1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:02,760 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we saw 2 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:06,600 Speaker 1: Blanca Kenyonez, Aubrey Galvin, and Ashland Jackson play their way 3 00:00:06,680 --> 00:00:10,680 Speaker 1: into highlight reels, blue sky posts, and barrum chats this weekend, 4 00:00:11,119 --> 00:00:15,000 Speaker 1: right alongside the Hannah's ass, Sarah's and Madison's of the world. 5 00:00:15,480 --> 00:00:17,040 Speaker 2: If you didn't know, now you know. 6 00:00:17,640 --> 00:00:20,440 Speaker 1: It's Monday, March thirtieth, and halfway through the Elite eight 7 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:23,720 Speaker 1: round of the NCAA Tournament, we've been spoiled by buzzer 8 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:27,760 Speaker 1: beaters and star performances. On today's show, you'll get lots 9 00:00:27,760 --> 00:00:30,040 Speaker 1: of attorney talk and a look ahead to the weekend 10 00:00:30,280 --> 00:00:32,760 Speaker 1: as Jay Perry, the CEO of the Phoenix Final Four 11 00:00:32,840 --> 00:00:36,479 Speaker 1: Local Organizing Committee and former Phoenix Mercury President, joins me 12 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:38,839 Speaker 1: to share how the Desert is preparing to welcome the 13 00:00:38,840 --> 00:00:43,120 Speaker 1: country's best college basketball players for Final Four weekend. We 14 00:00:43,159 --> 00:00:46,760 Speaker 1: also talk about the monumental WNBACBA agreement and what it 15 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:49,320 Speaker 1: was like to lead a WNBA team in the aughts 16 00:00:49,479 --> 00:00:54,080 Speaker 1: winning titles with the great Diana Tarassi plus Big Duke energy, 17 00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:57,120 Speaker 1: the sun finds a new place to shine, and Karma 18 00:00:57,160 --> 00:00:59,600 Speaker 1: takes all of our friends to the summit. It's all 19 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:09,960 Speaker 1: coming up right after this. Welcome back Slaice's Happy Monday. 20 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:14,360 Speaker 1: Here's what you need to know today, starting with what 21 00:01:14,480 --> 00:01:19,480 Speaker 1: else college hoops? We were absolutely spoiled by the amount 22 00:01:19,600 --> 00:01:22,360 Speaker 1: and the quality of basketball we got to watch this weekend, 23 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:25,400 Speaker 1: starting with Sweet sixteen action on Friday and Saturday. 24 00:01:25,680 --> 00:01:27,479 Speaker 2: Now, most of the country's best teams took. 25 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:31,120 Speaker 1: Care business to advance, especially the number one seeds, all 26 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:34,120 Speaker 1: of them winning their matchups by at least twenty points. 27 00:01:34,520 --> 00:01:38,120 Speaker 1: Now Texas, especially from the jump, looked like world beaters. 28 00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:41,319 Speaker 1: Their game against Kentucky saw another great line inspired by 29 00:01:41,319 --> 00:01:44,480 Speaker 1: their stifling defense. Remember earlier in the tourney it was 30 00:01:44,600 --> 00:01:46,760 Speaker 1: Rory Harmon doesn't pick you up at the baseline, she 31 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:49,160 Speaker 1: picks you up at the airport. Well, this game of 32 00:01:49,240 --> 00:01:53,200 Speaker 1: fans sign read defense tighter than my jeans after Keeso 33 00:01:54,560 --> 00:01:58,120 Speaker 1: so relatable. That game also provided bands across the country 34 00:01:58,160 --> 00:02:01,160 Speaker 1: another chance to cheer on their favorite human victory cigar 35 00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:04,040 Speaker 1: Sarah Graves. Now, if you're not caught up on Graves 36 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:06,360 Speaker 1: and her sister who plays for Louisville and their parents 37 00:02:06,400 --> 00:02:08,880 Speaker 1: wearing the mixed match jerseys, you got to check out 38 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:11,040 Speaker 1: The New York Times story about her in our show notes. 39 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:13,840 Speaker 1: The final game on Saturday, which was a seventy nine 40 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:16,160 Speaker 1: to sixty nine win for number three TCU over number 41 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:17,760 Speaker 1: ten Virginia, also. 42 00:02:17,520 --> 00:02:20,320 Speaker 2: Worth a mention for two standout stats. 43 00:02:20,560 --> 00:02:25,040 Speaker 1: First, Olivia Miles near triple double twenty eight points, ten rebounds, 44 00:02:25,120 --> 00:02:28,800 Speaker 1: eight assists. Second, the fact that the duo of Miles 45 00:02:28,840 --> 00:02:31,399 Speaker 1: and Marta Suarez, who had thirty three points in that one, 46 00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:34,920 Speaker 1: either scored or assisted on every single one of the 47 00:02:34,919 --> 00:02:39,280 Speaker 1: Horned Frogs seventy nine points in that game. There were 48 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:41,800 Speaker 1: also two upsets in the Sweet sixteen that deserve a 49 00:02:41,800 --> 00:02:44,799 Speaker 1: lot of love. Duke used a little March Madness magic 50 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:47,920 Speaker 1: to upset number two LSU eighty seven eighty five and 51 00:02:48,040 --> 00:02:50,400 Speaker 1: vault themselves into the Elite eight for the first time 52 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:53,760 Speaker 1: since twenty twelve. Twenty thirteen, LSU was up one with 53 00:02:53,919 --> 00:02:57,120 Speaker 1: two point six seconds to go when senior Ashland Jackson 54 00:02:57,200 --> 00:03:00,000 Speaker 1: got the inbounds beyond the arc. Pump faked, took a drip, 55 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:04,680 Speaker 1: and shot her three pointer, swirling around and around and 56 00:03:04,840 --> 00:03:07,639 Speaker 1: around on the rim before dropping in for the win. 57 00:03:08,200 --> 00:03:11,480 Speaker 1: If you didn't watch that, please google it right now. 58 00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:14,000 Speaker 1: I have never seen a ball do that and then 59 00:03:14,160 --> 00:03:17,040 Speaker 1: end up in the basket. The other upset might have 60 00:03:17,080 --> 00:03:19,160 Speaker 1: been the game of the weekend, as Notre Dame's Hanna 61 00:03:19,200 --> 00:03:22,280 Speaker 1: Hidalgo posted just the second triple double with steals in 62 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:25,600 Speaker 1: NC Double eight tournament history, leading the number six Fighting 63 00:03:25,639 --> 00:03:27,800 Speaker 1: Irish to a sixty seven to sixty four upset of 64 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:31,079 Speaker 1: number two Vanderbilt. Now, Hidalgo put up thirty one points, 65 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:34,359 Speaker 1: eleven rebounds, and ten steals in that one. She's the 66 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:37,120 Speaker 1: only player in the last thirty seasons of college hoops 67 00:03:37,400 --> 00:03:40,280 Speaker 1: men's and women's to post an NC double a tournament 68 00:03:40,360 --> 00:03:43,760 Speaker 1: game stat line of at least twenty points, eight rebounds, 69 00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:48,960 Speaker 1: and eight assists. And she's done it three times. Like 70 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:52,120 Speaker 1: I said, zero other players have done it even once. 71 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:55,560 Speaker 1: Hidalgo was impressive once again on Sunday and Notre Dame's 72 00:03:55,560 --> 00:03:58,120 Speaker 1: Elite eight matchup with number one Yukon, putting up twenty 73 00:03:58,120 --> 00:04:01,080 Speaker 1: two points and eleven rebounds, but it wasn't enough as 74 00:04:01,120 --> 00:04:05,080 Speaker 1: the Huskies pulled away for the seventy to fifty two win. Now, 75 00:04:05,080 --> 00:04:07,400 Speaker 1: despite the final score, the Irish made him work for it. 76 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:10,000 Speaker 1: They held Gina Oriam and company to the fewest points 77 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:13,120 Speaker 1: after three quarters of any game during their fifty four 78 00:04:13,240 --> 00:04:16,080 Speaker 1: game win streak, but Yukon stepped on the gas in 79 00:04:16,120 --> 00:04:19,440 Speaker 1: the fourth to advance to their record twenty fifth Final four. 80 00:04:20,040 --> 00:04:22,880 Speaker 1: It was a huge night for freshman Blanca Kegnonez, who 81 00:04:22,880 --> 00:04:25,719 Speaker 1: had twenty points and eight boards to lead the Huskies. 82 00:04:26,160 --> 00:04:29,360 Speaker 1: Sunday's second Elite Eight game was a meeting between two 83 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:32,520 Speaker 1: white hot teams, Duke, who entered having won twenty four 84 00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:35,640 Speaker 1: of their last twenty six games, and UCLA, who came 85 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:38,640 Speaker 1: in riding a twenty eight game win streak. The Devil's 86 00:04:38,640 --> 00:04:41,120 Speaker 1: Tyana Mayor came out hot and Duke led it the half. 87 00:04:41,160 --> 00:04:42,280 Speaker 2: It was just the second. 88 00:04:42,080 --> 00:04:44,640 Speaker 1: Time the Bruins trailed at the half all season long, 89 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:47,560 Speaker 1: but a strong second half helped UCLA to a seventy 90 00:04:47,600 --> 00:04:50,320 Speaker 1: to fifty eight win, earning them a return trip to 91 00:04:50,360 --> 00:04:53,480 Speaker 1: the Final Four. The second pair of Elite Eight contests 92 00:04:53,520 --> 00:04:56,080 Speaker 1: are tonight, with number one Texas taken on number two 93 00:04:56,080 --> 00:04:59,320 Speaker 1: Michigan at seven pm Eastern and number one South Carolina 94 00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:02,960 Speaker 1: facing number three three TCU at nine pm Eastern. Now, 95 00:05:02,960 --> 00:05:05,640 Speaker 1: after Tonight's games, all remaining teams get a little break 96 00:05:05,640 --> 00:05:08,560 Speaker 1: before the Final Four and NCAA title game in Phoenix. 