Benched

UNC Student and Paralympic Gold Medalist Emma Schieck joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to talk about her experience competing in sitting volleyball in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Emma talks about how she got into sitting volleyball (1:08), her journey to playing at the national level (6:06). Later, a breakdown of the gold medal match (18:25) and what she feels needs to change regarding Paralympic sports (32:58).

UNC Diver and Olympic finalist Aranza Vazquez joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss everything that led to her success in Tokyo this summer. Aranza talks about how she first got involved with diving (1:15), why she wanted to come to the United States for college (4:25), the process of being named to the Olympic roster (14:00), and her mindset going into the games (28:17). Later, she speaks on being back in Chapel Hill for the school year (34:09) and navigating the new atmosphere of NIL (36:05).

UNC Associate Athletic Director and Director of Student-Athlete Development Cricket Lane joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss the lack of diversity and representation in sports administration. Cricket talks about how she got involved with sports (2:49), what she believes is the biggest issue facing sports today (6:14), and her experiences as one of the few women of color in UNC’s athletic department (9:00). Later, she speaks on the recent tenure news around Nikole Hannah Jones (12:00) and what needs to change for sports administration to better represent all athletes (15:53).

Former USWNT Defender Thori Bryan joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss the past, present, and future of women’s soccer in the U.S. Thori talks about what made her want to pursue soccer professionally (1:56), her experience with the national team (3:22), and the folding of the Women's United Soccer Association (10:33). Later, Thori speaks on the financial struggles many female professional players face (16:40), and her goal to improve the sport at the youth level and beyond (20:33).

Former UNC Track and Field athlete Lauren Moody joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss how sports have impacted her life (0:58), shaped her character (3:58), and influenced her career (5:02). Later, Lauren talks about how she has stayed involved with running (8:00), Nike’s efforts to further elevate and support women’s sports (15:31), and how being an athlete has prepared her for her career at Nike today (11:05).

UNC Women’s Basketball’s Petra Holešínská joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss the gender inequalities present throughout men’s and women's sports (9:09), specifically in the NCAA tournaments this year (10:21). Earlier, Petra talks about what drew her to UNC for her final year of eligibility (4:54) and her dynamic leadership role on the team (6:41). Finally, she speaks about her professional aspirations both on and off the court (20:29).

UNC Women’s Gymnastics captain, Lily Dean, joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to talk about the struggles of the “bubble” season. Jules and Lily discuss the isolation of this year’s season (11:44), how their leadership roles have changed (8:19), how their teams have dealt with adversity (12:30), and how their perspectives and gratitudes for their sports have changed (29:36).

Former U.S. Women’s National Team Player and UNC Assistant Soccer Coach Heather O’Reilly joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss how Heather has stayed involved in soccer after her professional retirement through coaching (5:54) and as a sports analyst (11:53). Earlier, her personal accomplishments of playing in college and professionally (2:02) and the coaching dynamics in women’s soccer (9:11). Finally, Heather shares how she made the decision to start a family (16:39) and provides a special piece of advice to young women today (24:36).

UNC Women’s Basketball Coach Courtney Banghart joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to reveal what the pathway to seeing more diversity in power positions in sports looks like (28:35). Earlier, a leadership program for student athletes at Princeton University (13:55), an outline of her coaching philosophies (17:40) and auditioning for the amazing race (5:46)? Yes, you read that correctly. Finally, Coach Banghart tells us her #1 goal in her coaching career (39:01).

UNC Field Hockey captain Courtnie Williamson joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss Courtnie’s journey from red shirt to captain (3:05) and later, what made 2020 one of the best years in history (21:50). But first, how does she keep her team motivated during COVID-19 (8:03) and what’s this new business venture for social justice and student athletes (11:00)? Finally, how BLM backlash and unfortunate surprise on the field only makes her stronger.