While we can name a variety of industries that are dominated by men, professional athletics has been known for it’s inequalities against women. In today’s episode, Jaelyn Arndt shares her own experiences she had as a student athlete and how those moments prepared her for her role within the NCAA. She opens up about her experiences working in a male-dominated field and the inequalities women athletes face, along with her hot take on the recent Women’s March Madness tournament, providing a really unique perspective on the excitement and the intensity of the event.
Jalen Arndt is the Associate Director of Communications for the NCAA. From sharing inspiring stories of student athletes on social media to working behind the scenes, she plays a vital role in amplifying their voices and achievements. As a former collegiate athlete herself, Jalen brings in such a unique perspective to the table.
This is Season 3 Episode 2 of Here’s the Tea with Akua
Here’s the Tea with Akua is a safe space to learn about hot topics, gain a new perspective and have a greater understanding of the people around us. You’ll hear amazing stories of everyday people like you and me. They’ll be spilling the tea and giving us an honest look into their lives. As we discuss topics such as race, relationships, mental health, and how to just figure out the thing called life, we’d love to have you subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player!
Today’s episode is brought to you by Ama and Akua, a mother-daughter brand specializing in gift boxes filled with talented BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators. No matter the occasion, we have a box for you. Use the code AKUA10 for 10% off your first order!
Important Parts of the Conversation:
Get to Know Jaelyn (3:37)
Experiences & Challenges as a Female Athlete (7:50)
Uplifting Women in Sports (11:21)
Finances & Positioning in Women’s Athletics (13:22)
Addressing Challenges: Men’s vs. Women’s Basketball (17:08)
The NCAA Drama for Equality (17:32)
Current Ratings for Women’s Basketball (22:20)
Twitter Drama: National Championship (24:56)
You Don’t Have to be an Athlete to be in This Industry (33:13)
Connect with Jaelyn:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Review the Transcript:
Akua Konadu
This week on here’s a tea with Akua. We are diving into the world of women’s sports. Our guest this week is one of the amazing women in the industry who are redefining the game. Jalen Arndt is the Associate Director of Communications for the NCAA. From sharing inspiring stories of student athletes on social media to working behind the scenes, she plays a vital role in amplifying their voices and achievements. As a former collegiate athlete herself, Jalen brings in such a unique perspective to the table. She shares with us some of the fun experience she had as a student athlete and how those moments shaped her into the role that she has today. She opens up about her experiences working in a male dominated field, the inequalities women athletes face and also we get to hear her hot take on the recent Women’s March Madness tournament, providing a really unique perspective on the excitement and the intensity of the event. Get ready for an unfiltered and captivating discussion as we explore the world of women’s sports with Jalen. Together we’ll celebrate the incredible impact that women like Jalen are making in the game, and honor the trailblazers who continue to redefine what it means to be a female athlete. I hope you enjoy this conversation just as much as I did. Because truly, Jalen is amazing. So now let’s hop into the episode. Welcome to here’s the tea with Akua. That’s me, and this is a place where we have candid conversations about various hot topics. Each week, you’ll be hearing some amazing stories of everyday people like you and me. There’ll be spilling the tea and giving us an honest look into their lives. I believe that our stories are powerful, and when shared they can change not only our perspectives, but also our lives. No topic is off limits. So have a seat and get ready because we are going to be making uncomfortable conversations comfortable. Hey, everyone, welcome back to another episode of here’s a tea with Akua and I am just so so excited for today’s topic. I am so excited for today’s guest. We have already just been chopping it up catching up. Laughing having a good time. And it has been so fun. And so I know for this episode, you guys are in for a treat. So please welcome Jalen aren’t Hello, Jaelyn.
