, So we had a professional league known as Athletes 218 00:10:46,960 --> 00:10:50,480 Speaker 3: Unlimited when I graduated from college and then It's been 219 00:10:50,559 --> 00:10:53,000 Speaker 3: a lifelong dream of vine to have an opportunity to 220 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:55,599 Speaker 3: try out for Team USA and to be able to 221 00:10:55,640 --> 00:10:58,560 Speaker 3: represent our country on the world stage. So I was 222 00:10:58,960 --> 00:11:01,959 Speaker 3: very fortunate while I was in college. I received an 223 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:05,920 Speaker 3: invitation to try out during my college career, and I 224 00:11:06,080 --> 00:11:09,720 Speaker 3: was so nervous, so intimidated as you can imagine, just 225 00:11:09,760 --> 00:11:11,920 Speaker 3: all the players that I've looked up to for as 226 00:11:11,960 --> 00:11:14,200 Speaker 3: long as I can remember being a part of that 227 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:18,040 Speaker 3: player pool in that tryout process, and it is It's 228 00:11:18,200 --> 00:11:21,600 Speaker 3: some of the most intense, intense meeting rooms and spaces 229 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:24,840 Speaker 3: and fields you'll ever see in a game. But I 230 00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:26,720 Speaker 3: was lucky enough to have an opportunity to try out 231 00:11:26,720 --> 00:11:29,400 Speaker 3: for that team, and then I played with Athletes Unlimited 232 00:11:29,559 --> 00:11:30,840 Speaker 3: for a few years post college. 233 00:11:31,120 --> 00:11:33,000 Speaker 1: Yeah, and before that, there were a couple of leagues 234 00:11:33,080 --> 00:11:36,439 Speaker 1: United Women's Lacrosse League from twenty sixteen to eighteen, Women's 235 00:11:36,440 --> 00:11:39,640 Speaker 1: Professional Lacrosse League from twenty eighteen to twenty twenty, and 236 00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:41,200 Speaker 1: it felt like there was a bit of a group 237 00:11:41,240 --> 00:11:43,440 Speaker 1: with athletes unlimited, in part because it's part of this 238 00:11:43,600 --> 00:11:46,920 Speaker 1: larger company that owns a number of different sports. You 239 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:49,240 Speaker 1: led the league in goals, two point goals, and points 240 00:11:49,240 --> 00:11:52,240 Speaker 1: in each season, but that league ends up shutting down 241 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:55,320 Speaker 1: in twenty twenty five. It became clear that national team 242 00:11:55,360 --> 00:11:57,600 Speaker 1: requirements for players leading up to the Olympics were going 243 00:11:57,640 --> 00:11:59,560 Speaker 1: to make things really tough. A lot of players are 244 00:11:59,640 --> 00:12:03,040 Speaker 1: coaching college as well, so those schedules were interrupting things, 245 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:05,200 Speaker 1: and then the WLL might have played a little bit 246 00:12:05,240 --> 00:12:07,400 Speaker 1: of a part in that. So were you surprised to 247 00:12:07,440 --> 00:12:10,600 Speaker 1: see that AU lacrosse ended or did it feel like 248 00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:13,040 Speaker 1: WLL kind of came in and was one or the other? 249 00:12:14,240 --> 00:12:18,240 Speaker 3: Well the year This past summer, the schedule internationally, like 250 00:12:18,280 --> 00:12:21,800 Speaker 3: you mentioned, was a bit crazy because we have different 251 00:12:21,840 --> 00:12:24,600 Speaker 3: disciplines of our sport that are played, and the one 252 00:12:24,640 --> 00:12:27,280 Speaker 3: that will be represented in Los Angeles in twenty twenty 253 00:12:27,280 --> 00:12:30,440 Speaker 3: eight is six is lacrosse, and so we had a 254 00:12:30,559 --> 00:12:33,880 Speaker 3: six's team USA lacrosse team participating in the World Games 255 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,760 Speaker 3: in Chengdu, China, and then we also had our Continental 256 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:41,439 Speaker 3: qualifier for the field team. What lacrosse fans are used 257 00:12:41,480 --> 00:12:44,800 Speaker 3: to seeing before Sixes became about, and that's the traditional 258 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:47,599 Speaker 3: ten v ten full field format. So we had a 259 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:50,480 Speaker 3: number of different international events on the calendar for the summer, 260 00:12:50,520 --> 00:12:52,600 Speaker 3: so it made it a little bit hard to have 261 00:12:52,760 --> 00:12:56,120 Speaker 3: that season, and ultimately they decided to shut it down. 262 00:12:56,160 --> 00:12:59,960 Speaker 3: But we were so excited about building and seeing all 263 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:02,240 Speaker 3: the behind the scenes work of the WL and the 264 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:06,160 Speaker 3: excitement that was building to the inaugural Championship Series a 265 00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:09,319 Speaker 3: year ago, and to see how excited fans were, how 266 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,960 Speaker 3: excited the pros were, The best players in the world 267 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:14,240 Speaker 3: were ready to suit up for these four teams and 268 00:13:14,280 --> 00:13:17,200 Speaker 3: represent these four cities and just go compete, and it's 269 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:19,599 Speaker 3: just been nothing short of amazing, and it's just the 270 00:13:19,640 --> 00:13:20,600 Speaker 3: beginning for us. 271 00:13:20,920 --> 00:13:22,400 Speaker 1: A little bit later, I want to talk about how 272 00:13:22,400 --> 00:13:24,520 Speaker 1: sixes is different and which one you like more, But 273 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:29,439 Speaker 1: you mentioned the WL. This feels different than Athletes Unlimited 274 00:13:29,480 --> 00:13:31,800 Speaker 1: in part because it's the traditional team format as opposed 275 00:13:31,800 --> 00:13:34,719 Speaker 1: to Athletes Unlimited, where individuals win. It's also tied to 276 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:37,800 Speaker 1: a men's league, the Professional Lacrosse League, which gives it 277 00:13:37,840 --> 00:13:39,920 Speaker 1: a little bit of heft in terms of adopting and 278 00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:43,559 Speaker 1: building off of an audience that's been created for that league, 279 00:13:43,760 --> 00:13:45,400 Speaker 1: But we had a lot of questions when it started 280 00:13:45,400 --> 00:13:48,800 Speaker 1: because they launched like a league with teams in cities 281 00:13:49,160 --> 00:13:51,839 Speaker 1: that they didn't play in or for, and it ended 282 00:13:51,920 --> 00:13:54,679 Speaker 1: up being just this one WLL Championship Series, a one 283 00:13:54,679 --> 00:13:58,040 Speaker 1: week tournament in Virginia in February of last year, using 284 00:13:58,040 --> 00:13:59,040 Speaker 1: that six's format. 