97 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:09,200 Speaker 2: This weekend. 98 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:11,880 Speaker 1: We'll have a full preview of the four remaining teams 99 00:05:12,040 --> 00:05:14,640 Speaker 1: later this week, and we'll talk to j Perry later 100 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:17,719 Speaker 1: in the show about all the exciting activations and events 101 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:18,640 Speaker 1: that await us in. 102 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:21,719 Speaker 2: The desert this weekend. More college shops news. 103 00:05:21,760 --> 00:05:24,080 Speaker 1: As Gino Rima used his time at the mic during 104 00:05:24,080 --> 00:05:26,799 Speaker 1: this tournament to talk about more than just his team's wins. 105 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:31,680 Speaker 1: On Thursday, orem A criticized Title nine enforcement, saying, in practice. 106 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:33,280 Speaker 2: The law is quote pretty much out the window. 107 00:05:33,560 --> 00:05:36,039 Speaker 1: I think most of the NCAA laws have gone out 108 00:05:36,040 --> 00:05:39,480 Speaker 1: the window end quote. His complaints mirror those of many 109 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:42,960 Speaker 1: women's sports stakeholders after the NCAA versus House ruling has 110 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:45,960 Speaker 1: allowed schools to directly pay players a portion of revenue 111 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:49,000 Speaker 1: payments that don't need to abide by Title nine. After 112 00:05:49,040 --> 00:05:52,320 Speaker 1: the Trump administration rescinded guidance from the Biden era Department 113 00:05:52,360 --> 00:05:56,080 Speaker 1: of Education that stated that schools must equitably distribute funds 114 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:59,120 Speaker 1: to male and female athletes now Orima also sounded off 115 00:05:59,160 --> 00:06:02,279 Speaker 1: yet again on the women's tournament using two regional sites 116 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:06,159 Speaker 1: instead of four, blaming bad shooting percentages in part on 117 00:06:06,240 --> 00:06:08,960 Speaker 1: teams having trouble getting court time to practice and having 118 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:11,479 Speaker 1: to come to the arena early and late on the same. 119 00:06:11,360 --> 00:06:13,960 Speaker 2: Day for media availability games and practices. 120 00:06:14,279 --> 00:06:17,080 Speaker 1: The NCAA released a statement to the Associated Press that's said, 121 00:06:17,120 --> 00:06:19,599 Speaker 1: in part that attendance and ticket sales are up since 122 00:06:19,640 --> 00:06:21,920 Speaker 1: the move to two regional sites, and that the Women's 123 00:06:21,960 --> 00:06:24,520 Speaker 1: Basketball Committee determined that a returned to four sites likely 124 00:06:24,560 --> 00:06:28,440 Speaker 1: would mean fewer bids and smaller markets. The Women's NCAA 125 00:06:28,520 --> 00:06:31,120 Speaker 1: tournament is committed to having two sites for its four 126 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:35,000 Speaker 1: regionals for at least five more seasons. One more college 127 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,599 Speaker 1: basketball story to keep an eye on. Iowa State's first 128 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:41,159 Speaker 1: round tournament exit has resulted in a mass exodus. Eight 129 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:45,159 Speaker 1: players have already entered the transfer portal, with superstar Audie 130 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:48,839 Speaker 1: Crooks quote unquote undecided as of now about staying or going. 131 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:51,680 Speaker 1: Will keep you updated on player movement for Iowa State 132 00:06:51,760 --> 00:06:55,320 Speaker 1: and elsewhere as more teams see their season's end to 133 00:06:55,360 --> 00:06:59,840 Speaker 1: the WNBA, where it's official the Connecticut's Sun are headed 134 00:06:59,839 --> 00:07:03,480 Speaker 1: to Houston. Paper City Magazine out of Houston the first 135 00:07:03,480 --> 00:07:05,400 Speaker 1: to report that the Sun is being sold to the 136 00:07:05,440 --> 00:07:09,840 Speaker 1: Fertida family, the owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets. Sources 137 00:07:09,880 --> 00:07:12,080 Speaker 1: tel Front at the show Alexa Philippou of ESPN that 138 00:07:12,120 --> 00:07:15,000 Speaker 1: the sale is closing at a WNBA record three hundred 139 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:19,040 Speaker 1: million dollars and did not include a relocation fee. Founded 140 00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:20,680 Speaker 1: in two thousand and three, the sun are owned by 141 00:07:20,680 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 1: the Mohegan Tribe, the league's first non NBA owners and 142 00:07:23,960 --> 00:07:26,760 Speaker 1: the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team. 143 00:07:27,040 --> 00:07:27,240 Speaker 2: Now. 144 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:30,160 Speaker 1: Newsbroke last summer that the tribe had initially reached a 145 00:07:30,200 --> 00:07:32,040 Speaker 1: deal to sell the team to a group led by 146 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:35,760 Speaker 1: former Boston Celtics minority owner Steve and Paliuca that would 147 00:07:35,760 --> 00:07:39,400 Speaker 1: have moved the franchise to Boston, but the WNBA effectively 148 00:07:39,400 --> 00:07:42,560 Speaker 1: blocked that deal from progressing, releasing a statement that set 149 00:07:42,600 --> 00:07:45,880 Speaker 1: in part quote, relocation decisions are made by the WNBA 150 00:07:45,920 --> 00:07:48,960 Speaker 1: Board of Governors and not by individual teams. As part 151 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:51,560 Speaker 1: of our most recent expansion process, in which three new 152 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:55,680 Speaker 1: franchises were awarded to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, nine additional 153 00:07:55,680 --> 00:07:58,560 Speaker 1: cities also applied for WNBA teams and remain. 154 00:07:58,400 --> 00:07:59,600 Speaker 2: Under active consideration. 155 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:02,480 Speaker 1: No groups from Boston applied for a team at that time, 156 00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:05,360 Speaker 1: and those other cities remain under consideration based on the 157 00:08:05,400 --> 00:08:07,960 Speaker 1: extensive work they did as part of the expansion process 158 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:12,760 Speaker 1: and currently have priority over Boston end quote. The Sun 159 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:16,320 Speaker 1: will reportedly play one final season in Connecticut before relocating 160 00:08:16,320 --> 00:08:18,600 Speaker 1: in twenty twenty seven, and when they get to Houston, 161 00:08:18,600 --> 00:08:20,880 Speaker 1: they'll reportedly take on the name of the Houston Comets, 162 00:08:20,960 --> 00:08:23,960 Speaker 1: a nod to the city's original w team, a dynasty 163 00:08:23,960 --> 00:08:27,080 Speaker 1: that won four straight titles from ninety seven to two thousand. 164 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:30,840 Speaker 1: An official announcement about the team's sale is expected today. 165 00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 1: A lot of folks are excited about the return of 166 00:08:33,040 --> 00:08:34,040 Speaker 1: the Houston comments, and. 167 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:34,880 Speaker 2: I totally get that. 168 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:38,439 Speaker 1: For me, it's sort of hard to celebrate considering the circumstances. 169 00:08:38,800 --> 00:08:41,600 Speaker 1: I'm looking forward to, hopefully some more in depth reporting 170 00:08:41,760 --> 00:08:44,640 Speaker 1: on how this deal got done and on the league's 171 00:08:44,640 --> 00:08:48,080 Speaker 1: interference in Connecticut's previous attempts to sell. You might remember 172 00:08:48,160 --> 00:08:51,400 Speaker 1: last fall, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to 173 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:54,559 Speaker 1: the league warning them to stay out of negotiations between 174 00:08:54,600 --> 00:08:58,080 Speaker 1: the Mohegan Tribe and prospective buyers, writing that quote, any 175 00:08:58,120 --> 00:09:00,640 Speaker 1: attempts by the WNBA to block our efforts to keep 176 00:09:00,640 --> 00:09:04,440 Speaker 1: the Sun in Connecticut could violate federal antitrust. 177 00:09:03,720 --> 00:09:05,200 Speaker 2: Laws end quote. 