January 22, 2025 • 15 mins
Cal Bears Women's Basketball Head Coach Charmin Smith is sits down with The Sana G Morning Show to talk about her team's AMAZING season, the presidential inauguration and her stellar players on & off the court!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, y'all.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
Sonic Cast time got the honor and the pleasure of
having the head coach of those cow Golden Bears basketball
team out there, the ladies on the court.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Sharman Smith is in the building with us today. Biz.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
What up, coach? How y'all doing doing good?
Speaker 4 (00:18):
Doing good? How about you?
Speaker 3 (00:19):
How you doing? Yeah, I'm just really excited to be here.
I listen to you guys every morning on my drive in,
So thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Yeah, of course. So and Nitia is a good friend
of mine. I've known him since he was like with
the Warriors and whatnot. And he had heard us do
a segment about Jada and the shoes that she's been
doing and stuff like that, which is really dope. I mean,
the woman's she's completely artistic right on and off the court,
is how they highlighted her.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
And he was like, man, would you want to talk
to Sharmon.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
I was like, yeah, bring her through, thank you, because
the girls are just i mean, they're killing it.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Yeah, we're having a really good season. This team is
bought in, We're super talented, and I'm just really excited
trying to, you know, keep it going, stay out of
the way and not messing with up.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Well, I saw some clips of you on the sideline,
so you a little bit in the way.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Yeah, you're right, you're right there, getting a.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Little spicy out there, coach.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
You can be honest with it.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
She's like shure and then when they get it, she's like.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
When they get it, I'm like, this is what we
do right right hoopers.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
So, but he was talking about how you didn't.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Even really plan on being a coach, but that you know,
one of the coaches I guess from Stanford kind of
taught you into, you know, being who you are today.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Yeah, Tar Van Dervere. You know, I played for her
at Stanford. She's one of the greatest to ever do it.
And I was having some issues after, you know, being
cut from the w and not knowing what to do next,
and she just you know, she said, you know, Charman,
I think you'd be a really good coach. And I
was like, I don't know that I want to do
with what you do, you know, But Tar made a
(01:49):
phone call for me, and you know, that was twenty
two years ago and really appreciative and now I'm loving
it and we're having some success. So so really thriving
right now.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
What you love most about the game.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
I mean, you know, I've heard from so many people
that you guys are just a fun team to watch,
that the girls are so passionate and focused, and you know,
obviously your character on the sideline a little bit from
what I saw.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
I need to come to an actual game.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
But like when you started playing hoop when you were young, like,
what would be some advice or just you know, things
that you could tell young athletes to focus on that
you love so much about basketball?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Yeah, I think it's the camaraderie and the competitiveness, right,
like like I love to compete. Yeah, you know our
team now they talk about being dogs. I'd like to say,
you know, I was a dog out there accept any challenge.
And then the relationships that you have with your teammates
and you know, just trying to do something together, accomplishing
a goal like that as a team, it's really special.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
Yeah, you're still out there crossing folks up and practice. Coach,
I just got to know that, like how many players
a week do you have to sit there and run
an ice so with like okay, let me show you something, young.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Buck, let me get back here real quick.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
And how often does it happen beyond.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
You know, it used to happen more frequently. You know.
Now I only get out there when I really get
mad at him, you know, but I had to move on.
I do my movie time out, which is really what
you know, where I take out my aggression.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Yeah, let's saw video that, did you. Yeah, she's been
doing it a while getting to it.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Look, I had to ask if we first walked out,
so are you reasally for the best.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
She said, no, I'll Saint Louis.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
Don't be letting that lou out, Okay, because I know
how Saint Louis get out there.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Coach.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
You know that where Glorrilla from.
Speaker 4 (03:26):
Well, sexy red, oh, sexy rig Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
It's from Memphis. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
So I know you said you played at Stanford. Have
you just been in the Bay Area since then? You've
stayed here as well?
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Pretty much since college has kind of been home base.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
You know.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
I spent some time in the w I was in Seattle,
and I was in Minnesota, but I've always come back
to the Bay.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
That's a beautiful thing. Did you did you see the
kicks she was rocking today when she walked there?
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Yeah, I got my jay castles on.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Young Noble. Yeah, that's dope.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
She made shoes for the whole team, right, he did.
And I heard she was doing something for the Warriors.