285 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:00,839 Speaker 2: So what were you. 286 00:14:00,840 --> 00:14:03,720 Speaker 1: Told when WLL started and did you think for twenty 287 00:14:03,760 --> 00:14:05,640 Speaker 1: twenty five at least it would just be that one 288 00:14:05,640 --> 00:14:06,760 Speaker 1: week of competition. 289 00:14:07,800 --> 00:14:09,880 Speaker 3: So we knew that, you know, a lot of players 290 00:14:09,880 --> 00:14:12,840 Speaker 3: had anticipated playing that summer, whether it be with their 291 00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:15,520 Speaker 3: national team or whether it be with athletes unlimited, and 292 00:14:15,520 --> 00:14:18,920 Speaker 3: that pivoted quickly, as you mentioned, so we weren't sure 293 00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 3: what the schedule would look like. But what we did 294 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:22,720 Speaker 3: know is that we were going to play in the 295 00:14:22,760 --> 00:14:26,160 Speaker 3: inaugural Championship Series. And how excited everybody was, you know, 296 00:14:26,240 --> 00:14:29,960 Speaker 3: from every player that has aspired to play this sport 297 00:14:30,000 --> 00:14:32,480 Speaker 3: that we love for a living, you know, to every 298 00:14:32,520 --> 00:14:34,800 Speaker 3: fan and every young player that aspires to one day 299 00:14:34,800 --> 00:14:37,960 Speaker 3: play professionally. I mean, everybody was so excited and so 300 00:14:38,240 --> 00:14:40,520 Speaker 3: leading into that Championship series, we all, you know, learned 301 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:43,040 Speaker 3: what teams we were part of, We met our coaching stabs, 302 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,040 Speaker 3: and we were just so excited to be able to 303 00:14:45,040 --> 00:14:47,960 Speaker 3: be on a team in a locker room, having team meetings, 304 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:51,480 Speaker 3: you know, scouting our opponents, representing a city and to 305 00:14:51,560 --> 00:14:53,600 Speaker 3: move forward in that way. And so we also had 306 00:14:53,600 --> 00:14:56,800 Speaker 3: an awesome All Star event in the summer that we 307 00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:59,480 Speaker 3: were able to fit in in between all the international 308 00:14:59,480 --> 00:15:02,480 Speaker 3: events that mention, and that was unbelievable. We played in 309 00:15:02,520 --> 00:15:05,040 Speaker 3: Kansas City, Missouri, which is, you know, not a traditional 310 00:15:05,280 --> 00:15:07,720 Speaker 3: hotbed for the sport of lacrosse, but to see the 311 00:15:07,760 --> 00:15:09,960 Speaker 3: way that they were excited for us to bring the 312 00:15:10,040 --> 00:15:13,280 Speaker 3: highest level of our sport to them to their backyard, 313 00:15:13,280 --> 00:15:17,680 Speaker 3: to play in a beautiful NWSL venue, it was It 314 00:15:17,720 --> 00:15:21,400 Speaker 3: was just so inspiring and motivating for the players because 315 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:23,720 Speaker 3: we got to feel a taste of what is to 316 00:15:23,760 --> 00:15:26,520 Speaker 3: come this summer when we have our first full season 317 00:15:26,720 --> 00:15:28,520 Speaker 3: and we will be traveling around and we will be 318 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:32,120 Speaker 3: representing these cities and getting to bring these you know, 319 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:35,280 Speaker 3: amazing teams and staffs who have worked tirelessly around the 320 00:15:35,280 --> 00:15:37,960 Speaker 3: clock getting to bring them to the fans. You know, 321 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:40,320 Speaker 3: the fans have been amazing here at the Championship Series 322 00:15:40,760 --> 00:15:43,480 Speaker 3: right outside of DC, and we've felt their presence, whether 323 00:15:43,520 --> 00:15:45,800 Speaker 3: you know they love a certain team or player, whoever 324 00:15:45,840 --> 00:15:48,520 Speaker 3: it is. They've showed out, we've had sold out crowds, 325 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:51,200 Speaker 3: they're watching on ESPN. But for us to be able 326 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:54,840 Speaker 3: to bring our best and our product to them directly 327 00:15:54,840 --> 00:15:56,600 Speaker 3: in a city like Boston, the team I played for, 328 00:15:56,960 --> 00:15:59,400 Speaker 3: that's something that you know, we are over the top 329 00:15:59,440 --> 00:16:02,800 Speaker 3: about cited and we just we're honored to represent these 330 00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:05,600 Speaker 3: four locations, but more importantly, we can't wait to connect 331 00:16:05,640 --> 00:16:06,160 Speaker 3: with the fans. 332 00:16:06,520 --> 00:16:07,040 Speaker 2: Oh my gosh. 333 00:16:07,080 --> 00:16:09,240 Speaker 1: I have so many questions about what's coming later this summer, 334 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:10,600 Speaker 1: but we'll get to that in a little bit, because 335 00:16:10,600 --> 00:16:13,240 Speaker 1: I do want to ask you. You know, in some women's sports, 336 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:16,360 Speaker 1: there's a real point of pride in not having to 337 00:16:16,400 --> 00:16:19,120 Speaker 1: operate alongside a men's league, and in others like lacrosse, 338 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:21,800 Speaker 1: where the men's sport hasn't really broken through at the 339 00:16:21,800 --> 00:16:26,040 Speaker 1: same level as some other professional sports, it's probably a 340 00:16:26,080 --> 00:16:29,400 Speaker 1: great benefit, maybe even necessary to build along with each other. 341 00:16:29,720 --> 00:16:32,880 Speaker 1: Does it feel to you that being in a part 342 00:16:32,920 --> 00:16:36,440 Speaker 1: with the p LLL will benefit the growth of your sport? 