In this episode, Tacarra and Courtney sit down with **Monique Reid** — a two-time Final Four star at Louisville, overseas champion, and now head coach. Monique opens up about her basketball journey: from being a Louisville ball girl to competing on the biggest stage, playing professionally overseas, and now leading the next generation as a coach.

We dive deep into her experiences in **college basketball**, the importance of **toughness and team chemistry**, her transition into coaching, and her philosophy on **recruiting smart, resilient athletes**. Monique also shares powerful insights on **NIL, team dynamics, academic standards, and mental health**, plus her advice for young athletes chasing their dreams.

Whether you’re a fan of **women’s basketball**, a player navigating recruiting, or someone curious about the evolution of **coaching and women’s sports**, this episode is packed with stories and takeaways you won’t want to miss.

👉 Don’t forget to **like, subscribe, and follow** for more conversations that give women’s basketball the spotlight it deserves!

**Keywords:** Monique Reid, college basketball, Louisville, coaching, overseas basketball, player experiences, women’s sports, basketball journey, toughness, team chemistry, women’s basketball, coaching, NIL, team dynamics, recruiting, academic standards, coaching philosophy, mental health, player empowerment, coaching staff

---

# 🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Monique Reid
03:03 – Monique’s Journey to Louisville
05:45 – Welcome to College Basketball
08:44 – Facing Top Competitors
11:23 – Memorable Games and Moments
14:05 – Transitioning to Coaching
17:03 – Building a Winning Culture
19:10 – Building Team Chemistry
20:02 – Injuries and Their Impact on Careers
23:40 – Playing Overseas: Experiences and Challenges
27:30 – Advice for Young Players
28:30 – Navigating NIL and Recruitment
29:54 – Transitioning to Coaching
32:49 – Building a Coaching Staff
37:35 – The Journey into Coaching
40:29 – Building Team Camaraderie
44:08 – Team Dynamics and Player Development
47:27 – The Importance of Genuine Care in Coaching
54:33 – Rapid Fire Questions + Closing Thoughts

In this engaging conversation, Tacarra and Courtney reflect on their recent birthdays, the passage of time, and the importance of celebrating milestones. They delve into the themes of happiness, self-sabotage, and the significance of support systems in navigating life's challenges. The discussion touches on personal growth, the emotional journey of IVF, and the impact of body image on mental health. Through their candid sharing of experiences, they highlight the power of friendship and community in overcoming struggles and embracing change. In this heartfelt conversation, Tacarra and Courtney explore the emotional journey of IVF, the importance of self-care, and the transformative power of motherhood. They discuss the challenges they faced, the significance of vulnerability, and the role of friendship in navigating life's ups and downs. The conversation highlights the need for personal growth and the impact of support systems in overcoming struggles.

Episode Summary:
In this jam-packed episode of themidMAJORS, Tacarra and Courtney dive into the hottest storylines in women’s basketball right now. From the shifting NIL landscape in high school and college hoops, to the value of legacy vs. money, we’re breaking down how the game is changing for athletes on and off the court.

We chop it up about the impact of sports betting on college sports, the latest signature sneaker drops (Sabrina, Angel, Rickea), and the evolving culture of women’s basketball footwear. The conversation also digs deep into WNBA salary negotiations, player compensation disparities, and the financial growth of the game.

Of course, we couldn’t skip the tea — including the Seattle Storm drama, coaching leadership styles, and draft projections. Plus, we debate the MVP case for Kelsey Mitchell and the Rookie of the Year race featuring Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron.

If you love real hoop talk, unfiltered takes, and behind-the-scenes insight into the women’s game, this episode is for you.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Personal Updates
06:48 – NIL & High School Basketball Dynamics
12:15 – NIL’s Impact on College Goals
13:41 – Setting the Scene: Aesthetic Adjustments
15:55 – NIL’s Impact on College Athletes
18:55 – Lessons from College Sports: Beyond the Game
21:03 – Coaches’ Perspective: Balancing Tradition & Change
23:52 – The Value of Money vs. Legacy in Sports
26:41 – Generational Shifts: Adapting to New Realities
28:05 – The Transfer Portal Phenomenon
31:03 – Realistic Expectations for Athletes
34:03 – The Shift in College Sports Priorities
36:56 – Sports Betting & Its Impact on College Athletics
39:51 – Signature Shoe Drops & Women’s Sports
42:43 – The Evolution of Women’s Basketball Footwear
54:31 – Style vs. Comfort Debate
55:41 – Shoe Reviews: Our Personal Picks
58:46 – Signature Shoes & Their Stories
1:16:35 – WNBA Salary Negotiations & Revenue Sharing
1:20:20 – The Financial Growth of Women’s Sports
1:22:25 – Disparities in Player Compensation
1:24:56 – Support for Player Demands
1:26:12 – Drama in the Seattle Storm
1:27:45 – Workplace Issues & Team Dynamics
1:36:03 – Leadership Styles in Coaching
1:43:56 – Draft Projections & Player Utilization
1:45:59 – Underachieving Expectations: Notre Dame Case
1:47:43 – The Rise of Paige: A Star in the Making
1:50:12 – Kelsey Mitchell: MVP Conversations & Politics
1:52:01 – Team Dynamics: Building Around Kelsey Mitchell
1:55:13 – Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis: A Name to Remember
2:06:12 – Closing Thoughts: The Future of Women’s Basketball
2:10:36 – Outro

🔗 Connect with Us

• 📲 Follow on IG: @themidmajorspod
• ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: The MidMajors Podcast
• 🏀 Join the convo: tag us with #themidmajors