Advertise on podcast: The MidMajors

Should A’ja Wilson be suspended after the fan incident? Tacarra breaks down the WNBA controversy, what the rulebook says about players entering the stands, and why the league’s handling of discipline and star players is creating a much bigger conversation about consistency. Tacarra also celebrates Angel Reese winning Defensive Player of the Year and Jessica Shepard earning Most Improved Player before looking ahead to a huge Game 3 in Las Vegas. In this episode: Angel Reese wins WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Jessica Shepard earns Most Improved Player honors Should A’ja Wilson be suspended? What the WNBA rulebook says about entering the stands Fan safety and player reactions in heated situations Why WNBA discipline continues to face questions about consistency Caitlin Clark’s rescinded technical and the star-player debate Why keeping the league’s biggest stars on the floor matters Game 3 preview and what to watch in Las Vegas Mid Majors live watch party preview CHAPTERS 00:00 Game 3 Hype & FanDuel Shoutout 00:29 Angel Reese Wins Defensive Player of the Year 00:55 Jessica Shepard Wins Most Improved Player 01:25 A’ja Wilson Fan Incident Reaction 02:28 Breaking Down What Happened With the Fan 03:19 Should A’ja Wilson Have Been Suspended? 03:48 The WNBA’s Accountability Problem 04:17 WNBA Gambling Controversies & League Discipline 05:14 Why the WNBA Needs Its Stars on the Floor 05:41 Fan Safety & the Indiana Crowd 06:35 How Suspensions Impact Teams & Fans 07:14 Caitlin Clark’s Rescinded Technical 07:41 Did A’ja Wilson Feel Threatened? 08:32 Competitors Should Want to Beat the Best 09:31 WNBA Ratings & Commissioner Criticism 09:54 Aces vs. Fever Game 3 Preview 10:49 Live Show, Reviews & Yahoo Sports Daily MID-RANGERS! Take care of your hair with Bask & Lather! Shop hair & scalp care products at https://baskandlatherco.com and use code MIDMAJORS for 20% OFF your order! Subscribe to The Mid Majors for WNBA analysis, playoff coverage, live reactions, interviews, and more women’s basketball content. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Atlanta Dream are moving on in the WNBA Playoffs! Tacarra and Courtney react to Atlanta advancing past the first round for the first time since 2018 after a messy win over the Washington Mystics. We break down the Dream’s performance, the officiating, Jordan Canada and Allisha Gray’s impact, Sonia Citron’s huge night, Shakira Austin, and what Washington needs to address this offseason. Then it’s time for Aces vs. Fever Game 3. With a spot in the next round on the line, can A’ja Wilson and Las Vegas respond at home, or will Indiana carry the momentum from Game 2? IN THIS EPISODE: Atlanta Dream advance in the WNBA Playoffs Dream vs. Liberty first look Washington Mystics offseason needs Aces vs. Fever Game 3 preview A’ja Wilson and the Aces looking to respond Fever trying to carry their Game 2 momentum Our Game 3 predictions TIMESTAMPS 00:20 – Dream advance after first-round drought ends 01:04 – Why the officiating made the game hard to watch 01:35 – Jordan Canada and Allisha Gray keep Atlanta afloat 01:55 – Angel Reese’s impact 02:07 – Atlanta survives an ugly win 02:37 – Mystics win the glass but lose the possession battle 02:54 – Shakira Austin & Washington’s roster needs 03:23 – Cody McMahon’s limited minutes 03:38 – Sonia Citron’s 25-point performance 04:27 – Dream vs. Liberty first look 04:57 – Aces vs. Fever Game 3 preview 05:24 – Game 3 predictions 05:58 – Join the Mid-Rangers for the live watch party Subscribe to The Mid Majors for WNBA playoff coverage, live watch parties, reactions, analysis and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever RESPONDED in Game 2. Tacarra and Courtney break down a huge night in the WNBA Playoffs as Caitlin Clark leads the Indiana Fever to a dominant response against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. We discuss Clark’s 27-point, 15-assist performance, Stephanie White’s adjustments, Indiana’s defensive pressure, and why the Aces struggled to consistently get A’ja Wilson involved. Then we get into the Minnesota Lynx’s shocking playoff loss to the New York Liberty. After entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed, Minnesota never found its footing when it mattered most. What went wrong for the Lynx? How much responsibility falls on Olivia Miles? And how much did the playoff experience of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones make the difference? We also discuss officiating, Chelsea Gray’s role in the Aces offense, Raven Johnson’s defensive impact, Lexi Hull’s value, and what both series look like moving forward. IN THIS EPISODE: • Caitlin Clark drops 27 points, 15 assists and 7 rebounds • Indiana’s major defensive