In this episode of The 6th Woman basketball podcast, hosts Beza “Courtside” Mickan-White and Tony “T-Swizzle” Hallam sit down with Last-Tear Poa, Australian-Samoan college basketballer and leader for the Arizona State Sun Devils. From winning a National Championship with LSU to becoming the face of a legal case challenging U.S. government rules for international student-athletes, LT’s story is one of grit, family, faith and purpose.

LT opens up about her early journey and the lessons from Coach Kim Mulkey at LSU, and her decision to transfer to ASU and play for Coach Molly Miller. She also shares what she learned from teammate Angel Reese, how she prepared to defend Caitlin Clark in the National Championship game, and what it felt like visiting the White House after LSU’s championship win.

Beyond the court, LT reflects on fighting for NIL rights for international athletes, maintaining discipline, and staying grounded through her strong faith and family bond — including heartwarming moments with her younger siblings and her mum’s sacrifices to support her dream.

Sponsor:

https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

Key Moments:

• (01:17) LT’s journey from Melbourne to U.S. college basketball with LSU and now Arizona State University
  
  
• (05:21) Social media, fans, and building a community off the court
  
  
• (06:20) Leading a ground-breaking legal case for international athletes’ NIL rights against the US Government
  
  
• (11:11) Advice for young Aussies following the U.S. college path
  
  
• (13:23) Balancing study, basketball, and a major lawsuit
  
  
• (15:00) The National Championship game and winning the title with LSU
  
  
• (17:03) Lessons from teammate Angel Reese
  
  
• (19:03) Guarding Caitlin Clark — “She’s the Steph Curry of women’s basketball”
  
  
• (21:30) Going to the White House and meeting President Biden
  
  
• (24:00) The influence and support of her family
• (29:30) The origins of the name “Last-Tear”
• (32:30) Fashion opportunities off the court
• (33:00) Rapid fire questions
• (34:30) Dinner guests

Last-Tear Poa, LSU Women’s Basketball, Arizona State Sun Devils, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, WNBA, Women’s College Basketball, NIL rights, international athletes lawsuit, Australian basketballers in US College, women in sport, basketball podcast, NCAA, LSU Tigers, ASU basketball

Listen Now On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

References:

www.uncloud.org

https://sundevils.com/sports/womens/basketball

https://www.espn.com.au/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/46315688/judge-rules-us-government-nil-visa-lawsuit

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/it-s-about-equity-the-australian-athlete-taking-on-us-government-for-slice-of-billion-dollar-industry-20251023-p5n4o9.html

https://www.basketball.com.au/news/last-tear-poa-to-play-final-season-of-ncaa-womens-college-basketball-with-arizona-state-sun-devils

https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-arizona-state-commit-last-tear-poa-goofy-fun-new-head-coach-molly-miller-teammate-video

https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-last-tear-poa-shows-stunning-red-dress-lsu-star-enters-lover-girl-season-in-photos

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