สำเนาบทสนทนา 🔗
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I think the one thing I'm most proud of is that although all the things that I went through, all the doubts from coaches, from doctors, from just outside noise, and people saying that I'll never play again, I'll never be the same, that I should just quit, I think the one thing is that I didn't quit.
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And kind of, in a sense, like I proved all of them.
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Hey y'all, welcome back to the Everything Orange podcast, presented by First Horizon.
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Basketball season is officially underway here on Rocky Top, and that means we have some exciting new talent to get to know both on and off the court.
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Our guest today is in her sixth year of college basketball, and her story is filled with trials and tribulations.
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With her final season of College Hoops beginning, she is looking forward to leaving her mark on the game that means so much to her.
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So please welcome to the Everything Orange podcast, Aaliyah Moore.
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Aaliyah Moore, welcome to the Everything Orange Podcast.
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Hi, thank you for having me.
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We are so excited to have you.
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It's kind of crazy that you're entering your sixth year of college basketball.
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Does it feel like six years, or does it feel like it's gone by super fast for you?
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Immediately, yes, it feels like six years.
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Um, but it also has gone by super fast.
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Um, like your parents always tell you, you know, don't blink because you're gonna miss it.
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Right.
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That's facts.
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But it has been a long six years.
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Yes.
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So we're excited, but also like putting a bow on it in the best possible way.
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You being here, being a Lady Vol, being at Tennessee.
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I know Lady Vol Nation is excited to get to know you and all the other girls.
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So to give them a little bit of a teaser, who is Aaliyah Moore?
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Ooh, that's a good question.
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Um, okay, Aaliyah Moore is very fun.
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She's always smiling.
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Like I feel like every game you'll probably have, they'll probably have a picture of me posted on online of me smiling because I'm just a very smiley girl.
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Um, I have a great personality.
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I love talking to people.
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I love to talk in general.
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Um, that is why I want to actually go into broadcasting.
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No way.
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Okay, we'll cut offline.
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Yes.
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That's the dream job is sideline reporting, broadcasting.
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Amazing.
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Yeah.
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But um, big family person.
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I'm an only child.
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And so I feel like I wasn't spoiled growing up, but like I did have a lot of attention.
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So I'm very close with like all of my family.
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Yes.
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Um, let's see.
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I love to spend money.
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I love to shop.
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Um, and then I play basketball.
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I really have no other talents than God gave me one ability, and that's to hoop.
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Um, and spend money, I guess.
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Yeah, that's a little bit about me.
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Um, and I'm also getting my second master's, which I think is like a fun fact.
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So it's an incredible fact.
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Yeah.
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It's so impressive.
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Congratulations.
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Thank you.
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That's amazing.
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Thank you.
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And it's from both UTs.
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So that's yeah, yeah.
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Not many people can say that too.
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So add that to your fun fact sheet.
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Yeah.
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Well, I was gonna say people describe you as having so much positivity, bringing so much enthusiasm to every room that you're in.
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Is that how you've always been since you were a kid?
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Yes, I think growing up, my mom, like, she did a great job raising me, and she was the same way.
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So I had I mean, I have no reason to be mad, to be sad.
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Um, and one of my favorite things I tell myself is like, just because today might be a bad day doesn't mean I'm gonna have a bad year or I'm gonna have like a bad week.
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Right.
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And so we get through today and then wake up tomorrow and we try to have a better day.
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But yeah, I think like my mom, she's my best friend.
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My mom, my grandma, they both helped raise me.
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Um, and they're strong, beautiful, powerful women.
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And so I guess yeah, I've always been kind of just like a happy person because what's like what's not to be happy about?
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Load full transcript
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Right, right.
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And when you have such positive, like influential people in your life, that trickles into just who you are.
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And I can see that that like totally embodies the person that you are today.
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Thank you.
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When you get a day away from basketball, what are you doing?
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Are you what are you watching, listening?
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How are you on winding?
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Okay.
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Um, like I said, I do like to spend money, so I'm usually online shopping.
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If I'm not shopping in person, um, you know, after a long day, sometimes I just like to scroll on like skims or something or just like even Amazon.
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Um, but let's see, I'm a big music fan.
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I love music.
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I grew up with music.
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Okay.
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Um, and so I'm always listening to music.
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I usually always have my headphones on.
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And so the either pregame, post-game, on the flight back, on the bus there, whatever it may be.
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Um, I do love watching TV.
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I'm a big movie fan.
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I love going to the movies.
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I love getting the popcorn, an icy, a hot dog.
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That's the trio right there.
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Um, let's see.
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I also love watching new series.
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Um, so like really good series that have like thousands of episodes, thousands of series.
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Exactly.
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Like hours long.
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Love it.
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Um, but yeah, that's really that's really it.
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Is there anything that you're listening or watching or uh shopping that you would recommend to people listening right now?
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So some shows I would recommend is Carrie, which is on Prime Video.
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They like did another remake of that because I know it's an older show or an older movie, and then A Different World is on Netflix, and that's another like reboot that they did of an older show.
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Okay.
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Um, so I'd recommend those two shows.
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Very good.
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Any music right now?
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Trying to think.
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My favorite artist, I love Rihanna.
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Um I probably I know every single Rihanna song, like literally, and probably every single song, like by heart, word for word.
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Um so big Rihanna fan.
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I'm trying to think.
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So yeah, just listen to some Rihanna.
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So have you heard that like she's got a vault of like, I don't know what she said, like over a hundred songs.
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Yes, and I need them.
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And we need them.
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I need them.
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So this is Rihanna to please release those.
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For if anyone for Aaliyah.
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Yes, please.
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I'm a huge fan, Rihanna.
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I use all your products, your skincare, your makeup.
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I'm absolutely in love with your skincare.
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I I am obsessed with skincare.
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So please reread.
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Please, please, please.
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Okay, so that was great.
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Um, take me back though, Aaliyah, to growing up in Moore, Oklahoma.
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What was life like for you growing up as a child?
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Um, and kind of when did basketball enter the picture for you?
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Growing up in Moore, Oklahoma, there's not much to do.
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Um, but we have like we had three main high schools: Moore High School, Westmoor, and South Moore.
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So Moore was like the main one.
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Okay.
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And then I always think it's so funny that my name's Aaliy Moore from Moore, Oklahoma, and I went to Moore High School.
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Yes, yeah.
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And when I was looking at your bio, I'm like, man.
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Yeah.
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It's literally a coincidence.
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Okay, okay.
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Um, because we actually ended up moving to Oklahoma because my grandma was in the Air Force, and so they ended up stationing her in Oklahoma.
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So literally, it wasn't planned.
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Like she just happened to pick Oklahoma, and then I happened to be in Moore, and I went to Moore High School.
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Um, but yeah, growing up in Moore, I feel like there wasn't much to do, like I said.
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I went to the main high school, the best high school, and obviously kind of turned out to be really good at basketball.
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And so started playing that at a pretty young age.
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I would say maybe I was seven or eight.
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Um and I just kind of fell in love with it.
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Um, my mom also played at Alabama AM.
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Yes.
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And so she was like, I saw something in you.
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And so she was like, I have to put you in basketball.
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She was like, you know, I don't know what's gonna come out of it, but she said that I was better than all the kids when I was younger, and so she was like, We'll give it a try.
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Yeah.
