Another Season in the Books

What a lovely couple of chats with Basketball Spokeswoman and one of Australia's finest, Marena Whittle.  A diamond in the rough, she's truly one of a kind.  A contagious personality, Marena lives life with gusto, on and off the court.  You can find her on the 3x3 circuit, playing in Europe or currently playing in Hungary.  From Melbourne, went to college at North Dakota State University and continues to travel the world while figuring out how to pursue a degree in Law.  All my respects. 

Just a small town girl from Port Wing, Wisconsin, doing her thing out on the court, getting paid for something she doesn't even view as a job, and she's been doing it for 16 years! Humble, genuine, funny, Jolene Anderson is a great basketball player, person and student.  I had a great time getting to know one of my former Big Ten rivals and learning about her hobbies and interests, for example, Champ, her Toy Poodle. 

A German great, Leonie is young and accomplished.  She's a star on the German National team and there's no doubt in my mind we'll be seeing much more of Leo in the near future, possibly in Paris at the Summer Olympics and maybe even in New York with the Liberty.  Leo has a great attitude, a competitors mentality and a soft spot for coffee and German chocolate.  

Rachel is a 7 year pro out of the University of San Fransisco.  What's the secret sauce to her success?  Easy, professionalism, hard work and R.E.S.P.E.C.T.  In a relaxed and genuine conversation, Rachel shares a little bit about her journey on and off the court, her family, her love for music, croquetas and her home State of California. Enjoy!

De Pamplona y siempre lo será pero durante los últimos 20 años María ha vivido en unos cuantos lugares gracias al baloncesto profesional.  Sigue jugando pero este año se encuentra en su ciudad natal, jugando y siendo protagonista en su nuevo proyecto, Play Your Best.  Ha aprovechado maravillosamente su tiempo como deportista, jugando y estudiando, formándose en el ámbito deportivo. Una de las bases más veteranas de las ligas Españolas, ¡vaya carrera!

Una gozada de conversación con Armantina Santiago Aizpuro.  Inteligente, sabia y sobre todo, con un sentido de humor espléndido. Nacida en los 60, abogada y jugadora profesional de basket en los 80, viajera del mundo, amante de las películas de Almodóvar, amiga de muchos y muchas, una trailblazer if I ever saw one.  A disfrutar de las historias de Manti, que tiene unas cuantas. 

In Madrid, Spain Jaycee Carroll is well known and loved by many.  10 years playing for Real Madrid, ten years being one of the best 3pt shooters in the league and in Europe. He led the ACB (Spain's top Men's league) in scoring for two straight seasons, 2009-2011, he was named the best foreign player by Gigantes magazine, he won the 3pt contest twice and a long etcetera.  His journey to the top is like no other. 40 ppg as a senior in high school and no scholarship offers?  17 years later and he's a 2 time Euroleague Champ with one of the best teams in Europe, Real Madrid, but there's so much more to Jaycee besides basketball.  Enjoy. 

How many Euro League caliber basketball coaches have degrees in agricultural engineering, have created their own scouting software, play the guitar and the drums, write and sing songs in their second language and have homes full of books on psychology, science and physics?  Jota Cuspinera is a unique individual with many passions and talents, however, it's basketball that puts food on his table.  Over three decades of coaching experience and he continues striving for growth and new opportunities. Jota Cuspinera, get to know him. 

Nadia Fingall says she wasn't the most coordinated kid growing up.  She says she was a chunky chunk.  She says she started playing basketball for the friends.  Well, she's come a long way since those early days, so far actually that she's now a Stanford Student Athlete Alum and a current professional athlete.  She's a one of a kind type of person and I have no doubts you'll enjoy listening to her speak.  Enjoy!

She's a post player through and through even though her dad did try to get her to extend her game like her big sister, DeWanna Bonner.  Erica is a beast on the boards and in life.  She's a graduate of Stanford University, has played for 4 different WNBA teams and this year is playing EuroLeague with Perfumerias Avenida in Salamanca, Spain.  Oh, and did I mention she also has her own podcast? Check it out at, Bird's Eye View.  

Perhaps she was a late bloomer, but bloom she did.  From suffering through AAU practices and sticking with it because her mom and coaches pleaded her to do so, to receiving a college scholarship, breaking records, being invited to a WNBA training camp and going pro overseas.  Tinara Moore has faced challenges she never imagined for herself, but in doing so she has been able to lead a life she loves.  Mental and physical care, eating clean, reading and nourishing the soul, Tinara makes use of her down time.  Check out her blog, "The Layer Below" via Substack, find the link in her Instagram bio.  