Jaelyn Ardnt
Hello. Hello. I’m so excited to be here. Yes, I’m
Akua Konadu
so so excited to have you. We’re talking today all about women in sports. And I feel like ever since after the NCAA, D one women’s basketball tournament. There has been a lot of talk a lot of conversations that have been happening surrounding women’s sports. And you have played an intricate role in that as somebody who works for the NCAA and is out here supporting these student athletes. So I was like girl, you been living up your best life. Okay, it has been so fun watching you literally do what you love. Like you can feel your passion of just like sports and really supporting these students. And the impact that you’re making is absolutely felt so I have been so so excited to have you come on the episode. So yeah. Are you ready to dive in?
Jaelyn Ardnt
Are you ready? I love it. Yes, I’m like, I feel amped up like I’m ready to go run. I’m not even a runner.
Akua Konadu
You might be after this girl. So let’s get it. Alright, so let’s just hop on in. So just share with us a little bit about your journey just going from as obviously you have been an athlete, I could definitely tell for a long period of time. So somebody who’s gone to like a high school student to a student athlete to now supporting these collegiate athletes. Share with us what that journey has looked like for you.
Jaelyn Ardnt
Yeah, I mean, so I played like every single sport as a kid growing up. And then I really found my passion with volleyball was able to go to division three and be a student athlete play volleyball. And for me, like that was the best experience. It opened up so many doors and like the friendships that I made the memories, the coaching like the alumni, I’ve always felt like I was a part of something even though when I was done playing and one thing that we touch on a lot is your identity and who you are is not what you do. But during that time, like it was always my name is Jalen, I’m a volleyball player. It’s like, that was what was came after my name. And then once I graduated, it was like I’m Jalen, and I’m, I don’t know. And so it was this huge thing of figuring out like sport was my identity for so long. And now I have this degree, and I just don’t know where my passion lies, like, am I a nine to five person? Am I a multiple job person? And I found out like, that’s where I’m a storyteller person. I love connection. I love relationship. And I really loved What sports did for me. So I was able to combine the both and I mean, I had to grind it out. I didn’t have a job right after undergrad and then I landed a job and I was a social media coordinator for a volleyball program. Northern Lights in Burnsville, Minnesota, and I got to combine My passion right then and there. And I was like, this is where I need to be like in this space that I got the opportunity to go back to school, I was a volleyball, GA, my assistant coach in college became a head coach at Augustana. And I always joke, she recruited me twice. So she’s the only one who could get me to move out to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. And I was like I’ve never been we’ll see what’s out here moved out there for a year and a half, got my Master’s made the connection at the NCAA at that time, just doing some social takeovers with them. And three years later, a job opened up and through networking, and just building authentic relationships, I landed an interview. And it’s crazy to think like, I’m already almost a year and a half in here at the NCAA and got to make an impact and share, like stories that I never thought I would touch from d3 to D two to D one to admin to HBCU stories like it’s, it’s endless. And to me, I just content doesn’t sleep. I know I’m preaching to the choir here. So it’s like finding that balance of which one, like, can I amplify and tell and it’s just been like such a journey. And I love my team. I love the experience. And it’s only up from here. Honestly,
Akua Konadu
girl, yes, I love that I love hearing, there’s so many things that you touched on that I definitely want to just highlight because I also am a former collegiate athlete, I ran D track heavily volleyball, I was being recruited for volleyball track, and then I chose track in college, it was very, very short period. So not I did not make all three for all four years. However, I realized when my collegiate season just ended abruptly and unexpectedly, that identity peace, I think is so important, right? Because I was the same way I was I was like, oh, yeah, my name is Akua. I was in Texas at the time. So my name is Alexis, and you know, I run tracker. And that was all that I knew. Because you build your whole community around that everything. And every bit, you know, and everybody kind of knows you, you know, it’s easy to it’s easier to make friends, it’s easier to be seen. And all of a sudden, when it’s removed from you. It’s just, it’s like Holy, holy shit, like, who am I outside of this, and you have to really rebuild. And it really is like mentally can be really, really hard, especially when you’ve known yourself this way for so long. And that was your confidence builder to have it completely removed. So I just love that you touched base on that. Because I think there’s a lot of us that can relate. It doesn’t have to be a specific sport. But there’s so many things in our life where we truly are consumed by that where we feel like that is who we are. And so I love that you touched on that. And just like how you still continue to find your way. And I absolutely love that. And so within your journey, would you say Did you face any challenges and inequities as a woman athlete?