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Um, so yeah, I mean, growing up in Oklahoma was very cool, I think, because it was so small, everyone knew who I was because you don't.
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We have maybe like a handful of people that came out of Oklahoma that really have done something for the state.
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And so I was kind of like one of those people.
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So even going back home now, it's like everyone literally knows who I am.
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So it's it's really cool, and then being able to give back to my community whenever I can, go back and visit my old high school is also really cool and kind of pour into those girls.
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Yes.
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But yeah, I mean, growing up there was really cool.
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I think every single one of our high school games was was packed out because there was nothing else to do in there.
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So everyone came to watch me drop 30 every night.
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Um, but yeah, it was great.
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Like I said, I think God put me there for a reason.
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More Oklahoma, more high school.
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Like, no one really else can say that they that they did something like that.
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Yeah, it was all meant to be for you.
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Exactly.
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When did you know that basketball could be something serious and you could take it beyond more Oklahoma?
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Yeah.
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Funny story.
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So I was in seventh grade and I had just started playing for an EYBL team.
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Okay.
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Um, Shout Out Sci-Fair, the best EYBL team in the country.
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Um, and it was my first year with him.
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And I didn't even know that you can get an offer to play basketball.
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Like I was just playing just to play.
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Again, my mom knew that I could be good, so she was the one that transitioned me to that team.
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But me being a seventh grader, I was just like, I'm just gonna show up, put my jersey on and just play.
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And that was just that.
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I was a kid.
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And after one of our tournaments, my mom wasn't, I
was in the backseat of the car, and my mom was like, guess what, Aliyah?
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I'm like, what?
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She's like, You got an offer.
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I'm like, an offer to do what?
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I was like, I was so confused.
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I was like, an offer to do what, mom?
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Yeah.
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And she's like, an offer, like a full ride scholarship to play basketball at a certain school.
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And I was like, wait, really?
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Like they would pay for everything, like my schooling.
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She was like, Yes, if you keep working hard, you can go anywhere you want in the country.
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And so that's kind of when I was like, okay, I'm gonna take this very serious.
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Um, because one, my mom wouldn't have to play pay for school, two, I can get a free to like a free degree.
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Right.
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And then also travel the world playing basketball.
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Yes.
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So from there I was like, okay, I'm I need to lock in.
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So you kind of mentioned that your mom played for Alabama AM, which is ironic because Tennessee is playing them in December.
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How's the family feel about this?
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Is she excited?
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Um, she's very excited.
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We actually have a ton of people coming to that game.
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Um, so we'll I'll have a little section of Alabama AM fans and um UT fans.
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Um, but there she's really excited.
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We actually really wish that it was Alabama AM because that would have been even cooler, but it's okay.
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Yes.
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And then this was also the year that I actually changed my jersey number to my mom's number.
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No way.
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So she was 31 while she was there.
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Um and so it was just kind of like special.
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Like I said, God does everything on purpose and for a reason.
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Yeah.
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So it's just really cool.
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I think that game's gonna be fun.
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And every time I score, I'm gonna be like, that was for you, mom.
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Yes, okay, shut up, mom.
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Yeah.
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So 31, what was the reason, I guess, for doing that this year?
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Yeah.
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So at my past school, I was 21 and 23 when I was there.
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And I just kind of like, I feel like this new chapter of me transferring, like, was just a new chapter for me to kind of change a lot of things.
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And I wanted to change my number.
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Um, but I don't really have a number that's like significant to me.
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And then I was thinking my mom played.
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And I was like, she was 31, like, this is perfect.
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It's my last year, and I felt like it was kind of like a year of growth for me.
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And so kind of just wanted to do it for her, and I'm very proud to have that number.
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What was her reaction when you told her that you're gonna be wearing her number?
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Yeah, so actually, before I even transferred here, um, we were at dinner, and I was like, Mom, you know, I've been thinking, I really wanted to like kind of change everything, you know, going into this new chapter.
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And I was like, I think I want to be 31.
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And like she was like, huh?
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And then she was like, oh, she went to Yeah, she was like, Why 31?
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And I was like, Because of you, Mom.
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But yeah, it was really sweet.
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And she was like, Oh, she was like, I I love that.
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So that's beautiful.
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I love that.
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So coming out of high school, you're in a McDonald's, all American, and one of the top players in the country, and already had one gold with Team USA at that point.
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With all those accomplishments under your belt, what were you hoping and uh looking forward to about college and what that experience could bring for you?
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Yeah, let me go way back.
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Um, I think I was always really excited going to college.
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I think, like I said, growing up an only child.
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It wasn't that I wanted to get away, but it was like, you know, I wanted to go spread my wings.
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And even my mom was like, go, like, you gotta go grow up, become an adult, learn how to pay your own bills, how to get to practice on time by yourself, how to eat by yourself because she wasn't there to do all of that for me.
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And so I really enjoyed the process.
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Um, if I could go back though, I would not.
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I'm glad to be where I am now.
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Yeah.
00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:36.480
But I think, like you said, with all those accolades, like it's great.
00:10:36.639 --> 00:10:47.039
Um, sometimes when I have like tough days, I do like to go back and
kind of watch my old highlights or just remember who I am and all the work that I've put in to get here because it has been a lot that a lot of people don't understand, don't realize.
00:10:47.120 --> 00:11:04.320
They never saw the you know, the long nights, the early nights in the gym, the sorry, the early mornings in the gym, um, and just the training, like a lot, lots and lots of training, and then the sacrifices that my mom also made to pay for everything, to drive me to Houston every single weekend, um, paying for us to go to EYBL Nationals and just all of these things.
00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:08.879
And so, like I said, I think it's just really cool being able to like reflect on all those things that I did.
00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:10.559
Um, and no one can take that away from me.
00:11:10.799 --> 00:11:11.440
No, absolutely.
00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:18.799
When you think about the younger version of yourself when you started college, what would you tell her about the woman that you are today?
00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:22.960
Oh I would tell her, just keep going, kids.
00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:25.200
Like it really does get better and you're gonna figure it out.
00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:32.559
I think I've dealt with so many injuries that I wish I really could just go back and grab that girl, like put my hands around her face and just be like, it's gonna be okay.
00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:38.080
Like I promise, all those nights, you know, you were crying, it was really hard, and you thought you were gonna quit, you didn't know what you were gonna do.
00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:44.080
Like you figured it out, and you're at a whole different school of still playing in the SEC and still being able to be dominant.
00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:45.519
Um, but that's a great question.
00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:46.799
No, yeah, you're like me.
00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:49.039
I know to really think about that.
00:11:49.600 --> 00:11:50.320
That was really sweet.
00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:55.679
Well, your college career has asked you to work your way back from injury more than once.
00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:00.480
What has been the hardest part about having to restart that process all over again?
00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:01.200
Yeah.
00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:08.240
Well, I don't think a lot of people really don't know um, like what I actually had done last May.
00:12:08.480 --> 00:12:11.039
Um, I had both my knees done actually at the same time.
00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:13.039
And one was more major than the other one.
00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:13.840
One was pretty minor.
00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:15.120
I was able to walk on it after.
00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:16.480
The other one I was not.
00:12:16.720 --> 00:12:20.639
And I wasn't able to walk or run on that leg for maybe about six months.
00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:23.200
So way longer than just an ACL.
