Sideline Stories

In this special live episode, the Can't Retire Crew sits down with three legends of the game—Charlene McWhorter Jackson, Liz McQuitter, and Adrian Newell—to honor the women who helped lay the foundation for professional women’s basketball in the U.S. Long before the WNBA, there was the WBL (Women’s Professional Basketball League), the first pro league for women, active from 1978 to 1981.

These trailblazers share powerful stories of sacrifice, resilience, and sisterhood—reflecting on what it meant to play in a league that was underfunded, overlooked, and under-documented, yet historic in every sense. From riding buses to chasing missed paychecks to paving the way for Title IX athletes and today's W stars, this conversation is a reminder that women’s basketball didn’t start in 1996—it started with them.

Tune in as we give them their flowers, correct the record, and celebrate the legacy that lives on today.

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The Sideline Stories crew is back and buzzing ahead of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis! Misha, Melanie, and Tanisha link up (in their iconic orange tees, of course) to talk predictions for this year. Who ya'll got?

There is so much to look forward to this weekend, including a exclusive All-Star event, The Assist , where they'll be honoring WBL legends and building community through good vibes well-deserved flowers.

All-Star Weekend, we’re coming for you!

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In this episode of Sideline Stories, we continue to reflect on the 5th anniversary of the Can't Retire From This Documentary. We sit down with Ashley Koranteng, GM and owner of the Virginia Vitesse, a new women’s semi-professional basketball team in the WABA.

Ashley walks us through her journey from playing and coaching to launching a team rooted in purpose, community, and intention. She shares how her background in public health, coaching experience, and love for the game all came together to shape her leadership style.

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In this episode of Sideline Stories, the Can’t Retire From This crew dives into the money behind the madness. From NCAA tournament “units” finally being awarded in the women’s game to NIL chaos, conference shakeups, and a long history of being shortchanged, we ask: who’s really cashing in? And who’s still getting left behind? It’s a raw, honest look at the business of college hoops and the price of progress.

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In this special anniversary episode of Sideline Stories, the original CRFT crew reunites to reflect on the journey that began during the pandemic that came from a simple Facebook post. We talk about the trials, triumphs, and transformations over the last five years.

You'll hear never-before-told stories about the early days, the power of community, favorite moments from the doc, and how this project has shaped each of us professionally and personally.

This isn’t just an anniversary—it’s a love letter to the game, the people, and the purpose behind Can’t Retire From This.

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In this special episode of Sideline Stories, we’re back — this time with a powerful reunion conversation featuring two DMV legends: Christy Winters Scott and Ayana Ball-Ward.

From raising sons who are now heading to Michigan State University as D1 athletes we reflect on how much has changed — and how much hasn’t — in women’s basketball, motherhood, and the impact of coaching in a post-COVID world. They remind us why they still can't retire from this - because for them its never been about just basketball.

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In this special episode of Sideline Stories, we reflect on the 5th anniversary of the Can’t Retire From This documentary. Melanie sits down with Coach Diane Richardson—an icon in the DMV women’s basketball scene whose impact spans generations.

From walking away from a high-powered role at Bank of America to mopping gym floors and mentoring future WNBA stars, Coach Rich shares her journey, her purpose, and the full-circle moments that continue to inspire the next generation of hoopers.

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In this episode of Sideline Stories, we sit down with Ashley Koranteng — founder, GM, and visionary behind the Virginia Vitesse, a brand-new semi-professional women’s basketball team in the WABA (Big love to all my Northern VA folks!).

From showing up to a documentary screening with a dream, to building a franchise rooted in community, culture, and care — Ashley breaks down what it really takes to build something from scratch.

We talk about her coaching journey, how she’s reimagining team branding and operations, and why the Vitesse is more than just a team — it’s a movement.

Learn more: https://cantretireproject.com/

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In this episode of Sideline Stories, the Can't Retire From This crew gets real about one of the hardest pills to swallow in the WNBA: being waived.

From rookies with promising college careers to vets battling injuries and roster cuts, the crew also unpacks the emotional and professional toll of not making the final squad. They name names, shout out players who deserved more time, and even get personal about their own near-misses (and flexes) on the court. They also dig into what it really takes to make a W roster—and why some of it might be out of your control.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever been cut, doubted, or told they weren’t ready.

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In this episode of Sideline Stories, the Can't Retire From This crew dives into the wild, weird, and wonderful pregame routines that helped some of the best in women's hoops get locked in. From red lipstick and Diet Cokes to hot toddies before tipoff (yes, really) the crew share their own habits, memories, and superstitions on and off the court.

Plus, Mel gives us an inside look at Ulta Beauty World and drops some must-have products she wishes she had in her playing days.

Because when you look good and feel good… you already know what comes next.

Learn more: https://cantretireproject.com/

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