178 00:09:05,840 --> 00:09:08,480 Speaker 1: Certainly seems like something worth following up on in light 179 00:09:08,520 --> 00:09:12,160 Speaker 1: of this sale more WNBA, The Toronto Tempo won a 180 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:14,680 Speaker 1: coin toss Friday and elected to pick sixth in the 181 00:09:14,679 --> 00:09:17,640 Speaker 1: first round of the upcoming college draft on April thirteenth, 182 00:09:18,040 --> 00:09:20,840 Speaker 1: so the other expansion squad, the Portland Fire, will pick 183 00:09:20,880 --> 00:09:23,439 Speaker 1: first in the expansion draft on April third and take 184 00:09:23,480 --> 00:09:26,520 Speaker 1: the number seven spot in that college draft. To the 185 00:09:26,600 --> 00:09:30,080 Speaker 1: NWSL and the record setting mind blowing crowd in Denver 186 00:09:30,160 --> 00:09:32,920 Speaker 1: for the game between Denver Summit FC and the Washington 187 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:36,760 Speaker 1: Spirit on Saturday at in Power Field, sixty three thousand 188 00:09:36,840 --> 00:09:40,320 Speaker 1: and four people pack the stands for the Summits home opener, 189 00:09:40,600 --> 00:09:43,440 Speaker 1: surpassing the previous record of forty thousand, ninety one set 190 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:45,960 Speaker 1: by BFC in Washington last year by more than twenty 191 00:09:46,040 --> 00:09:49,600 Speaker 1: thousand people. This weekend's game also set an attendance record 192 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:52,920 Speaker 1: for any standalone women's soccer game in the United States. Now, 193 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:55,720 Speaker 1: if you didn't watch the game, I highly recommend you 194 00:09:55,800 --> 00:09:58,800 Speaker 1: check out the Summit and NWSL social handles for photos 195 00:09:58,840 --> 00:10:01,000 Speaker 1: and videos to to get a real. 196 00:10:00,800 --> 00:10:04,440 Speaker 2: Sense of the crowd size. It was unreal. Gave me goosebumps. 197 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:06,480 Speaker 1: As for the game itself, maybe a little bit of 198 00:10:06,480 --> 00:10:08,760 Speaker 1: a disappointment. The Summit and the Spirit played to a 199 00:10:08,840 --> 00:10:12,280 Speaker 1: nil nil draw for Colorado native and Summit forward Janie 200 00:10:12,280 --> 00:10:15,160 Speaker 1: and Sonis, though it was a day to remember. Here's 201 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:17,280 Speaker 1: what she said at a press conference after the match. 202 00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:20,040 Speaker 3: I'm sad it's over, to be honest, I truly didn't 203 00:10:20,040 --> 00:10:21,880 Speaker 3: believe that this was something that was going to happen 204 00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:24,600 Speaker 3: in my career, and I'm just so grateful to be here. 205 00:10:24,679 --> 00:10:27,360 Speaker 3: I feel incredibly honored that the team believes in me 206 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:31,360 Speaker 3: as a leader. To represent this community and give back 207 00:10:31,400 --> 00:10:33,679 Speaker 3: to a community that gave me everything that I have 208 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:36,040 Speaker 3: really does mean the world to me, and to do 209 00:10:36,080 --> 00:10:38,679 Speaker 3: it in front of sixty three thousand people is incredible. 210 00:10:38,679 --> 00:10:41,440 Speaker 3: So it was a tough balance to manage the emotions 211 00:10:41,480 --> 00:10:44,600 Speaker 3: and putting in a performance. I will never forget walking 212 00:10:44,640 --> 00:10:47,600 Speaker 3: out of that tunnel today and hearing the crowd screaming 213 00:10:47,640 --> 00:10:50,480 Speaker 3: for us, and there's so much excitement in this group, 214 00:10:50,520 --> 00:10:52,280 Speaker 3: and I think that the rest of the league is 215 00:10:52,280 --> 00:10:54,520 Speaker 3: definitely on notice that we're here to compete and we're 216 00:10:54,559 --> 00:10:57,040 Speaker 3: here to be the first expansion team to win a championship. 217 00:10:57,160 --> 00:10:59,440 Speaker 3: So I'm proud of the way that we managed the 218 00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:01,840 Speaker 3: emotion around this day. I think it could have very 219 00:11:01,840 --> 00:11:04,080 Speaker 3: easily gone the other way with all the pressure and 220 00:11:04,120 --> 00:11:06,000 Speaker 3: all that kind of thing. So I think it's it 221 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:08,640 Speaker 3: was a very mature performance from us, and for that, 222 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:11,040 Speaker 3: I'm proud and I hope that all the girls really 223 00:11:11,080 --> 00:11:12,679 Speaker 3: took in what this day was because it was very. 224 00:11:12,640 --> 00:11:16,880 Speaker 1: Special, truly, Yes, a very special day. In the crowd 225 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:21,360 Speaker 1: on Saturday, Julie Foudy, Brandy Chastain, gymnast Ali Raisman, NFLQB, 226 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:24,800 Speaker 1: Bryce Young, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala use of 227 00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:26,559 Speaker 1: PSI not in. 228 00:11:26,559 --> 00:11:30,000 Speaker 2: The crowd me and I'm kicking myself. 229 00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:34,640 Speaker 1: Absolutely epic scenes to figure skating and the World Championships 230 00:11:34,640 --> 00:11:36,880 Speaker 1: in Prague. For the first time in three years, no 231 00:11:37,040 --> 00:11:40,320 Speaker 1: American women medled at the World Figure Skating Championships. It 232 00:11:40,520 --> 00:11:43,280 Speaker 1: was a fairy tale finish for winter Cowie Sakamoto, though, 233 00:11:43,280 --> 00:11:46,480 Speaker 1: as the Japanese skater won her fourth World Championship and 234 00:11:46,520 --> 00:11:49,480 Speaker 1: not the best total program score of her career in 235 00:11:49,520 --> 00:11:51,600 Speaker 1: her final World Championship skate. 236 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:54,480 Speaker 2: Pretty cool way to go out, taveibs. 237 00:11:54,520 --> 00:11:56,280 Speaker 1: We're down to the final few weeks of the Love 238 00:11:56,320 --> 00:11:58,920 Speaker 1: Pro Volleyball season, so let's check in on the standings 239 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:02,080 Speaker 1: ahead of playoffs at the top with twelve wins. Love Houston, 240 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:04,880 Speaker 1: led by opposite hitter Jordan Thompson, who last week became 241 00:12:04,920 --> 00:12:07,360 Speaker 1: the first player in Love history to reach four hundred. 242 00:12:07,040 --> 00:12:08,000 Speaker 2: Points in a season. 243 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:10,640 Speaker 1: Love Atlanta is in second with ten wins and a 244 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:14,000 Speaker 1: dominant performance against Love Madison over the weekend clinched Atlanta's 245 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:17,160 Speaker 1: spot in the playoffs. Love Nebraska and Love Salt Lake 246 00:12:17,160 --> 00:12:19,520 Speaker 1: have nine wins each. At the bottom of the standings, 247 00:12:19,559 --> 00:12:22,199 Speaker 1: Love Austin with eight and Love Madison with six. 248 00:12:22,520 --> 00:12:24,840 Speaker 2: All six teams take the court twice this week, with 249 00:12:24,880 --> 00:12:26,079 Speaker 2: games on Wednesday. 250 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:28,120 Speaker 1: Thursday, and Saturday, all leading up to the playoffs next 251 00:12:28,160 --> 00:12:30,880 Speaker 1: week and the championships the week after. That will link 252 00:12:30,920 --> 00:12:34,560 Speaker 1: to the full schedule in the show notes. Meantime, over 253 00:12:34,679 --> 00:12:38,280 Speaker 1: in Major League Volleyball MLV, Saturday saw the Team Meski 254 00:12:38,400 --> 00:12:41,040 Speaker 1: All Stars defeat the Team Lanier All Stars two to 255 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:44,160 Speaker 1: one in the league's All Star Game. Over five thousand 256 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:47,160 Speaker 1: were in attendance at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, and 257 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:51,000 Speaker 1: the game aired nationally on CBS. To Tennis twenty twenty 258 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:53,640 Speaker 1: six continues to be a great year for Bela Russian 259 00:12:53,720 --> 00:12:57,319 Speaker 1: Pro Arena Sablenka. First she got engaged then she made 260 00:12:57,360 --> 00:12:59,480 Speaker 1: it to the finals of the Aussie Open, then she 261 00:12:59,600 --> 00:13:02,640 Speaker 1: won Indian Wells, and this weekend she took the title 262 00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:06,280 Speaker 1: at the Miami Open. Sabalanca bested American Coco Golf in 263 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:10,240 Speaker 1: Saturday's finals six' two four six sixty. Three sabalanka is 264 00:13:10,280 --> 00:13:12,560 Speaker 1: just the fifth woman to complete what's called The Sunshine 265 00:13:12,600 --> 00:13:15,400 Speaker 1: double that's winning at Both Indian wells And miami in 266 00:13:15,440 --> 00:13:18,400 Speaker 1: the same. Season goff's trip to the finals bumps the 267 00:13:18,440 --> 00:13:20,480 Speaker 1: twenty two year old to third in the world when 268 00:13:20,520 --> 00:13:23,880 Speaker 1: the rankings are next, updated Above poland's Egos Yon. Tech 269 00:13:24,280 --> 00:13:27,239 Speaker 1: after the, Match GoF said she played with joy inspired 270 00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:30,600 Speaker 1: by figure Skater Alyssa lou at The Winter. Olympics, quote 271 00:13:30,640 --> 00:13:33,040 Speaker 1: although it sucks to not come out with the bigger trophy, 272 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:35,400 Speaker 1: TODAY i had a lot of joy this. Week that's 273 00:13:35,400 --> 00:13:37,439 Speaker 1: Something i'm taking away from this the. MOST i was 274 00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:39,720 Speaker 1: getting a little emotional on the, bench but not sad. 275 00:13:39,720 --> 00:13:43,360 Speaker 1: Tears i'm just having two weeks of gratitude end. Quote 276 00:13:43,720 --> 00:13:46,240 Speaker 1: sounds like a win in my. Book speaking Of Alissa, 277 00:13:46,320 --> 00:13:48,280 Speaker 1: lou did you guys catch her Giving Taylor swift one 278 00:13:48,320 --> 00:13:50,160 Speaker 1: of her many many awards at The iHeart Music. 