This week on Her Game Her Voice, host Kaari Peterson brings the heat with the latest from the Golden State Valkyries, including a dominant win over the Aces and the signing of MSU Spartan alum Aerial Powers. Listener Pillar from Michigan asks: “What is a WNBA hardship contract?” — and Kaari breaks it down.

Also in this episode: a hard look at the WNBA’s shocking pay gap, with insights from Nobel Prize-winning economist Claudia Goldin. Plus, the HGHV Awards return with Rookie of the Month Kiki Iriafen’s monster debut and a Flagrant Foul for Brittney Griner’s sideline outburst that sparked a viral controversy.

As always, it’s fast-paced, unfiltered, and all about the women who shape the game.

“Big stories, little episodes—amplifying the voices shaping the game on and off the court." - Her Game Her Voice Podcast by Kaari Peterson

In this episode of Her Game Her Voice, we’re diving into:

🏀 How the Golden State Valkyries’ rookies are settling in

📍 Where Princeton’s Kaitlyn Chen is now (hint: she’s not done dazzling us)

🎤 Tara VanDerveer’s thoughts on building a pipeline for women coaches

💡 A listener question on the WNBA 3-point line (and what it says about the women’s game)

🎖 Plus, the Awards return with this week’s:

• Buzzer Beater: A coaching win that deserves a mic drop
• Airball: Lopsided local coverage (aka no love for the Valkyries)
• Flagrant Foul: The refs are getting side-eyed

It’s hoops, history, and a little humor—because women’s basketball deserves all three!

“Big stories, little episodes—amplifying the voices shaping the game on and off the court." - Her Game Her Voice Podcast by Kaari Peterson

Graduation milestones, expansion excitement, and growing pains on and off the court. In this episode, Kaari returns after a short break to celebrate her daughter’s college graduation — and the WNBA’s 29th season tip-off.

She shares her firsthand experience as a Golden State Valkyries season ticket holder at the team’s much-anticipated home opener, including standout moments, second-half struggles, and a halftime performance that sparked some strong opinions.

Plus:

• A quick history of WNBA expansion team expectations
• Thoughts on the early identity of the Valkyries
• Why fan traditions matter — and how they start
• Listener Q: Why do women play with a smaller basketball?
• This week’s Buzzer Beater (shoutout to the record-setting All-Star ticket sales!)
• And of course, an Air Ball Award you don’t want to miss

Whether you’re new to the league or already yelling “GSV! GSV!” at your screen — this episode is for you.

“Big stories, little episodes—amplifying the voices shaping the game on and off the court." - Her Game Her Voice Podcast by Kaari Peterson