343 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:39,520 Speaker 3: I think certainly. I think you think you look at 344 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:42,200 Speaker 3: the way that you know, Paul Rabel, Mike Rabel, Rachel 345 00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:44,640 Speaker 3: Decheco and a number of other people at the league 346 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:48,120 Speaker 3: have built the PLL and have built these incredible, you 347 00:16:48,160 --> 00:16:50,120 Speaker 3: know markets for all these teams that they have and 348 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:52,760 Speaker 3: for these professional players who now get to do this 349 00:16:52,800 --> 00:16:55,200 Speaker 3: for a living and call it their full time job, 350 00:16:55,280 --> 00:16:57,520 Speaker 3: like that is that's the dream, and they're doing it 351 00:16:57,520 --> 00:17:00,320 Speaker 3: in such an inspiring way and I think the right way, 352 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:03,840 Speaker 3: and so we're lucky to be under that fold and 353 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:06,560 Speaker 3: sort of to also, you know, pave our own way 354 00:17:06,800 --> 00:17:10,959 Speaker 3: and create our own individual team cultures and what our 355 00:17:11,080 --> 00:17:13,879 Speaker 3: organizations look like. And you know, the sports, when you 356 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:16,080 Speaker 3: look at them from you know, a bird's eye view, 357 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:18,480 Speaker 3: men's and women's lacrosse are a little bit different. You know, 358 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:20,800 Speaker 3: we wear different equipment, the style of the game is 359 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:23,280 Speaker 3: a little bit different, the type of athlete is a 360 00:17:23,320 --> 00:17:25,879 Speaker 3: little bit different. But each game is exciting in its 361 00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:28,800 Speaker 3: own right. And it feels really positive to be rowing 362 00:17:28,800 --> 00:17:31,840 Speaker 3: in the same direction as these these male athletes who 363 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:35,199 Speaker 3: want the same as us. And you know, again I 364 00:17:35,320 --> 00:17:38,040 Speaker 3: referenced LA twenty eight a little bit ago, but the 365 00:17:38,080 --> 00:17:40,679 Speaker 3: men have been included in the Olympics before quite some 366 00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:42,480 Speaker 3: time ago. This is actually the first time the women 367 00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:45,600 Speaker 3: will be included on the lacrosse front, and so we're 368 00:17:45,640 --> 00:17:47,719 Speaker 3: just ready to show show the world how exciting our 369 00:17:47,720 --> 00:17:50,040 Speaker 3: sport is. We know how exciting it is. It's fast, 370 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:52,439 Speaker 3: it's NonStop action. If you turn on the TV this 371 00:17:52,480 --> 00:17:55,159 Speaker 3: weekend and you watch Championship Series, we are, you know, 372 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:59,160 Speaker 3: fighting like crazy to make plays on the field. It's physical, 373 00:18:00,160 --> 00:18:02,320 Speaker 3: is NonStop action, and it's the best athletes in the 374 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:04,719 Speaker 3: world I think, you know, across any sport because of 375 00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:07,600 Speaker 3: what the sport requires of you in terms of athleticism 376 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:10,440 Speaker 3: and skill. But it is very special to be rowing 377 00:18:10,520 --> 00:18:12,600 Speaker 3: in the same direction, to be able to represent you know, 378 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:14,800 Speaker 3: the Boston Garden. Have you know the Boston Cannons on 379 00:18:14,800 --> 00:18:17,160 Speaker 3: the men's side, which you know gets the city equally 380 00:18:17,200 --> 00:18:20,120 Speaker 3: as excited. So it's been it's been special to see 381 00:18:20,119 --> 00:18:22,520 Speaker 3: what they've been building on the PLL side, and we're 382 00:18:22,520 --> 00:18:24,520 Speaker 3: excited to pave our own way as well on the 383 00:18:24,560 --> 00:18:25,760 Speaker 3: on the WL side. 384 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,879 Speaker 1: You mentioned the speed, and that's especially so in lacrosse sixes, 385 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:30,840 Speaker 1: which is what's going to be featured in the Olympics. 386 00:18:31,080 --> 00:18:33,480 Speaker 1: Can you give us a very brief explainer of the 387 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:35,960 Speaker 1: biggest differences between sixes and regular lacrosse. 388 00:18:36,680 --> 00:18:39,399 Speaker 3: Yeah, so it's a little bit like rugby. So you 389 00:18:39,480 --> 00:18:41,280 Speaker 3: have you know, your full field rugby, and then you 390 00:18:41,280 --> 00:18:43,400 Speaker 3: have rugby sevens or basketball you have you know, five 391 00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:45,480 Speaker 3: on five and then there's three on three basketball. So 392 00:18:45,520 --> 00:18:48,520 Speaker 3: it's it's a shorter field, it's less people on the 393 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:51,760 Speaker 3: field at once. It's five on five plus a goalie, 394 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:55,240 Speaker 3: and it's equal possession and NonStop action. So in the 395 00:18:55,240 --> 00:18:58,080 Speaker 3: field game, you have the full football sized field, You've 396 00:18:58,119 --> 00:19:02,040 Speaker 3: got a little bit more position specific type of players. 397 00:19:02,560 --> 00:19:04,680 Speaker 3: You've got players that take the face off or the draw. 398 00:19:04,760 --> 00:19:07,800 Speaker 3: You've got attackers, defenders, midfielders, kind of like in soccer, 399 00:19:08,440 --> 00:19:10,760 Speaker 3: but in six's lacrosse it's more at the pace of 400 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:14,119 Speaker 3: hockey where you are just shifting on and off, you 401 00:19:14,160 --> 00:19:17,160 Speaker 3: are going both ways. You have to be in supreme, 402 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:21,439 Speaker 3: supreme shape and have elite endurance and athleticism, and you 403 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:24,200 Speaker 3: have to be able to do everything otherwise you get exposed. 