Did she ever get there.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
Yeah, she's working on that. I'm not sure if they've
been delivered yet, but I know she has plans for
the Warriors. She's had some for Jeweloid and you know,
tons of professionals. So yeah, she's really talented.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
Yeah. Yeah, that's a beautiful thing. So outside of her, like,
what are some other ways that you can, like, I guess,
encourage your players to like, you know, release a little
bit of stress when they're not on the court.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
I mean, I think just because it's such a fun
group and they really care about each other, you know,
as people. First, they have a sisterhood that they really value,
and so they spend a lot of time just hanging out,
you know, just giving each other a love that they need.
I think one example, we were like delayed five or
six hours coming back from North Carolina on Sunday. Wow,
(04:41):
and so we're not gonna We're not gonna complain. It's like,
all right, I know you guys want to see that,
says a Kiky movie like yeah, you know, so they
went to the movies, had some dinner, and then we
finally got home like four am. But when you're doing
it with people that you care about, you know, you
can get through anything. And that's what this season has
felt like.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
And still went out there and smacked up North Carolina.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (05:02):
I mean, you know, yeah, sitting at twenty two so
far this year, what is the goal? I mean, it
looks like you guys are pretty much you know, pinned
to go ahead and make it actually to the to
the attorney this year?
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Is it?
Speaker 4 (05:16):
Is it national championship or bus or what are some
goals y'all have been knocking down so far?
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, the goal that we talked about since April was
making the NCAA tournament. That's awesome. We still have work
to do, you know. We're in a good spot, but
we can't get complacent. We have to stay hungry and
then you know, if we get there. When we get there,
then of course we're going to keep playing as long
as we can. But right now, we want to be
in the big dance. We want to be playing in March.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah, and I do see.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
This is the first year that the ladies actually going
to get paid, you know, for making it to the turn.
I mean, I'm sure some of your players have talked
about that. How do I mean that's monumental.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Yeah, I mean for us to get units, it really
helps our athletic department as a whole, you know, And
and you know it tells everyone that, yeah, we're part
of this business right conversation too, you know. And if
you invest in women's basketball, you will be rewarded. They
just got to put the time and the energy into
understand how powerful this game is. And I think you
saw that last year with the explosion of Caitlin Clark
(06:10):
and Reese in South Carolina and Don Staley. This is
a special game.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
Yeah, it definitely is.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
How much do you have to tell your players to
not be doing dances and stuff on TikTok?
Speaker 3 (06:21):
You know? I have two freshmen Cam and that like
are TikTok and all the time. So when it went down,
I text him, I was like, are you guys okay?
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Yeah, you want me to come, I'll give you a hun.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
There's young people, dude, in this these apps. It's just
really out of control. I mean mine's fift I have
a daughter, who's fifteen, She screamed. I was like, when's
the last time TikTok fed you?
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Exactly?
Speaker 1 (06:43):
What did TikTok do for your birthday? Nothing?
Speaker 2 (06:46):
So help me watch these dishes and fold these clothes
like they're getting so lost in this social media world
that it's it's pretty scary, honestly, And I'm glad these
girls are already in college.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
That's great.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
I kind of worry about the kids that are like
high school, in middle school now.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Yeah, I can't imagine growing up during the time of
social media. You know, it's nuts. Our mistakes and even
our success were not this visible man, but they're handling
it hand.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Yeah, And my daughter does get access to like some
professional athletes, like you know, she wouldn't be able to
see some of the stuff your girls do or you know,
coaches or whatever if she if she wasn't on there.
So it does play an important role. I have to
ask you about the presidency. Obviously we've got you know,
forty seven is Donald Trump back in office.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
And you know, no matter.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
What side all of us kind of side on, I'm
always holding on to hope for better, whatever that may mean,
whatever that looks like. But immediately getting into office, he
like affected so many people, I feel like from our communities,
and I was like, I feel like the one percentage
are going to be dancing naked in the streets and
the rest of us are just gonna, you know, be
(07:54):
for the worst.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So I don't know, what do you think?
