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.

UNC Sports Psychologist Hayley Hughes joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to have a conversation about mental health and its impact on athletic performance (12:55), but not without hearing about Hayley's transition from being a hockey player in Canada to being a first-gen student-athlete at Cornell (2:07). They cover the difference between female and male individual and team sports in sports psychology (12:55) and how to battle the cycle of these specific mental health stigmas (24:21). Later, a covid baby? (35:39) ** Resources discussed include:Resources for Black-Student Athletes:https://heelsathome.web.unc.edu/social-justice-2/mental-health-resources-for-black-student-athletes/Resources for White Allies:https://heelsathome.web.unc.edu/social-justice-2/social-justice/Resources for student-athletes:https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/resources/mental-health-resources-for-athletes/Resources for athletes and coaches:http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/supporting-student-athlete-mental-wellness**

UNC Sports Nutritionist Rachel Manor joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to discuss the anti-diet approach (4:28) and a later, how to keep diet culture out of sports culture (23:55). But first, the barriers to intuitive eating for athletes (7:06), the foundation of this approach - self care (8:48) - and how to fight pressure on social media (18:34).** If you are struggling with one of the discussed topics, please seek assistance. Resources include: https://www.instagram.com/uncsportsnutrition/?hl=enhttps://www.unc.edu/discover/well-said-how-to-achieve-your-weight-loss-resolution/https://christyharrison.com/blog/what-is-diet-culturehttps://www.intuitiveeating.org/our-books/ https://christyharrison.com/book-anti-diet-intuitive-eating-christy-harrison https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/eatingdisorders/research/participate-in-a-study/https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool ***

UNC History Professor Matthew Andrews and UNC Gymnast Emery Summey join Benched Host Jules Micchia to take us back in time and draw parallels between the beginning of women in sports to the state of gymnastics today. First, was gymnastics and figure skating created to preserve feminism (7:02) or fight feminism (25:23)? We cover everything from seduction in gymnastics (17:27) to the microscope female gymnasts of color are placed under (29:20). Later, how the Larry Nassar scandal exploits larger problems in athlete-coach relationships (41:15).

Katie Sorenson, a former UNC student-athlete and current Occupational Therapist, joins Benched Host Jules Micchia to share her story of living with a disability and how sports enhanced her life. It all starts with a letter from UNC inviting her to try out for the rowing team leading to a bet (1:47), followed by an outline of the real barriers in the world for people with disabilities (8:31) and how colleges can make a change (12:02). Later, how a tennis match led to international adventures (18:40), and an out-of-body experience at a Thailand orphanage for children with disabilities (20:27). Finally, a push for the conversation about diversity and inclusion to be more comprehensive and include people with disabilities (33:10).

Molly Little, a lacrosse player at Denver University, joins Benched Host Jules Micchia, and begin with Molly's discovery of a lack of sexual assault training for student athletes (1:40). She shares her story of being sexually assaulted and how it ignited a fire within her to make change (7:30). Later, how Molly's injury was prolonged due to sports medicine accessibility (20:55), and the gender-based problems within sports marketing (29:45). Finally, the stigmas in athletics related to sexuality are discussed (35:40).** If you are struggling with one of the discussed topics, please seek assistance. Resources include: National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline; UNC Counseling and Psychological Services: https://caps.unc.edu/; Guide for Friends and Family of Survivors of Sexual Assault/Violence: https://www.pcar.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdfs/friends_and_family_guide_final.pdf. **

To kick off Season 2 and fight the gender divide, Benched Host Jules Micchia is joined by three UNC student-athletes (Brianna Pinto, Madison Wiltrout, Tori Hansen) who all began their athletic careers playing on male teams. What led them to playing on boys teams rather than playing with the girls? (2:11) What perspective did it give them? (10:47) Later, the socialization of gender in sports (14:10), legislation creating the divide (16:41) and media coverage discrepancies (22:23). Finally, advice is given to parents of young girls who would rather play with the boys (31:51).