279 00:13:50,160 --> 00:13:51,520 Speaker 2: Awards oh so much. 280 00:13:51,600 --> 00:13:55,640 Speaker 1: Fun we love a crossover to lacrosse, where in terrifying, 281 00:13:55,679 --> 00:13:59,600 Speaker 1: news a swarm of bees Delayed saturday's game. 282 00:13:59,440 --> 00:14:02,720 Speaker 2: Between a z Outa state In, florida not The, Bees, 283 00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:04,040 Speaker 2: yes The. 284 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:06,040 Speaker 1: Bees the matchup In tempe was set to kick Off 285 00:14:06,040 --> 00:14:09,120 Speaker 1: big twelve lacrosse, play but a b infestation at the 286 00:14:09,120 --> 00:14:12,160 Speaker 1: field pushed the game To. Sunday, thankfully the game went 287 00:14:12,200 --> 00:14:13,920 Speaker 1: off without a, hitch and some of The Sun devils 288 00:14:13,920 --> 00:14:15,840 Speaker 1: players even had some fun with it On, sunday showing 289 00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:18,640 Speaker 1: up to the stadium in bee costumes before falling too 290 00:14:18,679 --> 00:14:23,240 Speaker 1: The gators fourteen to. Eight All, Right slaicy's we got 291 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:26,800 Speaker 1: lots OF pwhl, news including the return Of Captain, america 292 00:14:27,120 --> 00:14:30,840 Speaker 1: plus AN nwsl wrap up and expansion on the brain 293 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:33,440 Speaker 1: In Foggy London. Town we're going to get to all 294 00:14:33,480 --> 00:14:34,280 Speaker 1: of that tomorrow. 295 00:14:34,280 --> 00:14:36,360 Speaker 2: Though right, now we're going to take a break when 296 00:14:36,400 --> 00:14:36,640 Speaker 2: we come. 297 00:14:36,680 --> 00:14:39,120 Speaker 1: Back we spoke to J perry last week about Turning 298 00:14:39,160 --> 00:14:40,280 Speaker 1: phoenix Into. 299 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:49,320 Speaker 2: Tourney town stick around joining us. 300 00:14:49,320 --> 00:14:52,520 Speaker 1: Now she's THE ceo of The Phoenix Final Four Local Organizing, 301 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:55,440 Speaker 1: committee helping bring the First Women's Final four To. Phoenix 302 00:14:55,680 --> 00:14:58,360 Speaker 1: the former president AND coo of The Phoenix mercury and 303 00:14:58,400 --> 00:15:01,360 Speaker 1: FORMER coo of THE. Wnba she spent the first seventeen 304 00:15:01,400 --> 00:15:03,920 Speaker 1: years of her career With bank Of, america A university 305 00:15:03,960 --> 00:15:04,520 Speaker 1: Of Colorado. 306 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:07,840 Speaker 2: Bouldergrad the first time she ever went To, detroit she 307 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:11,640 Speaker 2: went home with A wnba. Trophy It's Jay. Perry Hij, Hi. 308 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:14,400 Speaker 4: Sarah i'm so excited to be with you. Today this is. 309 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:19,080 Speaker 1: Exciting, Yeah i'm excited about this extremely busy time leading 310 00:15:19,160 --> 00:15:21,680 Speaker 1: up to a final four weekend that is right on the. 311 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:24,040 Speaker 1: Horizon but before we get to your current role and 312 00:15:24,160 --> 00:15:26,120 Speaker 1: excitement over that, WEEKEND i want to go back to 313 00:15:26,160 --> 00:15:29,360 Speaker 1: your time with The mercury because it's fascinating to talk 314 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:32,360 Speaker 1: to someone at THE helm back in the early two. 315 00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:34,880 Speaker 1: Thousands so what were some of the biggest challenges for 316 00:15:35,120 --> 00:15:36,400 Speaker 1: w franchises. 317 00:15:35,920 --> 00:15:37,480 Speaker 2: And for The mercury when you joined the team in 318 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:38,000 Speaker 2: two thousand and. 319 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:40,520 Speaker 4: Four, yeah you, KNOW i didn't realize WHEN i joined 320 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:42,520 Speaker 4: The Phoenix mercury in the two thousand and four that 321 00:15:42,600 --> 00:15:45,520 Speaker 4: it was such early. Days AND i know that sounds, 322 00:15:45,520 --> 00:15:48,440 Speaker 4: silly BUT i felt like it was really an established 323 00:15:48,560 --> 00:15:52,000 Speaker 4: League and of, course looking back on it now twenty years, 324 00:15:52,080 --> 00:15:55,120 Speaker 4: later we've come so far and so it was just 325 00:15:55,240 --> 00:15:58,400 Speaker 4: a magical time with The. MERCURY i will tell you it, 326 00:15:58,560 --> 00:16:01,000 Speaker 4: was you, know it was bootst. RIGHT i, mean it 327 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:04,080 Speaker 4: was really hard. Work it was grinding on the commercialization 328 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:07,000 Speaker 4: of the team and the. League but there was a 329 00:16:07,040 --> 00:16:10,800 Speaker 4: real camaraderie among the teams at that, point among the 330 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:13,800 Speaker 4: team presidents who are still some of my best friends 331 00:16:13,960 --> 00:16:17,680 Speaker 4: just from those. Days AND i got drafted quote unquote 332 00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:20,240 Speaker 4: the same year As Diana tarazzi in two thousand and, 333 00:16:20,280 --> 00:16:22,920 Speaker 4: four so we were rookies, Together. SARAH i, mean that's 334 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:23,560 Speaker 4: a cling. 335 00:16:23,440 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 2: To, fame, Right, YEAH i was gonna. SAY i, mean 336 00:16:25,960 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 2: the very first season you're, there the goat of all goats. 337 00:16:29,040 --> 00:16:30,760 Speaker 2: Arrives so that's a hell of a ride you get 338 00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:33,400 Speaker 2: to take. Together give me a GOOD dt story or. 339 00:16:33,440 --> 00:16:36,800 Speaker 4: Two there are still so many memories about D g 340 00:16:37,280 --> 00:16:39,840 Speaker 4: and most of them are. POSITIVE i, mean at some 341 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:42,040 Speaker 4: POINT i FIND i got a couple of gray, hairs 342 00:16:42,120 --> 00:16:43,960 Speaker 4: But i've gotten over it And i'm a full blonde, 343 00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:47,640 Speaker 4: now you, know literally from day. One you, know WHAT 344 00:16:47,680 --> 00:16:50,160 Speaker 4: i will say About diana is she has been, consistent 345 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:53,200 Speaker 4: and she came in and she was all about her work, 346 00:16:53,240 --> 00:16:55,720 Speaker 4: ethic and she was all about being the very, best 347 00:16:56,280 --> 00:16:58,760 Speaker 4: and she is still that way to this, day and 348 00:16:58,800 --> 00:17:03,360 Speaker 4: SO i love her for but so many memories around 349 00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:06,680 Speaker 4: her commitment on the, court her, practice coming in, early leaving, 350 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:09,560 Speaker 4: late and Literally i've taken those for it to my business. 351 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:12,280 Speaker 4: Career So i've learned so much from. Her you, know 352 00:17:12,720 --> 00:17:14,679 Speaker 4: she joined the team in two thousand and. Four our 353 00:17:14,720 --> 00:17:17,159 Speaker 4: first championship was in two thousand and, seven you, know 354 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:20,600 Speaker 4: as you, said In, detroit and that was an amazing 355 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:24,400 Speaker 4: ride and so unexpected from me coming from my corporate, 356 00:17:24,480 --> 00:17:28,199 Speaker 4: career but it was really a learning lesson also for 357 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:28,960 Speaker 4: me around that. 358 00:17:29,080 --> 00:17:31,800 Speaker 1: Time, YEAH i, mean it's pretty cool to have the 359 00:17:31,880 --> 00:17:34,680 Speaker 1: legacy of leading the team to its first ever title 360 00:17:34,720 --> 00:17:38,720 Speaker 1: IN o, seven another title in nine for a franchise's 361 00:17:38,760 --> 00:17:41,879 Speaker 1: first ever, championship and to have your name etched Alongside 362 00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:44,160 Speaker 1: Dinah trozzi and everybody else who helped the team get. 363 00:17:44,160 --> 00:17:46,679 Speaker 1: There what did that feel, like especially being on the 364 00:17:46,760 --> 00:17:50,360 Speaker 1: road for that first. One weird, FEELING i think probably 365 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:53,040 Speaker 1: because at the time the, league you, know the confetti 366 00:17:53,080 --> 00:17:55,159 Speaker 1: falls and, whatever but you're not front page of a 367 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:57,960 Speaker 1: newspaper the next, Day you're not going live On Sports 368 00:17:58,000 --> 00:17:58,760 Speaker 1: center to talk about. 369 00:17:58,760 --> 00:17:59,520 Speaker 2: It necessarily. 