404 00:19:24,240 --> 00:19:26,639 Speaker 3: So it is it is so much fun to be 405 00:19:27,040 --> 00:19:28,880 Speaker 3: out there on the field and to be in that 406 00:19:29,040 --> 00:19:32,560 Speaker 3: condensed environment, but to be going back and forth NonStop 407 00:19:32,560 --> 00:19:34,879 Speaker 3: action to scores that you will see in a six's 408 00:19:34,920 --> 00:19:37,960 Speaker 3: game are much higher than they would be in the 409 00:19:37,960 --> 00:19:41,000 Speaker 3: field game, just because it is NonStop action and as 410 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:42,640 Speaker 3: soon as you score a goal, the goalie is picking 411 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:43,840 Speaker 3: it up out of the back of the net and 412 00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:44,520 Speaker 3: they're going the end. 413 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:46,920 Speaker 1: There's a shot clock, so and there is a stresses 414 00:19:46,960 --> 00:19:48,879 Speaker 1: you into action. You can't dick around with it. You 415 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,840 Speaker 1: got to make a move and yep, yeah. I heard 416 00:19:51,840 --> 00:19:54,040 Speaker 1: someone describe it as like kind of like five on 417 00:19:54,119 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 1: five basketball, but with a goalie. You've got pick and 418 00:19:56,160 --> 00:19:58,760 Speaker 1: rolls and screenplays. It's a little bit more accessible version 419 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:00,399 Speaker 1: of the game for people who maybe or not as 420 00:20:00,560 --> 00:20:04,200 Speaker 1: familiar with lacrosse. What is this two point line that's 421 00:20:04,240 --> 00:20:06,360 Speaker 1: new to the WLLL this season and will. 422 00:20:06,160 --> 00:20:07,040 Speaker 2: That be in the Olympics. 423 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:09,520 Speaker 3: It will not be in the Olympics, I don't think, 424 00:20:09,560 --> 00:20:12,080 Speaker 3: but it is new to the WL this season. The 425 00:20:12,119 --> 00:20:14,280 Speaker 3: men have been using it in both the six's format 426 00:20:14,280 --> 00:20:17,159 Speaker 3: and the outdoor ten on ten format, but we've been 427 00:20:17,160 --> 00:20:20,119 Speaker 3: excited to have it implemented into our game. It just 428 00:20:20,160 --> 00:20:23,359 Speaker 3: makes for more exciting plays. Different schemes, different coaches are 429 00:20:23,400 --> 00:20:26,399 Speaker 3: working on to either defend the two point shot or 430 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:28,840 Speaker 3: draw up a two point play, and it can also 431 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:31,320 Speaker 3: provide a lot of excitement, and games can change on 432 00:20:31,359 --> 00:20:34,120 Speaker 3: a dime because you can score a goal that's worth two, 433 00:20:34,240 --> 00:20:37,480 Speaker 3: or vice versa get scored on and it's just such 434 00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:39,440 Speaker 3: a game of runs, and I think that's what's so exciting, 435 00:20:39,440 --> 00:20:42,560 Speaker 3: And especially in sixes, you're never out of it and 436 00:20:42,560 --> 00:20:44,960 Speaker 3: you're never No lead is safe in sixes either, so 437 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:47,280 Speaker 3: you just have to be able to keep going, put 438 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:49,480 Speaker 3: your foot on the gas, and play both sides of 439 00:20:49,480 --> 00:20:51,440 Speaker 3: the ball. I think it's the best format for any 440 00:20:51,480 --> 00:20:53,960 Speaker 3: youth player who is just starting the game. I think 441 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,439 Speaker 3: it is the perfect way to get acclimated to the 442 00:20:56,480 --> 00:21:00,679 Speaker 3: skills and athleticism that the field game requires. Like you mentioned, 443 00:21:00,720 --> 00:21:03,280 Speaker 3: you know, less resources are required, less people are required 444 00:21:03,320 --> 00:21:05,480 Speaker 3: on a team, and you can really you can grab 445 00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:08,560 Speaker 3: five buddies and go to the park and play against 446 00:21:08,600 --> 00:21:10,959 Speaker 3: a team and it doesn't require a whole lot. So 447 00:21:11,280 --> 00:21:12,679 Speaker 3: it's really fun to get to play it at the 448 00:21:12,720 --> 00:21:14,840 Speaker 3: highest level and then to get to see all these 449 00:21:14,880 --> 00:21:17,840 Speaker 3: youth programs and everybody who's excited about the discipline. 450 00:21:18,280 --> 00:21:20,320 Speaker 1: Yeah, so the two point is just what it sounds like, 451 00:21:20,359 --> 00:21:22,359 Speaker 1: except it's two points instead of three. But it's like 452 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:23,960 Speaker 1: the three point line in basket all it's just a 453 00:21:23,960 --> 00:21:25,520 Speaker 1: way to score more points, so you can get your 454 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:27,760 Speaker 1: Caitlin Clark, Sabrinia and Escu. 455 00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:28,880 Speaker 3: On in the middle of a game if you've got 456 00:21:28,880 --> 00:21:29,359 Speaker 3: to breach. 457 00:21:29,800 --> 00:21:31,280 Speaker 2: Yeah. 458 00:21:31,320 --> 00:21:33,520 Speaker 1: So the squad that you captain, the Boston Guard won 459 00:21:33,560 --> 00:21:35,640 Speaker 1: the inaugural WLL Championship Series. 460 00:21:35,720 --> 00:21:36,080 Speaker 2: Last year. 461 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:38,359 Speaker 1: You bested the three other teams, the California Palms, the 462 00:21:38,400 --> 00:21:41,720 Speaker 1: Maryland Charm and the New York Charging. So you do 463 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:47,359 Speaker 1: anticipate more competitions after this championship series that concludes this weekend. 464 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:50,160 Speaker 2: What is on the schedule for the Women's Across League. 465 00:21:50,760 --> 00:21:54,000 Speaker 3: So after the Championship series concludes, we will be gearing 466 00:21:54,119 --> 00:21:56,840 Speaker 3: up for our first ever full summer season, So this 467 00:21:56,880 --> 00:21:59,600 Speaker 3: will be our first full go at it all summer, 468 00:21:59,640 --> 00:22:02,160 Speaker 3: will be traveling around, will be playing in the ten 469 00:22:02,240 --> 00:22:04,159 Speaker 3: to ten format, which is actually what we played in 470 00:22:04,200 --> 00:22:06,240 Speaker 3: the All Star Game in Kansas City that I mentioned, 471 00:22:06,600 --> 00:22:08,000 Speaker 3: So we got a little taste of that and it 472 00:22:08,119 --> 00:22:11,760 Speaker 3: was unbelievably exciting. It was so close, you know, even 473 00:22:11,800 --> 00:22:13,040 Speaker 3: though it was an All Star game. Now we're going 474 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:16,800 Speaker 3: to be with our teams representing our cities and continuing 475 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:19,719 Speaker 3: on what we've built from you know, the Championship series 476 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:23,720 Speaker 3: on and adapting and adjusting because it's a different, different format, 477 00:22:23,760 --> 00:22:25,840 Speaker 3: but you know, one people are very familiar with, and 478 00:22:26,119 --> 00:22:27,879 Speaker 3: we just can't wait to get out there and be 479 00:22:27,960 --> 00:22:29,879 Speaker 3: traveling around and play on the weekends in the summer, 480 00:22:29,880 --> 00:22:33,040 Speaker 3: play on TV, and be able to again