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Listen as Kaavya Narayan interviews amazing women in sport! From stories about Olympic journeys, WNBA playoffs, national championships, and career lows, these women reflect on and discuss their various paths—providing perspective and advice for young women and individuals. Through these episodes, you’ll be inspired by these confident and bad ass women and learn from discussions on mental strength, body image, and activism. This podcast seeks to amplify the voices of women, display the power ...
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Leading Arizona to the National Championship, Playing for Coach Adia Barnes, and Tenacity Through the Lows ft. Arizona WBB Player Sam Thomas
21:18
21:18
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21:18
In this episode, Kaavya talks with the amazing Sam Thomas, who just finished her 5th year playing basketball for Coach Adia Barnes at the University of Arizona. They chat about growing up in a basketball playing family, choosing Arizona, and Tiktoking with her team. They also dive into Arizona's amazing story as a program that grew under Coach Barn…
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Finding Resilience to Bounce Back, Kobe's Advice, and Giving Back to the Community ft. Pro Basketball Player Reshanda Gray
28:56
28:56
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28:56
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Reshanda Gray--a professional basketball player overseas in Italy and the WNBA. They dive into her unconventional and impactful upbringing in South Central LA, as well as her involvement in LA After School All-Stars. She reminisces on the time she met Kobe in middle school and the impact of his advice on the traje…
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Joining Angel City FC, Social Entrepreneurship, and Embracing Change ft. NWSL Player Jasmyne Spencer
21:10
21:10
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21:10
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Jasmyne Spencer, a professional soccer player for Angel City FC of the NWSL. Angel City is the new NWSL expansion team founded in 2020 (starting play in 2022) with a star-studded lineup of founders and investors such as Natalie Portman, Alexis Ohanian, Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Candace Parker, and more! Jasmyne talk…
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Using Gymnastics to Embrace Individuality, Build Confidence, and Open Doors ft. Auburn Gymnast National Champion Derrian Gobourne
19:48
19:48
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19:48
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Derrian Gobourne--a gymnast at Auburn University. Derrian was the first ever gymnastics national champion at Auburn in 2019 (as a freshman!!). She details winning the national championship in vault, competing against Olympians, and how she gets ready to shine in big moments. Many people admire Derrian’s bright and…
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Self Reflection and Collegiate Volleyball ft. Cal Poly Alum and FSU Player Torrey Van Winden
29:58
29:58
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29:58
In this episode, Kaavya chats with Torrey Van Winden who played indoor and beach volleyball at Cal Poly SLO and beach volleyball at Florida State University. Torrey dives deep into her volleyball journey and how she was influenced by her parents’ professional sports careers. After a successful club and high school career, Torrey attended UCLA befor…
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Overcoming Multiple Injuries and the Value of Mental Health ft. Syracuse Lax Alum Morgan Alexander
24:11
24:11
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24:11
In this episode, Kaavya chats with Morgan Alexander who played lacrosse for Syracuse University. Morgan recently graduated with a degree in Sports Broadcasting from Syracuse; however, her time there was filled with multiple injuries. After tearing her MCL, ACL, lateral meniscus, and dislocating her kneecap, she thought she would never play again. H…
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How Sports Uplift Women in India ft. Indian Rugby Player Neha Pardeshi
22:43
22:43
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22:43
In this episode, Kaavya chats with Neha Pardeshi of the Indian National Rugby Team. Neha takes us on her sports journey from high school to the national team, and she details the moment she fell in love with Rugby. She explains how Rugby transformed her from a shy young girl to a strong, confident woman. Neha also expands on the growth of sports cu…
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Fostering Inclusivity in Hockey and Finding Your Voice ft. NWHL Player Saroya Tinker
19:16
19:16
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19:16
In this episode, Kaavya chats with Saroya Tinker—a rising star in the NWHL and a powerful voice advocating for inclusivity in hockey. They dive deep into her journey with ice hockey starting with her roots in Canada to her recent collegiate career at Yale University. She recalls her favorite Yale traditions, her decision to play pro, and her path t…
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Training for the Isobel Cup and What’s Next for the NWHL ft. Kaleigh Fratkin of the Boston Pride
17:40
17:40
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17:40
Super exciting episode featuring 3x NWHL All-Star and 2020 NWHL Defender of the Year Kaleigh Fratkin of the Boston Pride. Kaavya talks to Kaleigh about her journey with hockey growing up and tells some incredible stories about the girls’ hockey scene in Canada and playing on boys teams. They also dive into her thoughts about the NWHL when it was fo…
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Using Sports to Empower Adolescents and Writing Lady-thletes: ft. Author Emily Williams
16:58
16:58
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16:58
In this episode, Kaavya chats with youth basketball coach and newly minted author of Lady-thletes. Her book addresses five lessons she learned from her time playing sports and provides the necessary tools for female athletes to work through those problems. They chat about how she got introduced to sports, how she found her love for coaching, and th…
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Learning from the Best and Grinding Through Adversity ft. South Carolina WBB Alum Markeshia Grant