00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:26.799
Um, and so I don't want to go obviously into all the details, but I had a lot of work done.
00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:27.279
A lot.
00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:30.000
And I was told by multiple doctors that I would not play again.
00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:33.200
And thankfully I found a doctor that was like, you will be able to play again.
00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:35.120
It will just take a lot of work.
00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:39.440
And so, like I said, a lot of praying to God around that time because I didn't know if I would play again.
00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:39.600
Yeah.
00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:44.399
And really leaning on my mom and my grandma and my support system and just trying to figure out like what am I gonna do?
00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:46.720
Um, am I just gonna go straight into broadcasting?
00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:48.720
Do I just want to be done and get a job?
00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:52.960
Um, but I ended up, you know, by the grace of God, I'm here right now and I'm still playing.
00:12:53.440 --> 00:13:01.279
Um, and so I think like just thinking about everything that I've been through, honestly, I don't I do know how I did it, but sometimes I'm like, Jesus.
00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:01.519
Right.
00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:05.039
Like anybody else would have folded and would have quit because it was incredibly hard.
00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:09.600
And I there were so many times where I felt alone that I know I wasn't, but you know, just you're really hard on yourself.
00:13:09.679 --> 00:13:09.759
Yeah.
00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:15.279
And waking up every day and doing the same thing, going to PT, I'm like, okay, I gotta do this again, I gotta do this again.
00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:16.960
I have to lift my leg off the table.
00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:20.240
My leg won't, you know, just things like that, like were incredibly hard.
00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:23.679
And looking back though, I'm just so, so proud of myself.
00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:24.000
Yeah.
00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:27.519
Because I easily could have, like I said, folded and just stopped playing.
00:13:27.679 --> 00:13:35.840
And I decided to one, hop in the transfer portal, which was big, to continue to go to another SEC school, which is the hardest conference in the country.
00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:40.480
I could have easily went to a lower conference and averaged like what, 20 and did whatever I wanted.
00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.200
I didn't want that.
00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:42.320
I still wanted to win.
00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:45.120
Um, I wanted it to be hard, I wanted it to be competitive.
00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:53.440
And I knew at the end of the day, if I could get through, you know, one injury after another, after another, after another, then this is just like another roadblock.
00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:56.960
I'm like processing everything that you're saying because it is so true.
00:13:57.039 --> 00:14:03.919
Like I can only imagine the centimeters in which you had this marathon that you had to finish.
00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:08.320
And the day in and the day out of the repetitive, like, will I ever get
there?
00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:11.120
Is it ever is it in my cards to even get there?
00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:12.720
But you had to believe in yourself.
00:14:12.799 --> 00:14:12.879
Yeah.
00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.159
And it was what you wanted.
00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:17.600
And you were not gonna give up on yourself, which I think is a true testament to your story.
00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:26.399
I do want to look to you a little bit more at the timeline of it all so that people really know from like where we started to where we are now, all the parts.
00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:31.840
After your sophomore season ended early, you returned to have the best statistical season of your career.
00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:42.159
What did that come back teach you early on about how you ended up needing to face other setbacks, seeing that you had done it once before and knowing that you could do it again?
00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.759
Yeah, that's a great question.
00:14:44.159 --> 00:14:47.120
I think again, it's just a testament to how much work I put in.
00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:52.720
Like, you don't just come back from an ACL, wake up, and it's like, oh, okay, I'm gonna go dominate every day.
00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:53.759
Like it's so hard.
00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:57.919
And then on top of that, I had to play in that brace, which I'm unfortunately back in this year.
00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.080
Okay.
00:14:58.320 --> 00:15:01.039
But people do not understand, like that brace really is restricting.
00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:01.360
Yes.
00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:05.279
And it's like something just hanging on your leg and it's hard to move laterally.
00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:10.399
It makes you slower running up and down the floor, and constantly like if it falls, having having to pull it up.
00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:12.879
But it's just little things like that that people don't realize.
00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:13.200
Yes.
00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:22.240
And things that like we have to overcome, like little daily battles in our head, like, okay, I'm still gonna be able to defend this girl, even though I do have this brace on and I'm on surgery number three.
00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:28.000
Um, but I do think like going back to the first ACL, after that, that was my first ever major injury.
00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:28.320
Okay.
00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:31.039
And that was a whole situation in itself.
00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:37.679
But when I finally did get cleared, I just remembered how much I missed basketball and how much like the love for it immediately came back.
00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:39.440
And the same thing happened this time.
00:15:39.679 --> 00:15:42.320
And I think just like something about March Madness as well.
00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:49.039
I don't know what it is, but like something about me being on a big stage and I know people are watching, I always perform well.
00:15:49.120 --> 00:15:54.639
Um, I don't know if that is like a testament just to like I was made for the
moment or just God put that in me.
00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:55.039
I don't know.
00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:56.720
I got that from my mother, I'm not sure.
00:15:56.960 --> 00:16:01.039
But like you said, like something about March Madness, I just always am like, yeah, it's go time.
00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:01.360
Yes.
00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:03.519
Like that's time to turn it up a notch.
00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:07.120
You spent all of last season rehabbing, like you kind of talked about.
00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:17.279
What is a part of that year that people don't know or didn't see the day in and day out that helped you get ready for the season that we're about to have?
00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:22.240
Um, well, number one is I actually ended up moving like 20 minutes off of that campus.
00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:30.240
So I was so basically I went from living on campus, um, an apartment on campus where I was like by so many people, by everything.
00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:33.120
And then I decided I'm taking this year to get the surgery.
00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:34.399
I kind of wanted to take a step back.
00:16:34.480 --> 00:16:41.360
So I ended up moving off of campus and I was like 20 minutes away living in my own apartment, which I loved, um, but I was not around a lot of people.
00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:48.879
And so I think having to kind of go from where you're around a team every day, you're around so many people, and I'm such a social person.
00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:52.000
I went from that to not really seeing many people.
00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:56.240
And so I do feel like during that time, and I wasn't alone, but it can just kind of feel like that.
00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:56.559
Yes.
00:16:56.720 --> 00:17:00.799
But I felt like I also needed to be alone in order to get through that, if that makes sense.
00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:02.559
So again, God knew what he was doing.
00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:03.919
Um so that was number one.
00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:09.359
And then number two is I was driving, people don't understand, I was driving almost an hour there and back for PT every single day.
00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:15.519
And so just like the sacrifices that I made, um, just to be better and be able to be where I am now.
00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:16.400
Um, but yeah.
00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:23.200
Through all of that time playing away from basketball, what kept you looking forward to the return to the game?
00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:24.720
That's a great question.
00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:27.680
When you think about that, what did keep me?
00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:34.880
I think I honestly think I just my love for the game, if that makes sense.
00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:41.440
I think there was always a part of me that like even though I might say out loud I might quit, there was a part of me that was like, you're not gonna quit.
00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:42.640
Like you know you're not.
00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:48.720
You might say it, you might have days where you're complaining about PT or this hurts, this sucks, but you're not gonna quit.
00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:51.119
Like you've been through, you've been through hard.
00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:53.039
This is just another thing that's hard.
00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:54.319
So like figure it out.
00:17:54.400 --> 00:18:00.400
And that's kind of how I always felt like that voice was always in the back of my mind, even though everything else was like, oh, I'm so I'm so tired.