Speaker 3 (07:56):
Yeah, I mean, for me, this hasn't been an issue
of like Democrat or Republican or anything. I respect people
who have different values, and I do you know, you
you think that people should pay taxes at this rate
and I think this, that's okay. If you think that
abortion is wrong and I think that someone should be
allowed to have an abortion, that's okay. We can respect
(08:19):
each other's differences when it comes to views. To me,
it's a matter of right and wrong and being a
good human being. And so, no, this is not the
president that I voted for, and I'm very comfortable saying
that publicly. And yes, I do think our country has
to do a lot of reflection and figure out who
(08:40):
we actually want to be as people, as human beings
moving forward.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Yeah, I mean it takes a courageous person to say that,
because you know, I feel like I said something about
Trump or whatever or actually it was our Mexican firefighters
that came over and I actually took the post from
someone else and they you know, it said something about
you know, nations divided by you know, politics, but coming
together in a time of need.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
And I lost like a hundred followers.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
So because you know, people are just I don't want
to say blind, but you know, hopeful, I guess to
a fault.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Maybe I don't know, but I'm just going to remain
that person.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
And then even speaking on politics, you know, with the
thing going back to what was it San Jose State
where they had a transgender player on their volleyball team,
and my daughter plays volleyball, yep, and we actually have
a transgender player on our high school team, and she's
an exceptional athlete. I wouldn't say, you know, when you
see men play volleyball, it's like, oh my god, you
(09:37):
think the ball is going to go through the floor.
She doesn't play to that level, like she is strong,
but like when you see stuff like that, like, how
do you feel about having a trans player if you
ever encountered one?
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Yeah, I mean I think that's something where we really
have a really inclusive environment and you know, we respect
each other's differences, and that's the whole point. It's like
we folk were focused on the wrong things. This is
not an issue that should be gaining this much attention
right there. They're not dominating, they're not winning a championship.
You know, They're just trying to have an experience that
feels right to them. And I think we have much
(10:11):
bigger issues in this country. And again it's not political.
I respect people who have different values and beliefs, just
trying to be a good person and not sure that
that's modeled by the person that we put in office.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Okay, I mean, I know what is the touchy subject
and definitely a climate that you probably have to cover
a long time with your with the ladies that are
on your team. But you know, as you all continue
to move forward, I mean, I'm just gonna put this out.
You feel like somebody that makes sure that the climate
on the team is is uniform and all in love
and still hold it down because y'all absolutely are the
(10:45):
East based team.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Everybody else in Oakland.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
It's all.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
It's all on y'all. Coach, It's all y'all.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Yet, okay, because I'm not miss almost quite, I wish
we could have the teams back in Oakland. You know,
I'm excited about the Valkyries. At least they're practicing their facility.
It's true, and I have my season tickets there you go.
But to answer your question, I have such a special
group of young women. This is why we're winning more
games because the culture is on point. We believe in inclusivity,
(11:16):
like we care about each other. We show up for
one goal. We do things to help our communities. Right.
We have our Race for Change where doctor John Carlos
came out and was with us. You know, we have
our Raising the Bar Invitational because in our sport, representation
is a huge issue. So the BAR stands for Basketball
Activism Representation and that tournament features four black female head
(11:39):
coaches every year because that's important. We've got about seventeen
percent of black female head coaches in our sport where
over forty seven percent of the student athletes are women
of color. Right, So it's a huge issue and we're
going to continue to bring attention to things that are
important to us. We're working on helping with the wildfire
reliefs and getting a bunch of sport equipment sent down
(12:01):
to the schools that you know lost everything is awesome.
So it's not just about you know, being a student
or being an athlete. It's about being a good person.
How are you impacting people in a positive way? What
are you doing for your community.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
It's a beautiful thing to hear. I loved.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
So there was a clip of you talking to one
of your players, number twelve. Okay, I forget her name
at this point, but that's my daughter's number two and
it's my birthday. But you were like, you know, where
some coaches and I've seen like all kinds of different coaching,
obviously my daughter's.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Early in her athletic career.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
But you were like, when you're on, when you're focused,
when you're nobody can stop you. Like you said something
about nobody being able to stop her. And I almost
want to cry because my daughter deals with like mental blocks,
doubting herself, and I feel like I'm a part of
that problem because I push her and I probably didn't
do it well yep.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
But when I saw that, I was like, that's the
way that you.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
Talk to an athlete, right, It's always it's always supportive,
not like what are you doing? You should have done
this or whatever, And for young athletes out there who
you know, go through their whatever sport it may be yep,
when they've got parents that are involved or coaches that
may be rough on them, Like what can you tell
them or where can they find a resource to find
(13:18):
like mental strength?