adjustments from Game 1 • Stephanie White’s coaching decisions • Raven Johnson’s defense on Jackie Young • Why A’ja Wilson only attempted 11 shots • Indiana dominates the paint 58-26 • Chelsea Gray and the Aces offense • Fever vs. Aces officiating and physicality • Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty reaction • What went wrong for the No. 1 seed Lynx • Olivia Miles’ difficult playoff performance • Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu & Jonquel Jones step up • What’s next in the WNBA Playoffs ️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction & Game 2 reaction 01:37 – Caitlin Clark’s huge night 02:22 – Stephanie White’s adjustments 03:15 – Fever dominate the paint 04:26 – Clark’s toughness changes Indiana’s energy 04:53 – Raven Johnson’s impact on Jackie Young 05:49 – Why A’ja Wilson couldn't find a rhythm 06:31 – Jackie Young & Indiana’s defensive approach 07:12 – Caitlin Clark sets the tone 07:49 – Chelsea Gray & getting A’ja better touches 09:15 – Aces bench production & Lexi Hull 10:09 – What Lexi Hull brings beyond scoring 11:02 – How Indiana responded after Game 1 11:42 – A’ja Wilson & the physical defense 16:53 – Officiating & Caitlin Clark foul discussion 18:37 – Indiana creates separation 19:26 – Fever defensive pressure 20:18 – Why Indiana was the better team 21:45 – Lynx vs. Liberty reaction 22:56 – New York takes control 23:54 – Olivia Miles’ playoff performance 25:19 – Stewart, Ionescu & Jones make the difference 26:15 – Did Minnesota waste its season? 27:46 – Breaking down the Lynx stat lines 28:38 – Minnesota roster questions 29:02 – Upcoming playoff games & final thoughts BASK & LATHER: Keep your hair and scalp healthy with Bask & Lather! Shop their hair care essentials and use code MIDMAJORS for 20% OFF your order. MID-RANGERS: What impressed you most about Indiana’s Game 2 response? And what went wrong for Minnesota? Subscribe to The Mid Majors Podcast for WNBA analysis, playoff reactions, live shows, interviews and women’s basketball coverage. #WNBA #CaitlinClark #IndianaFever #AjaWilson #LasVegasAces #WNBAPlayoffs #MinnesotaLynx #NewYorkLiberty Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces dominated Game 1 — now the Indiana Fever have to find an answer. Tacarra breaks down the biggest adjustments Indiana needs to make against A’ja Wilson and the Aces, plus what the Minnesota Lynx must change against the New York Liberty heading into Game 2 of the WNBA Playoffs. After A’ja exploded for 38 points and 16 rebounds in Game 1, can the Fever make things tougher on the MVP? We discuss Indiana’s defensive strategy, Caitlin Clark’s approach, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston’s impact, potential lineup changes, and why the Fever need to attack the rim instead of settling for jump shots. Then we turn to Lynx vs. Liberty. Minnesota was outrebounded 38-23 in Game 1 and struggled with turnovers while New York caught fire from three. The Lynx need a much stronger response from Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams and the rest of their core if they want to even the series. Go to https://baskandlatherco.com and use code MIDMAJORS for 20% off. Tacarra also shares some of her favorite player props for Aces-Fever before the Mid Majors go LIVE for back-to-back Game 2 coverage. GAME 2 COVERAGE: Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever — 6:30 PM ET New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx — 8:30 PM ET Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our WNBA Playoff live shows, reactions, breakdowns and postgame coverage. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Game 2 preview + back-to-back live coverage 00:53 – Aces-Fever player props 02:20 – A’ja Wilson’s dominant Game 1 03:18 – How can Indiana stop A’ja? 04:13 – Fever adjustments and possible lineup changes 05:30 – Caitlin Clark, foul talk and shot selection 06:40 – Aces turnovers, pace and the Game 1 blowout 07:32 – What Indiana needs from Caitlin Clark 08:55 – Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and the Fever bench 09:53 – Can Indiana avoid a sweep? 