00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:00.720
Yeah.
00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:05.599
And so I think like having that voice, again, I think that was just from it's been instilled with instilled in me.
00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:07.039
I just I love hard work.
00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:10.000
My mother, she's kind of taught me life is hard in general.
00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:15.279
No matter whether you're not you're an athlete, you're an artist, you're a singer, whatever it may be, you're a teacher, life is hard.
00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:17.200
Um, just being human on this earth.
00:18:17.359 --> 00:18:22.240
And so I think she always told me that if you want something, you can persevere and you can do it.
00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.359
And only you can.
00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:29.839
No one else can pick you up, no one else could drive me to PT every day, no one else could make me do a leg raise, no one else could make me dribble the ball.
00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:30.799
I had to do that.
00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:37.599
And so I just feel like kind of that want, that little voice in the back of my head that was like, You can you're gonna keep playing, kind of is what got me through.
00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:43.279
So after spending your entire career at your previous school, you decided to take a chance on somewhere new.
00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:49.359
What was it that you were really looking for in this new chapter and uh your basketball journey?
00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:54.799
Yeah, number one was just to go somewhere where I honestly had a better relationship with the head coach.
00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:57.680
I wanted to be able to have mutual respect between the head coaches.
00:18:58.079 --> 00:19:01.440
Me knowing I was only gonna be there a year, I didn't obviously want to be best friends.
00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:06.160
Um, but I did want a coach that I knew was going to pour into me and really have my best interest at heart.
00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:08.319
And that is 110% Coach Kim.
00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:10.720
And I felt that immediately on my visit.
00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:15.599
Um, and that's honestly the whole staff, like Coach Bill, Coach East, Coach Angel, Coach Alex, Coach Jenna.
00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.559
I don't want to miss anyone.
00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.359
They're gonna get me.
00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:20.880
But honestly, everyone, our supporting staff, everyone was amazing.
00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:23.119
And I just really wanted to feel like I was wanted.
00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:29.440
I kind of felt like that was missing
at my last school, and especially when you go through so many injuries, you already kind of battle with that yourself.
00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:33.680
It's hard when you have the system around you also making you kind of um question that.
00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.559
Yeah, question that.
00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:36.880
And so coming here, I they didn't make me question that.
00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:44.079
And I had multiple conversations with Coach Kim about where I was PT-wise, where I was physically, how I was mentally, and the things that I wanted this year.
00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:46.160
And she never once said, That's not attainable.
00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:47.839
Like, you're not gonna be able to do that, Aliyah Moore.
00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:49.599
You had all these injuries, that's no.
00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:52.960
She always said, Okay, here's the way that we can do this.
00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:54.319
Here's how I can help you.
00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.799
I think this is you can get this done for sure.
00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:59.920
This might be a little bit harder, but you can do it, and here's how I can help you.
00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:01.599
And then we have Nolan, who's amazing.
00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:03.839
And I will rave about Nolan until the day I die.
00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.440
Our strength coach is amazing.
00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:07.440
He's the best strength coach I've ever worked with.
00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:09.279
And he's never said anything negative to me.
00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:11.680
Like, some days I'll come in and I'm the negative Nancy.
00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.119
And he's like, Aliyah, get it together.
00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:14.240
And I'm like, you're right.
00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:20.559
So it's hard when you're around such positive, great people to want to be down because then you're the one that's sticking out like a sore thumb.
00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:28.720
Did you feel like it was a risk to go into the transfer portal given your history with injury, given your you hadn't played the last season?
00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:32.720
Did it make you feel any kind of nerves about am I making the right decision?
00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:34.000
Should I be doing this?
00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.759
A hundred percent, yes.
00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.880
I had many doubts.
00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:39.039
Um, and I'll never forget what my mom said to me one day.
00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:41.519
I brought that up to her right when I entered my name in the portal.
00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:44.799
I was like, mom, like what if, like this whole time I've been talking about am I done?
00:20:44.880 --> 00:20:47.359
I might actually have to be done, because what if the school doesn't reach out?
00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:49.839
And she was like, Aliyah, remember who you are.
00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:55.519
She was like, at the end of the day, you've gone through so much and like look at what you've done.
00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:55.920
Right.
00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:58.559
She was like, look at your accolades, look at your resume.
00:20:58.720 --> 00:21:02.240
And she was like, if a school doesn't want to take a chance on you, that's on them.
00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:09.279
She was like, but I promise you, there's going to be ice school, certain schools that are going to take a chance on you just because of the player and person that you are.
00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.000
And she was right.
00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:10.720
And she was right.
00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:12.640
And now you're here at Tennessee as Lady Vol.
00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:12.960
Yes.
00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:20.160
What does that mean to you to be a Lady Vall and Pat Summit and just the legacy and the history that's here on this campus?
00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:21.119
What does that mean to you?
00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:22.160
It means a lot.
00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:29.519
Like it's when you walk on campus, you kind of like feel like the legacy of Pat Summit and like the Lady Valls that came before me and what how they paved the way for me.
00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:33.759
And it's, I think it's really cool to just be able to say that I'm also a part of this year's team.
00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:33.920
Yeah.
00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:35.920
Like this year's team is gonna make so much history.
00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:36.799
We're all new.
00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:37.039
Yeah.
00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:39.839
And I was one of the girls, one of the 15 that took a chance.
00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:46.559
And so, like, 10 years from now, I have a little girl or a little kid, and I'm like, yeah, your mom was a part of this team that accomplished this and accomplished that.
00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:48.400
Like, I think that's super, super cool.
00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:54.799
And I think there's so many women that came before me that also had to overcome something in their own way or like a trailblazer in their own way.
00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:59.759
And so I I honestly feel like this team is kind of like will be that for the generation, you know, 10, 20 years from now.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.039
So it's super cool.
00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:03.759
And I'm just super blessed that I have I'm one of the 15 girls.
00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:10.240
Yeah, I really just feel like with this, with this new team this year, everyone has a different pace of them that they're trying to prove.
00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:15.200
And for whatever, like whatever that looks like for them, everyone's coming here kind of with a chip on their shoulder.
00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:22.319
How have you seen the attitude or maybe the um the culture of this team start to develop as the season's beginning?
00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.920
Yeah, honestly, you never know.
00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:28.079
Like when you bring a group of girls together that have never met, you don't know what's gonna happen.
00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:32.559
But thankfully, I think Ham did a really good job of just getting good
people.
00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:37.279
So when you get good people, the most you have to worry about is like, okay, just getting their skills better on the court.
00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.960
And she did a great job of getting great people.
00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:41.279
And so immediately when we got on campus, we all clicked.
00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:43.039
All we did was hang out over the summer.
00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:44.640
And mind you, we did not know each other.
00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:44.960
Right.
00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:45.759
Like at all.
00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.160
Right.
00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.680
But we clicked so quickly.
00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:51.440
Like I said, I think when you just have great people, it's hard not to click with other great people.
00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.759
And then I think that translated to the court.
00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:56.799
And they did a really good job putting certain pieces together.
00:22:56.960 --> 00:23:00.559
Like I feel like we have a good inside inside presence with me, fats, and Zen.
00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:01.839
And then we have shooters.
00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:09.519
And when you have great shooters, I mean that opens up the floor for me, Fats and Zen, to be able to go to work down low, um, get get O boards and just stuff like that.