Jaelyn Ardnt
You know, as an athlete at the time, I didn’t see it. And to be honest, I think I mean, my whole staff was mainly women in college. So that was amazing. And when I was a volleyball, GA, like I was at a school that had a woman president. And so like, I was kind of around that a lot. At the NCAA, a lot of my team is women. So that’s great. Like, our Senior VP is like the boss chick that I aspire to be like, you know, so I did it. But now that I’ve gotten further on in my career, like I will just say that there’s times in stuff that you do have to be cautious or depending on your room like you can, not that you have to like act out of character, but you have to put your foot down and it sucks because you it’s like now I have to come off as like, I’m this bitch when it’s like really like put some respect on my name like you work for me, I hired you to do a job. And I don’t need you to be rude to me when I’m asking you to do the bare minimum and like, so there has been times that that had to come out. And that’s not fun. Or if I’m making a connection and like, let’s say someone offers you a job, but then that job leads into them wanting to get drinks late or doing things like that. And it’s just like, okay, like, I thought this was a genuine connection. I didn’t put any like ill intent behind this connection. And then all of a sudden it rolls into it. And I think like, as a woman, like going to grab drinks and talking about a job in this industry is not uncommon, like we don’t work nine to five here. And so like I get that but it you just got to be more cautious on the situation and set up those boundaries. And I had to like learn that while I’ve navigated through this career in particular, I’m sure it happens in other industries as well. It’s just this one is very heavily dominated by males in general. But in the same way I do have a lot of males that support me and uplift me and are there for me and I can be transparent with and be like eyes this person like should I trust them? Should I not? And so it’s also about building your network on that side too. Yes, absolutely.
Akua Konadu
And I also want to address to like this is not to shame man at all. No, this is not y’all. This podcast episode is not for that, I just we’re just talking about how women in sports, especially in a male dominated field, how to really navigate that. But let’s honestly have those real conversations about that is the reality that you are experiencing as a woman in a male dominated industry. And I think it’s wonderful that you absolutely have male team members that you trust and support, because in order for women’s sports, to be uplifted men also to gotta help, they also, you know, so that’s what I love. But we can’t also shy away from the reality of that some people, they just may use leverage their job in that industry to have other intentions that can put women in really uncomfortable situations. And what’s annoying is that we shouldn’t have to be in those situations at all. And so it’s the fact that you’re even having to navigate through that. But it sounds like too, even when you mentioned of like having to put your foot down and like having to really assert yourself, so you’re not coming off as a bitch, right, you but if you were a male to do that, a man doing that as a man, you would just be viewed as like, you’re really assertive, and like, you know, he’s just putting up boundaries, when as a woman, it’s totally different. And so I do appreciate you sharing that and just highlighting those differences and how you’re navigating. And obviously you love what you do 1,000% But I also think it’s wonderful, the support that you have, and also to the reality of it, and then how you’re navigating that because it’s not easy. It’s definitely not easy at all.
Jaelyn Ardnt
And I will say like, it’s interesting because we do we do talk about a lot as like the 50th anniversary of Title Nine, like Women’s History Month was just a couple of months back like we can sit here and uplifted and I have surrounded my life women in sport group and my community is like rock solid. But you do have to watch out for both parties. Like you know, it’s it’s hard to make a but when you make it to like some people they they only want to be the only one or whatnot. So it is very different. Like it’s just it’s you got to just let your work speak for itself. But then also no one has time to speak up for your work in the same breath.