370 00:17:59,680 --> 00:18:02,160 Speaker 4: Right you know, what it was a really unique. EXPERIENCE 371 00:18:02,200 --> 00:18:04,600 Speaker 4: i mean it was we were the FIRST wnba team 372 00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:06,439 Speaker 4: to win on the, road so that, was as you, 373 00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:10,000 Speaker 4: said a major. Accomplishment AND i will tell, you you, 374 00:18:10,040 --> 00:18:13,680 Speaker 4: know playing In detroit Against Bill lambert as the head, 375 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:18,479 Speaker 4: coach you, know that's a special. Experience but Between Diana 376 00:18:18,560 --> 00:18:22,399 Speaker 4: terrazzi And Kathy pondexter And Penny taylor And Tangela, smith 377 00:18:22,480 --> 00:18:25,560 Speaker 4: like you think of this all star, roster and they 378 00:18:25,600 --> 00:18:28,480 Speaker 4: really were ahead of their, time right with this run 379 00:18:28,520 --> 00:18:32,040 Speaker 4: and gun offense against Obviously Bill lamber in a super 380 00:18:32,040 --> 00:18:35,400 Speaker 4: defensively minded. Team so that was an exciting run game 381 00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:38,960 Speaker 4: five In, detroit and it was so so. Fun BUT 382 00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:41,560 Speaker 4: i will tell you and this would not happen. Today 383 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:44,800 Speaker 4: we've come so. Far when it was time to receive the, Trophy, 384 00:18:45,240 --> 00:18:49,239 Speaker 4: sarah we were not greeted at center court because what 385 00:18:49,280 --> 00:18:52,399 Speaker 4: we were told is they were concerned for our security and, 386 00:18:52,440 --> 00:18:56,199 Speaker 4: safety and so we literally were in the back of 387 00:18:56,240 --> 00:18:59,920 Speaker 4: the zero level and you, know it felt like a bruin, 388 00:19:00,080 --> 00:19:02,520 Speaker 4: closet but literally it was probably a room that was 389 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:05,920 Speaker 4: like ten by twenty with the television. Cameras the team 390 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:08,399 Speaker 4: jammed in there at the, trophy you, Know Donna orner 391 00:19:08,440 --> 00:19:11,159 Speaker 4: handing it over To Diana Trazzi and so that is 392 00:19:11,200 --> 00:19:13,359 Speaker 4: a memory that is etched in my mind of something 393 00:19:13,520 --> 00:19:14,280 Speaker 4: that we've come so. 394 00:19:14,400 --> 00:19:16,919 Speaker 1: Far, yeah started from the bottom and now we're in 395 00:19:16,920 --> 00:19:17,680 Speaker 1: the basement after. 396 00:19:17,720 --> 00:19:18,200 Speaker 2: Winning that's. 397 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:20,840 Speaker 1: Weird you did get to Leave detroit with a nice, 398 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:23,840 Speaker 1: souvenir while most people leave, with you, know gambling debt 399 00:19:23,840 --> 00:19:25,840 Speaker 1: and a mysterious. RASH i have to say that Because 400 00:19:25,880 --> 00:19:28,879 Speaker 1: i'm From, chicago so we have a little nice. Rivalry but, 401 00:19:29,440 --> 00:19:31,840 Speaker 1: okay so a few years later you end up spending 402 00:19:31,840 --> 00:19:34,359 Speaker 1: two seasons AS coo of THE. Wnba it must be 403 00:19:34,840 --> 00:19:37,920 Speaker 1: wild to see the league, now and especially this NEW 404 00:19:37,960 --> 00:19:41,520 Speaker 1: cba when compared to your time there from twenty sixteen 405 00:19:41,560 --> 00:19:44,000 Speaker 1: to twenty. Eighteen what's the biggest thing that stands out to? 406 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:47,879 Speaker 4: You the players and the league continue to work together 407 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:51,960 Speaker 4: to elevate, women, right and these women that stand for 408 00:19:52,080 --> 00:19:55,800 Speaker 4: such important members of our, communities right and making kind 409 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:59,720 Speaker 4: of societal. CHANGES i, mean it just continues to impress 410 00:19:59,760 --> 00:20:02,960 Speaker 4: me With it takes a lot of, fortitude and it's 411 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:05,359 Speaker 4: because they believe in what they're. Doing they believe in the, 412 00:20:05,359 --> 00:20:08,480 Speaker 4: game and you, know the league works hand in hand with, 413 00:20:08,560 --> 00:20:10,600 Speaker 4: them and it's great to see it from the team. 414 00:20:10,720 --> 00:20:13,000 Speaker 4: Side it's great to see it from the league. Side 415 00:20:13,040 --> 00:20:16,320 Speaker 4: i've had this really special, experience but with the NEW, 416 00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:21,080 Speaker 4: cba like you, know yiffee yah, Yiffe but a lot 417 00:20:21,080 --> 00:20:23,440 Speaker 4: of work went into getting us, there and we can't 418 00:20:23,440 --> 00:20:26,000 Speaker 4: forget that. Either it's not as though last year was 419 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:29,080 Speaker 4: the first year of THE, wnba and SO i just, appreciate, 420 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:31,840 Speaker 4: right all of those, folks, right the Val, ackerman's The 421 00:20:31,880 --> 00:20:34,840 Speaker 4: animisers are, like all of them played a role in 422 00:20:34,840 --> 00:20:37,120 Speaker 4: this AND i think everyone is so excited to see 423 00:20:37,119 --> 00:20:40,679 Speaker 4: it at this, level and there's still more work to. 424 00:20:40,720 --> 00:20:45,360 Speaker 1: Do, YEAH i really appreciated the payments going to tenured, 425 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:48,320 Speaker 1: players whether retired or, current to sort of offset the 426 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:49,520 Speaker 1: fact that they weren't paid. 427 00:20:49,320 --> 00:20:50,600 Speaker 2: Appropriately for so many. 428 00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:53,320 Speaker 1: Years i'm sure there's coaches and gms and presidents like 429 00:20:53,400 --> 00:20:56,160 Speaker 1: you mentioned the Val ackermans and The Ann, Meyers, tritesdale they're, 430 00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:58,280 Speaker 1: like wait a, MINUTE i would like one hundred thousand dollars. 431 00:20:58,280 --> 00:21:01,160 Speaker 1: PLEASE i had a lengthy role in helping build this league. 432 00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:03,400 Speaker 1: Too you went to The Phoenix suns for a couple 433 00:21:03,440 --> 00:21:06,080 Speaker 1: of years, too AND i wonder were there things that struck? 434 00:21:06,080 --> 00:21:09,919 Speaker 1: You there is obviously a tremendous financial, difference length of 435 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:12,760 Speaker 1: time for the league's, existence, history all the other, Things 436 00:21:12,800 --> 00:21:14,400 Speaker 1: but were there things that stood out to you going 437 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:16,240 Speaker 1: to The suns where you were, like it's wild to 438 00:21:16,320 --> 00:21:18,600 Speaker 1: me that this is the same sport in the same 439 00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:21,240 Speaker 1: city with the same. Ownership really in terms of THE 440 00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:25,320 Speaker 1: nbawnba co ownership and the experience for the athletes is so. 441 00:21:25,440 --> 00:21:27,840 Speaker 4: Different it was, different you. KNOW i, MEAN i will, 442 00:21:27,880 --> 00:21:30,879 Speaker 4: say just working with The mercer for seven seasons and 443 00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:33,520 Speaker 4: then The suns for about two, seasons there was so 444 00:21:33,600 --> 00:21:37,520 Speaker 4: much interplay and the resources were shared to a degree 445 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:40,720 Speaker 4: between the w team and THE nba. Team and it 446 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:43,480 Speaker 4: was interesting because my, years the couple of years with 447 00:21:43,560 --> 00:21:46,520 Speaker 4: The suns was during the potential, lockout and so that 448 00:21:46,680 --> 00:21:50,040 Speaker 4: was just this other leg layer of, craziness, right and 449 00:21:50,359 --> 00:21:54,119 Speaker 4: thirteen different contingency plans of what could. Happen but WHAT 450 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:57,640 Speaker 4: i will say is just the staff on the ground 451 00:21:58,200 --> 00:22:02,200 Speaker 4: was really just committed to The mercury and even WHEN 452 00:22:02,240 --> 00:22:04,080 Speaker 4: i was with The, suns it was, like, hey you, 453 00:22:04,080 --> 00:22:05,960 Speaker 4: know we want to make sure that we're really connecting 454 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:09,000 Speaker 4: with THE wnba, Team but also you, know it was 455 00:22:09,040 --> 00:22:13,240 Speaker 4: like fifty x in revenue per, season and you have 456 00:22:13,359 --> 00:22:15,639 Speaker 4: to be realistic about, that, RIGHT i mean you have 457 00:22:15,760 --> 00:22:18,520 Speaker 4: to make those trade off decisions and, consider you, know 458 00:22:18,600 --> 00:22:22,679 Speaker 4: the investments versus the immediate. Payoff BUT i think we 459 00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:24,960 Speaker 4: really set the standard in two thousand and nine when 460 00:22:24,960 --> 00:22:28,280 Speaker 4: at The Phoenix mercury we had the first jersey, sponsorship, 461 00:22:28,560 --> 00:22:31,280 Speaker 4: RIGHT i mean those were kind of early commercialization days 462 00:22:31,320 --> 00:22:31,560 Speaker 4: of THE. 463 00:22:31,680 --> 00:22:34,399 Speaker 2: Wnba this was like, LifeLock is that? 464 00:22:34,520 --> 00:22:36,160 Speaker 4: Right it was LifeLock exactly. 465 00:22:36,240 --> 00:22:38,639 Speaker 2: RIGHT i remember those Jes, yeah. 466 00:22:38,320 --> 00:22:40,879 Speaker 4: Yeah, yeah, Good i'm going to tell them. That and, 467 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:44,720 Speaker 4: so you, know having the players involved in that and 468 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:47,919 Speaker 4: still the support of The, suns, right leaders like the 469 00:22:47,960 --> 00:22:50,920 Speaker 4: President Rick, WELTS i, mean who was just a phenomenal 470 00:22:51,280 --> 00:22:54,199 Speaker 4: influence on The. Mercury and so there was a lot 471 00:22:54,240 --> 00:22:56,200 Speaker 4: of interplay between the cents and the markery that really. 472 00:22:56,280 --> 00:22:58,320 Speaker 4: Worked but it was a, grind let's be. Honest it 473 00:22:58,359 --> 00:22:59,000 Speaker 4: was a lot of. Work. 474 00:22:59,280 --> 00:22:59,840 Speaker 2: Yeah. 475 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:02,520 Speaker 1: YEAH i mean that growth that we've seen on the 476 00:23:02,640 --> 00:23:06,000 Speaker 1: w side has been mirrored on the college side with. Investment, 477 00:23:06,119 --> 00:23:09,439 Speaker 1: right there's so many more programs that can contend and 478 00:23:09,520 --> 00:23:12,240 Speaker 1: really compete in THE ncaa tournament because there are more 479 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:15,159 Speaker 1: schools now investing in their women's, side and the party 480 00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:17,600 Speaker 1: that is college women's basketball is coming to your. Town 481 00:23:17,800 --> 00:23:19,480 Speaker 1: SO i want to know what we can expect From 482 00:23:19,520 --> 00:23:21,880 Speaker 1: phoenix as a first time host of The Women's Final. 