00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:14.000
And so, like I said, I think Coach Kim and the stats did a great job of just putting good pieces together.
00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:21.119
And then us as a group, we've done a great job of just hanging out because we could have easily just been like, uh, you're we're all new, like I'll just stay in my room.
00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.400
But no, we're all people.
00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:25.200
We're all like very, what's the word I'm trying to think of?
00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.920
Like social people.
00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.160
Yeah.
00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.920
Um, and so we all clicked very quickly.
00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:28.160
Yeah.
00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:32.480
And since arriving here on Rocky Top, you've been building your way back, learning a new system, it's pace.
00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:34.640
Take me back to kind of those first workouts.
00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:36.319
What was the most, right?
00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:38.240
I'm like, do we want to go back there?
00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:40.319
What was the most challenging part for you?
00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.359
Was it more mental?
00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.480
Was it more physical?
00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:46.400
What were you working through as you were just kind of trying to figure everything out?
00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:48.079
Yeah, this one, and it's so interesting.
00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.440
All my injuries have been different.
00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:51.279
My first ACL, it was more physical.
00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:52.960
Getting back in shape was the hardest part.
00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:55.440
But mentally, I felt like I hadn't missed a beat on the court.
00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:55.680
Okay.
00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:58.079
This time, it was all mental.
00:23:58.400 --> 00:23:59.279
I don't know what it was.
00:23:59.359 --> 00:24:07.599
I don't know if it's just because I was out longer this time, but like I mentally was just so not scared to play basketball again, but like overthinking everything.
00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:11.920
Um, and like kind of like, okay, I can trust my knee, but like, can I really trust my knee?
00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:18.400
Um, and then just kind of like moving timid like on the court because again, embracing contact, that's something people also don't realize.
00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:19.359
You have to learn again.
00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:24.720
I went a whole year and a half not experiencing contact every day, not like dribbling the ball every day.
00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:31.359
And so kind of just gaining the confidence back in my ball handling, my shooting, um, my aggressiveness because it was always inside of me.
00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.880
I just kind of had to like wake it up again.
00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:33.440
Yes.
00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:37.279
You mentioned earlier having to work with the brace on your leg.
00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:46.160
How have you been able to navigate that and the challenges that come with that and not letting it impede your progress as you've been trying to get back out onto the court?
00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:46.480
Yeah.
00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:53.359
Well, I think Nolan and Cassie, um our trainer, have done a great job of just kind of like instilling the confidence in me because I I complain to them all the time.
00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:55.519
I'm like, this brace, like I just want to throw it away.
00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:57.359
And Cassie's like, I know, but she can't.
00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:59.440
And she's like, just look at what you're still able to do.
00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:01.359
You're still able to practice, you're still able to move.
00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:04.240
She was like, it might not be the way that you want, right?
00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:06.799
But nothing in this life half the time is the way that we want it.
00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:08.000
It doesn't go the way that we want.
00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:16.160
Um, and so I kind of just feel like when you, like I said, when you have people that are constantly telling you, like, it's gonna be okay, and like just look at what you've already done and how hard it's been.
00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:18.079
And so I just have to remember those things.
00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:18.400
Yes.
00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:19.680
And I'm like, you know what?
00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:23.279
It's yes, the brace is there, but I'm still gonna dominate you.
00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:25.440
I'm still gonna defend, I'm still gonna rebound.
00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:28.720
And at the end of the day, I'm still going to think that I'm better than any opponent in front of me.
00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:28.960
Right.
00:25:29.279 -->
00:25:34.319
It's the shift in perspective and also having that confidence in yourself to like not make excuses.
00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:36.559
Like, I'm still gonna go out there and do what I do best.
00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:36.720
Yes.
00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:37.519
Regardless.
00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:44.880
Well, you put on the Lady Vol jersey for the first time earlier this week against Florida AM and this team's exhibition.
00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:49.039
You got the start, scored eight points, and wait went six for six from the free throw line.
00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:55.680
When did the moment really hit you that you were about to step out onto the court and play your first game in over a year?
00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.960
Yeah, wow.
00:25:57.200 --> 00:26:04.079
Someone told me, I think it's been like 640-something days since my yeah, and funny enough, the last game I actually played was It was!
00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:07.119
It was against Tennessee, which like full circle bending days.
00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:08.319
Full full circle.
00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:10.799
Um, but I think a reporter had told me that, and I was like, wow.
00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:23.440
Like some, like you said, really puts it into perspective of what I literally have done and how incredibly hard and insane it can be to really like think about that's how much time I was away from this game.
00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:25.440
But I honestly I think it hit me.
00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:30.480
We were when we ran out the second time in our like full Pat Summit blue warmups that are beautiful, by the way.
00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.119
Stunning.
00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:37.440
And I just like saw a lot of people in the stands, and then I saw my my family in the stands and I waved at them, and I was like, wow, I'm really bad.
00:26:37.599 --> 00:26:37.839
Right.
00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:40.160
It was like a deja vu all over again.
00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.839
What did that first bucket feel like?
00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.720
It felt really good.
00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:47.279
And then I think too, I wish it would have been an and one, but I think I did it in true Aliyah fashion.
00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:52.799
Me posting up, getting fouled, an aggressive move, and then I made both free throws 100% from the free throw line.
00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:53.680
So I cannot complain.
00:26:53.920 --> 00:26:54.559
Right, period.
00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:56.319
And I'm sure Coach Kim loved that too.
00:26:56.880 --> 00:27:04.319
Um, what's something about just simply being able to play, just stepping onto that court that you appreciate more now, given everything that you've been through?
00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:08.640
Yeah, I think because even again, like after this year, I don't know where I'm gonna end up.
00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:15.839
Um, there's always a chance of me, you know, putting my name in the draft, going overseas, like I told you, wanting to go into broadcasting, shoot, maybe even getting a coaching job.
00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:18.240
Like there's just so many different avenues I could go down after this.
00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:21.759
But I think I'm really just trying to live in the moment.
00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:28.880
Because again, there's a very low percent chance that anyone thought I was gonna ever be back and playing this last year.
00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:31.680
And so I'm really just trying to enjoy it.
00:27:32.079 --> 00:27:32.880
Keeping it simple.
00:27:33.119 --> 00:27:33.359
Exactly.
00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:36.480
Fans are getting to know an entirely new team with this roster.
00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:37.440
We talked about that.
00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:43.440
What's a moment where you felt like this team really started to click and has uh kind of found their identity?
00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.079
Yeah.
00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.680
Oh, that's a good question.
00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:54.480
I would honestly even say the exhibition we just had, because people I people know we've had a couple scrimmages and we actually ended up scrimmaging, I don't know if I'm allowed to say the team.
00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:56.319
So I'll just say like it was a top five team.
00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:56.640
Okay.
00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:59.200
Um, they're projected to be a Final Four team to be really good.
00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:02.799
So we ended up scrimmaging them a week before we had our exhibition.
00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:06.000
And let's just say we learned a lot from that scrimmage.
00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:06.240
Okay.
00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:07.519
But I think it was needed.
00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:13.119
I think when you bring a different group, when you bring a lot of different girls together that have all played at different levels, yeah.
00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:16.559
And some people on this team don't know how hard it's going to be.
00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:18.079
They have not ever played in the SEC.