She was never drafted into the WNBA but continued to play overseas and for the Great Britain National team.  Her skills improved and perhaps most importantly, her confidence.  When the LA Sparks came a calling, Karlie was ready.  She's played in NCAA Final Fours with Stanford, EuroLeague with Spanish club Perfumerias Avenida, and shared locker rooms with Diana Taurasi, Skylar Diggns and Candice Parker; and not only that, she works a full time job off the court as well.  ¡OLE! As they say in Spain.

Destacaba de pequeña y se fue de casa aún siendo bastante joven.  Aprendizaje, madurez, presión, son solo unas de las muchas cosas que Mariona Ortiz Vives tuve que gestionar estando sola y lejos de casa, pero gracias a aquellas experiencias ha podido crecer y vivir momentos muy bonitos también.  Aquí hablamos de todo un poco, incluyendo su programa preferida de pequeña, Shin Chan. 

Tanaya grew up in New Haven, CT, playing basketball outside with her brothers, but it wasn't until she was 12 years old when she tried out for an actual team.  She made the squad and the rest is history.  Many awards and accolades later she's just wrapped up year #4 as a professional athlete overseas, having lived experiences in Australia and Spain.  She's humble, hungry and in constant evolution.

She's from the Wolf Pack, and it shows in her views on life, her self confidence and her thirst to explore, investigate and make new connections.  Northwestern University was lucky to have her and it sounds like she was lucky to have them.  She's got that growth mindset.  The world is your oyster, Abbie Wolf (even though you prefer lobster)!  An attitude of gratitude, that's how she roles.  Enjoy the show.

Podcast host, Leslie Knight, is interviewed by former teammate and long time friend, Ana McCusker Fernandez.  Leslie played basketball at Hopkins High School in Minnesota.  Her senior year was highlighted by a State Tournament Championship win and being crowned Miss. Basketball of Minnesota.  She went off to college at the University of Minnesota where she played a total of 35 (or so) minutes during her first two seasons combined.  Fast forward from college graduation (2008) to now as she wraps up her professional career overseas. 

From Flower Mound, Texas and being a multi-sport athlete as a young girl to winning National Championships as a Baylor Bear and going Pro, Lauren Cox talks about the nuances of her journey as an athlete, world traveler and Type 1 Diabetic.  Fun, surprising and educational, get to know this humble, hungry, turn around J post player with the long, golden locks.  

After accepting a walk-on role at San Diego, Johnny Dee unexpectedly found out he'd be receiving a full ride scholarship.  His desire to improve and his lethal 3pt shot earned him a spot on the starting lineup, staring every game but one (due to senior night) his freshman season.  After graduation he took his career overseas and has been playing professionally ever since, except for a little stint as a substitute teacher, but we'll get into that later. Enjoy!  

First generation American, Vionise Pierre-Louis makes her way through life, leading with love, compassion and an insatiable desire to learn, grow and to share all of her newly gained knowledge with those around her, specifically, her family.  From a young age Vivi loved books, and then basketball was added into the mix, taking her places and giving her the opportunity to change the course of her life.  

¿Como era lo de ser deportista de baloncesto en los años 60 y 70 en Madrid?  Vicente Ramos, quien fue votado el mejor base europeo en 1970 te va a contar bastantes curiosidades sobre su carrera como deportista y su carrera académico.  Un tipo muy interesante, capaz de hacer un poco de todo y a sus 75 años sigue siendo activo, dedicando su vida a la humanidad. Un 10 de ser humano, ¡y que bien habla!

Muchos años jugando como profesional de baloncesto en España, una base que era capaz de hacer mucho de todo.  La jugadora Gallega tuvo su primer hijo hace 5 años, volvió a jugar un par de años más y ahora se está preparando para oposiciones.  Una crack y una persona fantástica.  Vaya capacidad de compaginarlo todo. 

From Colombia to Texas to Purdue University and then on to WNBA training camps and Europe, Erika Valek has lead a colorful life for almost forty years.  Erika talks about the ups and downs of her athletic as well as academic journeys, how she overcame obstacles, both mental and physical and what she's up to now.  I love this story and am positive you will, too.  