19:23
19:23
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19:23
In this episode, Kaavya chats with University of South Carolina Basketball Alum Markeshia Grant. Markeshia is also the founder of her life skills and basketball mentorship business—Savvy Skills. They talk about her unconventional journey to the Gamecocks’ powerhouse basketball program as she transferred from Junior College. They also touch upon her…
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Empowering Young Women Across the World Through Sport ft. UConn Grad and WAKE CEO Batouly Camara
17:49
17:49
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17:49
In this episode, Kaavya sits down with CEO of WAKE (Women and Kids Empowerment) and Pro Basketball Player Batouly Camara to talk about her journey with sports and the work she is doing with WAKE. They address how sports is a platform to build young girls’ confidence and place them on the trajectory to success and prosperity. Batouly is a Forbes 30 …
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Mental Health and Finding Your Identity Outside of Sport ft. Texas Volleyball Alum Blair Westerlund
24:40
24:40
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24:40
In this very special episode, Kaavya sits down with Blair Westerlund—former University of Texas volleyball player and a mental health advocate. After tearing her ACL freshman year, she had to find her identity outside of volleyball and prioritize her mental well-being. They talk about her journey with mental health and how she found strength to rea…
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The WNBA’s Activism and Flipping the Senate ft. Atlanta Dream’s Elizabeth Williams
19:23
19:23
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19:23
This is a special episode. Kaavya chats with WNBA star Elizabeth Williams of the Atlanta Dream. The WNBA has always spoken out against racial injustice as a unified voice for years now, and this season was no different. They talk about what this season of the WNBA was devoted to—more specifically the work of the WNBA with respect to the 2021 Georgi…
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Fencing, Mental Highlight Reels, and Celebrities ft. Olympian Monica Aksamit
20:39
20:39
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20:39
In this episode, Kaavya chats with USA Saber fencer and Olympic bronze medalist Monica Aksamit! They talk about how she picked up a sword and started fencing, how she gets mentally prepared to compete, her journey to Rio, and fencing under pressure. They also talk about some of the amazing experiences Monica alludes to on her own podcast—“On the Fe…
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Mindfulness and Increasing Black Representation in Tennis ft. UCLA’s Abbey Forbes
23:41
23:41
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23:41
In this episode, Kaavya brings on the first ever tennis player on the podcast—Abbey Forbes of UCLA Women’s Tennis Team. They dive deep into how she embraces the “individual” aspect of tennis and combats negative self talk. Being one of few black collegiate tennis players and after the murder of George Floyd, she was inspired to start the Black Tenn…
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Self-Care and the Olympic Journey ft. USA Softball’s Valerie Arioto
22:00
22:00
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22:00
In this episode, Kaavya talks to Valerie Arioto, a member of the USA Softball team. They dive deep into her journey with softball from UC Berkeley to the national team. They also talk about her new initiative—The Integrated Vault—where she emphasizes self growth through courses and journals. If you are new to self-care and want some tips, want insp…
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The Racing Journey and The Future of Women’s Motor Sports ft. Ayla Agren
23:36
23:36
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23:36
In this episode, Kaavya talks with the first ever race car driver on the podcast! Ayla Agren talks about her racing journey from Europe to the United States, competing in a male dominated sport, what goes through her mind before races, the importance of visualization, and the future of women’s racing and the W-series. Ayla highlights some of her pr…
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College Track and the Next Generation ft. USC Track Star TeeTee Terry
17:34
17:34
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17:34
In this episode, Kaavya and TeeTee dive into her career at USC including some of her most memorable accolades. We talk about the importance of and advice for deciding where to pursue an education. She takes Kaavya through how she achieved her goals both in the classroom and on the track. Finally, they discuss what’s next for women’s sports.…
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Prioritizing Mental Health, Empowering Women, and the Power of Sports ft. USA Javelin Olympian Maggie Malone
36:24
36:24
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36:24
In this episode, Kaavya talks with USA Track and Field Olympian Maggie Malone. They dive deep into her sports journey, what it was like growing up, and her time at the University of Nebraska where she found Javelin. She shares advice and reflections on combatting comparing yourself to others and building mental toughness. They touch upon the trigge…
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The 2021 Olympics and Empowering Women Through Rugby ft. USA Rugby’s Kristi Kirshe
23:34
23:34
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23:34
In this episode, Kaavya talks with USA Rugby Sevens player Kristi Kirshe. A graduate of Williams College, she talks through her journey playing three sports in high school, playing D3 soccer, and how she found Rugby (a really neat story). She gives advice on trying new things and feeling vulnerable, how rugby empowers young women, how to combat neg…
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Bubble Life and Basketball Beyond the Court ft. WNBA’s Theresa Plaisance
21:42
21:42
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21:42
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Theresa Plaisance of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. They talk about her daily life in the bubble during this pandemic and her basketball journey. They touch upon her time at LSU, overcoming times when she was lacking confidence, and how impactful the WNBA is. She talks about her goals for the league and future of wom…