bring our 481 00:22:33,119 --> 00:22:35,680 Speaker 3: product and the best players in the world to these 482 00:22:35,720 --> 00:22:39,600 Speaker 3: markets where they are so excited to have professional lacrosse 483 00:22:39,640 --> 00:22:41,480 Speaker 3: for the first time, some of them. You know, for 484 00:22:41,840 --> 00:22:45,200 Speaker 3: so long, the college game was the most talked about 485 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:47,240 Speaker 3: version of the game, the most viewed version of the game, 486 00:22:47,280 --> 00:22:49,840 Speaker 3: the most attended version of the game. And now you're 487 00:22:49,840 --> 00:22:52,000 Speaker 3: seeing the tides kind of shift a little bit. You're 488 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:54,680 Speaker 3: seeing all these college players come into the professional game 489 00:22:54,720 --> 00:22:57,040 Speaker 3: and have a place to play and do it for 490 00:22:57,080 --> 00:22:59,439 Speaker 3: a living and get to play all summer long and 491 00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:03,080 Speaker 3: compete for a championship that we will we will soon 492 00:23:03,119 --> 00:23:05,560 Speaker 3: find out who will take home this September. 493 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:09,160 Speaker 1: So starts in May, it looks like, and then ends 494 00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:11,000 Speaker 1: in August in Philadelphia. 495 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:13,400 Speaker 2: Maybe, so it's just. 496 00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:17,040 Speaker 1: The four original teams to start out with, right, Yes, yep. 497 00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:19,920 Speaker 1: But I'm also seeing some neutral market games, so kind 498 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:22,399 Speaker 1: of like the PWHL's takeover tour World. They'll send the 499 00:23:22,560 --> 00:23:24,760 Speaker 1: teams to a city that doesn't have a team yet, 500 00:23:24,800 --> 00:23:27,080 Speaker 1: one of which is my city of Chicago, So I'll 501 00:23:27,080 --> 00:23:28,479 Speaker 1: have to keep an eye out for when y'all are 502 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:30,800 Speaker 1: coming to see me. Is it all four teams that 503 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:32,760 Speaker 1: are going to go to those each of those cities 504 00:23:32,840 --> 00:23:33,720 Speaker 1: or just two at a time. 505 00:23:34,359 --> 00:23:36,400 Speaker 3: Each team has a different schedule, so there'll be certain 506 00:23:36,440 --> 00:23:40,480 Speaker 3: teams on certain weekends. But Chicago, it's a budding lacrosse town. 507 00:23:40,680 --> 00:23:43,399 Speaker 3: They have Northwestern which is a premier women's program. The 508 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:45,520 Speaker 3: final four will actually be hosted by them for the 509 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:49,080 Speaker 3: women in college on Memorial Day weekend at the end 510 00:23:49,119 --> 00:23:51,880 Speaker 3: of May. And then to see the way that they have, 511 00:23:52,040 --> 00:23:55,440 Speaker 3: you know, embrace pro lacrosse. They don't have a team yet. 512 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:57,639 Speaker 3: Hopefully one day, you know that will be the case, 513 00:23:57,640 --> 00:24:00,880 Speaker 3: but they have embraced the pro game. They show up, 514 00:24:00,920 --> 00:24:04,359 Speaker 3: they are excited for us to come there and hopefully 515 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:05,440 Speaker 3: we can have you atter the game. 516 00:24:06,119 --> 00:24:06,560 Speaker 2: I love this. 517 00:24:06,640 --> 00:24:09,040 Speaker 1: So this is just coming out because just a couple 518 00:24:09,040 --> 00:24:10,760 Speaker 1: of weeks ago, when I was looking for more information 519 00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:13,360 Speaker 1: about the WLL season, it wasn't out yet. But now 520 00:24:13,359 --> 00:24:15,320 Speaker 1: you've got this full season, so folks, can go to 521 00:24:15,440 --> 00:24:20,000 Speaker 1: THEWL dot com slash schedule and see this schedule for 522 00:24:20,040 --> 00:24:23,120 Speaker 1: the first twenty twenty sixth season that includes that Chicago date, 523 00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:25,800 Speaker 1: San Diego, a couple other places that'll be fun for 524 00:24:25,840 --> 00:24:28,600 Speaker 1: folks to check it out. Before we get to that season, 525 00:24:28,640 --> 00:24:32,320 Speaker 1: we do have to conclude this Championship series. Last week 526 00:24:32,880 --> 00:24:35,840 Speaker 1: the series got underway and it will conclude this weekend. 527 00:24:35,840 --> 00:24:37,920 Speaker 1: Your Guard fell to the Charging in a rematch of 528 00:24:38,000 --> 00:24:40,840 Speaker 1: last year's championship final, which means your next game, which 529 00:24:40,880 --> 00:24:44,400 Speaker 1: is Friday against Maryland sixth Eastern, basically a must win 530 00:24:44,480 --> 00:24:45,840 Speaker 1: to make the semi finals, right. 531 00:24:46,400 --> 00:24:48,760 Speaker 3: Right, It is a must win situation for us. But 532 00:24:48,800 --> 00:24:51,280 Speaker 3: we couldn't be more excited for the opportunity. You learn 533 00:24:51,359 --> 00:24:53,520 Speaker 3: so much every time you go out there and compete, 534 00:24:54,040 --> 00:24:57,440 Speaker 3: especially in this discipline that we're all getting more familiar with, 535 00:24:57,520 --> 00:24:59,920 Speaker 3: and our team is just so excited to be able 536 00:25:00,080 --> 00:25:01,919 Speaker 3: to go out there on Friday night. We have a 537 00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:05,879 Speaker 3: special group, a really strong group of individuals, you know, 538 00:25:05,920 --> 00:25:08,960 Speaker 3: both talented but also just you know, the leadership that 539 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:11,520 Speaker 3: they display, the care, the passion for the game, and 540 00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:14,240 Speaker 3: for the want and desire to win. So we just 541 00:25:14,240 --> 00:25:15,800 Speaker 3: can't wait to have a chance on Friday to do 542 00:25:15,840 --> 00:25:16,479 Speaker 3: something special. 543 00:25:17,080 --> 00:25:19,520 Speaker 1: So what do we expect out of that matchup with Marilyn. 544 00:25:19,640 --> 00:25:21,760 Speaker 1: What are their strengths and weaknesses. 545 00:25:22,359 --> 00:25:23,879 Speaker 3: That's a good question. So they had one of the 546 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:26,959 Speaker 3: biggest pickups in the off season. They brought in Ali Kennedy. 