Akua Konadu
Yes, that Cena can’t girl that was good. That is so so good. And I think again, like your industry it sounds a little bit cutthroat however. But there’s so many good things to it like just team building and like really finding your people I think is so, so important. Because that’s like for me, my as I’m comfortable being a business owner that was stressing me out. I mean, okay, so that’s what you’re gonna do you throw me under the bus. And this is that let’s test alongside Ben. So putting right, that would be me. So how you hats off to you?
Jaelyn Ardnt
Look, I’m like it’s just a game. I’m gonna win the game. Okay,
Akua Konadu
yes. Playing chess, not checkers out here. Oh, my gosh, I love you. This is already conversation. I’m enjoying it so much. And so Okay, so what do you think, then now, with your experience, is some of the biggest challenges that women in sports are facing today?
Jaelyn Ardnt
I would say from like a plane standpoint, or like working, Sam,
Akua Konadu
working, I think both I think you know, for somebody who has done both, like, what are some of your perspective, because we’re definitely gonna talk about the NCAA Tournament, women’s tournament, we’re gonna get to that in a minute. But I really want to hear so just everything that you’ve experienced, what are some of the challenges that you have seen today in women’s sports from both angles,
Jaelyn Ardnt
I would say one finances like men normally, like have a higher revenue that they bring in. So that’s always tough. And then from like working in sports, it would be like having a seat at the table and being able to be vocal at it. And in wanting to be heard, I think that starts with like leadership down to like people who talk about you when you’re not in a room and like oh, so and so had this idea, or hey, I should I want to invite someone so to this networking event and being authentic in it. And I think the NFL Combine was an indie this past year, and they had like an NFL like women networking event, and just having those and genuinely connecting with people. And I’m an extrovert, like all the way but sometimes when I’m in those situations where I really don’t know anyone, or I don’t have like that one person who is like my rock, I get quiet. And I just respect the women who will come up and introduce themselves to everybody just to say hi. And that’s something that always stood out to me in this field. Because like as women, it can be like, Oh, we’re a little closed off, like don’t sit over here or whatever. But like, I will say that a lot of these like women’s sport networking events, everyone’s super open. But yeah, I think it’s just having a seat at the table and also asking for the money that you deserve as well. Like, we don’t speak about salaries or what we get paid. But a lot of my friends in this industry, we’re very open about that in the benefits and how we communicate that and talk about it because it’s not fair and you should get paid what you deserve. And I’ll say this industry like normally when you’re starting out, there’s not a lot of money to be made and until you work your way up. So I don’t know have those people in that support group around you that you can have those like raw and authentic conversations with.
Akua Konadu
I love that you pointed that out. Because even as business owners, we have like, that’s kind of been the conversation more in the industry in our industry as well of just transparency around how much you make as a business owner. And I am now much more transparent about how much I make, because I feel like especially as women, these conversations are very necessary. I feel like there’s a reason why, especially maybe in corporate spaces where they say don’t talk about your salary. There is absolutely a reason why for that. And it’s like, No, we should be talking about our salaries so that people know what they deserve, right. And so I love that you have that core group of people that are there to support you, and are able to be transparent with you. Because sometimes all sometimes I feel like as well, we as women, we don’t realize the value that we offer until we start kind of having conversations with others. Right until, and that’s not everybody, but I know for me, I’m like, oh, like there is truly a lot of value in what I offer based on conversations that I’ve had with other people because sometimes we just need people to uplift us. And because they see things in us that we may not see in ourselves. And so I love that you have that conversation and are really, really transparent about that because I feel like that’s a conversation that we should be having on a regular basis of how much we’re making, especially as women looking to make a lasting impact with a meaningful gift look no further than Amana Chua. As a mother daughter business we specialize in providing gift boxes filled with products from talented bipoc and LGBTQ plus creators. Whether it’s a birthday anniversary, or simply just because a Monica has the perfect gift for any occasion, visit our website Amana chua.com. And don’t forget to use the code Akua 10 at checkout for 10% off your first order. Start creating your unforgettable gift experience today by exploring a mA and Akua at a mA and akua.com That’s a MAANDAKU a.com. Now let’s get back to the episode. And so how do you think that some of these challenges can be addressed?