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Yeah, I think the way you talk to yourself is
extremely important. Right. You have to stay positive with with
what you put in your own mind. And it's tough
out there, you know, it's challenging. Like Tara was very
very you know, demanding, and the way she spoke to
us was not always positive, right, And but we also
have to set the ground as a coach so that
(13:40):
they know that you believe in them. And and you
know I did not say all the positive things against
Wake in that first half with your team, right, but
you know, I think I've poured into them and said, hey,
we are a tournament team. We can do this. You know,
we can accomplish X, Y and Z if we keep
doing you know what we're supposed to do. So then
in those moments where it's like, hey, you need to
(14:01):
be better, like no, that's not you. You need to
be better, hopefully they know it's coming from a place
of belief and you're pouring into them and you're just
trying to help them step it up.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Do you think like a mental coach would be good too?
Oh yeah, we had certain cases that yeah, okay.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Yeah, Samantha. You know she's our mental performance consultant and
she's meeting with our team today. She was on our
road trips. Like it's a really big piece and she's
been helpful for me as a coach. Right, there's pressures
in this seat, and you know I talked to her
about handling that so that I can be better when
I have to show up for my teammates or for
sorry for my team, you know, for those that haven't
(14:36):
been out to see us yet. I mean, it's a
really exciting version of basketball. You know, we've got Lou
and Yo as the Splash sisters. You know, they're six
in the nation and three point shooting, and then that
you add Martha and Kayla who are also shooting over
forty percent from three. They don't shoot as many, but
when they shoot it, it's going in. And it's a
(14:56):
really fun offensive team to watch. When they're out there,
you get hot.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
It's kind of like, yeah, you.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Got to see this.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Yeah, the Splash sisters do what I've been hearing a
lot about, you know, obviously a mirror effect of what
was going on with the Warriors for such a long,
great time, and you know, the same talent basically just
at the cal courts, you know what I mean, doing
their thing out there.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
So it's pretty dope to see them go out there
and do their thing.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
I mean, I'm excited for this game coming up this
week Stanford. I know that's always a tough one. Y'all
already beat them a little earlier in the season. You
know you got to go see them on their home court.
Do you all get extra charged up for those you know.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Those Yeah, sure, Cal Stanford in any sport, anytime anywhere
you know it's on, So we know they're gonna be ready.
We got to bring our best.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
I love it all right, Get your tickets, y'all, go
support
All right, y'all.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
Sonic Cast time got the honor and the pleasure of
having the head coach of those cow Golden Bears basketball
team out there, the ladies on the court.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Sharman Smith is in the building with us today. Biz.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
What up, coach? How y'all doing doing good?
Speaker 4 (00:18):
Doing good? How about you?
Speaker 3 (00:19):
How you doing? Yeah, I'm just really excited to be here.
I listen to you guys every morning on my drive in,
So thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Yeah, of course. So and Nitia is a good friend
of mine. I've known him since he was like with
the Warriors and whatnot. And he had heard us do
a segment about Jada and the shoes that she's been
doing and stuff like that, which is really dope. I mean,
the woman's she's completely artistic right on and off the court,
is how they highlighted her.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
And he was like, man, would you want to talk
to Sharmon.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
I was like, yeah, bring her through, thank you, because
the girls are just i mean, they're killing it.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Yeah, we're having a really good season. This team is
bought in, We're super talented, and I'm just really excited
trying to, you know, keep it going, stay out of
the way and not messing with up.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Well, I saw some clips of you on the sideline,
so you a little bit in the way.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Yeah, you're right, you're right there, getting a.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Little spicy out there, coach.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
You can be honest with it.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
She's like shure and then when they get it, she's like.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
When they get it, I'm like, this is what we
do right right hoopers.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
So, but he was talking about how you didn't.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Even really plan on being a coach, but that you know,
one of the coaches I guess from Stanford kind of
taught you into, you know, being who you are today.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Yeah, Tar Van Dervere. You know, I played for her
at Stanford. She's one of the greatest to ever do it.
And I was having some issues after, you know, being
cut from the w and not knowing what to do next,
and she just you know, she said, you know, Charman,
I think you'd be a really good coach. And I
was like, I don't know that I want to do
with what you do, you know, But Tar made a
(01:49):
phone call for me, and you know, that was twenty
two years ago and really appreciative and now I'm loving
it and we're having some success. So so really thriving
right now.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
What you love most about the game.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
I mean, you know, I've heard from so many people
that you guys are just a fun team to watch,
that the girls are so passionate and focused, and you know,
obviously your character on the sideline a little bit from
what I saw.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
I need to come to an actual game.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
But like when you started playing hoop when you were young, like,
what would be some advice or just you know, things
that you could tell young athletes to focus on that
you love so much about basketball?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Yeah, I think it's the camaraderie and the competitiveness, right,
like like I love to compete. Yeah, you know our
team now they talk about being dogs. I'd like to say,
you know, I was a dog out there accept any challenge.