UNC Student Athletes Rachel Jones, Nicole Barnes and Lauryn Hall join Benched Host Jules Micchia to reflect on the Black Lives Matter protest these women organized and led. From feedback from other UNC teams and the local community (6:02) to discrepancies in media coverage of female activism versus male activism (8:11), these women analyze their unique platforms of being D1 female student-athletes. Later, disappointment in fans' behavior when the jersey is taken off (13:28) and what the power of protest truly means (17:52)...all culminated by a very important political reminder (26:57).

Retired UNC student-athlete, Nina Luker, joins Benched host Jules Micchia to share her personal story defined by strength, perseverance and joy. It all begins with her experience in the leading non-profit dedicated to women in sports tech (3:00) and her career shift after disheartening experiences with blackmailing male coaches (6:37). Nina's New York life was further rocked when she received THE call from her doctor (15:21). Next, Nina makes a decision to choose joy (19:33), shares how sports prepared her to beat cancer (21:46) and provides us with tips on how to be a support system for others (27:22). All of this and more leads her to some of the most positive experiences, and did someone say Ralph Lauren model (30:19)?

UNC Rower, Lily Brown, joins Benched host Jules Micchia to take us through Lily's journey becoming a captain. After never fully recovering from mono (3:13), Lily explains how this negatively impacted her performance during the first test of the year (4:12). Later, Lily stumbles upon motivation to spend her summer rowing with a boat club in Boston (7:03). All of this and more leads her to an athletic career-changing moment (9:40).

Sam Moore, a NCSU Applied Sports Scientist and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, joins BENCHED host Jules Micchia to chat about all things related to periods and their impact on performance. First, Sam takes us through her trials and setbacks faced when moving forward with her research (04:31), while explaining the science behind how menstruation impacts training (09:32). Later, can you prevent ACL tears by taking a closer look at your cycle? (17:06) The final myth busting segment will leave you baffled (28:03).

Benched host, Jules Micchia, is joined by UNC-Chapel Hill Track and Field star, Jill Shippee, to reflect upon how the postponement of the 2020 Olympics gave her a second chance. They begin with the dream-shattering news Jill received BEFORE the pandemic began (01:53), then dive into the hurdles of training for the Olympics at home (04:20). Later, Jill opens up about the relief she felt when the Olympics were postponed (05:22) and doesn't wrap up without giving us distinct steps for how to stay motivated during and after the pandemic (09:43).

Sue Walsh joins Benched host, Jules Micchia, to discuss Sue's olympic beginnings and current initiatives for female student-athlete empowerment , but not without first highlighting some of Sue's fondest memories at UNC-Chapel Hill (5:00). Later, the Michael Jordan Documentary (6:41) becomes a topic of conversation before diving into the parallels between the current state of sports and the 1980 Olympic Boycott (10:35). They finish up with ForeverHER Tar Heels, Sue's initiative to champion and empower female student-athletes (17:11) and a brief look into global issues since Title IX (22:16).

Former Daily Tar Heel Sports Reporter Madeline Coleman and Benched host Jules Micchia of the UNC Rowing Team share experiences relating to over-sexualization, sexual harassment and the toxic culture faced by women in sports. Madeline offers advice and words of encouragement for aspiring sports reporters. Read Madeline's article mentioned in the podcast here:https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2020/01/sexual-harrassment-sports-media-column.

UNC student-athletes, Charlotte Melgard from Women's Rowing and Blair Ramsey from Cross Country and Track and Field share their stories and struggles with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image. Hosted by Jules Micchia, Benched is an UNCUT Podcast which aims to give female student-athletes their rightful voice in the world of college sports. // If you are struggling with one of the discussed topics, please seek assistance. Resources include: National Eating Disorder Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool. UNC Campus Health Nutrition Services & CAPS: https://caps.unc.edu/UNC Sports Psychology and Sports Nutrition Services: https://goheels.com/news/2019/5/17/sports-medicine-unc-athletics-mental-health-performance-psychology-program.aspx // For more information on UNCUT, go to uncutchapelhill.com or stay connected on social media. Instagram: @UNCUT_ch Twitter: @UNCUT_ch Facebook: UNCUT

At UNCUT, we exist to empower student-athletes.