547 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:29,400 Speaker 3: They had the number one pick coming into the year 548 00:25:29,840 --> 00:25:33,040 Speaker 3: based off of last year's Championship Series results. And I 549 00:25:33,040 --> 00:25:35,520 Speaker 3: think Ali Kennedy is one of the best midfielders in 550 00:25:35,560 --> 00:25:38,119 Speaker 3: the world. She can run for days. This discipline of 551 00:25:38,160 --> 00:25:41,359 Speaker 3: sixes is something she really excels at because she is 552 00:25:41,560 --> 00:25:43,560 Speaker 3: a two way player. She can play defense, she can 553 00:25:43,560 --> 00:25:47,000 Speaker 3: score roles, and she can run forever. Her motors endless, 554 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:49,600 Speaker 3: so she's one of the best midies. I feel fortunate 555 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:51,480 Speaker 3: that I get to be your teammate on Team USA, 556 00:25:52,119 --> 00:25:54,479 Speaker 3: so I feel pretty familiar with her game. And then 557 00:25:54,480 --> 00:25:56,480 Speaker 3: they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world 558 00:25:56,520 --> 00:25:59,400 Speaker 3: as well, our Team USA goalie Kaylee Waters. So it's 559 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:01,840 Speaker 3: no easy to going against any of these teams. To 560 00:26:01,880 --> 00:26:05,040 Speaker 3: be honest, all these rosters, they're small rosters and there's 561 00:26:05,040 --> 00:26:07,440 Speaker 3: four teams, so you can imagine the talent a lot 562 00:26:07,480 --> 00:26:10,679 Speaker 3: of time, the competitiveness that exists to make one of 563 00:26:10,680 --> 00:26:13,560 Speaker 3: these teams. Every team is stacked, so you got a 564 00:26:13,600 --> 00:26:15,480 Speaker 3: game plan a little bit differently for each one. But 565 00:26:15,600 --> 00:26:16,680 Speaker 3: we can't wait for Fred tonight. 566 00:26:16,920 --> 00:26:18,920 Speaker 2: And then last question for you the US team. 567 00:26:19,240 --> 00:26:22,240 Speaker 1: You've got the twenty twenty six World Lacrosse Women's Championship 568 00:26:22,280 --> 00:26:25,520 Speaker 1: that's July through August in Tokyo. How is that gonna 569 00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:28,680 Speaker 1: jive with the WLL schedule? Is there a pause during 570 00:26:28,760 --> 00:26:30,960 Speaker 1: WL to allow you to go to that and come back? 571 00:26:31,640 --> 00:26:34,399 Speaker 3: Yes, there is a pause for the World Cup, and 572 00:26:34,560 --> 00:26:37,280 Speaker 3: we can't We are just so excited. We're gonna have 573 00:26:37,320 --> 00:26:39,520 Speaker 3: a couple of WL games leading up to that and 574 00:26:39,560 --> 00:26:42,960 Speaker 3: then some afterwards. But to be able to have an 575 00:26:43,000 --> 00:26:45,879 Speaker 3: opportunity to represent the United States and to do it 576 00:26:45,880 --> 00:26:49,920 Speaker 3: alongside these incredible women and coaches. Kasha Walker is the 577 00:26:49,920 --> 00:26:51,679 Speaker 3: head coach of the US national team. She was my 578 00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:54,800 Speaker 3: college coach, and I just I can't believe I get 579 00:26:54,840 --> 00:26:56,480 Speaker 3: to go to another World Cup. I was lucky enough 580 00:26:56,480 --> 00:26:58,120 Speaker 3: to be on the team in twenty twenty two, four 581 00:26:58,160 --> 00:27:00,480 Speaker 3: years ago, we won gold. We beat Canada in that 582 00:27:00,560 --> 00:27:02,720 Speaker 3: gold medal game. And to have a chance to do 583 00:27:02,800 --> 00:27:04,960 Speaker 3: it again and to get to go to somewhere like 584 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:08,000 Speaker 3: Tokyo is once in a lifetime, so can't wait for that. 585 00:27:08,359 --> 00:27:10,359 Speaker 1: Who should we keep an eye on outside of US 586 00:27:10,359 --> 00:27:12,880 Speaker 1: and Canada for best in the world heading into twenty twenty. 587 00:27:12,760 --> 00:27:16,880 Speaker 3: Eight, these teams are developing rapidly. The resources are being 588 00:27:16,920 --> 00:27:20,320 Speaker 3: you know, poured in. You're seeing Australia really developed. Japan 589 00:27:20,600 --> 00:27:24,280 Speaker 3: is another really strong team. There are so many great 590 00:27:24,280 --> 00:27:28,200 Speaker 3: Britain you know, teams that we've really familiarized ourselves with. 591 00:27:28,240 --> 00:27:31,640 Speaker 3: Over you know, all this international competition, whether it be qualifiers, 592 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:35,639 Speaker 3: whether it be you know, exhibitions, whatever it be, we 593 00:27:35,720 --> 00:27:39,399 Speaker 3: have really seen so much growth in development and the 594 00:27:39,440 --> 00:27:42,720 Speaker 3: Hood and Shone team as well. The Iroquois team is 595 00:27:43,119 --> 00:27:45,840 Speaker 3: one of the strongest competitors as well. So, I mean 596 00:27:45,880 --> 00:27:48,400 Speaker 3: it is it's no easy task, you know. We we 597 00:27:48,640 --> 00:27:51,399 Speaker 3: really pride ourselves on the amount of training that we 598 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:53,280 Speaker 3: put in as a US team and the amount of 599 00:27:53,280 --> 00:27:55,520 Speaker 3: training camps that we have and how much we beat 600 00:27:55,560 --> 00:27:57,800 Speaker 3: up on each other to hopefully be prepared for the 601 00:27:57,800 --> 00:28:00,640 Speaker 3: World Cup. But at the end of the day, these 602 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:04,520 Speaker 3: countries are putting out their best rosters, so it is 603 00:28:04,560 --> 00:28:07,120 Speaker 3: not an easy task to go over there and make 604 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:09,240 Speaker 3: it to the gold medal game and hopefully win. 605 00:28:10,080 --> 00:28:12,600 Speaker 2: Awesome. Well, I feel like I learned so much from this. 606 00:28:12,680 --> 00:28:14,879 Speaker 1: You're such a great spokesperson for your sport, and we 607 00:28:14,920 --> 00:28:16,960 Speaker 1: look forward to watching it this weekend and then later 608 00:28:17,040 --> 00:28:19,440 Speaker 1: on this summer and hopefully here in Chicago. 609 00:28:19,520 --> 00:28:20,440 Speaker 2: Thanks so much, Charlotte. 610 00:28:20,520 --> 00:28:22,600 Speaker 3: Yeah, thank you so much. Hope to see you at 611 00:28:22,600 --> 00:28:23,680 Speaker 3: a game in Chicago soon. 612 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:28,199 Speaker 1: Thanks again to Charlotte for sitting down with us and 613 00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:31,760 Speaker 1: answering all of our burning WL questions. We got to 614 00:28:31,800 --> 00:28:34,840 Speaker 1: take another break when we return. Deer skin balls filled 615 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:47,000 Speaker 1: with fur stick around Welcome Back slices in honor of 616 00:28:47,040 --> 00:28:49,360 Speaker 1: Women's History Month. Every Friday this month, we're going to 617 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:52,080 Speaker 1: do a special edition of Take It Back, our segment 618 00:28:52,120 --> 00:28:56,120 Speaker 1: that looks back at legendary games, athletes, leagues, or origin stories. 