And then the relationships that you have with your teammates
and you know, just trying to do something together, accomplishing
a goal like that as a team, it's really special.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
Yeah, you're still out there crossing folks up and practice. Coach,
I just got to know that, like how many players
a week do you have to sit there and run
an ice so with like okay, let me show you something, young.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Buck, let me get back here real quick.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
And how often does it happen beyond.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
You know, it used to happen more frequently. You know.
Now I only get out there when I really get
mad at him, you know, but I had to move on.
I do my movie time out, which is really what
you know, where I take out my aggression.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Yeah, let's saw video that, did you. Yeah, she's been
doing it a while getting to it.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Look, I had to ask if we first walked out,
so are you reasally for the best.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
She said, no, I'll Saint Louis.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
Don't be letting that lou out, Okay, because I know
how Saint Louis get out there.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Coach.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
You know that where Glorrilla from.
Speaker 4 (03:26):
Well, sexy red, oh, sexy rig Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
It's from Memphis. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
So I know you said you played at Stanford. Have
you just been in the Bay Area since then? You've
stayed here as well?
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Pretty much since college has kind of been home base.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
You know.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
I spent some time in the w I was in Seattle,
and I was in Minnesota, but I've always come back
to the Bay.
Speaker 4 (03:44):
That's a beautiful thing. Did you did you see the
kicks she was rocking today when she walked there?
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Yeah, I got my jay castles on.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Young Noble. Yeah, that's dope.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
She made shoes for the whole team, right, he did.
And I heard she was doing something for the Warriors.
Did she ever get there.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
Yeah, she's working on that. I'm not sure if they've
been delivered yet, but I know she has plans for
the Warriors. She's had some for Jeweloid and you know,
tons of professionals. So yeah, she's really talented.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
Yeah. Yeah, that's a beautiful thing. So outside of her, like,
what are some other ways that you can, like, I guess,
encourage your players to like, you know, release a little
bit of stress when they're not on the court.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
I mean, I think just because it's such a fun
group and they really care about each other, you know,
as people. First, they have a sisterhood that they really value,
and so they spend a lot of time just hanging out,
you know, just giving each other a love that they need.
I think one example, we were like delayed five or
six hours coming back from North Carolina on Sunday. Wow,
(04:41):
and so we're not gonna We're not gonna complain. It's like,
all right, I know you guys want to see that,
says a Kiky movie like yeah, you know, so they
went to the movies, had some dinner, and then we
finally got home like four am. But when you're doing
it with people that you care about, you know, you
can get through anything. And that's what this season has
felt like.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
And still went out there and smacked up North Carolina.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (05:02):
I mean, you know, yeah, sitting at twenty two so
far this year, what is the goal? I mean, it
looks like you guys are pretty much you know, pinned
to go ahead and make it actually to the to
the attorney this year?
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Is it?
Speaker 4 (05:16):
Is it national championship or bus or what are some
goals y'all have been knocking down so far?
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Yeah, the goal that we talked about since April was
making the NCAA tournament. That's awesome. We still have work
to do, you know. We're in a good spot, but
we can't get complacent. We have to stay hungry and
then you know, if we get there. When we get there,
then of course we're going to keep playing as long
as we can. But right now, we want to be
in the big dance. We want to be playing in March.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah, and I do see.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
This is the first year that the ladies actually going
to get paid, you know, for making it to the turn.
I mean, I'm sure some of your players have talked
about that. How do I mean that's monumental.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Yeah, I mean for us to get units, it really
helps our athletic department as a whole, you know, And
and you know it tells everyone that, yeah, we're part
of this business right conversation too, you know. And if
you invest in women's basketball, you will be rewarded. They
just got to put the time and the energy into
understand how powerful this game is. And I think you
saw that last year with the explosion of Caitlin Clark
(06:10):
and Reese in South Carolina and Don Staley. This is
a special game.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
Yeah, it definitely is.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
How much do you have to tell your players to
not be doing dances and stuff on TikTok?
