Cathy Engelbert’s time leading the WNBA included historic league growth, expansion, increased franchise valuations, and a massive $3 billion media rights deal. But as the WNBA enters its next era, Tacarra believes the league needs leadership that can rebuild trust with players, protect the WNBA’s identity, control its own narrative, and be visible when difficult issues arise. In this episode, Tacarra explains why she believes Engelbert’s departure comes at the right time and what qualities should define the next WNBA commissioner. She also makes the case for Nneka Ogwumike, pointing to her experience as a player, advocate, and longtime WNBPA leader. Key Topics Cathy Engelbert retiring as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s legacy and accomplishments WNBA growth and league expansion The $3 billion WNBA media rights deal What the WNBA needs from its next commissioner Rebuilding trust between WNBA leadership and players Why the league needs stronger control of its narrative The importance of visibility and accountability from WNBA leadership Could Nneka Ogwumike become WNBA Commissioner? What comes next for the WNBA Timestamps 00:00 - Cathy Engelbert’s retirement announcement and opening reaction 00:47 - Why Tacarra thinks the move is the right one 01:13 - What Cathy Engelbert accomplished during her tenure 01:42 - The $3 billion media rights deal and CBA impact 02:13 - Why the next commissioner must protect the WNBA’s identity 02:41 - Chaos, drama, and controlling the league narrative 03:11 - Rebuilding trust with WNBA players 03:37 - Why visibility and accountability matter 04:04 - Why Tacarra wants Nneka Ogwumike as commissioner

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kate Koval has spoken out about her decision to withdraw from LSU women’s basketball, and her statement makes it clear that this situation goes far beyond what happens on the court.

In this episode, Tacarra reacts to Kate Koval’s statement and breaks down the circumstances surrounding her decision to step away from the LSU program. With Koval’s personal connection to the ongoing war in Ukraine through her family, Tacarra discusses why athletes sometimes have to make decisions based on their values, family and personal circumstances — not simply basketball.

This conversation also raises bigger questions about college athletics, coaching decisions, player empowerment and the expectations placed on student-athletes.

KEY TOPICS
Kate Koval’s statement about leaving LSU
Why Koval decided to withdraw from the LSU program
The personal and family circumstances behind her decision
Why this situation is bigger than basketball
Coaching decisions vs. the experiences of players
How personal values can outweigh athletic opportunities
Why younger athletes are becoming more comfortable setting boundaries
The pressure placed on college athletes
Why fans rarely know the full story behind player and coaching decisions
Whether the NCAA should make an exception for Kate Koval to continue her college basketball career elsewhere

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Skylar Diggins’ postgame comments have sparked a major conversation around the Chicago Sky, player health, rehab resources and WNBA facilities. Tacarra reacts to the viral discussion surrounding Diggins and breaks down why her decision to return to Notre Dame for rehab may say more about trust and resources than people realize.

Was Skylar Diggins really “crashing out,” or was she being honest about the realities players face when trying to stay healthy during a difficult WNBA season?

In this episode of the Mid Majors Podcast, Tacarra breaks down Skylar Diggins’ comments, the Chicago Sky’s injury-plagued season and the larger conversation surrounding WNBA facilities, medical staffs, rehabilitation and player development.

Tacarra explains why Diggins choosing to rehab at Notre Dame stood out and why professional players need access to elite physical therapy, recovery, training and medical resources without having to travel significant distances to receive them.

The conversation also turns to the Chicago Sky organization. With injuries impacting the roster throughout the season and numerous close losses, how much blame should fall on the coaching staff? Should Chicago make changes, or does the current staff deserve another opportunity with a healthier roster?

Tacarra also pushes back against the idea that Skylar Diggins quit on her team. When a season is effectively over, should veteran players prioritize their long-term health instead of pushing through injuries?

BASK & LATHER

Support our partner Bask & Lather and save 20% on your order with code MIDMAJORS.

Use code MIDMAJORS at checkout for 20% OFF your purchase.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Skylar Diggins’ viral postgame comments
• Chicago Sky facilities and player resources
• Why Diggins returned to Notre Dame for rehab
• WNBA medical staffs, physical therapy and recovery resources
• Whether players should have to travel for quality rehab
• Chicago’s injury-plagued season
• The Chicago Sky’s close losses
• Whether Chicago should make coaching changes
• Why injuries make evaluating coaches difficult
• Load management and minute restrictions in the WNBA
• Why Tacarra disagrees with the “Skylar quit on the team” narrative
• What the situation says about WNBA infrastructure and player health

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tacarra and Courtney react to the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 25 rankings and debate which teams deserve the hype heading into the 2026-27 season.