619 00:28:56,560 --> 00:28:59,000 Speaker 1: In honor of Charlotte and the WL. Let's take a 620 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:02,280 Speaker 1: look at the origins of lacrosse. Most of this courtesy 621 00:29:02,280 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 1: of the World Lacrosse website. And when I say take 622 00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:08,120 Speaker 1: it back, I mean back all the way to the 623 00:29:08,200 --> 00:29:12,040 Speaker 1: twelfth century, when indigenous peoples of North America invented the 624 00:29:12,080 --> 00:29:16,120 Speaker 1: game of stickball, playing it for ritual, for war training, recreation, 625 00:29:16,400 --> 00:29:19,640 Speaker 1: even medicinal and religious reasons now. Some estimates have early 626 00:29:19,680 --> 00:29:23,120 Speaker 1: games taking place across several days, with goals anywhere from 627 00:29:23,160 --> 00:29:27,200 Speaker 1: five hundred yards to literal miles apart, sometimes with hundreds 628 00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:30,840 Speaker 1: of players. Various tribes and communities learned and adapted the 629 00:29:30,840 --> 00:29:33,640 Speaker 1: game over the years, developing their own rules and playing styles, 630 00:29:33,880 --> 00:29:36,400 Speaker 1: and evolving from a wooden ball to a deer skin 631 00:29:36,480 --> 00:29:39,360 Speaker 1: ball filled with fur to the rubber of today. In 632 00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:42,920 Speaker 1: the seventeenth century, European settlers observed the game and started 633 00:29:42,960 --> 00:29:45,720 Speaker 1: to play. French Jesuit missionaries were the first to give 634 00:29:45,720 --> 00:29:48,520 Speaker 1: it the name lacrosse, and in eighteen fifty six the 635 00:29:48,600 --> 00:29:52,440 Speaker 1: Montreal Lacrosse Club was founded in Canada by a Canadian dentist, 636 00:29:52,560 --> 00:29:55,640 Speaker 1: doctor William George Beers, who later drew up rules that 637 00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:58,880 Speaker 1: included reducing the number of players, introducing a rubber ball 638 00:29:59,040 --> 00:30:00,400 Speaker 1: and a redesigned stick. 639 00:30:00,960 --> 00:30:01,800 Speaker 2: The game spread to. 640 00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:05,360 Speaker 1: Schools across North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and 641 00:30:05,440 --> 00:30:07,440 Speaker 1: men's lacrosse was played in the nineteen oh four and 642 00:30:07,600 --> 00:30:11,760 Speaker 1: nineteen oh eight Olympics. Canadian teams won both times. What's 643 00:30:11,800 --> 00:30:14,000 Speaker 1: believed to be the first organized women's game at a 644 00:30:14,040 --> 00:30:17,720 Speaker 1: school took place in Scotland in eighteen ninety after they 645 00:30:17,760 --> 00:30:19,840 Speaker 1: had mistress had seen a game in Canada and brought 646 00:30:19,880 --> 00:30:22,479 Speaker 1: it back across the pond. A report in the Student 647 00:30:22,520 --> 00:30:25,440 Speaker 1: magazine set of the match quote, after our crosses having 648 00:30:25,480 --> 00:30:28,520 Speaker 1: undergone a severe inspection, our referee said it was time 649 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:31,200 Speaker 1: to begin, but owing to the absence of the ball, 650 00:30:31,280 --> 00:30:34,240 Speaker 1: it was rather difficult for the order to be carried out. However, 651 00:30:34,280 --> 00:30:36,880 Speaker 1: the ball was duly found and after one two three 652 00:30:36,920 --> 00:30:40,880 Speaker 1: play had been called A vigorous game began end quote. 653 00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:44,600 Speaker 1: The Ladies Lacrosse Association was founded in England in nineteen twelve, 654 00:30:45,040 --> 00:30:48,880 Speaker 1: Scottish Ladies Lacrosse Association in nineteen twenty, Wales and Ireland 655 00:30:48,920 --> 00:30:51,640 Speaker 1: joined up in nineteen thirty and finally in nineteen thirty 656 00:30:51,640 --> 00:30:54,840 Speaker 1: one the US Women's Lacrosse Association was formed after an 657 00:30:54,880 --> 00:30:57,840 Speaker 1: alumnus from that very first Scottish school came to the 658 00:30:57,880 --> 00:31:00,560 Speaker 1: States and started a girls high school team at Brynmar 659 00:31:00,640 --> 00:31:03,520 Speaker 1: School in Baltimore in nineteen twenty six, making the sport 660 00:31:03,560 --> 00:31:07,320 Speaker 1: popular in the area. In nineteen seventy two, the same 661 00:31:07,360 --> 00:31:10,560 Speaker 1: year Title nine was passed, the International Federation of Women's 662 00:31:10,600 --> 00:31:14,160 Speaker 1: Across Association was formed, followed by the International Lacrosse Federation 663 00:31:14,280 --> 00:31:17,160 Speaker 1: for men two years later. The two merged in two 664 00:31:17,240 --> 00:31:20,480 Speaker 1: thousand and eight to form the Federation of International Lacrosse, 665 00:31:20,560 --> 00:31:23,600 Speaker 1: later rebranded as World Lacrosse, and in twenty eighteen, World 666 00:31:23,640 --> 00:31:26,400 Speaker 1: Lacrosse created the Game of sixes, the format that's going 667 00:31:26,400 --> 00:31:27,640 Speaker 1: to be used in the Olympics. 668 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:29,080 Speaker 2: In twenty twenty one. 669 00:31:28,960 --> 00:31:32,080 Speaker 1: The IOC gave World Lacrosse full recognition, allowing for the 670 00:31:32,120 --> 00:31:35,880 Speaker 1: sports return to the Olympics in twenty twenty eight. Okay, 671 00:31:36,120 --> 00:31:38,920 Speaker 1: you're all caught up, but one more thing. You heard 672 00:31:39,000 --> 00:31:42,320 Speaker 1: Charlotte mention the Hode Noshone, the Hode Noshaone Confederacy. The 673 00:31:42,320 --> 00:31:45,360 Speaker 1: originators of the sport of lacrosse are striving to compete 674 00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:48,480 Speaker 1: as the first North American indigenous nation to play under 675 00:31:48,520 --> 00:31:52,000 Speaker 1: its own flag at the Olympics. Now Onandaga Nation dot 676 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:54,880 Speaker 1: Com has a long story up about their fight, sharing 677 00:31:54,880 --> 00:31:57,960 Speaker 1: that the IOC thus far has said per eligibility rules, 678 00:31:58,120 --> 00:32:01,360 Speaker 1: countries can only participate if they have a National Olympic 679 00:32:01,440 --> 00:32:05,840 Speaker 1: Committee NOC, which requires recognition by both the international community 680 00:32:05,880 --> 00:32:09,680 Speaker 1: and acceptance by the IOC. Now, without a National Olympic Committee, 681 00:32:09,720 --> 00:32:12,120 Speaker 1: the IOC said it's up to the American