Speaker 3 (06:21):
You know? I have two freshmen Cam and that like
are TikTok and all the time. So when it went down,
I text him, I was like, are you guys okay?
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Yeah, you want me to come, I'll give you a hun.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
There's young people, dude, in this these apps. It's just
really out of control. I mean mine's fift I have
a daughter, who's fifteen, She screamed. I was like, when's
the last time TikTok fed you?
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Exactly?
Speaker 1 (06:43):
What did TikTok do for your birthday? Nothing?
Speaker 2 (06:46):
So help me watch these dishes and fold these clothes
like they're getting so lost in this social media world
that it's it's pretty scary, honestly, And I'm glad these
girls are already in college.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
That's great.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
I kind of worry about the kids that are like
high school, in middle school now.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Yeah, I can't imagine growing up during the time of
social media. You know, it's nuts. Our mistakes and even
our success were not this visible man, but they're handling
it hand.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Yeah, And my daughter does get access to like some
professional athletes, like you know, she wouldn't be able to
see some of the stuff your girls do or you know,
coaches or whatever if she if she wasn't on there.
So it does play an important role. I have to
ask you about the presidency. Obviously we've got you know,
forty seven is Donald Trump back in office.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
And you know, no matter.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
What side all of us kind of side on, I'm
always holding on to hope for better, whatever that may mean,
whatever that looks like. But immediately getting into office, he
like affected so many people, I feel like from our communities,
and I was like, I feel like the one percentage
are going to be dancing naked in the streets and
the rest of us are just gonna, you know, be
(07:54):
for the worst.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So I don't know, what do you think?
Speaker 3 (07:56):
Yeah, I mean, for me, this hasn't been an issue
of like Democrat or Republican or anything. I respect people
who have different values, and I do you know, you
you think that people should pay taxes at this rate
and I think this, that's okay. If you think that
abortion is wrong and I think that someone should be
allowed to have an abortion, that's okay. We can respect
(08:19):
each other's differences when it comes to views. To me,
it's a matter of right and wrong and being a
good human being. And so, no, this is not the
president that I voted for, and I'm very comfortable saying
that publicly. And yes, I do think our country has
to do a lot of reflection and figure out who
(08:40):
we actually want to be as people, as human beings
moving forward.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Yeah, I mean it takes a courageous person to say that,
because you know, I feel like I said something about
Trump or whatever or actually it was our Mexican firefighters
that came over and I actually took the post from
someone else and they you know, it said something about
you know, nations divided by you know, politics, but coming
together in a time of need.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
And I lost like a hundred followers.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
So because you know, people are just I don't want
to say blind, but you know, hopeful, I guess to
a fault.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Maybe I don't know, but I'm just going to remain
that person.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
And then even speaking on politics, you know, with the
thing going back to what was it San Jose State
where they had a transgender player on their volleyball team,
and my daughter plays volleyball, yep, and we actually have
a transgender player on our high school team, and she's
an exceptional athlete. I wouldn't say, you know, when you
see men play volleyball, it's like, oh my god, you
(09:37):
think the ball is going to go through the floor.
She doesn't play to that level, like she is strong,
but like when you see stuff like that, like, how
do you feel about having a trans player if you
ever encountered one?
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Yeah, I mean I think that's something where we really
have a really inclusive environment and you know, we respect
each other's differences, and that's the whole point. It's like
we folk were focused on the wrong things. This is
not an issue that should be gaining this much attention
right there. They're not dominating, they're not winning a championship.
You know, They're just trying to have an experience that
feels right to them. And I think we have much
(10:11):
bigger issues in this country. And again it's not political.
I respect people who have different values and beliefs, just
trying to be a good person and not sure that
that's modeled by the person that we put in office.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
Okay, I mean, I know what is the touchy subject
and definitely a climate that you probably have to cover
a long time with your with the ladies that are
on your team. But you know, as you all continue
to move forward, I mean, I'm just gonna put this out.
You feel like somebody that makes sure that the climate
on the team is is uniform and all in love
and still hold it down because y'all absolutely are the
(10:45):
East based team.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Everybody else in Oakland.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
It's all.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
It's all on y'all. Coach, It's all y'all.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Yet, okay, because I'm not miss almost quite, I wish
we could have the teams back in Oakland. You know,
I'm excited about the Valkyries. At least they're practicing their facility.