Jaelyn Ardnt
I would say honestly, it especially I think women’s basketball is probably the biggest topic and comparing it to women’s but or women’s basketball getting compared to men’s basketball. Right. And I would say the NCAA specifically has done a lot to make the corrections like we acknowledged that the tournament that happened prior like it was not right. It wasn’t an equity issue. There was no weight room for the women as like,
Akua Konadu
really quick what happens the previous tournament?
Jaelyn Ardnt
Yeah, so it was honestly before I was hired, but they kind of got exposed through tic toc which is kind of full circle because I run the March Madness tic tock now so are just during the March Madness time is when I run the TIC tock but they didn’t have a full weight room like the men had like a full on like think of like a lifetime weight room type of setup. And then the women had just like some yoga mats and like dumbbells. And that was really what started it. And then it got more exposed on like, the gifts like they get gifts each round that they make. And they weren’t getting the same top tier gifts that the men were getting versus the women. So rightfully so it got blown up. And then now previous now these next previous years, everything’s been the same. So like whatever the men get the women get whatever the women get the men get. And you can tell like just from last year, the championship in Minneapolis to this year in Dallas. Like they have a whole airport arrival party that’s like a private party for their team with DJs like gifts that are there they have decked out on hotels, student lounges, like it is an experience like just to be there. But I think it unfortunately it took something like that to like shake everybody’s boots and be like, Okay, we got to like do something. And then from like a career wise like working, I think it’s just getting connected with other women in the industry that have trailblaze their way and then also other men too, because when you can have open conversations about how allow this meeting and like I kind of felt a little weird how so and so was talking to me. And if you can tell that to your your peer that’s a male and then they can kind of support you in that conversation. Like that’s different. And I will also say like, it’s it’s not for the weak in like this industry. It’s it’s hard if you’re a male, a female, like whatever you identify as like it’s cutthroat because you have to work and I know like Kim Kay got like in trouble for saying people don’t want to work these days. But I’m with her like people don’t work these days and I’m like, where are we gonna work?
Akua Konadu
For her wanting a soft fly fly I don’t want to
Jaelyn Ardnt
get in I get that too. Like there’s a time and a place like for everything and like, but this field is not out of nine to five. It’s it’s not a Monday through Friday like, I think it looks like the hustle looks cute, but the hustle is ugly. Like it’s not it’s not cute behind the scenes like, it looks cool that we were talking about at the draft and all that. It doesn’t look cute that I haven’t been in my house for like a month and a half. Like I’m tired. You know. So it’s like, it’s a lot of travel. So I know I just told him for Tanya.
Akua Konadu
Liza. True. Jalen was at the NFL Draft y’all looking real cute her girl go. I said, Okay, girl, so she looked like she was living a luxurious life. That girl was working,
Jaelyn Ardnt
working, working. But no, it was great.
Akua Konadu
I love that I love some of the things you highlighted of just number one really connecting with women who, number one women connected with each other, but also to connecting with women who have paved the way have walked so everybody could run. And so I absolutely love that. I think that’s so so important. And number one, I think that’s interesting. Well, number one, the power of tick tock. That’s why I also think that’s why it’s such a controversial topic right now. It’d be a tick tock really be exposing the truth out here. So really, really do so the fact that the NCAA number one? Yes, they corrected it. But how long was that going where every single year at these big tournaments, NCAA D one, and obviously D one, D two, D three, they all each have their tournaments. But the D one is one that’s mainly broadcasted like, that’s one that everybody watches, that they’ve been literally treating the women just give them a yoga mat. No, wait, I lift ever, you know what I mean? Something I would I would feel so disrespected. So I’m glad that they have righted their wrongs.