Desde Vitoria y el País Vasco Itsaso (Mar) Conde viene a Madrid a jugar en su tercer año como deportista profesional en la máxima categoría de baloncesto femenino, la Liga Femenina Endesa.  Juega, estudia para ser profesora y es aficionada de su air fryer, donde dice que las alitas son la mejor receta.  

Kate has been playing basketball for her country since 2003.  Now, at the age of 37 she's entering her third straight season as captain of the Greek national team.  For almost 20 years Kate has been juggling her life as a basketball player, a student, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister and a friend.  The road hasn't been easy but she has learned an immense amount about herself, she's traveled to numerous countries, made friends from all around the world and graduated from college. Here's a bit of wisdom and a few laughs from the ever young, Katerina aka "Soto". 

Una jovencita no tan joven.  A sus 25 años Laura Quevedo ya ha probado lo que es jugar y estudiar en los EEUU, ha ganado una medalla Olímpica en Rio, ha jugado en 7 equipos diferentes de la Liga Femenina Endesa y anoche metió 28 puntos contra ASVEL en el primer partido de EuroCup el la historia del club Movistar Estudiantes. Y lo que le queda. Maja, humilde, trabajadora, sincera, da gusto escucharla.  

The roller coaster ride hasn't stopped for Kayla McCoy and she's been on it since the 9th grade.  A survivor of three ACL tears and an achilles rupture, Kayla continues to pursue her dreams.  She's a Duke graduate, former Houston Dash player, current professional soccer player for the Rangers in Scotland, member of Jamaica's National team and currently enrolled in an online masters program.  She's a glass half full type of person and it was a pleasure listening to her story.  

Desde Argentina a España, el joven Pancho llenó su maleta con ganas, aspiraciones, un deseo incansable y lo más importante, un par de botes de dulce de leche.  Pancho nos habla de su juventud, sus momentos de adaptación, las lecturas que aprendió con la selección de Argentina, la famosa patada, sus rizos ondulados y sobre como conseguir buena química en un equipo (hay que quitar los trajes).  Una leyenda en el ACB y en el Movistar Estudiantes, una conversación entretenida, espero que os guste. 

In today's world it can be hard to find people who are not only humble but who are active listeners and willing to give of their time.  Angie Bjorklund checked off all three boxes.  The University of Tennessee and a little ole coach by the name of Pat Summitt offered Angie a scholarship when she was in the 9th grade.  Angie started 30 out of 38 games as a freshman, was part of a National Championship team, went on to play professionally (WNBA, Israel, France, Italy, Spain), got her masters, worked as a DOBO and  continues to play professionally.  She asked me questions, she laughed at herself and I only got mad on one occasion during the pod.  "Do you know who John Stockton is?"  Do I what?!  Come on Angie, who do you take me for?! :) Listen in, this talk is worth a listen.  

Desde las Islas Canarias a Ferrol, los últimos 4 años para Natalia Rodriguez le han servido de mucho, dentro y fuera de las canchas de baloncesto.  De hecho, hace tan solo dos semanas la media Gallega estaba metiendo 4 de 5 en triples para ayudar a su gran equipo, Baxi Ferrol, a subir desde la Liga Femenina 2 a la Liga Femenina Endesa.  Además, Natalia está a punto de graduarse en podología y tiene toda una vida por delante para seguir creciendo dentro y fuera de las pistas.  Si quieres saber más de como le fue en la Fase puedes ir a iVoox y buscar el programa de "Duck on a Rock", ahí tendrás otra entrevista con ella.    

Coach used to say to us, "How you do one thing is how you do everything."  And that's how Batouly Camara has been living her life ever since, paying attention to detail and putting her best foot forward in all aspects of her life.  Day after day she is conscientiously becoming the person she wants to be and after just 24 years on this earth she has started her own foundation in W.A.K.E (Women and Kids Empowerment), written a children's book, given a TedX talk, been an honorary Espy award winner and selected to be on Forbes 30 under 30.  Batouly is making a positive and tangible impact on the world through sport and it's worth a listen. 

Una conversación divertida, genuina e interesante.  Marina Lizarazu nos cuenta como han sido sus caminos académicos y deportivos, en España y en los EEUU.  Entre risas y profundidades hablamos de todo un poco; como las dificultades de estar lejos de casa en un ambiente no tan acogedor, los kilitos de más que se suele ganar estando en USA, el gran cambio a Iona College, lo feliz que puede estar una cuando encaja bien en un lugar y entre otras tantas cosas (la humildad, la psicología, sus carreras etc)  Con mucha cercanía y poca timidez, mi conversación con Marina fue enriquecedora.  