Is South Carolina the clear No. 1 team? Are Duke and Michigan ranked too high? Where should LSU actually be ranked? And which teams like Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Oklahoma could surprise people this season?

The Mid Majors break down Post Her Hoops’ early Top 25 and compare it with another women’s college basketball rankings list. Instead of just looking at the numbers, Tacarra and Courtney dig into roster construction, transfer portal additions, freshmen, returning players, depth and player development to determine which programs actually have the pieces to justify their rankings.

WAY-TOO-EARLY WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 REACTIONS

Key Topics
South Carolina at No. 1 and why the Gamecocks remain the team to beat
Where UConn and Duke belong among the top national championship contenders
Why Duke at No. 3 and Michigan at No. 4 deserve a closer roster evaluation
The debate over LSU at No. 6 versus No. 10
LSU's young talent, transfers and potential starting lineup
Why Vanderbilt could be one of the most underrated teams in women's college basketball
Vanderbilt's young talent and potential breakout players
The ceiling for Oklahoma State, especially with Audi Crooks and Liv McGill
Why UCLA could be ranked too high after significant roster turnover
Washington and Avery Howell's breakout potential
Notre Dame's roster depth, experience, size and young talent
Iowa State's freshman class and overall depth
Ohio State's defense and guard play
TCU's roster and how its personnel fits Mark Campbell's system
Why Ole Miss at No. 22 could be much too low
Jada Richard's development and potential impact at Ole Miss
Oklahoma and Aaliyah Chavez, including what comes next in her development
Why talent alone isn't enough for young teams trying to become national contenders
NC State and North Carolina's rosters heading into the 2026-27 season

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tacarra and Courtney break down the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 10, including South Carolina, UConn, Duke, Michigan, USC, Iowa, Louisville, Texas, North Carolina and LSU. Which teams are legitimate national championship contenders — and which teams might already be overrated?

The Mid-Majors dive into the biggest questions heading into the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, including South Carolina’s loaded roster, UConn’s depth, Duke’s transfers, Texas’ young talent, LSU’s uncertainty, JuJu Watkins and USC, and Hannah Hidalgo leading Notre Dame.

Plus, Tacarra and Courtney preview the Players Era Women’s Showcase, featuring South Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke, Texas, UCLA, USC, LSU and UConn.

WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 10

1. South Carolina
2. UConn
3. Duke
4. Michigan
5. USC
6. Iowa
7. Louisville
8. Texas
9. North Carolina
10. LSU

South Carolina enters the conversation as the clear No. 1, but the rest of the rankings raise plenty of questions. Is Duke really No. 3? Is Iowa too high? Should Texas and LSU feel disrespected? Could Michigan be a legitimate sleeper?

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina may have the deepest roster in women’s college basketball. Tacarra and Courtney discuss how Dawn Staley could manage the rotation and why the bigger question isn't necessarily who starts — it's who earns the opportunity to finish games.

UCONN

UConn remains firmly in the national championship conversation with another deep roster led by Sarah Strong. How does UConn's depth compare with South Carolina, and are the Huskies positioned for another championship run?

USC & JUJU WATKINS

USC remains one of the biggest storylines in college basketball with JuJu Watkins back in the spotlight. The Trojans should have more talent and balance around their superstar, but will that be enough to contend for a national championship?

️ NOTRE DAME & HANNAH HIDALGO

Hannah Hidalgo remains one of the most compelling players in women’s college basketball. Her relentless style, leadership and chip-on-her-shoulder mentality could make Notre Dame one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

TEXAS, LSU & DUKE

Texas still has superstar Madison Booker, but significant roster turnover and a young roster create questions. Duke’s No. 3 ranking gets plenty of attention after adding transfer talent, while LSU enters the season with questions about roster continuity and leadership.

PLAYERS ERA WOMEN’S SHOWCASE

The Players Era Women’s Showcase could give us an early look at which contenders are for real.

South Carolina vs. UCLA
Notre Dame vs. USC
Texas vs. Duke
LSU vs. UConn
Virginia vs. Kentucky

With South Carolina, UConn, Notre Dame, USC, Duke, Texas and LSU involved, December could provide major answers before conference play heats up.