10:21 – Lynx-Liberty Game 2 preview 11:04 – Minnesota needs more from its stars 12:01 – Olivia Miles, turnovers and running the offense 12:59 – Minnesota’s defense and rebounding problems 13:29 – MVP-level performances in Game 1 14:20 – Rebounding, shooting and physicality 14:49 – Final thoughts + live show reminder #WNBA #WNBAPlayoffs #AjaWilson #CaitlinClark #IndianaFever #LasVegasAces #MinnesotaLynx #NewYorkLiberty Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rhyne Howard came out AGGRESSIVE as the Atlanta Dream defeated the Washington Mystics 92-77 behind a huge defensive performance and a dominant third quarter. Tacarra and Courtney break down Rhyne Howard’s 26-point performance, Allisha Gray’s impact, Jordin Canada’s playmaking, and how Atlanta forced 23 Washington turnovers despite being outrebounded 50-31. The crew also discusses Sonia Citron’s 25-point performance, Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin controlling the glass, and how Washington’s young roster continues to show both major potential and costly growing pains. IN THIS EPISODE: • Rhyne Howard drops 26 points and grabs 5 steals • Why Rhyne’s aggression changed the game • Allisha Gray adds 22 points • DeWanna Bonner provides a spark off the bench • Jordin Canada dishes out 11 assists • Atlanta forces 23 Mystics turnovers • Dream dominate the third quarter 29-12 • Washington wins the rebounding battle 50-31 • Sonia Citron scores 25 points • Kiki Iriafen posts 15 points and 14 rebounds • Shakira Austin finishes with 12 points and 16 rebounds • Postgame press conference reaction TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Game breakdown begins 01:13 – Rhyne Howard’s aggression stands out 02:11 – Allisha Gray & DeWanna Bonner 03:48 – Jordin Canada & Atlanta’s defense 04:15 – Washington’s turnovers and rebounding advantage 05:28 – How 23 turnovers changed the game 06:34 – Atlanta’s huge third quarter & Sonia Citron 07:05 – Kiki Iriafen’s big night 08:09 – Postgame press conference reaction 12:40 – Did the media ask tough enough questions? 16:24 – Final thoughts Subscribe to The Mid Majors for WNBA playoff recaps, live reactions, analysis and women’s basketball coverage throughout the postseason. #WNBA #AtlantaDream #WashingtonMystics #RhyneHoward #WNBAPlayoffs #WomensBasketball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A’ja Wilson put on a playoff MASTERCLASS as the Las Vegas Aces blew out the Indiana Fever, while Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty took control against the Minnesota Lynx. Tacarra, Coach Chynna, and Courtney break down both WNBA playoff matchups, including what went wrong for Olivia Miles and Minnesota, how New York’s experience and three-point shooting changed the game, and why the Fever had no answer for A’ja Wilson. The crew also discusses Caitlin Clark’s playoff performance, Stephanie White’s adjustments, Indiana’s offensive struggles, and what both the Fever and Lynx need to change moving forward. IN THIS EPISODE: • Liberty’s 91–75 win over the Lynx • Olivia Miles and Minnesota’s offensive struggles • Breanna Stewart taking over in playoff mode • New York’s three-point shooting, rebounding and defense • A’ja Wilson’s dominant 38-point, 16-rebound performance • Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray’s impact • Why Indiana had no defensive answer for Las Vegas • Caitlin Clark’s playoff performance and legacy conversation • What Stephanie White and the Fever need to adjust • Can Minnesota respond in Game 2? TIMESTAMPS 00:20 – Intro 00:34 – Liberty vs. Lynx recap 01:03 – Why Minnesota looked out of sorts 01:54 – Olivia Miles’ leadership burden 02:43 – New York’s three-point shooting plan 03:40 – Rebounding, paint scoring & Stewie takes over 04:47 – Why Minnesota settled offensively 05:37 – Liberty supporting cast steps up 06:55 – Minnesota’s rotation discussion 08:19 – Can the Lynx bounce back? 09:23 – Pick-and-roll adjustments 10:03 – Pauline’s defense on Olivia 10:43 – Fever vs. Aces 11:10 – A’ja Wilson’s dominant performance 11:35 – Chelsea Gray & Jackie Young 12:19 – Indiana’s offensive struggles 13:06 – No defensive answer for A’ja or Jackie 14:02 – Fever effort & efficiency 15:28 – Aces bench takes over 16:02 – Caitlin Clark playoff legacy discussion 17:17 – Coaching, coachability & Indiana’s adjustments 19:20 – Final thoughts Subscribe to The Mid Majors for WNBA playoff recaps, live shows, analysis and women’s basketball coverage throughout the postseason. #WNBA #WNBAPlayoffs #AjaWilson #CaitlinClark #NewYorkLiberty #MinnesotaLynx #LasVegasAces #IndianaFever Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUMMARY In this episode, basketball analysts discuss the upcoming WNBA playoff series, focusing on key players, strategies, and predictions for the Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty and Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces matchups. In this episode, basketball experts analyze the latest playoff matchups, player performances, and strategic insights, providing fans with in-depth analysis and predictions. KEYWORDS WNBA, playoffs, basketball analysis, Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, player strategies, game predictions basketball, playoffs, strategy, player analysis, team performance, WNBA, basketball tips, game predictions KEY TOPICS WNBA playoff series analysis Player performance and strategies Team matchups and predictions Impact of coaching and