483 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:25,439 Speaker 4: Four our community is all in on making this the 484 00:23:25,640 --> 00:23:28,840 Speaker 4: very best Women's Final. Four, yet like we take this 485 00:23:28,960 --> 00:23:32,640 Speaker 4: responsibility it sounds, silly like very. Seriously it's an important. 486 00:23:32,680 --> 00:23:37,320 Speaker 4: Platform it's the pinnacle of college women's, basketball and we 487 00:23:37,440 --> 00:23:41,160 Speaker 4: want every detail to feel like they've been curated at 488 00:23:41,160 --> 00:23:45,120 Speaker 4: that elite, level right for, players for, fans for, media 489 00:23:45,119 --> 00:23:48,359 Speaker 4: for the. Partners and so we've got you, know a 490 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:53,119 Speaker 4: week long, activities you know, planned because this will, be 491 00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:56,479 Speaker 4: as you just, sat the ficenter of. Basketball and it 492 00:23:56,520 --> 00:24:00,680 Speaker 4: really starts with creating super compact footprint down To. Phoenix 493 00:24:01,119 --> 00:24:03,440 Speaker 4: and for all the major events we've posted, here we've 494 00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:07,400 Speaker 4: never had the competition venue and all the primary fan 495 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:11,199 Speaker 4: events in Downtown. Phoenix so it's a five block walkable. 496 00:24:11,280 --> 00:24:14,280 Speaker 4: Campus all the events are, free which is really important 497 00:24:14,280 --> 00:24:16,720 Speaker 4: to THE ncaa and so important to growing the fandom 498 00:24:16,760 --> 00:24:23,040 Speaker 4: and the. Engagement and you can expect, warm sunny. Weather thank, Goodness, 499 00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:26,400 Speaker 4: sarah you're going to be with, us, Right you're, coming. 500 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:28,680 Speaker 1: Yes and this is the Longest i've gone without sun 501 00:24:29,119 --> 00:24:31,679 Speaker 1: in at least eighteen, years BECAUSE i was at The 502 00:24:31,680 --> 00:24:34,520 Speaker 1: olympics instead Of cubs spring. TRAINING i wasn't at the Super, 503 00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:36,720 Speaker 1: bowl which is usually warm. Weather So i've just been 504 00:24:36,800 --> 00:24:39,800 Speaker 1: grinding it out without any sun for months and. Months 505 00:24:39,840 --> 00:24:42,359 Speaker 1: i'm pale as a. GHOST i need, You, PHOENIX i 506 00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:43,360 Speaker 1: need you bad. 507 00:24:43,600 --> 00:24:45,600 Speaker 4: Just to look forward. To you, know you don't have 508 00:24:45,680 --> 00:24:49,080 Speaker 4: to bring your furry whatever with. You, yeah but we 509 00:24:49,119 --> 00:24:51,199 Speaker 4: are focused, on AS i, said really this kind of 510 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:53,159 Speaker 4: journey when you get on the, ground and so it 511 00:24:53,240 --> 00:24:56,119 Speaker 4: starts At Sky Harbor. Airport when you touch, down we 512 00:24:56,160 --> 00:24:59,040 Speaker 4: want you to be like enveloped by the women's final 513 00:24:59,080 --> 00:25:02,520 Speaker 4: board and Think i'm at a major. Event and that 514 00:25:02,720 --> 00:25:05,520 Speaker 4: then you, know billboards along the way from the airport to, 515 00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:11,760 Speaker 4: downtown signage, building, wraps you, know supersized. Everything and then 516 00:25:11,760 --> 00:25:15,119 Speaker 4: we'll have volunteers really at every turn because one of 517 00:25:15,160 --> 00:25:17,879 Speaker 4: the things That phoenix And arizona and you've been. 518 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:20,320 Speaker 2: Here lots of. Times, yeah right here very. 519 00:25:20,600 --> 00:25:23,320 Speaker 4: Hospitable, right we've kind of roll out the red. Carpet 520 00:25:23,359 --> 00:25:27,159 Speaker 4: we're very tourism oriented and so volunteers at every corner 521 00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:29,880 Speaker 4: that can help with, wayfinding that make you feel welcome 522 00:25:30,359 --> 00:25:33,200 Speaker 4: and can really introduce you to kind of Their, phoenix 523 00:25:33,280 --> 00:25:35,800 Speaker 4: right and Their, arizona and so you can see it 524 00:25:35,840 --> 00:25:38,840 Speaker 4: through a locals', eyes and that's. Amazing that's something that 525 00:25:38,840 --> 00:25:41,640 Speaker 4: we're excited. About and you, KNOW i, mean we've hosted 526 00:25:41,680 --> 00:25:44,280 Speaker 4: more major events here In arizona in the past ten 527 00:25:44,359 --> 00:25:47,240 Speaker 4: years than any other market in THE, Us so we 528 00:25:47,480 --> 00:25:51,359 Speaker 4: know how to, host, right two Super, bowls two men's final, 529 00:25:51,400 --> 00:25:55,560 Speaker 4: fours a college football, playoff and so having this Women's final, 530 00:25:55,600 --> 00:25:59,280 Speaker 4: four you, know on that list of highlights is super 531 00:25:59,320 --> 00:25:59,800 Speaker 4: exciting to. 532 00:25:59,880 --> 00:26:02,199 Speaker 1: Up. Yeah in, fact a lot of the folks that 533 00:26:02,200 --> 00:26:03,720 Speaker 1: are going to be there for The Final four were 534 00:26:03,760 --> 00:26:06,120 Speaker 1: just there for the twenty twenty FOUR Wnba All Star. 535 00:26:06,200 --> 00:26:08,240 Speaker 1: GAME i know that you weren't part of that committee 536 00:26:08,240 --> 00:26:11,000 Speaker 1: the same, way but any surprises or insights that you 537 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:14,160 Speaker 1: learned from hosting a kind of similar, Crowd. 538 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:17,520 Speaker 4: What we saw with THE Wnba All star is that 539 00:26:17,520 --> 00:26:21,399 Speaker 4: there's still an opportunity and there is still an appetite 540 00:26:21,880 --> 00:26:25,879 Speaker 4: for that elevated. Experience from the feedback we, received you, 541 00:26:25,880 --> 00:26:29,600 Speaker 4: know it was a phenomenal time in Downtown. Phoenix they crushed. 542 00:26:29,600 --> 00:26:31,679 Speaker 4: It they crushed it. Right The mercury took it to 543 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:33,359 Speaker 4: the next. Level the city took it to the next, 544 00:26:33,400 --> 00:26:36,040 Speaker 4: level and there was a lot of care given to 545 00:26:36,119 --> 00:26:37,439 Speaker 4: kind of WHAT i talked about it is how it 546 00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:39,960 Speaker 4: felt when you got on the, ground the experience you 547 00:26:40,000 --> 00:26:44,240 Speaker 4: had when you were. Here and also fans showed up in, droves. 548 00:26:44,320 --> 00:26:46,840 Speaker 4: RIGHT i MEAN i got a picture from my friend 549 00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:49,600 Speaker 4: at the airport the day After All star with all 550 00:26:49,640 --> 00:26:53,320 Speaker 4: the orange, hoodies you, know At Sky Harbor, airport and 551 00:26:53,600 --> 00:26:55,960 Speaker 4: you know you don't need a hoodie here In. July 552 00:26:56,400 --> 00:26:57,520 Speaker 4: let me just, say. 553 00:26:57,800 --> 00:26:59,720 Speaker 2: Everyone just wanted it was like one hundred and seven 554 00:26:59,720 --> 00:27:00,239 Speaker 2: degree that. 555 00:27:00,280 --> 00:27:03,159 Speaker 4: Week it was But Mortgage Matchup, Center, Right it's in 556 00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:06,360 Speaker 4: state of the art basketball venue and really really excited 557 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:09,560 Speaker 4: to have our event, there and they have all the 558 00:27:09,560 --> 00:27:11,840 Speaker 4: bells and whistles and there's just a ton of investment 559 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:13,800 Speaker 4: on keeping it at that really high. 560 00:27:13,880 --> 00:27:16,560 Speaker 1: Level, Yeah i'm not surprised you get the opportunity to. 561 00:27:16,600 --> 00:27:18,639 Speaker 1: Host it's built, forward it's a great place for. It 562 00:27:18,680 --> 00:27:20,800 Speaker 1: and you, know you've been on the host committee for 563 00:27:20,960 --> 00:27:22,879 Speaker 1: The Men's Final four for The Super, bowl AND i 564 00:27:22,920 --> 00:27:25,800 Speaker 1: wonder as you're working with the city on a major women's. 565 00:27:25,840 --> 00:27:28,360 Speaker 1: Event how has it felt, Different whether that's because you're 566 00:27:28,359 --> 00:27:30,520 Speaker 1: working with folks who aren't as familiar with women's, sports 567 00:27:30,640 --> 00:27:32,480 Speaker 1: or maybe you're trying to get them to buy in 568 00:27:32,560 --> 00:27:35,520 Speaker 1: on the scale and the size and the really the 569 00:27:35,680 --> 00:27:38,280 Speaker 1: value and the luxury of what the women's game now, 570 00:27:38,280 --> 00:27:41,080 Speaker 1: demands because to your, point people want elevated experience in 571 00:27:41,119 --> 00:27:43,760 Speaker 1: the space in a way that they couldn't really ask for, 572 00:27:43,880 --> 00:27:44,600 Speaker 1: before but now they. 573 00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:47,399 Speaker 4: Expect the valley and the city really does have a 574 00:27:47,440 --> 00:27:50,280 Speaker 4: long history of supporting right The Phoenix mercury and the three. 