️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Opening + subscribe or stop lurking
02:48 - Way-too-early Top 10
04:12 - LSU and Texas disrespected?
05:36 - Duke at No. 3?!
06:34 - Duke’s roster and transfers
07:31 - Toby’s development
08:43 - Transfer portal chaos
09:11 - Talia Goodman + portal talk
09:38 - Louisville’s roster
10:53 - Skylar Jones roster mix-up
13:21 - Is Iowa overrated?
15:40 - Michigan + South Carolina
17:15 - Dawn Staley’s potential starters
19:53 - McKear’s case to start
21:19 - South Carolina’s depth
22:57 - Starting vs. finishing
24:34 - South Carolina vs. UConn depth
25:50 - USC + JuJu Watkins
27:31 - Why JuJu remains a major storyline
28:42 - UConn + Sarah Strong
33:10 - Texas + Madison Booker
38:39 - Hannah Hidalgo + LSU questions
43:07 - Players Era Women’s Showcase
44:13 - UCLA questions
45:05 - Duke + Notre Dame
46:21 - Hannah Hidalgo leading Notre Dame
47:54 - Texas-Duke, SC-UCLA & ND-USC
49:34 - LSU-UConn + Virginia-Kentucky

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not participate in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, and Team USA is already making roster changes. Tacarra reacts to the news and breaks down why sitting out could make sense for both WNBA stars as they prioritize rest, recovery, and what comes next.

With Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron reportedly stepping in as replacements, what will the new-look Team USA roster look like on the international stage?

Tacarra discusses Kelsey Plum’s injury-filled WNBA season, A’ja Wilson’s massive workload, the physical toll of travel and international competition, and why giving their bodies time to recover could be the best decision.

IN THIS EPISODE:

A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum sitting out the FIBA World Cup
Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron joining the roster as replacements
Why Plum may need an extended recovery period
The workload A’ja Wilson has carried throughout the WNBA season
Injuries impacting the Las Vegas Aces
The physical toll of WNBA basketball, international travel and jet lag
What the roster changes mean for Team USA
Whether WNBA stars should prioritize rest over international competition

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Atlanta Dream made a statement against the Minnesota Lynx, using defense, physicality, pace, and aggression to take control of the game. Tacarra breaks down Atlanta’s impressive win, why Minnesota struggled with the Dream’s physical style, and what the result means for the tightening WNBA playoff race.

Atlanta’s balanced attack was a major factor, while Rhyne Howard’s defense and ability to attack the rim helped set the tone. Tacarra also discusses the impact of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Angel Reese, and the veteran presence DeWanna Bonner is already bringing to the Dream.

Then it’s time to look at the WNBA standings. Atlanta is fighting for the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage, and the remaining schedules for the Dream and Indiana Fever could have a major impact on the first-round playoff matchups.

In this episode:

Atlanta Dream’s statement win over Minnesota
Why the Lynx struggled with Atlanta’s physicality
Rhyne Howard’s defensive impact
Angel Reese’s record-setting double-double season
Atlanta’s balanced offensive production
DeWanna Bonner’s early impact with the Dream
Why the No. 4 seed is so important
Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever remaining schedules
WNBA standings and potential playoff matchups
How chaotic the final stretch of the season could become

️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — FIBA schedule update and live coverage
01:19 — Atlanta’s defense sets the tone against Minnesota
01:49 — Angel Reese’s record-setting double-double season
02:19 — Why Minnesota struggled with Atlanta’s physicality
02:48 — Olivia Miles’ unusual stat line and why it mattered
03:46 — Atlanta’s multiple double-doubles fuel the win
04:15 — DeWanna Bonner’s early role and veteran impact
05:13 — Dream’s energy, leadership and second-half attitude
06:11 — Rhyne Howard attacking the rim
06:40 — Why the fourth seed matters in the WNBA playoff race
09:43 — Breaking down Atlanta’s remaining schedule
10:49 — Comparing Indiana’s tougher finish
11:47 — Why the final WNBA playoff order could get messy

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DeWanna Bonner is officially joining the Atlanta Dream, and Tacarra gives her immediate reaction to the signing and what it could mean for Atlanta heading toward the WNBA Playoffs. After previously breaking down potential landing spots for Bonner, Tacarra reacts to her decision to sign with the Dream and explains why Atlanta could actually be one of the better basketball fits available. The Dream are already playing some of their best basketball, but an inconsistent bench could create an opportunity for Bonner to contribute without being asked to carry a major role. Could Bonner give Atlanta 10–15 productive minutes off the bench? Does her veteran leadership make the Dream more dangerous in the playoffs? And could this move help turn Atlanta into a legitimate WNBA championship threat? Key Topics DeWanna Bonner officially signs with the Atlanta Dream Immediate reaction to Bonner choosing Atlanta Why the Dream could be a strong fit at this stage of Bonner’s career How Bonner could fit into Atlanta’s current rotation Why 10–15 minutes off the bench could be an ideal role Atlanta’s inconsistent bench production The veteran leadership Bonner brings to a playoff contender How Bonner fits alongside Atlanta’s established leaders Why the Dream’s recent momentum matters Atlanta’s chances of making a serious WNBA Playoff run The Dream’s cap situation and the financial side of the signing Whether adding Bonner makes Atlanta a bigger championship threat

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.