leadership Player-specific tactics and adjustments Playoff strategies and team tactics Player performance and leadership Series predictions and key matchups Defensive and offensive adjustments Impact of bench players and rotations Importance of activity and effort in defense Player mental toughness and energy levels Matchup analysis between key players Rebounding and transition game importance Series-specific game plan adjustments Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The WNBA playoffs are here, and Tacarra and Courtney are back together to break down their 2026 WNBA Awards predictions, including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Player of the Year, All-WNBA teams, All-Defensive selections, and All-Rookie picks. Before getting into basketball, Tacarra shares a personal update following the passing of her grandmother, her ongoing IVF journey, and what the support from the Mid-Rangers has meant during an emotional stretch. Then it’s time to talk hoops. Who deserves WNBA MVP? Is A’ja Wilson still the standard, or does Kelsey Mitchell have a legitimate case based on her scoring, efficiency, and importance to her team? Tacarra and Courtney debate what “valuable” should actually mean when comparing players with completely different roles and team situations. The awards conversation also gets heated with Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, Olivia Miles for Rookie of the Year, Shakira Austin vs. Jessica Shepard for Most Improved Player, and Janelle Salaün for Sixth Player of the Year. Then comes the hardest part: building the All-WNBA teams. With players like Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Jackie Young, Paige Bueckers, Allisha Gray, A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, and Kelsey Mitchell in the conversation, somebody has to get left off. Finally, the Mid-Majors turn their attention to the WNBA Playoffs, potential first-round matchups, Indiana’s options, and why Atlanta could be one of the most dangerous teams entering postseason play. IN THIS EPISODE WNBA MVP predictions: A’ja Wilson vs. Kelsey Mitchell Angel Reese’s Defensive Player of the Year case Olivia Miles for Rookie of the Year Shakira Austin vs. Jessica Shepard for Most Improved Player Janelle Salaün for Sixth Player of the Year 2026 All-WNBA First and Second Team selections All-Defensive Team picks WNBA All-Rookie Team selections Breanna Stewart and the toughest All-WNBA decisions Caitlin Clark, Jackie Young, Paige Bueckers & Allisha Gray WNBA playoff matchups and first-round scenarios Why Atlanta could be dangerous in the postseason Indiana’s potential playoff opponents Mid-Majors on Campus update TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — We’re back! Playoff mode and getting back in sync 00:52 — Tacarra opens up about losing her grandmother 01:49 — IVF monitoring, funeral timing & navigating a difficult week 04:05 — Memories of Tacarra’s grandmother 05:32 — WNBA Awards season is here 06:42 — Rookie of the Year: Olivia Miles leads the conversation 09:42 — Sixth Player of the Year: Janelle Salaün 13:13 — Most Improved: Jessica Shepard vs. Shakira Austin 17:09 — Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year 20:41 — FanDuel odds + WNBA MVP debate begins 22:39 — Courtney makes the MVP case for Kelsey Mitchell 28:51 — Tacarra makes the MVP case for A’ja Wilson 36:07 — Why this MVP race could have long-term significance 40:40 — All-WNBA First Team + Breanna Stewart debate 43:39 — All-WNBA Second Team & the toughest cuts 49:19 — All-Defensive Team picks 51:26 — WNBA All-Rookie Team selections 55:20 — WNBA first-round playoff matchup talk 59:38 — Why Atlanta could be dangerous in the playoffs 1:02:05 — Final thoughts + Mid-Majors on Campus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the regular season reaches its final stretch. Tacarra breaks down the latest standings, the teams fighting for postseason positioning, and why Angel Reese deserves serious All-WNBA consideration after her breakout season. Before getting into basketball, Tacarra shares a personal update following the passing of her grandmother and thanks the Mid-Rangers for all of the love and support during a difficult week. In This Episode Tacarra discusses the Atlanta Dream finding their rhythm at the right time, the Aces’ crucial final stretch, and how the Fever, Lynx, Liberty, Storm and Valkyries factor into the playoff picture. She also talks about major season milestones from Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Mitchell, why teams are beginning to manage minutes ahead of the postseason, and some of the potential playoff matchups she’s most excited to see. Then it’s time for the All-WNBA conversation. Tacarra makes her case for Angel Reese, shares her First Team picks, and explains why Angel deserves at least Second Team recognition. Plus, the Mid Majors Podcast is getting ready to go all-in for the postseason with a playoff pre-show, game recaps, live streams and more coverage throughout the WNBA Playoffs. Coming Up on The Mid Majors The WNBA postseason is only the beginning. Mid Majors on Campus is also on the way as Tacarra and the crew prepare to take the show on the road for exclusive campus content. Subscribe and follow The Mid Majors Podcast so you don’t miss the postseason coverage. Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Talia Goodman joins The Mid Majors to break down the transfer portal, NIL chaos, roster movement, and the rapidly changing landscape of women’s college basketball. Tacarra and Courtney sit down with one of the sharpest reporters covering women’s college basketball to discuss how NIL and revenue sharing have transformed the transfer portal, how agents are influencing the market, what happens when players enter the portal and don’t find a new home, and why mid-major programs still have an important place in the sport. Talia also explains how the transfer portal market is actually being set behind the scenes — including how a single program entering the race can dramatically change a player’s value. The conversation gets into whether NIL has gone too far, why the old amateurism model no longer works, and whether college basketball eventually needs a salary cap, collective bargaining agreement, or another system to create structure. The crew also discusses the Colorado ruling, NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams in 2027, and whether additional tournament bids will actually benefit mid-majors or simply create more opportunities for power-conference programs. Plus, Talia gives her mid-major teams to watch, including Grand Canyon, Murray State, Fairfield, Colorado State, Toledo, Miami (Ohio), and UNLV. If you follow women’s college basketball, the transfer portal, NIL, or mid-major hoops, this conversation gives you a look at where the sport is now — and where it could be headed next. IN THIS EPISODE • How Talia Goodman became a women’s basketball reporter • Building credibility through transfer portal coverage • How NIL changed the transfer portal • Why money now plays such a major role in player movement • Agents, lawyers, and representation in the portal • What happens when portal players don't find another school • How the transfer portal market is actually set • Why NIL needs more structure • How mid-majors can compete in the NIL era • Why development can become a major selling point for mid-majors • The Colorado ruling and player eligibility • NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams • Why expansion could favor power conferences • Mid-major teams to watch • Advice for aspiring women’s basketball journalists • The future of women’s college basketball ️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro: Why Talia Goodman is one of the reporters to watch in women’s college basketball 1:14 – From theater kid to women’s basketball reporter 2:55 – Building her own lane in sports journalism 3:26 – Accuracy, relationships, and doing reporting the right way 4:58 – How NIL money changed the transfer portal 6:04 – Money, fit, playing time, and coaching changes 6:44 – Agents, lawyers, and portal representation 9:15 – What happens when portal players don't find another school 11:12 – How the transfer portal market is really set 12:12 – Is NIL officially out of control? 13:36 – Where NIL money comes from 14:14 – Why Talia loves mid-major basketball 15:20 – How mid-majors can sell player development 16:46 – Building women’s portal coverage 18:39 – What portal season is really like for a reporter 19:58 – Talia’s process for tracking player movement 20:21 – The Colorado ruling and player eligibility 24:28 – Why Talia doesn't like NCAA Tournament expansion 25:19 – Will 76 teams actually help mid-majors? 27:35 – Mid-major teams to watch next season 31:03 – Advice for aspiring journalists 31:46 – Where women’s basketball could be in five years THE MID MAJORS Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic. Subscribe for women’s college basketball, WNBA coverage, transfer portal news, mid-major hoops, interviews, reactions, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Team USA survived an ugly matchup against Italy, but the performance raised some serious questions about the U.S. offense moving forward. Tacarra breaks down USA vs. Italy and reacts to a rough shooting night, struggles against Italy’s 2-3 zone, missed opportunities around the rim, and the lack of a consistent go-to scorer when the game tightened up. The U.S. shot just 28.6% from the field, went 1-for-12 from three, made only 16 field