00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:20.160
I am someone who has won a lot in the SEC.
00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:22.480
I have lost some as well, but I've won more than I've lost.
00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:22.880
Yes.
00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:27.039
Um, I've I have a couple rings, I have a couple trophies, and so I genuinely do know what it takes.
00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:32.480
And on top of that, I'm not, I've never even won a national championship, and I still know it's incredibly hard.
00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:35.440
Like just getting to the final four, the one that I got to.
00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:48.640
And so, excuse me, I just feel like when we had that scrimmage and it did not go the way that we wanted, we all kind of were able to take a step back and be like, okay, the things that Coach Kimmer's saying that we need to work on, we do need to work on.
00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:48.960
Yes.
00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:57.599
And it's and I think it's gonna take everyone in this room to really hone in and really look at themselves and reflect on what they need to do
better for the team to be better.
00:28:57.920 --> 00:29:02.160
So we had that scrimmage, and I think our exhibition, we played so much better.
00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:07.359
And obviously, I know competition was is different, different levels, but just the things that we personally needed to work on.
00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:10.960
I could tell a lot of my teammates were focusing on that in that game.
00:29:11.119 --> 00:29:12.559
And that's the only way you can get better.
00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:13.119
Right.
00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:21.359
Especially going up against that top-level competition that will expose some parts of the game of the system, and honestly, give everybody a little bit of a reality check.
00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:23.839
Like, hey, we're about to start, season's gonna begin.
00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:24.160
Exactly.
00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:28.640
And here's everything that we need to do in order to accomplish everything that we want this year.
00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:34.559
You talked about though, that you've got a lot of great experience from really big games, really big moments.
00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:48.960
As a leader on this team in your sixth season of veteran, what are some of the pieces of advice that you found yourself giving to the younger girls, or like you mentioned, the girls that haven't been playing in the SEC to know what they're about to get into?
00:29:49.119 --> 00:29:53.279
Yeah, I would say two things that I probably say almost every week to all of all my girls.
00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:57.119
Number one is that like I know the word of the day is like probably hard.
00:29:57.200 --> 00:30:00.400
I've said it so much, but winning, guys, is so incredibly hard.
00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:04.319
And unless you've gone through it and won, you understand what I'm talking about.
00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:13.200
But just like being able to win an SEC championship, which I've done, winning a Big 12 championship, which I've also done, I remember the sweat and tears that went into those games.
00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:19.440
And excuse me, and then for me, like I said, coming off of the injuries and still being able to be a part of that win for my team is huge.
00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:19.680
Yeah.
00:30:19.839 --> 00:30:21.279
But it was incredibly difficult.
00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.880
And like the attention and detail.
00:30:22.960 --> 00:30:34.400
So I tell them all the time, like, guys, I know right now we're very, very early on in the season, but the little details such as like rebounding and like taking away the middle in our press, three months from now, that's gonna kill us.
00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:36.799
Like we have got to get it under wraps now.
00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:44.880
So then when we're in January playing South Carolina um LSU, it's not killing us as much as it is now, and we are able to keep up with those teams.
00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:47.279
So that's number one is just details really do matter.
00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:47.680
Yes.
00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:51.440
And then number two would be to enjoy it because it goes by so fast.
00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:54.799
And um, our freshmen, Gabby and Irene, I love love them.
00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:56.960
They're great freshmen and they work so hard.
00:30:57.039 --> 00:31:00.640
But they have days where they're just like exhausted and they're like, Oh my gosh, I'm so tired.
00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:01.599
Like, am I doing good?
00:31:01.759 --> 00:31:05.039
And I had to pull Gabby to the side one day and I'm like, Gabby, you're doing amazing.
00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:09.359
I said, You're really hard on yourself, and I and I get why I am too, but you're a freshman.
00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:13.440
One, a lot of freshmen don't play, and you got great minutes when we played our exhibition.
00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:13.680
Yeah.
00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:16.079
And two, you do a lot for this team to help us win.
00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:17.200
And same with Irene.
00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:27.039
So I think just kind of letting the girls know, like, attention to details matter, and that this is gonna be freaking hard to even just want to get where we want to, we want to be top three in the SEC, that's incredibly hard.
00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:29.519
And then the details really do matter if we want to do that.
00:31:29.599 --> 00:31:33.440
And then second, enjoy it though, because it goes by fast and winning is so fun.
00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:38.480
So I want to get a little bit of an introduction though to this group, since we are learning a lot of new faces and names.
00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:41.039
I'm gonna rapid fire go through a couple of questions with you.
00:31:41.119 --> 00:31:41.279
Okay.
00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.960
Who keeps everybody laughing?
00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:45.279
Fats, and I'm sure you get that answer.
00:31:45.519 --> 00:31:46.720
I should have known yes.
00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:48.720
Um, she is someone.
00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:56.400
If I had to describe her, somebody asked us if you were like woke up in a graveyard by yourself, like in the middle of the night, who's a teammate that you would call to come help you like get out?
00:31:56.559 --> 00:31:59.519
And everyone said fats, because fats would fight a ghost.
00:31:59.599 --> 00:32:03.759
She would fight I don't like anything that got in the way, immediately calling fats.
00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.240
Right.
00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:06.640
And if and honestly, making it like a fun adventure.
00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:08.160
Like she wouldn't even be stressing about it.
00:32:08.319 --> 00:32:09.759
She'd be making it a fun time.
00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.240
Yes.
00:32:10.400 --> 00:32:13.119
Who is the hardest person to go up against in practice?
00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.079
Ooh.
00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:17.440
Oh, can I say myself?
00:32:17.599 --> 00:32:18.160
No, I'm just kidding.
00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:19.599
I'm just kidding.
00:32:19.680 --> 00:32:21.279
My
teammates, I love them all.
00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:23.519
Um, and they're all great competition.
00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:25.039
That's a good question.
00:32:25.200 --> 00:32:27.759
I would have to say fats are zen because we play the same position.
00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:28.559
Right, right.
00:32:28.720 --> 00:32:32.559
Who always brings the energy even through a tough workout?
00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.519
Hmm.
00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:36.160
Again, I'm gonna have to go me or fats.
00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:36.480
Okay.
00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:39.359
I think with both of us kind of just having the outgoing personalities.
00:32:39.599 --> 00:32:46.160
And fats, the difference between me and fats, though, is like I'm funny, but she like can just say something because of her accent and like everyone just starts laughing.
00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:49.279
And then she's like already goofy, and that girl is she's off a rocker.
00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:51.279
So she just makes everybody laugh.
00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:54.480
And then I can kind of be that person where it's like, okay, now let's come back together.
00:32:54.559 --> 00:32:55.759
Yep, let's really talk about this.
00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:56.960
Yeah, let's be serious.
00:32:57.119 --> 00:32:58.000
So it's a good balance.
00:32:58.160 --> 00:32:58.400
Yes.
00:32:58.559 --> 00:33:01.519
Who was one of the first people you clicked with on and off the court?
00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.799
Ooh, Riley Mack.
00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:03.359
That's my girl.
00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:04.160
I love Riley Mack.
00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:05.680
And we call each other yin and yang.
00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:11.599
Um, and it's so funny because the other day I had my hair in a braid and she had hers in a braid, and we were like, Coach East, can you tell us apart?
00:33:11.759 --> 00:33:15.119
Which obviously you can, but it's just like funny things that we do.