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A Reporter’s Perspective ft. Golden State Warriors Reporter Kerith Burke
30:46
30:46
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30:46
In this episode, Kaavya has the chance to talk with Golden State Warriors courtside reporter Kerith Burke. They talk about her reporting journey, her experience covering legendary teams, her take on why athletes are at the forefront of social change, and her favorite moments from the Warriors. This is a fun one filled with inspiring insights and am…
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Mindsets and Athletes Leading Social Change ft. Portland Thorns’ Simone Charley
23:53
23:53
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23:53
In this episode, Kaavya talks to Simone Charley who is a professional soccer player for the Portland Thorns of the NWSL. They talk about her journey with sports, times when she lacked confidence, and the importance of mental training in athletes. We also have a discussion on athletes being at the forefront of social change. Especially with respect …
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Breaking Boundaries in Women’s Ice Hockey ft. USA Hockey’s Kendall Coyne Schofield
28:08
28:08
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28:08
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Kendall Coyne Schofield of the USA women’s national ice hockey team. They talk about her hockey journey—starting off being one of the only girls son her teams to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. Kendall is a board member of the Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association, so they talk about next steps in gori…
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Perspectives From Talented High School Athletes
49:40
49:40
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49:40
In this episode, Kaavya talks to five amazing high school athletes from her school. From leadership, mental toughness, and embracing differences--these badass women share their experiences with sports and how athletics has shaped them.
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Coaching in the NBA and Seizing Opportunities ft. Natalie Nakase
26:20
26:20
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26:20
In this episode, Kaavya chats with Coach Natalie Nakase—assistant coach of the LA Clippers. They talk about her journey to becoming a coach at the highest level, her mindset when making opportunities for herself, and her approach of staying true to herself throughout the process. She touches upon some of the inspiring players she gets to work with …
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Embracing Authenticity and the Value of Teamwork ft. Bethany Zummo
24:49
24:49
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24:49
In this episode, Kaavya talks with Paralympic Gold Medalist Bethany Zummo of the US Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. They talk about her story, how she got involved in sports, the importance of teamwork in her life, and how she has learned to accept herself and be the most authentic version of herself. They also talk about the amazing thing she is …
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The Olympic Journey and Stories of Grit ft. 3x Olympian Dana Vollmer
36:33
36:33
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36:33
In this episode, Kaavya has the chance to talk to Olympic swimmer Dana Vollmer, a 3x Olympian, 5x Gold Medalist, and 7x Medalist. She shares her inspiring stories on her path to the podium, advice for athletes lacking confidence, how she finds her motivation, and how she was able to switch her mindset to bounce back from obstacles.…
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Embracing Change and Staying Disciplined ft. the WNBA’s Azurá Stevens
32:38
32:38
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32:38
In this episode, Kaavya is joined by the Chicago Sky’s Azurá Stevens. They reminisce on the magic of the WNBA draft, talk about the thought process behind her decision to leave UConn and pursue a pro career, how she’s filling up time during quarantine, and hopes for the growth of the WNBA. Listen to hear about her top TV show recommendations, a spe…
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A WNBA Star’s Perspective ft. Jasmine Thomas
28:09
28:09
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28:09
In this episode, Kaavya has the chance to talk to WNBA Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas. They dive into how she fell in love with the game, some of her top moments while playing in the league, and times which have shaped her character. They also chat about the growth for the WNBA and setting the stage for the next generation of female athletes.…
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Interview with the Fastest Woman Alive ft. Carmelita Jeter
20:50
20:50
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20:50
In this episode, Kaavya has the chance to talk with 3x Olympic medalist, world record holder, and fastest woman alive, Carmelita Jeter. They talk about her journey to the podium, inspirations, and her vision for young girls.
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A Chat with a Champ ft. Stanford Soccer Goalie Katie Meyer
43:08
43:08
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43:08
In this episode, Kaavya is joined by national champion and sensational goalie Katie Meyer. They talk about her inspirational journey to Stanford as well as her amazing post-season featuring clutch penalty kick and shootout saves. They also chat about paving the way to change the future for young girls and the importance of trusting the process.…
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Confidence and Mental Strength ft. Stanford Volleyball’s Jenna Gray
31:51
31:51
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31:51
In this episode, Kaavya chats with 3x National Champion and First Team All American Jenna Gray of the Stanford women’s volleyball team. Jenna shares her experiences on the Stanford Volleyball team, aspirations for the Olympics for Track, insights on the importance of confidence and leadership in athletes, advice for young women, and ways to increas…
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