goals, and committed 14 turnovers. Italy struggled offensively too, but this was the type of performance that could cost Team USA against a stronger opponent. Caitlin Clark finished 0-for-6 from the field after the conversation surrounding her usage in the previous game, while A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum also struggled to establish themselves offensively. Tacarra discusses who Team USA can trust to create a bucket when the offense stalls and whether this roster has enough reliable three-point shooting. There were positives. Angel Reese made an impact defensively, Breanna Stewart helped on the glass, and Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray made important winning plays late. But overall, Team USA never established a consistent half-court rhythm. This isn’t a panic game — it’s a film-session game. With France up next and the ultimate goal of winning gold in Berlin, Team USA has to reset, adjust to the physicality of international basketball, and find its offensive identity. TIMESTAMPS 0:20 – Opening reaction to a messy game 1:14 – Offensive numbers that explain the struggles 1:43 – Trouble with Italy’s 2-3 zone and transition offense 1:57 – A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum missing from the offense 2:26 – Who can be the reliable shooter when the game tightens? 3:18 – Italy’s poor shooting and how close USA came to losing 3:47 – Defense, rebounding and missed opportunities 4:17 – Caitlin Clark’s quiet night after the usage debate 5:04 – No half-court rhythm and late contributions from Aces players 6:06 – Why this should be a film-session game, not a panic game 6:34 – Physical overseas officiating isn't an excuse 7:27 – Jackie Young leads the scoring in a low-output performance 8:16 – Looking ahead to France and the gold-medal standard 9:10 – Closing thoughts Subscribe to The Mid Majors for unfiltered women’s basketball conversations, reactions, breakdowns and more. #TeamUSA #USABasketball #CaitlinClark #WomensBasketball #FIBA Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cathy Engelbert’s time leading the WNBA included historic league growth, expansion, increased franchise valuations, and a massive $3 billion media rights deal. But as the WNBA enters its next era, Tacarra believes the league needs leadership that can rebuild trust with players, protect the WNBA’s identity, control its own narrative, and be visible when difficult issues arise. In this episode, Tacarra explains why she believes Engelbert’s departure comes at the right time and what qualities should define the next WNBA commissioner. She also makes the case for Nneka Ogwumike, pointing to her experience as a player, advocate, and longtime WNBPA leader. Key Topics Cathy Engelbert retiring as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s legacy and accomplishments WNBA growth and league expansion The $3 billion WNBA media rights deal What the WNBA needs from its next commissioner Rebuilding trust between WNBA leadership and players Why the league needs stronger control of its narrative The importance of visibility and accountability from WNBA leadership Could Nneka Ogwumike become WNBA Commissioner? What comes next for the WNBA Timestamps 00:00 - Cathy Engelbert’s retirement announcement and opening reaction 00:47 - Why Tacarra thinks the move is the right one 01:13 - What Cathy Engelbert accomplished during her tenure 01:42 - The $3 billion media rights deal and CBA impact 02:13 - Why the next commissioner must protect the WNBA’s identity 02:41 - Chaos, drama, and controlling the league narrative 03:11 - Rebuilding trust with WNBA players 03:37 - Why visibility and accountability matter 04:04 - Why Tacarra wants Nneka Ogwumike as commissioner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kate Koval has spoken out about her decision to withdraw from LSU women’s basketball, and her statement makes it clear that this situation goes far beyond what happens on the court. In this episode, Tacarra reacts to Kate Koval’s statement and breaks down the circumstances surrounding her decision to step away from the LSU program. With Koval’s personal connection to the ongoing war in Ukraine through her family, Tacarra discusses why athletes sometimes have to make decisions based on their values, family and personal circumstances — not simply basketball. This conversation also raises bigger questions about college athletics, coaching decisions, player empowerment and the expectations placed on student-athletes. KEY TOPICS Kate Koval’s statement about leaving LSU Why Koval decided to withdraw from the LSU program The personal and family circumstances behind her decision Why this situation is bigger than basketball Coaching decisions vs. the experiences of players How personal values