00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:19.119
But she's definitely someone that, like, after I leave here, will be invited to my wedding.
00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:19.920
So sweet.
00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:22.960
Who do you think is going to have a big impact on the team this year?
00:33:23.200 --> 00:33:23.519
Yeah.
00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:25.039
Ooh, that's a great question.
00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:27.519
I think I'm gonna have to go back to Gabby.
00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:27.839
Okay.
00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:28.880
And I would say Naomi.
00:33:29.119 --> 00:33:29.279
Okay.
00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:34.319
And I think Naomi kind of put people on notice in our exhibition, but that was just like a slither of what Naomi can do.
00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:37.920
Like, Naomi is one of the best shooters I've ever seen and played with.
00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:40.880
And Naomi also can put the ball on the floor.
00:33:41.039 --> 00:33:44.400
Like, I think once she's really able to show everyone what she can do, it's gonna be really cool.
00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:49.039
And then, like I said, Gabby being a freshman, she's gonna help us so much this year with just like the intangible things.
00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:50.240
Like, she rebounds so hard.
00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:51.440
The kid plays so hard.
00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:55.359
Like she's always exhausted because she's trying her best and she's she just goes so hard.
00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:55.599
Yeah.
00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:59.839
Who is somebody that could end up missing the bus because they sleep through their alarm?
00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.359
Oh God.
00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.880
I'm gonna have to go with.
00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:05.759
Oh, there's a couple.
00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:08.880
Which I pray this never happens.
00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:10.400
I'm gonna have to go with Irene.
00:34:10.559 --> 00:34:10.880
Okay.
00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:13.519
Kennedy, and maybe Fats.
00:34:13.760 --> 00:34:13.920
Yeah.
00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:14.639
Yeah, okay.
00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:24.239
Yeah, and it wouldn't be on purpose, but it would just be like that one day where like either they sleep through their alarm, like you said, and then we're blown up their phone, and they're like, oh my god, I'm on the way, I'm on the way.
00:34:24.480 --> 00:34:24.639
Yeah.
00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:26.719
Who has the messiest locker?
00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:28.079
Riley T.
00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:29.760
Oh my god, Riley T.
00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:30.559
And she knows it.
00:34:30.639 --> 00:34:33.519
And so it's like every time we say it to her, she's like, I know, guys, I'm working on it.
00:34:33.679 --> 00:34:34.719
Baby girl's not working on it.
00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:35.599
Yeah, she's not.
00:34:35.840 --> 00:34:36.320
No, no.
00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:39.039
If anything is gonna take sometimes, and that's okay.
00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:39.519
Yeah.
00:34:39.760 --> 00:34:43.119
Who packs for an overnight like they're going on a week vacation?
00:34:43.440 --> 00:34:43.920
That would be me.
00:34:44.079 --> 00:34:46.639
Hey, yeah, and everyone would say that as well.
00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:51.119
I do that with any trip though, and I also pack like a month in advance, so that's me.
00:34:51.280 --> 00:34:52.239
Yeah, 100%.
00:34:52.719 --> 00:34:54.960
And who gives the best words of encouragement?
00:34:55.199 --> 00:34:57.679
Ooh, best words of encouragement.
00:34:58.559 --> 00:34:59.519
I would say Avery.
00:35:00.079 --> 00:35:05.440
And I think because Avery's out this year with an ACO, uh, me and her have been able to get closer and talk a lot.
00:35:05.519 --> 00:35:07.360
And I've been able to kind of help her through this process.
00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:09.360
Definitely, being that I've been through it a lot.
00:35:09.679 --> 00:35:14.880
But Avery is someone that one is very close with God, and I'm the same way.
00:35:14.960 --> 00:35:16.159
And so we talk a lot about that.
00:35:16.239 --> 00:35:19.039
But I feel like Avery also has a lot of wisdom for her age.
00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:20.639
She has a ton of
wisdom.
00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:25.840
And I think I told her, I was like, it sucks that you got hurt this year, but I think everything happens for a reason.
00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:30.400
And you are going to be even better than you were before this injury.
00:35:30.480 --> 00:35:34.480
Like when she comes out of this, I'm she's gonna, I'm telling you, y'all are gonna be so excited to watch her next year.
00:35:34.639 --> 00:35:36.400
I think she's gonna come out just way better.
00:35:36.559 --> 00:35:36.719
Yeah.
00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:52.559
I didn't even think about like knowing what she's going through this year with her injury, how much you guys, I'm sure, have been able to relate and create a bond over that, but also how much you're helping her through like this tough time, having a different shift in perspective and seeing you on the other side knowing that it's possible.
00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:54.320
Okay, real quick as we wrap up.
00:35:54.480 --> 00:36:00.400
You mentioned this, but you already have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, and now you're working on another master's degree.
00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:03.920
It is like so incredible and should not be understated.
00:36:04.079 --> 00:36:06.719
I just finished my master's and girl, that's hard.
00:36:06.880 --> 00:36:07.920
That's some hard stuff.
00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:08.239
Yeah.
00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:09.039
Where do you hope?
00:36:09.280 --> 00:36:13.440
And you you did touch on this, but like, where do you just hope life takes you after your time here at Tennessee?
00:36:13.599 --> 00:36:13.920
Yeah.
00:36:14.079 --> 00:36:22.400
Um, one thing I do want to say is like for any young kids that might listen or any parents that want to pass this on to their younger kid, is that use these schools like they use you.
00:36:22.639 --> 00:36:29.760
At the end of the day, we are here to yes, win and to train and do all of these things, but you also can get a free education out of these schools.
00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:30.719
And so use it.
00:36:30.880 --> 00:36:34.639
Like, really, if you can get a master's, let's say you're you can like the whole fifth year rule now.
00:36:34.719 --> 00:36:34.800
Yeah.
00:36:34.960 --> 00:36:36.239
You can get a master's, get a master's.
00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:36.480
Right.
00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:41.840
Like, do if you want to travel the country, if you want to do something, let the school, like they have lots of money, guys.
00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:43.760
Let the school help you do what they want to do.
00:36:43.920 --> 00:36:44.000
Right.
00:36:44.159 --> 00:36:45.679
Um, we're more than just basketball players.
00:36:45.760 --> 00:36:50.239
So I just wanted to put that out there, and that's something that my mom really told me like a lot growing up.
00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:52.800
And so I ended up doing the whole master's things.
00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:54.239
I'm getting my one another one right now.
00:36:54.320 --> 00:36:57.599
But the reason I'm doing that is again, because I don't know how much longer I'll be playing.
00:36:57.920 --> 00:37:02.719
And the dream job, like I said, is sideline reporting, um, commentary, broadcasting just in general.
00:37:02.880 --> 00:37:10.639
I want to be the next Holly Rowe, Latina Robinson, um, Andrea Carter, and even what Candace Parker's doing with the um NBA would be really, really cool.
00:37:10.800 --> 00:37:10.960
Yep.
00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:13.199
So I want to be as versatile as possible.
00:37:13.360 --> 00:37:15.679
And then I've always been told I'll be a good coach.
00:37:15.920 --> 00:37:20.639
I think just because of how like social I am and I'm really good with people, and I really do know the game.
00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:20.960
Yeah.
00:37:21.119 --> 00:37:22.480
So possibly coaching.
