The MidMajors

The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the regular season reaches its final stretch. Tacarra breaks down the latest standings, the teams fighting for postseason positioning, and why Angel Reese deserves serious All-WNBA consideration after her breakout season. Before getting into basketball, Tacarra shares a personal update following the passing of her grandmother and thanks the Mid-Rangers for all of the love and support during a difficult week. In This Episode Tacarra discusses the Atlanta Dream finding their rhythm at the right time, the Aces’ crucial final stretch, and how the Fever, Lynx, Liberty, Storm and Valkyries factor into the playoff picture. She also talks about major season milestones from Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Mitchell, why teams are beginning to manage minutes ahead of the postseason, and some of the potential playoff matchups she’s most excited to see. Then it’s time for the All-WNBA conversation. Tacarra makes her case for Angel Reese, shares her First Team picks, and explains why Angel deserves at least Second Team recognition. Plus, the Mid Majors Podcast is getting ready to go all-in for the postseason with a playoff pre-show, game recaps, live streams and more coverage throughout the WNBA Playoffs. Coming Up on The Mid Majors The WNBA postseason is only the beginning. Mid Majors on Campus is also on the way as Tacarra and the crew prepare to take the show on the road for exclusive campus content. Subscribe and follow The Mid Majors Podcast so you don’t miss the postseason coverage. Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Talia Goodman joins The Mid Majors to break down the transfer portal, NIL chaos, roster movement, and the rapidly changing landscape of women’s college basketball. Tacarra and Courtney sit down with one of the sharpest reporters covering women’s college basketball to discuss how NIL and revenue sharing have transformed the transfer portal, how agents are influencing the market, what happens when players enter the portal and don’t find a new home, and why mid-major programs still have an important place in the sport. Talia also explains how the transfer portal market is actually being set behind the scenes — including how a single program entering the race can dramatically change a player’s value. The conversation gets into whether NIL has gone too far, why the old amateurism model no longer works, and whether college basketball eventually needs a salary cap, collective bargaining agreement, or another system to create structure. The crew also discusses the Colorado ruling, NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams in 2027, and whether additional tournament bids will actually benefit mid-majors or simply create more opportunities for power-conference programs. Plus, Talia gives her mid-major teams to watch, including Grand Canyon, Murray State, Fairfield, Colorado State, Toledo, Miami (Ohio), and UNLV. If you follow women’s college basketball, the transfer portal, NIL, or mid-major hoops, this conversation gives you a look at where the sport is now — and where it could be headed next. IN THIS EPISODE • How Talia Goodman became a women’s basketball reporter • Building credibility through transfer portal coverage • How NIL changed the transfer portal • Why money now plays such a major role in player movement • Agents, lawyers, and representation in the portal • What happens when portal players don't find another school • How the transfer portal market is actually set • Why NIL needs more structure • How mid-majors can compete in the NIL era • Why development can become a major selling point for mid-majors • The Colorado ruling and player eligibility • NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams • Why expansion could favor power conferences • Mid-major teams to watch • Advice for aspiring women’s basketball journalists • The future of women’s college basketball ️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro: Why Talia Goodman is one of the reporters to watch in women’s college basketball 1:14 – From theater kid to women’s basketball reporter 2:55 – Building her own lane in sports journalism 3:26 – Accuracy, relationships, and doing reporting the right way 4:58 – How NIL money changed the transfer portal 6:04 – Money, fit, playing time, and coaching changes 6:44 – Agents, lawyers, and portal representation 9:15 – What happens when portal players don't find another school 11:12 – How the transfer portal market is really set 12:12 – Is NIL officially out of control? 13:36 – Where NIL money comes from 14:14 – Why Talia loves mid-major basketball 15:20 – How mid-majors can sell player development 16:46 – Building women’s portal coverage 18:39 – What portal season is really like for a reporter 19:58 – Talia’s process for tracking player movement 20:21 – The Colorado ruling and player eligibility 24:28 – Why Talia doesn't like NCAA Tournament expansion 25:19 – Will 76 teams actually help mid-majors? 27:35 – Mid-major teams to watch next season 31:03 – Advice for aspiring journalists 31:46 – Where women’s basketball could be in five years THE MID MAJORS Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic. Subscribe for women’s college basketball, WNBA coverage, transfer portal news, mid-major hoops, interviews, reactions, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Team USA survived an ugly matchup against Italy, but the performance raised some serious questions about the U.S. offense moving forward. Tacarra breaks down USA vs. Italy and reacts to a rough shooting night, struggles against Italy’s 2-3 zone, missed opportunities around the rim, and the lack of a consistent go-to scorer when the game tightened up. The U.S. shot just 28.6% from the field, went 1-for-12 from three, made only 16 field goals, and committed 14 turnovers. Italy struggled offensively too, but this was the type of performance that could cost Team USA against a stronger opponent. Caitlin Clark finished 0-for-6 from the field after the conversation surrounding her usage in the previous game, while A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum also struggled to establish themselves offensively. Tacarra discusses who Team USA can trust to create a bucket when the offense stalls and whether this roster has enough reliable three-point shooting. There were positives. Angel Reese made an impact defensively, Breanna Stewart helped on the glass, and Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray made important winning plays late. But overall, Team USA never established a consistent half-court rhythm. This isn’t a panic game — it’s a film-session game. With France up next and the ultimate goal of winning gold in Berlin, Team USA has to reset, adjust to the physicality of international basketball, and find its offensive identity. TIMESTAMPS 0:20 – Opening reaction to a messy game 1:14 – Offensive numbers that explain the struggles 1:43 – Trouble with Italy’s 2-3 zone and transition offense 1:57 – A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum missing from the offense 2:26 – Who can be the reliable shooter when the game tightens? 3:18 – Italy’s poor shooting and how close USA came to losing 3:47 – Defense, rebounding and missed opportunities 4:17 – Caitlin Clark’s quiet night after the usage debate 5:04 – No half-court rhythm and late contributions from Aces players 6:06 – Why this should be a film-session game, not a panic game 6:34 – Physical overseas officiating isn't an excuse 7:27 – Jackie Young leads the scoring in a low-output performance 8:16 – Looking ahead to France and the gold-medal standard 9:10 – Closing thoughts Subscribe to The Mid Majors for unfiltered women’s basketball conversations, reactions, breakdowns and more. #TeamUSA #USABasketball #CaitlinClark #WomensBasketball #FIBA Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.