575 00:27:50,359 --> 00:27:54,679 Speaker 4: Championships there's renewed interest WITH asu and Coach Malli miller 576 00:27:54,760 --> 00:27:57,679 Speaker 4: in her pert season and really having that be you, 577 00:27:57,680 --> 00:28:01,920 Speaker 4: know a, standout and so we actually have the great 578 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:06,880 Speaker 4: benefit of fantastic support around women's, events and we want 579 00:28:06,880 --> 00:28:09,320 Speaker 4: to continue to build on that. RESUME i was at a, 580 00:28:09,320 --> 00:28:12,239 Speaker 4: city A Phoenix City council meeting just yesterday and we 581 00:28:12,240 --> 00:28:15,040 Speaker 4: were talking about you, Know Women's final four white can 582 00:28:15,160 --> 00:28:17,800 Speaker 4: Expect AND i have to tell, you on a nine 583 00:28:17,880 --> 00:28:21,000 Speaker 4: person city, council we've got a female mayor and we've 584 00:28:21,040 --> 00:28:25,439 Speaker 4: got six female council. Members amazing and literally and you 585 00:28:25,480 --> 00:28:27,320 Speaker 4: know we've got a female. GOVERNOR i, mean there's just 586 00:28:27,359 --> 00:28:30,840 Speaker 4: so much female leadership in our. State and literally after the, 587 00:28:30,920 --> 00:28:35,040 Speaker 4: meeting those six council members, said we are so excited 588 00:28:35,080 --> 00:28:38,080 Speaker 4: to host this major women's. Event it really is the 589 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:41,880 Speaker 4: first major women's event we've had In. Arizona we hosted 590 00:28:41,880 --> 00:28:44,040 Speaker 4: the She Beliefs cup a year or so, ago and 591 00:28:44,080 --> 00:28:44,320 Speaker 4: that was. 592 00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:46,480 Speaker 2: Important, YES i went to one of those games. 593 00:28:46,480 --> 00:28:49,760 Speaker 4: Too oh you, Did you're a Regular, okay. 594 00:28:49,600 --> 00:28:53,160 Speaker 1: Yes, Yes i've been going To arizona for sixteen straight 595 00:28:53,240 --> 00:28:56,680 Speaker 1: years For cup spring. Training SO i have hiked at you, 596 00:28:56,680 --> 00:28:59,800 Speaker 1: Know Sigurro National park and seeing The Salt river. Horses 597 00:29:00,120 --> 00:29:03,000 Speaker 1: i've drank at every single. Bar i've tried to ride 598 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:05,960 Speaker 1: the horses in Old Town scottsdale well past midnight that 599 00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:07,000 Speaker 1: you're not allowed to ride those. 600 00:29:07,040 --> 00:29:09,160 Speaker 2: Statues i've done it. All i've seen it. 601 00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:12,400 Speaker 4: ALL i meet The sarah spain. Itinerary this sounds. Exciting, 602 00:29:12,480 --> 00:29:13,880 Speaker 4: okay what's your favorite? 603 00:29:13,920 --> 00:29:18,080 Speaker 1: Margarita So i'm not a margarita girl because tequila AND 604 00:29:18,080 --> 00:29:19,840 Speaker 1: i aren't, friends BUT i used to love going to 605 00:29:19,920 --> 00:29:22,360 Speaker 1: The Salty senorita and getting a big old. 606 00:29:22,400 --> 00:29:25,920 Speaker 2: Dakery, okay all, right that works, Too Rip Salty, senorita 607 00:29:26,080 --> 00:29:26,440 Speaker 2: that was my. 608 00:29:26,520 --> 00:29:29,720 Speaker 1: Spot phoenix is always a great time and All tempi 609 00:29:29,760 --> 00:29:31,880 Speaker 1: And scottsdale and all the surrounding areas always make for 610 00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:33,560 Speaker 1: such a good. Time AND i think one of the 611 00:29:33,600 --> 00:29:36,280 Speaker 1: Things i'm looking forward to is having gone to these 612 00:29:36,320 --> 00:29:39,520 Speaker 1: major ten pool women's events for years running now to 613 00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:42,480 Speaker 1: see how it steps up with every, year with the, 614 00:29:42,520 --> 00:29:45,280 Speaker 1: investment with the, sponsors with the, activations with the fans, 615 00:29:45,320 --> 00:29:48,160 Speaker 1: Expectations AND i wonder for, you how do you embrace 616 00:29:48,200 --> 00:29:50,560 Speaker 1: the fact that with the leagues and teams and college 617 00:29:50,600 --> 00:29:54,080 Speaker 1: hoops and everything getting, bigger the desire to innovate in this, 618 00:29:54,160 --> 00:29:55,080 Speaker 1: space there's so much. 619 00:29:55,120 --> 00:29:56,600 Speaker 2: Growth how do you keep up with that? 620 00:29:56,680 --> 00:29:59,240 Speaker 4: Growth we literally go in with the mindset of how 621 00:29:59,240 --> 00:30:01,240 Speaker 4: can we elevate? It and we employed that WHEN i 622 00:30:01,280 --> 00:30:02,960 Speaker 4: was with The Phoenix, mercury WHEN i was at The, 623 00:30:03,040 --> 00:30:04,880 Speaker 4: league and now we're doing that with all of our 624 00:30:04,920 --> 00:30:09,120 Speaker 4: major events here and so in working with THE, NCAA i, 625 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:11,840 Speaker 4: mean they are so invested right in growing this game 626 00:30:11,920 --> 00:30:14,560 Speaker 4: and growing the, platform and making sure that we're really 627 00:30:14,920 --> 00:30:18,400 Speaker 4: involving the younger, generation right the college students and the 628 00:30:18,480 --> 00:30:21,480 Speaker 4: kids in everything we're doing and so we do have 629 00:30:21,560 --> 00:30:25,720 Speaker 4: some exciting first here In phoenix in downtown and you've 630 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:28,960 Speaker 4: been At Mortgage Matchup, center literally right outside the venue 631 00:30:29,040 --> 00:30:31,000 Speaker 4: for the first time For Women's Final, four there is 632 00:30:31,040 --> 00:30:33,720 Speaker 4: a super sized. Bracket it's on the side of a 633 00:30:33,800 --> 00:30:36,800 Speaker 4: six story. Building it's one hundred and fifty feet. Long 634 00:30:36,960 --> 00:30:38,760 Speaker 4: it's getting updated with each one of the. 635 00:30:38,800 --> 00:30:42,320 Speaker 2: Matches that's going to be triggering for some. People it's 636 00:30:42,360 --> 00:30:44,000 Speaker 2: all their brackets posted on like day. 637 00:30:44,040 --> 00:30:46,200 Speaker 4: ONE i mean they do go and they do point 638 00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:49,000 Speaker 4: to their. Teams i've seen several celfings happening out, there 639 00:30:49,880 --> 00:30:52,920 Speaker 4: but it just shows like the bigness of this, event 640 00:30:53,120 --> 00:30:55,680 Speaker 4: right and the importance of this. Event so that's. One 641 00:30:55,720 --> 00:30:58,880 Speaker 4: we also have a new outdoor it's called four And Al, 642 00:30:58,960 --> 00:31:02,320 Speaker 4: fest and that will be really tailgate sized kind of 643 00:31:02,360 --> 00:31:06,240 Speaker 4: event where it'll be, free they'll be, entertainment they'll be 644 00:31:06,360 --> 00:31:09,880 Speaker 4: super sized screens so that the men's And Women's final 645 00:31:09,920 --> 00:31:13,440 Speaker 4: four games For, Thursday, Friday saturday And sunday can be. 646 00:31:13,520 --> 00:31:17,400 Speaker 4: Watched and so that'll be really great local, food, trucks. 647 00:31:17,560 --> 00:31:20,120 Speaker 4: Entertainment so that's going to be a fun. One and 648 00:31:20,160 --> 00:31:22,400 Speaker 4: then the other one just in terms of investment in 649 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:26,720 Speaker 4: The future is our high School. Symposium THE ncaa is 650 00:31:26,720 --> 00:31:29,680 Speaker 4: hosting it here for the first time associated With Women's Final. 651 00:31:29,720 --> 00:31:32,080 Speaker 4: Four so we're going to have over one hundred high 652 00:31:32,120 --> 00:31:35,720 Speaker 4: school student athletes their families come and hear from THE 653 00:31:35,840 --> 00:31:39,880 Speaker 4: ncaa how they can navigate their journey right as a 654 00:31:39,920 --> 00:31:44,760 Speaker 4: potential student, athlete for their mental health, resources all those 655 00:31:44,760 --> 00:31:47,080 Speaker 4: sorts of. Things and SO i think it's really kind 656 00:31:47,080 --> 00:31:51,040 Speaker 4: of going deep in the community and making sure that 657 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:55,600 Speaker 4: we're telling the story of why college, athletics why being 658 00:31:55,680 --> 00:31:57,920 Speaker 4: active is so. IMPORTANT i, mean and that's SOMETHING i 659 00:31:58,000 --> 00:31:58,560 Speaker 4: really believe. 660 00:31:58,560 --> 00:32:00,960 Speaker 1: It that's, great, YEAH i, mean and it's such an 661 00:32:01,000 --> 00:32:04,240 Speaker 1: opportunity to speak to that next generation and for them 662 00:32:04,600 --> 00:32:06,800 Speaker 1: to start making it a habit as families to go 663 00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:09,040 Speaker 1: to these women's, events to watch these women's, games and 664 00:32:09,040 --> 00:32:11,040 Speaker 1: to be as invested in them as the sort of 665 00:32:11,200 --> 00:32:14,320 Speaker 1: long term things we've all got on our calendars because 666 00:32:14,320 --> 00:32:16,240 Speaker 1: of the men's leagues being around for you, know one hundred. 667 00:32:16,320 --> 00:32:18,400 Speaker 2: Years So i'm just really. 668 00:32:18,440 --> 00:32:21,920 Speaker 1: Excited take me To, Thursday april, First final four weekend 669 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:22,440 Speaker 1: is about to get. 670 00:32:22,480 --> 00:32:24,520 Speaker 2: Underway what are you most excited for of the. 671 00:32:24,560 --> 00:32:28,760 Speaker 4: WEEKEND i am most excited first to welcome the four 672 00:32:28,920 --> 00:32:31,920 Speaker 4: teams To arizona because we meet them at the airport 673 00:32:32,120 --> 00:32:34,480 Speaker 4: there literally is it's not a red, carpet but it's 674 00:32:34,520 --> 00:32:37,000 Speaker 4: like a kind of orange carpet that gets rolled, out you, 675 00:32:37,040 --> 00:32:39,840 Speaker 4: know they come down off the plane and they get 676 00:32:39,880 --> 00:32:43,719 Speaker 4: to start their championship. Experience and so just seeing their 677 00:32:44,240 --> 00:32:47,360 Speaker 4: reactions and talking to the, coaches you, know they all 678 00:32:47,360 --> 00:32:49,720 Speaker 4: have their different. Personalities when it was the men's final, 679 00:32:49,760 --> 00:32:52,880 Speaker 4: Four yukon was delayed until you, know four, am but 680 00:32:52,920 --> 00:32:55,680 Speaker 4: we still met them at the. Airport and so just 681 00:32:55,720 --> 00:32:58,760 Speaker 4: really starting with that student athlete experience is exciting to 682 00:32:58,840 --> 00:33:01,520 Speaker 4: me Because i've heard from talking to some of the 683 00:33:01,600 --> 00:33:04,960 Speaker 4: participants is like this is a life changing. Moment it's 684 00:33:04,960 --> 00:33:07,040 Speaker 4: something they'll take with, them and it is their first 685 00:33:07,080 --> 00:33:10,520 Speaker 4: introduction for many of them To, arizona and we want 686 00:33:10,560 --> 00:33:12,560 Speaker 4: them to feel LIKE i can't wait to come, back 687 00:33:12,680 --> 00:33:14,520 Speaker 4: right AND i want to come back and. VISIT i 688 00:33:14,520 --> 00:33:16,120 Speaker 4: want to live, HERE i want to go into business. 