00:37:22.559 --> 00:37:22.719
Yeah.
00:37:22.880 --> 00:37:26.400
Um, Avery told me the other day she was like, You'd be a really good WNBA commissioner.
00:37:26.480 --> 00:37:27.280
So I was like, okay, okay.
00:37:27.519 --> 00:37:29.119
I'll like add that to the list.
00:37:29.199 --> 00:37:33.280
Yeah, like maybe like 15 years down the line, um, possibly that.
00:37:33.440 --> 00:37:40.000
But yeah, I think I've worked so hard to get the two masters that I definitely just want to be able to have multiple options if I do want to stop playing.
00:37:40.239 --> 00:37:46.559
How has your idea of success of a successful season changed from your freshman year to now?
00:37:46.639 --> 00:37:49.199
And what do you think that looks like specifically for this year?
00:37:49.440 --> 00:37:53.760
I think my freshman year I was all about kind of wanting to get accolades.
00:37:53.840 --> 00:37:59.280
I think coming off of high school, when I was getting a ton of accolades, I was just like, okay, I want to be the freshman of the year, I want to do this and do that.
00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:00.320
Obviously, got hurt.
00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:02.480
And so then it shifts your whole perspective.
00:38:02.639 --> 00:38:06.239
And I think now all I care about is having a fun and healthy season.
00:38:06.559 --> 00:38:08.400
I just want to have fun playing basketball again.
00:38:08.480 --> 00:38:08.559
Yes.
00:38:08.800 --> 00:38:10.480
And I finally I have that again.
00:38:10.639 --> 00:38:12.559
And so I feel like the awards will come.
00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:19.360
Like people don't realize if you just have fun, you play as a team, the individual awards will come because you're doing well within the team.
00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:19.599
Yes.
00:38:19.840 --> 00:38:23.519
So all I care about this year is just having fun and doing what I need to do in order for the team to win.
00:38:23.920 --> 00:38:28.719
Your story is one of perseverance and relentless pursuit of doing what you love.
00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:31.599
What are you most proud of when you look back on your journey?
00:38:33.360 --> 00:38:35.039
Dang, that's a hard question.
00:38:35.360 -->
00:38:38.000
Um There's so much to be proud of.
00:38:38.239 --> 00:38:38.960
Yes, yeah.
00:38:39.280 --> 00:38:54.480
I think I think the one thing I'm most proud of is that although all the things that I went through, all the doubts from coaches, from doctors, from just outside noise, and people saying that I'll never play again, I'll never be the same, that I should just quit.
00:38:54.800 --> 00:38:58.719
I think the one thing is that I didn't quit.
00:38:59.199 --> 00:39:05.760
And that I am able to stand here today and kind of in a sense like I proved all of them wrong.
00:39:06.159 --> 00:39:08.400
And it's almost like, what can you say now?
00:39:08.719 --> 00:39:09.519
Because I'm doing it.
00:39:09.920 --> 00:39:10.639
So what can you say?
00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:11.119
Right.
00:39:11.440 --> 00:39:17.199
You're writing your own story and no one's taking away your voice in that because you're doing what you wanted to do at the end of the day.
00:39:17.440 --> 00:39:18.480
And on top of that, I'm happy.
00:39:18.800 --> 00:39:19.679
Yes, very happy.
00:39:20.079 --> 00:39:21.280
Which is the most important thing.
00:39:22.159 --> 00:39:29.039
When you look back on this chapter here at Tennessee someday, what do you hope you'll be able to say you made the most of?
00:39:29.519 --> 00:39:31.039
I think just meeting new people.
00:39:31.440 --> 00:39:36.559
I think there's so many, like you said, former Lady Vols that came before me and networking.
00:39:37.039 --> 00:39:47.760
Like, yes, I am here to play basketball, but like I when Andrea Carter and Candace Parker came to our um exhibition or scrimmage, sorry, our scrimmage against the practice guys, I got to talk to both of them about broadcasting.
00:39:47.920 --> 00:39:48.000
Yeah.
00:39:48.239 --> 00:39:51.840
And so I was like, like, yeah, basketball's great, but can I also talk to you guys about something else?
00:39:52.000 --> 00:39:52.159
Right.
00:39:52.320 --> 00:39:56.239
And so I again just being able to network, like, I cannot wait to meet to Mika Catchings again.
00:39:56.320 --> 00:40:00.400
Um, I've met her multiple times just throughout basketball and traveling and stuff like that.
00:40:00.559 --> 00:40:03.360
But I think that's the biggest thing is and I'll that's what I'll take away.
00:40:03.440 --> 00:40:12.559
Like, yes, the winning games is great, but just all the memories with my teammates, meeting these people, and then being able to come back five, 10 years from now to this university, to games, watch the girls play.
00:40:12.639 --> 00:40:12.800
Yeah.
00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:15.199
I'll always have a great relationship with Coach Kim.
00:40:15.280 --> 00:40:17.039
Um, and that's all you I could really ask for.
00:40:17.360 --> 00:40:26.800
Yeah, I think um when I we even we had Ron Slay on a couple weeks ago on the podcast, and he just like harped on the fact that you come to Tennessee and you are not forgotten when you leave here.
00:40:26.880 --> 00:40:31.280
And this place will open doors for you and will always be here if you ever need to fall back.
00:40:31.440 --> 00:40:35.440
Because he had played overseas and then he came back and was like, what am I supposed to do?
00:40:35.519 --> 00:40:47.920
He finished his degree, he got into doing um analyst work and now has a show where he talks about the vols, and um it just goes to show that like when you're a lady vol, like you are Lady Vol for life.
00:40:48.239 --> 00:40:51.280
Thank you so much for hopping on and doing this podcast.
00:40:51.440 --> 00:41:06.800
It has been so amazing to hear your story and your perspective, and I think it's so inspiring for others who have been through anything similar similar to what you've gone through because I'm sure yours is on the extreme end, and knowing that if you can do it, anybody else can do it.
00:41:06.880 --> 00:41:11.360
So um, you're a testament to a lot of great things, and we're just really proud to have you as Ladyball this year.
00:41:11.440 --> 00:41:12.880
And good luck this season.
00:41:13.039 --> 00:41:16.480
I'm so excited to see what this team is gonna do, and uh, we just can't wait.
00:41:16.559 --> 00:41:17.440
We're so excited for you guys.
00:41:17.599 --> 00:41:18.639
Well, thank you so much for having me.
00:41:18.719 --> 00:41:26.320
And I hope, like I said, anyone listening, if there's one thing you take away, is just keep working as hard as you can, um, get that degree and listen to your parents.
00:41:26.719 --> 00:41:33.119
Thanks so much, y'all, for tuning in to another episode of the Everything Orange podcast presented by First Horizon.
00:41:33.360 --> 00:41:41.199
We so enjoyed getting to learn a little bit more about Aaliyah and her story, as well as this new Lady Vall squad.
00:41:41.280 --> 00:41:44.159
And we're so excited to see what they do on the court this season.
00:41:44.320 --> 00:41:53.039
Make sure to keep up to date with all of our social platforms, including utsports.com, for all the latest information on your Valls and Lady Valls.
00:41:53.119 --> 00:41:55.119
And with that, we will see you guys next time.
00:41:55.280 --> 00:41:56.480
Bye, y'all.