Today's episode is with Rancho Cucamonga native, Amy Okonkwo.  We cover the whole gamut of topics, three of which stand out in my mind.  1.) What's the college transfer process like and what was important to you the second time around.  2.) The process of getting a work visa to play overseas and 3.) The importance of finding joy while playing and living in a different country, far away from friends and family.  Amy keeps it real, opens her heart and shares where her athletic and academic journeys have taken her.  From being the rambunctious child in her youth to getting college paid for and now to being a professional athlete.  Listen in! 

Esta semana tenemos a un invitado que pasó cuatro años estudiando y jugando en los EEUU donde comía muchas hamburguesas de pavo e iba a ver a Victor Claver y los Portland Trailblazers.  Aitor Zubizarreta  lleva una vida entera sumergido en el mundo de basket, pero siempre ha estado compaginando su pasión por el deporte con los estudios y su interés en el diseño gráfico.  ShooB nos cuenta un poco de todo, y lo que está claro es que con solo 25 años el base de Azpetia desprende muchísima madurez que sin duda le ha ayudado a superar y afrontar los obstáculos que la vida le ha puesto. 

NCAA Champion, Spanish League Champion, Copa de la Reina Champion, MVP of various games and tournaments, future Olympian and more than likely future PHd. candidate and Doctor.  Adaora Elonu has a decorated past but she doesn't dwell too much about what she's done, she's more concerned about what she can do in the present and how that will help her in the future.  Humble, focused, centered, grounded, positive, calm, consistent, shall I go on?  AD is a professional on and off the court, giving her all academically and athletically.  Her quiet confidence is captivating and motivating.  Listen in!

A few follow up questions for last week's guest.  What advice does Brittany have for future professional athletes who want to play overseas?  What kind of mentality will help you to be successful?  How will you stay fit? How might you get an agent?  Where can you go to get noticed?  Who should you look to for advice?  Brittany shares just a little bit more with all of us on what she thinks it takes to succeed overseas.  

She's an older sister, daughter, granddaughter, teammate, friend, world traveler, peanut butter lover and basketball aficionada.  Brittany Brown says she started taking basketball seriously when she was just six years old, and I believe her.  As a little girl she was already attending basketball camps provided by Florida and Florida State, the beginning of what would be some long lasting friendships.  Fast forward 15 years or so and Miss. Brown is strutting across the stage at Florida State on graduation day.  She had a glimpse at the WNBA and is now in her 4th year as a professional playing overseas.  Full of wisdom and laughs, Brit takes us through her two journeys both academically and athletically.     

Desde Oliva a Barcelona a Texas a Georgia a Madrid a Valencia y ahora a Ferrol, Irene Gari ha viajado, jugado, vivido y estudiado en muchos lugares.  Desde pequeña lo tenía claro, ella quería ver el mundo, tener nuevas experiencias y disfrutar de gran oportunidades que le ayudaría a crecer y a aprender.  Abierta, inteligente, honesta, trabajadora, son solo unas de las palabras que usaría para describir a Irene.  Y lo que más me gusto de nuestra conversación fue aprender de su experiencia con su psicóloga y lo que esta aprendiendo sobre si misma y como manejar emociones y situaciones que surgen en su día a día.  Espero que esta conversación te sirva tanto como me sirvió a mi.   

He wishes he would have been eight inches taller, however, at six foot two and a half he's not considered short at least not in the "normal" world, but as a professional basketball player he's definitely not tall.  The bottom line though is that Edwin Jackson made the most out of what he was given.  Hard work and an "I won't take no for an answer" mentality have brought this charismatic and genuine athlete to where he is today with more than a decade of professional experience, multiple medals, championships, friendships and a look around the world, not too shabby.  Here, Jackson talks about basketball, of course, but we also hear about his love for animals and his passion for acting.  

