In this episode of The MidMajors, Tacarra and Courtney return from a much-needed break—refreshed, recharged, and ready to talk hoops. Tacarra shares her recent experience taking a wine exam (and the chaos of online testing), while both hosts slide right back into analyzing the state of women’s basketball.

They break down the latest rankings, spotlight standout teams, and dive into early-season surprises from programs like UConn, Michigan, and Duke. Through honest storytelling and humor, they reflect on their own college careers, the evolution of coaching styles, and how player-coach relationships shape team culture.

The conversation also explores how trash talk hits different in women’s hoops, why non-conference play really matters, and how team chemistry can make or break a season. Courtney and Tacarra dissect LSU’s schedule, weigh in on NIL’s influence on player decisions, and discuss the growing concern around gambling and its impact on sports integrity.

From upcoming matchups to conference strength and player development, this episode gives listeners an all-around look at the current landscape of women’s basketball—delivered with the raw, real, and relatable energy that defines The MidMajors.

🏀 Key Takeaways

• Tacarra and Courtney are back from break and locked in for the season.
• UConn continues to look like the team to beat.
• Michigan is showing surprising growth and maturity.
• Duke is underperforming early in the season.
• Notre Dame faces a long year with major challenges ahead.
• Player-coach relationships play a huge role in development and culture.
• Old-school coaching styles often blurred the line between “tough love” and bullying.
• Defensive adjustments can completely swing game momentum.
• LSU’s non-conference schedule raises eyebrows.
• Non-conference games are essential for developing chemistry and identity.
• NIL is reshaping decision-making for student-athletes.
• Gambling threatens the integrity of college sports.
• Strong conferences elevate rankings and postseason potential.
• Team chemistry remains one of the biggest predictors of success.

The MidMajors Podcast | The Thrill of NCAA Women’s Basketball

In this episode, Tacarra and Courtney dive into the excitement of the new NCAA women’s basketball season. They break down standout player performances, analyze key games like North Carolina vs. Duke, and spotlight the growing influence of mid-major programs.

The hosts discuss coaching strategies, team chemistry, and how powerhouse programs like Texas, Oklahoma, UConn, and LSU are shaping their seasons. They highlight emerging stars such as Raven Johnson, Lauren Betts, Hannah Hidalgo, and AUDI CROOKS, while exploring the challenges faced by Vanderbilt and other programs.

With honest insights, game analysis, and bold predictions, Tacarra and Courtney capture the pulse of women’s college basketball — where talent, preparation, and culture collide.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• The new season brings fresh excitement across the NCAA.
• Duke’s guard play needs improvement for balanced scoring.
• Mid-majors are making a statement this year.
• Coaching strategies are shaping every team’s identity.
• Texas is thriving around Madison Booker.
• Leah Chavez shows promise despite shot-selection issues.
• Lauren Betts is emerging as a potential No. 1 draft pick.
• UConn’s defense remains elite and consistent.
• LSU’s new additions could redefine their season.

🔥 Chapters
00:00 – Excitement of the New Season
02:53 – Player Performances & Impressions
05:55 – Game Analysis: North Carolina vs. Duke
08:50 – Mid-Major Teams & Their Impact
11:45 – Texas and Their New Additions
14:36 – Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matchups
18:59 – Oklahoma vs. Belmont: Game Insights
21:39 – Analyzing Player Potential: Leah Chavez
23:56 – The Importance of Shot Selection
25:53 – Michaela Blake’s Performance & Team Dynamics
27:24 – South Carolina’s Game & Player Development
29:47 – Mid-Major Highlights: Dugan & Richmond
36:43 – South Dakota State vs. Creighton
38:10 – Analyzing Team Performances
41:04 – UConn’s Dominance & Player Development
43:55 – Coaching Strategies & Game Dynamics
46:58 – Mid-Major Players to Watch
49:59 – Upcoming Games & Predictions

🎙️ Sound Bites
“Duke needs guards.”
“She is a monster.”
“We appreciate y’all.”

📌 Tags:
NCAA, women’s basketball, The MidMajors Podcast, player performances, mid-majors, coaching strategies, game analysis, Texas, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, UConn, SEC, LSU, Raven Johnson, Lauren Betts, Hannah Hidalgo, Leah Chavez, basketball highlights, NCAA women’s basketball 2025, college basketball, player development, team chemistry, women in sports

In this episode of The Mid-Majors Podcast, hosts Tacarra Barnes and Courtney dive deep into the upcoming NCAA Women’s Basketball season — breaking down preseason rankings, transfer portal moves, and the growing influence of NIL money on recruitment and team dynamics.

The duo addresses recent viewer feedback, sharing how they balance authenticity and constructive criticism while building a platform that represents mid-major voices in women’s basketball. From coaching philosophies to roster changes, this episode covers everything shaping the 2025-26 season.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• Viewer feedback & podcast transparency
• NCAA Women’s Basketball preseason rankings
• Transfer portal chaos & team chemistry
• NIL money and modern recruiting
• Coaching styles, leadership & player development
• Key contenders: LSU, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, USC, and more

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Technical Difficulties
01:33 – Viewer Feedback + Criticism
08:18 – Preseason Rankings Breakdown
11:21 – Transfer Portal Impact
17:14 – Player Transfers & Team Dynamics
21:52 – Championship Contenders
23:53 – Key Players & Team Roles
26:09 – Transfers & Team Chemistry
29:21 – Coaching Strategies & Development
33:24 – Evaluating Rankings
40:11 – Making the Right Play
40:59 – Team Dynamics
42:23 – Player Roles
43:39 – Assessing Transfers
44:28 – Point Guard Challenges
45:46 – Freshman Impact
48:06 – Tennessee’s Revival
51:02 – USC’s Recruitment
52:46 – Final Four Predictions

💬 Sound Bites:

👀 Watch for:
How NIL reshapes recruiting, why point guards matter more than ever, and which programs have the right culture to win in 2026.