It's true, and I have my season tickets there you go.
But to answer your question, I have such a special
group of young women. This is why we're winning more
games because the culture is on point. We believe in inclusivity,
(11:16):
like we care about each other. We show up for
one goal. We do things to help our communities. Right.
We have our Race for Change where doctor John Carlos
came out and was with us. You know, we have
our Raising the Bar Invitational because in our sport, representation
is a huge issue. So the BAR stands for Basketball
Activism Representation and that tournament features four black female head
(11:39):
coaches every year because that's important. We've got about seventeen
percent of black female head coaches in our sport where
over forty seven percent of the student athletes are women
of color. Right, So it's a huge issue and we're
going to continue to bring attention to things that are
important to us. We're working on helping with the wildfire
reliefs and getting a bunch of sport equipment sent down
(12:01):
to the schools that you know lost everything is awesome.
So it's not just about you know, being a student
or being an athlete. It's about being a good person.
How are you impacting people in a positive way? What
are you doing for your community.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
It's a beautiful thing to hear. I loved.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
So there was a clip of you talking to one
of your players, number twelve. Okay, I forget her name
at this point, but that's my daughter's number two and
it's my birthday. But you were like, you know, where
some coaches and I've seen like all kinds of different coaching,
obviously my daughter's.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Early in her athletic career.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
But you were like, when you're on, when you're focused,
when you're nobody can stop you. Like you said something
about nobody being able to stop her. And I almost
want to cry because my daughter deals with like mental blocks,
doubting herself, and I feel like I'm a part of
that problem because I push her and I probably didn't
do it well yep.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
But when I saw that, I was like, that's the
way that you.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
Talk to an athlete, right, It's always it's always supportive,
not like what are you doing? You should have done
this or whatever, And for young athletes out there who
you know, go through their whatever sport it may be yep,
when they've got parents that are involved or coaches that
may be rough on them, Like what can you tell
them or where can they find a resource to find
(13:18):
like mental strength?
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Yeah, I think the way you talk to yourself is
extremely important. Right. You have to stay positive with with
what you put in your own mind. And it's tough
out there, you know, it's challenging. Like Tara was very
very you know, demanding, and the way she spoke to
us was not always positive, right, And but we also
have to set the ground as a coach so that
(13:40):
they know that you believe in them. And and you
know I did not say all the positive things against
Wake in that first half with your team, right, but
you know, I think I've poured into them and said, hey,
we are a tournament team. We can do this. You know,
we can accomplish X, Y and Z if we keep
doing you know what we're supposed to do. So then
in those moments where it's like, hey, you need to
(14:01):
be better, like no, that's not you. You need to
be better, hopefully they know it's coming from a place
of belief and you're pouring into them and you're just
trying to help them step it up.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Do you think like a mental coach would be good too?
Oh yeah, we had certain cases that yeah, okay.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Yeah, Samantha. You know she's our mental performance consultant and
she's meeting with our team today. She was on our
road trips. Like it's a really big piece and she's
been helpful for me as a coach. Right, there's pressures
in this seat, and you know I talked to her
about handling that so that I can be better when
I have to show up for my teammates or for
sorry for my team, you know, for those that haven't
(14:36):
been out to see us yet. I mean, it's a
really exciting version of basketball. You know, we've got Lou
and Yo as the Splash sisters. You know, they're six
in the nation and three point shooting, and then that
you add Martha and Kayla who are also shooting over
forty percent from three. They don't shoot as many, but
when they shoot it, it's going in. And it's a
(14:56):
really fun offensive team to watch. When they're out there,
you get hot.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
It's kind of like, yeah, you.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Got to see this.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Yeah, the Splash sisters do what I've been hearing a
lot about, you know, obviously a mirror effect of what
was going on with the Warriors for such a long,
great time, and you know, the same talent basically just
at the cal courts, you know what I mean, doing
their thing out there.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
So it's pretty dope to see them go out there
and do their thing.
Speaker 4 (15:22):
I mean, I'm excited for this game coming up this
week Stanford. I know that's always a tough one. Y'all
already beat them a little earlier in the season. You
know you got to go see them on their home court.
Do you all get extra charged up for those you know.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Those Yeah, sure, Cal Stanford in any sport, anytime anywhere
you know it's on, So we know they're gonna be ready.
We got to bring our best.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
I love it all right, Get your tickets, y'all, go
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