EDITOR’S NOTE
As California’s new WNBA team hosts what I like to call “America’s Next Top Mascot” (seriously, the pay is worth a look), I’d like to take a moment to shout out some major wins. Simone Biles just added new hardware to her trophy chest. Paige Bueckers is getting a whole city named after her (road trip, anyone?). Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin scored big from the sidelines — their reaction is so wholesome. And, Caitlin Clark graced us with another skill on the court (and her famous biceps). Meanwhile, retirement is sounding pretty sweet for Rafael Nadal, who just admitted how he really feels about hanging up his racket. Now, let’s get to some other sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
Just Another Thing Men Athletes Don't Have To Think About
What’s going on: There are pre-game jitters, and then there’s this: getting not just one, but three positive pregnancy tests before a major game. Florida Gators basketball player Alexia Gassett captured that emotional moment in a video that’s now going viral. (So is her dad’s adorable reaction). Gassett went on to play — and score — in a rival game after learning the news. While many focus on the pregnancy reveal, others are highlighting a deeper message: Women athletes constantly navigate challenges their male counterparts will never experience. Periods. Pregnancy. Bloating. Breastfeeding. Leaking. They’re not just physical challenges — they’re mental, too.
Our take: Time and time again, women in sports show up and perform — all while navigating, well, life. Olympic athletes rush back to elite competition after giving birth. Gymnasts manage their periods on a global stage (while wearing a tiny leotard, no less). And basketball coaches squeeze in pump sessions during halftime to avoid leaking on national TV. These realities underscore the need for better infrastructure and support systems that recognize women athletes’ unique challenges — so they don’t have to push through the pain, sacrifice family planning, or hide normal bodily functions just to play the game.
Related: This Soccer Star’s Reason for Retirement Is Why Women Need More Support (AP)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🤩 The Knicks want Anne Hathaway at their playoff games for a very specific reason. The Idea of You is taking on a different meaning.
💰 We just got the list of the top 10 highest-paid athletes of all time, and look — not a woman in sight.
👀 Simone Biles gave a really honest answer about whether she’ll compete at the next Olympics.
🏆 What do you do when you win a championship and beat your own record? Recreate this iconic Kobe picture, of course.
💔 Is it us, or is the Stanley Cup IG account giving single girl energy?
📺 Shaq awkwardly ran to the bathroom during an on-air segment, and luckily, the cameras kept rolling. His co-hosts' reactions were priceless.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
The NFL Draft begins tomorrow night. What are three things fans can expect?
This year’s top pick: Many draft experts predict the No. 1 pick will be QB Cam Ward. The Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick this year, and they could use a new QB on their roster. (Last year, Will Levis was their starting QB and they ended the season with only three wins.)
Doing it all: The Cleveland Browns hold the second overall pick in the draft and will likely use it to select Travis Hunter, the college football Heisman Trophy winner, who played both cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado. He’s one of the most talented players and the first college player in a while to play almost every snap on offense and defense.
A first for the league: As of Wednesday morning, all 32 teams hold their original first-round picks, which hasn’t happened since 1967. Some experts say that’s because this draft class doesn’t have many potential star quarterbacks (usually what teams trade for), but anything could happen in the next 24 hours.
FEATURED EXPERT:
In Her Court
Professional athletes share what’s on their mind with theSkimm. We caught up with 20-year-old pro racing driver Bianca Bustamante ahead of her GB3 Championship debut race this weekend. Here’s what she said about staying mentally strong:
"It's such a mind game, competing with other drivers and in a sport that is and can be unsafe at times. Keeping a level headed mindset is the key to being a good driver. Never acting on [emotions] and always responding rather than reacting is one of the main things."
PS: Check out the full interview here.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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