No viene de una familia de deportistas, pero por alguna razón este atleta se ha enamorado de las pistas, el asfalto, los desiertos y cualquier otro sitio donde se puede echar una carrera, la jungla también y tampoco dejamos fuera Antártida.  Chema Martinez ganó su primera carrera con tan solo once años y desde entonces su pasión por correr ha ido creciendo.  Con 49 anitos, Chema sigue entrenando, preparándose para una carrera ultra que le llevará a California y Death Valley.  Además de preparar carreras de 200+km, Chema es padre de tres hijos, escritor de cinco libros, estudiante de Marketing, Speaker de conferencias etc etc.  Vive la vida con tanta pasión que su ideal son 10 horas de sueño cada noche.  No me extraña.  Vaya crack.

Con dieciocho años estaba jugando en la Liga Femenina Dos para Alcobendas y a la vez echaba una mano al equipo de Rivas, que en aquel época jugaban en la primera division.  Paula Justel compartía pista con jugadoras como Amaya Valdemoro, Elisa Aguilar, Laura Nichols, Anna Cruz y Americanas que venían del WNBA.  Vaya año de aprendizaje para la niña.  Después, pasó por Léganes, Estudiantes volvió a Alcobendas y esta temporada de 2020-2021 la hemos pillado en Francia.  Unos diez años lleva jugando como profesional pero hay que decir que también es Periodista y no solo ha jugado al baloncesto.  Conseguió su carrera y se puso a trabajar mientras seguía jugando.  Un aplauso! Aquí Paula nos cuenta un poco de todo.

She says she didn't start taking basketball seriously until her sophomore year of college, however, I'd argue she was taking it pretty seriously when she was doing baseline to baseline lunges with her dad and siblings while still in elementary school.  Nia Coffey comes from an exceptional gene pool.  Her father played in the NBA, mom ran track, her brother just got drafted and both Nia and her sister received college basketball scholarships.  When she herself was drafted in 2017, however, those genes weren't necessarily her ticket to success.  There were bigger, faster, stronger women in the WNBA and now Nia needed to focus on her basketball IQ, working smarter not harder and keeping herself healthy both mentally and physically.  She's had an action packed four years since graduation, playing in multiple states and multiple countries.  She has some great advice when it comes to picking a school as well as giving yourself time, patience and grace.  Listen in, this episode is not to be missed!

La Barcelonesa no lo tenía muy claro, si irse a los EEUU para estudiar y jugar o si quedarse en casa e intentar a hacer lo mismo.  Al final sus padres le convencieron para que abriera sus alas y echáse a volar, y así llegó a la Universidad de South Florida.  Ariadna aprendió mucho aquel primer año, maduró y empezó a sentirse más cómoda.  Al final de sus cuatro años había asistido y participado en tres torneos del NCAA y una del WNIT, tenía su carrera hecha y estaba de vuelta a reunirse con la familia de nuevo y a seguir jugando.  Mirando hacía atrás está contenta por haberlo hecho y lo recomienda a todos y todas que están pensando en ello.  

Basketball has been a focal point in John Roberson's life for years, ever since the tender age of three when he would watch with curious eyes as his dad played at the park.  He grew up watching guys like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant and then he himself became a highly sought after college prospect, so much so that legendary coach Bobby Knight would take interest.  After a home visit from Coach Knight, John had made up his mind, Texas Tech it was.  A Journalism degree in hand, John started his overseas career after graduation, finding himself playing in far away places like Slovenia, Ecuador, Switzerland, Sweden, Hungary, France, Russia, Australia, Turkey and Spain. Hard work, respect for the game and a strong faith have kept John focused, motivated, employed and happy throughout the past decade. Ten years in and he's still going strong.    

She grew up in Long Beach, California and started out by spending time on the golf course with her Grandfather.  Around eight years old, however, her cousins introduced her to basketball and ever since then it's been non-stop ball.  Arica Carter is big on family, but her desire to compete at the very highest level encouraged her to take a leap of faith when she accepted a college scholarship to play at Louisville, a short thirty-one hour drive from home.  Five years at Louisville, AC grew and matured into a consistent, classy, responsible student-athlete.  At the end of her 5th year she was drafted into the WNBA by the Phoenix Mercury.  All her hard work and perseverance had paid off and now she'd be sharing court time with the best in the world, aka, Diana Taurasi.  AC ended up being waived by the Mercury but her journey continues, this time on an entirely different continent!  Her college Spanish class never looked so good.