can outweigh athletic opportunities Why younger athletes are becoming more comfortable setting boundaries The pressure placed on college athletes Why fans rarely know the full story behind player and coaching decisions Whether the NCAA should make an exception for Kate Koval to continue her college basketball career elsewhere Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Skylar Diggins’ postgame comments have sparked a major conversation around the Chicago Sky, player health, rehab resources and WNBA facilities. Tacarra reacts to the viral discussion surrounding Diggins and breaks down why her decision to return to Notre Dame for rehab may say more about trust and resources than people realize. Was Skylar Diggins really “crashing out,” or was she being honest about the realities players face when trying to stay healthy during a difficult WNBA season? In this episode of the Mid Majors Podcast, Tacarra breaks down Skylar Diggins’ comments, the Chicago Sky’s injury-plagued season and the larger conversation surrounding WNBA facilities, medical staffs, rehabilitation and player development. Tacarra explains why Diggins choosing to rehab at Notre Dame stood out and why professional players need access to elite physical therapy, recovery, training and medical resources without having to travel significant distances to receive them. The conversation also turns to the Chicago Sky organization. With injuries impacting the roster throughout the season and numerous close losses, how much blame should fall on the coaching staff? Should Chicago make changes, or does the current staff deserve another opportunity with a healthier roster? Tacarra also pushes back against the idea that Skylar Diggins quit on her team. When a season is effectively over, should veteran players prioritize their long-term health instead of pushing through injuries? BASK & LATHER Support our partner Bask & Lather and save 20% on your order with code MIDMAJORS. Use code MIDMAJORS at checkout for 20% OFF your purchase. TOPICS DISCUSSED Skylar Diggins’ viral postgame comments Chicago Sky facilities and player resources Why Diggins returned to Notre Dame for rehab WNBA medical staffs, physical therapy and recovery resources Whether players should have to travel for quality rehab Chicago’s injury-plagued season The Chicago Sky’s close losses Whether Chicago should make coaching changes Why injuries make evaluating coaches difficult Load management and minute restrictions in the WNBA Why Tacarra disagrees with the “Skylar quit on the team” narrative What the situation says about WNBA infrastructure and player health Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tacarra and Courtney react to the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 25 rankings and debate which teams deserve the hype heading into the 2026-27 season. Is South Carolina the clear No. 1 team? Are Duke and Michigan ranked too high? Where should LSU actually be ranked? And which teams like Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Oklahoma could surprise people this season? The Mid Majors break down Post Her Hoops’ early Top 25 and compare it with another women’s college basketball rankings list. Instead of just looking at the numbers, Tacarra and Courtney dig into roster construction, transfer portal additions, freshmen, returning players, depth and player development to determine which programs actually have the pieces to justify their rankings. WAY-TOO-EARLY WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 REACTIONS Key Topics South Carolina at No. 1 and why the Gamecocks remain the team to beat Where UConn and Duke belong among the top national championship contenders Why Duke at No. 3 and Michigan at No. 4 deserve a closer roster evaluation The debate over LSU at No. 6 versus No. 10 LSU's young talent, transfers and potential starting lineup Why Vanderbilt could be one of the most underrated teams in women's college basketball Vanderbilt's young talent and potential breakout players The ceiling for Oklahoma State, especially with Audi Crooks and Liv McGill Why UCLA could be ranked too high after significant roster turnover Washington and Avery Howell's breakout potential Notre Dame's roster depth, experience, size and young talent Iowa State's freshman class and overall depth Ohio State's defense and guard play TCU's roster and how its personnel fits Mark Campbell's system Why Ole Miss at No. 22 could be much too low Jada Richard's development and potential impact at Ole Miss Oklahoma and Aaliyah Chavez, including what comes next in her development Why talent alone isn't enough for young teams trying to become national contenders NC State and North Carolina's rosters heading into the 2026-27 season Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.