689 00:33:16,120 --> 00:33:18,760 Speaker 4: Here so first starting with the student athlete and then 690 00:33:18,840 --> 00:33:21,440 Speaker 4: literally LIKE i love all the events with the, kids 691 00:33:21,880 --> 00:33:26,200 Speaker 4: and so we've got The bounce event On saturday morning 692 00:33:26,440 --> 00:33:29,080 Speaker 4: where three thousand kids are bouncing their basketballs through the 693 00:33:29,120 --> 00:33:30,880 Speaker 4: streets Of. Phoenix the streets are shut. 694 00:33:30,920 --> 00:33:32,800 Speaker 1: Down oh you'll have to tell me where that, is 695 00:33:32,840 --> 00:33:36,640 Speaker 1: SO i can't avoid. It sounds, amazing sounds amazing for 696 00:33:36,840 --> 00:33:39,040 Speaker 1: maybe other. FOLKS i don't THINK i want three thousand 697 00:33:39,080 --> 00:33:39,800 Speaker 1: kids anywhere near. 698 00:33:39,880 --> 00:33:42,320 Speaker 2: Me but good, note good, note you got. 699 00:33:42,200 --> 00:33:43,520 Speaker 4: To be up for. IT i, mean you, know we've 700 00:33:43,520 --> 00:33:45,800 Speaker 4: got our Grand. Marshall Mollie miller's going to bring a 701 00:33:45,840 --> 00:33:48,600 Speaker 4: couple of her kids. Down Mayor diego is going to 702 00:33:48,640 --> 00:33:51,680 Speaker 4: bring her son, down so it'll be. Fun and then 703 00:33:52,080 --> 00:33:55,720 Speaker 4: heading into On friday. Morning you're gonna want to miss 704 00:33:55,720 --> 00:34:00,280 Speaker 4: this one. Too we have our final four, schools our 705 00:34:00,320 --> 00:34:02,600 Speaker 4: third graders that have been reading around the, state thank 706 00:34:02,680 --> 00:34:05,240 Speaker 4: you for months and months and. Months it's the top four. 707 00:34:05,280 --> 00:34:08,800 Speaker 4: Schools we're going To crown A Champion reading school because 708 00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:11,480 Speaker 4: reading at the third grade level is really important a 709 00:34:11,520 --> 00:34:14,600 Speaker 4: future success in their. Studies and so they've been. Reading 710 00:34:14,640 --> 00:34:17,360 Speaker 4: we've got over twenty million minutes read and we're going 711 00:34:17,400 --> 00:34:17,880 Speaker 4: To crown A. 712 00:34:17,960 --> 00:34:21,160 Speaker 1: Championship if there's books, INVOLVED i might show up to that, One. 713 00:34:21,040 --> 00:34:24,080 Speaker 4: Okay, okay good, yeah either online books or real. Books 714 00:34:24,360 --> 00:34:27,040 Speaker 4: So i'm just excited, to you, know Put phoenix on 715 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:28,600 Speaker 4: the map for this amazing women's. 716 00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:31,040 Speaker 1: Event, well it sounds like you've got everything ready to. 717 00:34:31,040 --> 00:34:33,120 Speaker 1: Go i'm so excited to get out, there AND i 718 00:34:33,200 --> 00:34:36,440 Speaker 1: hopefully will run into you somewhere along the weekend at 719 00:34:36,440 --> 00:34:37,640 Speaker 1: one of the events going. 720 00:34:37,680 --> 00:34:39,759 Speaker 2: On i'm really looking forward to. It thanks so much 721 00:34:39,800 --> 00:34:40,240 Speaker 2: for joining. 722 00:34:40,280 --> 00:34:42,240 Speaker 4: Us, yeah we can't wait to have you, Out. Sarah 723 00:34:42,239 --> 00:34:42,719 Speaker 4: thanks for your. 724 00:34:42,760 --> 00:34:47,279 Speaker 1: Time thanks again To jay for taking the. Time we're 725 00:34:47,320 --> 00:34:49,640 Speaker 1: so excited for this. Weekend we got to take another 726 00:34:49,640 --> 00:34:52,520 Speaker 1: break when we, Return dukes still got a reason to. 727 00:34:52,560 --> 00:35:02,360 Speaker 2: Celebrate welcome, Back. Slices we love. 728 00:35:02,239 --> 00:35:03,560 Speaker 1: That you're, listening but we want you to get in 729 00:35:03,560 --> 00:35:05,839 Speaker 1: the game every day, Too so here's our good game 730 00:35:05,880 --> 00:35:09,120 Speaker 1: play of the. Day minnesota's exit in The sweet sixteen 731 00:35:09,560 --> 00:35:12,479 Speaker 1: means we had to say goodbye To Blanket lady Aka Pep. 732 00:35:12,560 --> 00:35:15,880 Speaker 1: Newman vanderbilt's loss means we got our last look at 733 00:35:15,920 --> 00:35:18,360 Speaker 1: the nation's leading scorer and friend of the, show Michaeleb 734 00:35:18,440 --> 00:35:19,399 Speaker 1: blake's until next. 735 00:35:19,400 --> 00:35:21,200 Speaker 2: Season lsu is. 736 00:35:21,239 --> 00:35:26,000 Speaker 1: Out so whatever show stopping sartorial Statement Kim maulky had 737 00:35:26,040 --> 00:35:28,439 Speaker 1: planned For phoenix will stay in her closet till next. 738 00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:30,759 Speaker 1: Year and just as we were all learning how to 739 00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:34,879 Speaker 1: say Alff, east don bulolou, Correctly louisville got. Bounced which, 740 00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:39,040 Speaker 1: player fan or storyline from a losing team will you miss. 741 00:35:38,840 --> 00:35:41,960 Speaker 2: The most after this weekend's game slices let us. Know, 742 00:35:42,440 --> 00:35:43,600 Speaker 2: also don't. 743 00:35:43,320 --> 00:35:45,280 Speaker 1: Forget to check out my heir at The cheers charity 744 00:35:45,280 --> 00:35:48,279 Speaker 1: campaign that's still going on Helping chicago area kids get 745 00:35:48,280 --> 00:35:50,680 Speaker 1: the hearing aids and audiology equipment they need to stay in. 746 00:35:50,719 --> 00:35:53,360 Speaker 1: Sports as they might have, mentioned hearing aids are usually 747 00:35:53,360 --> 00:35:55,600 Speaker 1: not covered by insurance and can be up to four 748 00:35:55,640 --> 00:35:59,279 Speaker 1: thousand dollars an. Ear we've got some great prizes and 749 00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:02,239 Speaker 1: every fifteen dollars you donate earned you another entry into the. 750 00:36:02,360 --> 00:36:06,240 Speaker 1: Raffle we've got An Athlete's Unlimited Prize, Pack Women's Sports Prize, 751 00:36:06,239 --> 00:36:10,360 Speaker 1: PACK Pwhl Merch cubs And bulls tickets for my Local chicago, 752 00:36:10,400 --> 00:36:14,560 Speaker 1: folks Assigned Jenny. Finchball lots of good, stuff so check it. 753 00:36:14,640 --> 00:36:16,880 Speaker 1: Out we'll put the link in the show. Notes we 754 00:36:16,920 --> 00:36:18,440 Speaker 1: always love to hear from, you so hit us up 755 00:36:18,440 --> 00:36:21,640 Speaker 1: on email good game at wondermedianetwork dot com or leave 756 00:36:21,719 --> 00:36:24,640 Speaker 1: us a voicemail at eight seven two two four fifty 757 00:36:24,760 --> 00:36:28,399 Speaker 1: seventy and don't forget to, subscribe rate and Review it's 758 00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:32,799 Speaker 1: so easy. Watch Nina king is The queen In, durham 759 00:36:33,120 --> 00:36:38,120 Speaker 1: rating three for three conference titles. Review Duke athletic Director 760 00:36:38,200 --> 00:36:41,040 Speaker 1: Nina king led The Blue devils to a historic first 761 00:36:41,040 --> 00:36:45,000 Speaker 1: this school, year sweeping THE acc championships in, football men's, 762 00:36:45,080 --> 00:36:48,560 Speaker 1: basketball and women's. Basketball friend of The, Show, king who 763 00:36:48,600 --> 00:36:50,759 Speaker 1: was hired By duke in twenty twenty, one is the 764 00:36:50,760 --> 00:36:54,080 Speaker 1: school's first woman athletic director and only the third black 765 00:36:54,120 --> 00:36:56,040 Speaker 1: woman ever to be an ad in A power five. 766 00:36:56,080 --> 00:36:58,799 Speaker 1: Conference there's progress being made when it comes to. Women 767 00:36:58,840 --> 00:37:01,880 Speaker 1: at the top hundred and seventy nine women athletic directors 768 00:37:01,920 --> 00:37:04,400 Speaker 1: in twenty twenty, five we're a twenty four percent increase 769 00:37:04,440 --> 00:37:07,440 Speaker 1: over the past, decade and the sixty two female athletic 770 00:37:07,480 --> 00:37:10,320 Speaker 1: directors In division one marks an eighty two percent increase 771 00:37:10,320 --> 00:37:12,960 Speaker 1: over the last ten. Years but women are still the 772 00:37:13,000 --> 00:37:16,760 Speaker 1: minority at the, position representing just fifteen percent Of division 773 00:37:16,760 --> 00:37:19,920 Speaker 1: one athletic. Directors Perhaps king's reign At duke. 774 00:37:19,760 --> 00:37:22,480 Speaker 2: Will inspire a few more schools to embrace the power 775 00:37:22,520 --> 00:37:26,000 Speaker 2: of a. Matriarchy we'd like to see it. Now it's 776 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:29,520 Speaker 2: your journ. Y'all rate and. Review thanks for. Listening see you. 777 00:37:29,520 --> 00:37:34,239 Speaker 1: Tomorrow Good, Game, Jay Good, GAME ucla and yukon you 778 00:37:34,680 --> 00:37:36,120 Speaker 1: just one more weekend of college. 779 00:37:36,120 --> 00:37:43,440 Speaker 2: HOOPS I want. More Good game. 780 00:37:43,280 --> 00:37:46,400 Speaker 1: With Sarah spain is an iheartwomen's sports production in partnership 781 00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:49,000 Speaker 1: With Deep Blue sports And. Entertainment you can find us 782 00:37:49,000 --> 00:37:52,160 Speaker 1: on The iHeartRadio, App Apple, podcasts or wherever you get your. 783 00:37:52,200 --> 00:37:56,040 Speaker 1: Podcasts production By Wonder Media, network our producers Are Alex 784 00:37:56,120 --> 00:37:59,960 Speaker 1: azi And Bianca. Hillier our executive producers Are Christina, Everett Jesse, 785 00:38:00,160 --> 00:38:03,240 Speaker 1: Cats Jenny kaplan And Emily. Rudder our editors Are Emily, 786 00:38:03,280 --> 00:38:06,960 Speaker 1: Rutterer Lucy, Jones Britney martinez And Gianna. Palmer production assistant 787 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:09,760 Speaker 1: From Avery loftus And I'm Your Host Sarah spain