About the Guest(s):

Tay Hester is a former college basketball player and current EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) coach with Pro Skills, a premier youth basketball organization. Originally hailing from Compton, California, Tay has played at various levels including at UTEP and Nebraska. She now commits her time to coaching, mentoring youth athletes, and sharing her extensive knowledge of the game.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "It's Just Different Podcast," host Ashley Roberts sits down with former college basketball player and current EYBL coach Tay Hester. Tay shares her journey from playing basketball in Compton to her college career at UTEP and Nebraska, and how these experiences shaped her coaching philosophy.

As someone deeply embedded in youth sports, Tay provides invaluable insights into the world of AAU basketball, the EYBL circuit, and the importance of making informed decisions during the recruiting process.

The conversation delves deep into key areas such as the value of understanding a team's roster during recruitment, the importance of practice and effort, and the unique challenges women face in the coaching profession.

Tay's profound advice for young athletes and their parents on navigating the competitive landscape of basketball stands out.

From highlighting the significance of practice intensity to discussing the intricate dynamics of team relationships and parental influence, this episode is packed with crucial advice for aspiring athletes and their families.

Key Takeaways:

• Evaluating College Programs: Tay underscores the importance of assessing a team's roster and understanding where a player fits within that framework.

• Practice Intensity: "You practice like you play, you can't flip that switch," Tay emphasizes the need for vigorous practice to excel in games.

• Women's Role in Coaching: Both guests touch on the challenges and importance of women in the coaching profession.

• Educational Insights: Tay advocates for getting accurate information from experienced sources and being focused on long-term goals.

• Parental Support: Highlighting the role of parents in an athlete's journey, Tay suggests they should support their child's experience and trust the process led by experienced coaches.

  
  

  Tay on IG: @justay_32

  Ashley on IG: @_thisisashleyr

  Its Just Different on socials: @itsjustdifferentpod

  
  

  
  

About the Guest(s):

Aaron Kallhoff is the head coach of Sacramento State's women's basketball team. With an extensive coaching history that spans across numerous notable programs including Arkansas State, Trinity Valley, TCU, LSU, Penn State, and BYU, Coach Kallhoff has built a reputation for developing talent and leading teams to success.

Known for his passion for the game and his dedication to his players' growth both on and off the court, Aaron Kallhoff brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the coaching world.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "It's Just Different Podcast," host Ashley Roberts sits down with Aaron Kallhoff, the head coach of Sacramento State's women's basketball team.

Coach Kallhoff dives deep into his extensive coaching journey, shedding light on his transition from men's to women's basketball, and the motivations behind taking on his first Division I head coaching role.

The conversation offers a treasure trove of insights into the evolving landscape of basketball, touching on the impact of social media, the NCAA transfer portal, and the importance of high-level AAU exposure.

Throughout the discussion, Coach Kallhoff shares valuable advice for parents, players, and coaches on navigating the complexities of basketball recruitment.

He emphasizes the significance of finding the right fit for athletes, the crucial role of networking within the sport, and the often overlooked benefits of Junior College (Juco) programs.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the basketball community, offering expert opinions and practical advice on improving player development and maximizing scouting opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Evolving Landscape of Basketball: Coach Kallhoff explains how social media and technological advancements have changed the way players are scouted and recruited, creating both opportunities and distractions.

• Importance of Junior Colleges: Highlighting the opportunities Juco programs offer, Kallhoff dispels common misconceptions and underscores how Juco can be a viable path to Division I and professional basketball.

• Recruitment Strategies: The conversation delves into effective recruiting tactics, including the importance of relationships and how coaches prepare for live periods to maximize their recruitment efforts.

• Athlete Development: Kallhoff shares what he looks for in potential recruits, emphasizing high motor, athleticism, and the ability to make winning plays, illustrating what defines a "high-level" player.

• Navigating NIL and Transfer Portal: The episode covers the impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal on college basketball, offering insights into how these elements affect player decisions and team dynamics.

  
  

  Coach Kallhoff on socials:

  IG and X: @coachakallhoff

  
  

  Ashley on IG: @_thisisashleyr

  Its Just Different on socials: @itsjustdifferentpod

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

About the Guest(s):

Imani McGee-Stafford is a woman of many talents and a notable figure in women's basketball. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in basketball, with a mother who is a WNBA legend and a brother who is an NBA champion, Imani carved her own path in the sport.

As a top ten high school player, she was a coveted recruit before playing for the University of Texas, where she not only excelled on the court but also embraced her passion for poetry and advocacy.

Off the court, Imani uses her voice for public speaking and mental health advocacy, spreading her message of resilience and hope.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, Imani McGee-Stafford dives deep into a candid conversation about her journey through the realms of basketball, art, and advocacy.

Listeners are granted an inside look into the life of an athlete who refuses to be boxed in by the single identity of being a basketball player.

The episode unfolds with Imani reflecting on her high school days, her initial fears of not living up to her family's legacy, and realizing her potential during her collegiate career at the University of Texas.

Her narrative is one of self-discovery, as she learned to embrace her multiple talents, from poetry to sports, and to harness her experiences for a bigger purpose.

Insightful and thought-provoking, the conversation pivots to address the evolution of women's basketball, social media's impact on athletes, and the importance of preparing for life beyond the court.

Key Takeaways:

• Imani McGee-Stafford emphasizes the significance of not solely focusing on basketball but using it as a vehicle for achieving broader life goals.

• The discussion touches on the changing landscape of women's basketball, highlighting the increased visibility and investment in the sport.

• Imani candidly shares the struggles and triumphs of her basketball career, offering a nuanced perspective on navigating sports, education, and personal growth.

• The conversation underlines the value of authenticity and purpose, with Imani asserting her mission to create safe spaces and champion mental health.

• Imani offers practical advice to young athletes, urging them to appreciate every moment and seize opportunities beyond the realm of sports.

  Notable Quotes:

• "If you want to do more than one thing, make sure you're great at the first thing."

• "Basketball is literally just getting you there, just getting you to the next step."

• "Don't waste a moment, because it's gone quicker than it came in."

• "Respect the game, and the game will give you way more back. ...you cheat the game, everybody gonna know."

• "It's okay to be a hyphenate."

Social Media:

Imani On Socials: imanitrishawn

Ashley on IG: _thisisashleyr

Its Just Different on Socials: @itsjustdifferentpod

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