About the Guest(s):

Yvonne Turner is renowned for her exceptional basketball career, having been recognized as the Big Twelve Player of the Year and a formidable defensive player.

Despite not being drafted immediately after college, Anderson's perseverance led her to a successful international career, playing in countries like Hungary.

She was labeled the oldest rookie in the WNBA at the age of 27 and has played for teams such as Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm.

Off the court, Turner contributes to her community through her involvement with a non-profit organization, DEVELOP, which aims to provide resources and training to young athletes in Nebraska.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, host Ashley Roberts engages with standout basketball player Yvonne Anderson in a candid conversation about her inspiring journey from collegiate basketball to professional leagues around the world and her unyielding passion for the sport.

The dialogue plunges into Turner late draft into the WNBA, her impressive career overseas, and her take on the transformation of women's basketball.

Yvonne reflects on her athletic evolution, discussing how playing in different countries and leagues helped refine her craft, and emphasizes the significance of being a resilient defender—highlighting that her defensive prowess was a key factor in distinguishing her from other players.

Key Takeaways:

• Yvonne Turner persistence led her to a successful professional basketball career, including playing in the WNBA as the oldest rookie at 27.

• Defense is a crucial skill that set Anderson apart and played a significant role in her basketball career advancement.

• Turner highlights the importance of not settling and making informed decisions in a basketball career, advocating for picking a college team that aligns with personal goals.

• Turner's nonprofit organization, DEVELOP, is dedicated to empowering young athletes through training and resources, emphasizing community contribution.

• Despite the glamour of professional sports, Turner underscores the need to remain grounded, stay coachable, and value personal growth along with professional development.

Yvonne on IG: @vonnvonn22

Ashley on IG: @_thisisashleyr

Its Just Different on IG: Itsjustdifferentpod

About the Guest(s):

Alexis Hyder is a former professional basketball player who brings a wealth of experience from both her collegiate and international playing careers.

She played for the University of North Texas and Louisiana State University during her college years, and she later took her talents overseas to play professionally in countries such as Sweden and Australia.

After a diligent career on the court, Alexis encountered setbacks with injuries, notably two ACL tears that would eventually lead her to the sidelines as a coach, poised to share her knowledge and passion for the game.

Currently, she is serving as the recruiting coordinator at Lindenwood University, providing guidance and expertise to young athletes navigating the realms of competitive basketball and recruitment.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Alexis Hyder offers a raw and candid perspective on the transition from being a collegiate athlete to a professional player and now a mentor and recruiting coordinator.

Her insights delve deep into the intricacies of coaching, the evolution of the recruiting process, and the mental fortitude required to overcome injury and adversity.

Key Takeaways:

• The modern era of coaching requires a nuanced understanding of each athlete's needs and the ability to adapt communication and motivational strategies accordingly.

• The recruitment process for athletes has evolved significantly, with social media and NIL rights changing the game for upcoming basketball stars.

• Alexis advises student-athletes and their parents to actively engage in the recruiting process by asking critical questions about fit, style of play, and coaching philosophies.

• Athletes should be placed in the best possible scenarios to showcase their skills and should maintain consistency in team selection to increase visibility to college coaches.

Alexis on IG: _alexishyder

Ashley on IG: _thisisashleyr

Its Just Different on socials: @itsjustdifferentpod

About the Guest(s):

Sarah Miles is a seasoned figure in the world of women's basketball, having both played and coached basketball.

She played collegiate basketball at West Virginia and has since transitioned into coaching. As a graduate assistant at West Virginia, Sarah got her start in coaching and has since served in various coaching roles across multiple universities, including the University of Denver, Central Michigan, and Northwestern.

Her experience and knowledge make her a distinct voice on the intricacies of college basketball recruiting and coaching.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Sarah Miles dives deep into the current landscape of college basketball, particularly focusing on recruiting and the transfer portal.

Her insights shed light on the challenges and strategies coaches face as the dynamics of student athletics evolve. Sarah passionately discusses the critical importance of building authentic relationships and the art of coaching in today's sensitive and competitive environment.

From the outset, the conversation with Sarah Miles encompasses a multitude of topics, starting with the stark contrasts between past and present recruitment practices. The introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the ramifications they have on the recruitment process are unpacked in detail.

Later, the discussion pivots to the whirlwind world of the transfer portal—its operations, challenges, and impacts on high school and college players.

Sarah provides a window into her journey through different coaching roles, revealing the path that led her to her current position and her aspirations for the future.

Key Takeaways:

• The shift in college sports, particularly basketball, where present-day athletes often have different expectations and approaches compared to previous generations.

• The intricacies and challenges of navigating the transfer portal as coaches seek suitable recruits for their programs.

• The consequential nature of NIL deals and their influence on the decision-making processes of athletes and the offerings of universities.

• The delicate balance coaches must maintain between mentoring, relationship-building, and the strategic elements of coaching in a more sensitive athletic landscape.

• The power of starting small in a coaching career and the value of learning from various roles and experiences within different basketball programs.

Sarah on Socials: _coachmiles15

Its Just Different on social: itsjustdifferentpod

Ashley on socials: _thisisashleyr