Empezó a jugar al baloncesto con 14 años y después de tan solo cuatro años de experiencia se veía volando a los EEUU para probar en la Universidad de Temple en Philadelphia.  Sergio Olmos lleva muchos años buscándose las habichuelas él solo.  Con un nivel de inglés más bien básico, hizo la carrera de Mates.  Volvió a España a seguir jugando de manera profesional y decidió matricularse en otra carrera de una Universidad Británica.  Después de otros cuatro años estudiando y jugando, se apuntó a un master, y hasta ahora, Sergio Olmos es un chico curioso.  Su actitud hacía los retos de la vida es algo fantástico.   

As a young girl she used to sit in the living room with her dad, watching Kobe, Shaq and the rest of Lakers, little did she know that she too would be a professional basketball player some day.  Atonye Nyingifa tried many different sports growing up but basketball was the one that stuck. She accepted a college scholarship to play at UCLA, received her undergrad and masters degree before saying yes to her first professional gig in Thailand.  She's since played in Israel, Spain and Africa, the next big stop being Japan and the 2021 Olympic games.  Academics and athletics, Atonye has managed to do it all. 

Desde La Coruña, el deporte ha llevado a esta deportista a muchos sitios de España, como Lugo, Burgos, Rivas, Logroño, Gijón, Granada, Estepona y un año fuera en Alemania.  Cambiando tanto de sitio uno podría pensar que hacer la carrera de enfermería resultaría imposible, pero no es así.  Claudia Calvelo Ameijeiras se organizó bien, se esforzó mucho y tras seis años y medio de estudios ya pudo ejecutar como enfermera. De hecho, estuvo trabajando este verano del 2020 y merece mucha la pena escuchar su historia.  Vaya deportista, capaz de hacerlo todo y con toda la vida por delante para seguir dejando su grano de arena como sanitaria. Ole tú, Claudia.  

Su padre jugó muchos años en el ACB, sus hermanos menores juegan y como no, él también.  Álex Reyes tiene baloncesto en su sangre y como detalle, mide dos metros.  Una buena receta para llegar lejos en el mundo de las canchas, quizás, pero otras cosas que tiene Álex son una cabeza bien amueblada y la determinación de seguir trabajando.  En mi opinión, el actitud de uno mismo puede ser más valioso que la genética.  Los que llegan lejos en sus disciplinas suelen ser los que son capaces de aguantar las tormentas, se levantan cada mañana con ganas de más y los que siguen trabajando, sin prisa pero sin pausa.  Y así ejecuta Álex Reyes, hasta llegar a jugar en el ACB y a terminar la carrera que empezó unos ocho años atras.  Constancia en su mejor forma.   

La deportista de hoy juega muy bien al baloncesto, pero es que también es capaz de tocar canciones de Verdi y Mozart en su violín, y si tienes una pregunta sobre una equación de mates no tienes más que preguntarle y sabrá como ayudarte.  Paula Estebas lleva más de 20 años compaginando sus tres amores, la música, el baloncesto y las matemáticas.  Saliendo de casa con tres bolsas distintas y el taper para comer al medio día, la mujer ha podido con todo.  Seguramente no fue un camino de rosas, pero organizándose bien, hablando con sus profesores y mostrando interés y empeño, la deportista de Logroño ha sido capaz de llevarlo todo con mucha clase, pocas quejas y una sonrisa permanente.  ¡Qué tía!   

Young, determined and ready to do whatever it took in order to accomplish her goals.  Ida Andersson was in her senior year of high school and needed to increase her SAT score.  All of the testing centers in Sweden were full so she booked a flight to Poland, took the test in an old gymnasium and got back on the plane, all by herself.  She succeeded in raising her test score which allowed her to accept a Division I college scholarship.  She spent four years in the U.S., experienced two different universities, graduated with a degree in Psychology and is now starting a professional basketball career in Spain.  Through thick and thin, Ida toughed it out, and looking back on her experience says she'd do it all again, without a doubt.   

The first sports experience she can remember is accompanying her dad at the track to watch the horses.  It wouldn't be long, however, until she was dribbling, catching and trying to shoot a basketball.  From the land of chocolate, waffles, fries and beer, Jana Raman speaks Flemish, French, English and is now improving her Spanish.  She plays for Belgium's national team and helped them qualify--for the first time in history-- for the Olympics back in February of 2020.  Hopefully they'll actually be able to participate in the summer of 2021.  Jana has worked hard to combine academics and athletics.  She's a licensed Podiatrist and knows what it's like to work all day at the clinic and then go to practice at night.  Here's her story!