[00:00 – 02:10] Introduction Overview of Morgan Sharps’ basketball journey — from standout collegiate player to professional overseas athlete, and now a Graduate Assistant at Valparaiso University.

[02:11 – 09:30] Playing Career Highlights

• Early love for the game

• Time at Xavier University

• Transfer to Bowling Green State University

• Becoming BGSU’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made per game

• Growth and leadership as a player

[09:31 – 15:40] Professional Experience Overseas

• Playing professionally in Spain and Portugal

• Cultural adjustments and adapting her game

• Lessons learned from the European basketball experience

[15:41 – 22:50] Transition Into Coaching

• Decision to pursue coaching after her pro career

• Landing at Valparaiso as a Graduate Assistant

• Daily responsibilities and behind-the-scenes work

• Learning from mentors and shaping her coaching voice

[22:51 – 28:15] Leadership & Culture

• Morgan’s approach to building relationships with players

• Defining and reinforcing team culture

• What she loves most about impacting athletes off the court

[28:16 – End] Personal Reflections & Rapid Fire

• Favorite athletes growing up

• Advice for young players chasing their dreams

• Reflections on balancing life, career, and basketball

🎙️ Inside UB Women’s Basketball: Coach Sharkey & Liza Field

On this episode, we sit down with Head Coach Kristen Sharkey and graduate transfer Liza Field from the University at Buffalo Women’s Basketball program for a deep, inspiring conversation about leadership, culture, and building for the future.

Coach Sharkey takes us through her remarkable journey—rising from assistant coach at Buffalo to associate head coach at Syracuse, and now back at UB as head coach—all while earning a master’s degree, starting a family, and embracing the challenge of shaping a new era for Bulls basketball. She shares the emotions behind the call that named her head coach, her top priorities stepping into the role, the culture she’s determined to build, and what excites her most about the upcoming season.

Then, Liza Field gives us an inside look at her path from high school standout to Stony Brook and now Buffalo. She opens up about her decision to join UB, how she’s helping shape the team’s culture, and what it’s like to play under Coach Sharkey’s leadership. Plus, she previews the goals and excitement fueling her graduate season.

Whether you’re a basketball fan, a coach, or someone chasing your own journey, this episode is packed with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the power of culture in shaping success.

📲 Listen to the Third & 30 Podcast wherever you get your podcasts—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and more. 🙏 Thanks for tuning in and supporting the show! 👉 Follow us on social: @thirdand30pod

After some time away from the mic, the Third & 30 Podcast is back and better than ever. A lot has happened since our last recording, and we’re excited to reboot the pod with a renewed mission: to educate, inspire, and lift up leaders, coaches, and anyone in need of a spark.

In this return episode, we reflect on the lessons learned during our time off, share stories of resilience and growth, and set the stage for what’s ahead. Whether you’re a coach on the field, a leader in your organization, or someone simply looking for encouragement, our conversations are built to give you tools, perspective, and the motivation to keep moving forward.

Welcome back to the huddle—let’s grow together.