and Canadian 682 00:32:12,120 --> 00:32:15,280 Speaker 1: Olympic committees to allow hod Noshone players to participate on 683 00:32:15,320 --> 00:32:17,560 Speaker 1: their teams, depending on which country the player has a 684 00:32:17,600 --> 00:32:20,240 Speaker 1: passport from. But not only do many of the players 685 00:32:20,280 --> 00:32:22,360 Speaker 1: say they don't want to join those teams. The hoden 686 00:32:22,360 --> 00:32:24,640 Speaker 1: now Shone are actually a confederacy made up of multiple 687 00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:28,239 Speaker 1: nations in Upstate New York and Ontario, Canada, and they 688 00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:30,719 Speaker 1: have their own passports and contend that they're a sovereign 689 00:32:30,800 --> 00:32:33,160 Speaker 1: nation because they have treaties with the US, Great Britain 690 00:32:33,200 --> 00:32:36,560 Speaker 1: and France. They aren't recognized as such by all nations, though, 691 00:32:36,640 --> 00:32:39,520 Speaker 1: but there is a precedent for similar independent states who 692 00:32:39,880 --> 00:32:43,240 Speaker 1: aren't recognized by all UN member states, places like Hong Kong, 693 00:32:43,360 --> 00:32:47,480 Speaker 1: Puerto Rico, or Taiwan, who competes as Chinese Taipei. For example, 694 00:32:47,480 --> 00:32:50,240 Speaker 1: at the twenty twenty four Paris Olympics, the women's basketball 695 00:32:50,280 --> 00:32:53,400 Speaker 1: tournament included teams representing both the US and Puerto Rico. 696 00:32:54,320 --> 00:32:56,560 Speaker 1: While it's ultimately up to the IOC to rule on 697 00:32:56,720 --> 00:32:59,680 Speaker 1: National Olympic Committee status, the hode Noshonee's goal of competing 698 00:32:59,680 --> 00:33:03,080 Speaker 1: in has been supported by both the US and Canada. 699 00:33:03,480 --> 00:33:06,720 Speaker 1: In early December of twenty twenty three, President Biden addressed 700 00:33:06,800 --> 00:33:09,360 Speaker 1: hundreds of Indigenous leaders at the White House Tribal Nation 701 00:33:09,480 --> 00:33:12,160 Speaker 1: Summit and said that the Hoda Nashone should be able to. 702 00:33:12,160 --> 00:33:13,360 Speaker 2: Compete under their flag. 703 00:33:13,840 --> 00:33:16,560 Speaker 1: And then, four days before leaving office in January last year, 704 00:33:16,600 --> 00:33:19,880 Speaker 1: the Biden administration, in a joint statement with Canada, urged 705 00:33:19,880 --> 00:33:23,200 Speaker 1: the IOC to quote take advantage of this historic opportunity 706 00:33:23,440 --> 00:33:26,440 Speaker 1: end quote. The Hode Noshone requested a meeting with new 707 00:33:26,480 --> 00:33:29,320 Speaker 1: IOC head Kirsty Coventry, but there haven't been any updates 708 00:33:29,360 --> 00:33:32,160 Speaker 1: on the IOC stance or that meeting in recent months. 709 00:33:32,360 --> 00:33:34,560 Speaker 1: We'll keep you updated if that changes, and will share 710 00:33:34,560 --> 00:33:37,000 Speaker 1: a link to last year's on Indaga Nation story and 711 00:33:37,120 --> 00:33:39,720 Speaker 1: a New York Times story as well. We love that 712 00:33:39,760 --> 00:33:41,120 Speaker 1: you're listening, but we want you to get in the 713 00:33:41,120 --> 00:33:43,280 Speaker 1: game every day too, So here's our good game play 714 00:33:43,280 --> 00:33:46,280 Speaker 1: of the day. Watch some of the WL Championship series 715 00:33:46,280 --> 00:33:48,680 Speaker 1: this weekend. We'll link to the full schedule and broadcast 716 00:33:48,760 --> 00:33:51,920 Speaker 1: details in the show notes. And you know, watch some 717 00:33:51,960 --> 00:33:56,320 Speaker 1: Paralympics in college hoops and college hockey, and she believes 718 00:33:56,320 --> 00:33:58,720 Speaker 1: cup and pwhl oh and there's tennis too. 719 00:33:58,880 --> 00:34:02,160 Speaker 2: Indian wells, just watch it all. That's not too much 720 00:34:02,160 --> 00:34:02,720 Speaker 2: to ask, right. 721 00:34:03,560 --> 00:34:05,080 Speaker 1: We always love to hear from you, so hit us 722 00:34:05,120 --> 00:34:08,000 Speaker 1: up on email Good game at wondermedianetwork dot com or 723 00:34:08,080 --> 00:34:09,880 Speaker 1: leave us a voicemail at eight seven two two o 724 00:34:10,040 --> 00:34:12,640 Speaker 1: four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe. 725 00:34:12,719 --> 00:34:14,280 Speaker 2: Rate and review. It's easy. 726 00:34:14,560 --> 00:34:18,200 Speaker 1: Watch wearing your older sister's signature shoe for your first 727 00:34:18,320 --> 00:34:20,919 Speaker 1: MNBA start rating one hundred percent. 728 00:34:21,040 --> 00:34:23,680 Speaker 2: Chance you're going to tear up hearing the story. Review. 729 00:34:24,120 --> 00:34:28,360 Speaker 1: WNBA superstar Angel Reese's younger brother Julian, just signed a 730 00:34:28,360 --> 00:34:32,400 Speaker 1: two way contract with the mnba's Washington Wizards. Those contracts 731 00:34:32,400 --> 00:34:34,960 Speaker 1: allow players with four or fewer years of experience to 732 00:34:34,960 --> 00:34:37,520 Speaker 1: split time between an m NBA team and its G 733 00:34:37,640 --> 00:34:40,760 Speaker 1: League affiliate. While on Tuesday night, in just his second 734 00:34:40,920 --> 00:34:44,680 Speaker 1: MNBA game, Julian got his first start and he rocked 735 00:34:44,680 --> 00:34:49,120 Speaker 1: his siss's diamond dust Rebock Angel one Sneakers. Angel was 736 00:34:49,160 --> 00:34:52,319 Speaker 1: courtside for the game, wearing her brother's jersey. Love it 737 00:34:52,960 --> 00:34:56,280 Speaker 1: now it's your turn. Rate and review. Thanks for listening, slices, 738 00:34:56,400 --> 00:34:59,520 Speaker 1: See you next week. Good game, Charlotte, good game, missed 739 00:34:59,520 --> 00:35:04,080 Speaker 1: BC you Daylight savings on Sunday. I don't care for 740 00:35:04,239 --> 00:35:07,560 Speaker 1: falling back or springing forward. I am just now getting 741 00:35:07,600 --> 00:35:12,080 Speaker 1: used to this time zone again. Good Game with Sarah 742 00:35:12,120 --> 00:35:14,920 Speaker 1: Spain is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with 743 00:35:14,960 --> 00:35:17,520 Speaker 1: Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on 744 00:35:17,560 --> 00:35:21,480 Speaker 1: the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 745 00:35:21,480 --> 00:35:24,840 Speaker 1: Production by Wonder Media Network, our producers are Alex Azzi 746 00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:28,840 Speaker 1: and Bianca Hillier. Our executive producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, 747 00:35:28,920 --> 00:35:32,000 Speaker 1: Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder. Our editors are Emily Rudder, 748 00:35:32,080 --> 00:35:35,560 Speaker 1: Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez, and Gianna Palmer. Production assistant from 749 00:35:35,600 --> 00:35:38,200 Speaker 1: Avery Loftus and I'm Your Host Sarah Spain