Jaelyn Ardnt
Yes, yes, we are. Like and, and it’s been great to see the evolution of women’s basketball, like even talking about like the rights and like, where it’s getting broadcasted, like being on the main ESPN now like, different like those little things. Like, if you can see it, you can be it and it wasn’t being seen. And so now it’s being seen. And that is what like going back to your original question. Like, that’s it and it sounds easy, but sometimes, like it’s those easy things that slip through the cracks, and people don’t understand like, oh, it’s still getting played on ESPN, too. But that’s that’s not the point.
Akua Konadu
Yeah, yeah, that’s not the point. Exactly. Like I deserve to be fully, fully seen. And I fit. This is where we’re going to now y’all we’re finally gonna get into it. Because let’s talk about the recent NCAA D one women’s basketball tournament. So I went up and looked at I wanted to look at the stacks. I was really curious. But the women’s national game, the championship game brought in 8.8 million viewers, which was the most viewed women’s college basketball game on record, and the most viewed college basketball game men or women’s ever on ESPN platform. Number one, how do you feel about that? Knowing that I’m sure you already knew that. But how do you feel about that? Hearing it again, because you played a role in that? How does that feel?
Jaelyn Ardnt
I mean, it’s just crazy. And like the team like I will forever be in debt to like Daris like she runs the March Madness like accounts like Dion he brought us in and like Alexis and autumn, like that was really our like crew. But then on top of it, we have all these other content creators like Sina in forest, who are running the videography. And like it, there’s just so many people like we have a graphics guy, Chris, who’s like, literally like staying up till the middle of the night, like making sure that these graphics for everyone is amazing. Like we’re pushing all this content out. And without them like I wouldn’t have had this opportunity, like I got the opportunity when it was in Minneapolis and then they asked me to come back again for Dallas and just to be able to be here now like a second time and see how it’s ran and like for them to trust me in the content to push in and run with it and be creative. You know, we built relationships with these student athletes. We went on a college road trip throughout the summer and visited all these schools and we did content with them and I went about like on half of them with the team to just help them out. And so they knew us by name like they’re getting off the plane and hugging us and then I think we repaired that relationship that happened when everyone was like oh like we don’t like when March Madness anymore. Like bah blah because of what happened and then we got to go and like actually build a relationship they saw who’s behind the accounts like who’s posting but yeah, so just it’s like it feels good but it’s such a cobweb of like everyone who’s made it to be this good relationships with our corporate partnerships like everyone who’s investing in women’s basketball period made it so possible and and also the entertainment part like it’s fun to watch like the banter is fun like the competitiveness is fun. The outfits are fun, like we love it here.
Akua Konadu
I first of all, I already told Jalen this so she knows I don’t watch sports y’all okay, I participated in them. I didn’t watch them. However, on Twitter is when the tournament was highlighted to me because everyone Twitter was blowing up, especially highlighting almost a lot of the student athletes who were just killing it, but specifically to women, and they ended up being in the national championship. And so this there was one individual Caitlin Clark, who plays for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Right who amazing basketball player. Amazing. And then you also have Angel Reese, who plays for LSU, which is Louisiana, right and Louisiana. I did my homework girls making sure I was researching. But the only reason why I know of them is because the conversations that were being had on Twitter because and it was entertaining, like I was watching clips from the game, and then I started YouTubing. And I’m watching stuff of them. And I was like holy smokes. I never knew how much Women’s Basketball has become so competitive. And then learning more about who each of these women are and their stories. It was phenomenal. And so I do want to talk about that basketball game, though. Because yes, the banter, the banter goes back and forth. And I’m just going to give a little bit of backstory here with that. So Caitlin Clark, based on what I was seeing in Twitter, she know F’s were given Okay, she was letting everybody know, she was giving it to everybody. Okay, all of the trash talk the banter. Everybody could get it. And I felt bad for anybody that wasn’t her line of sight. Like, there she goes again. And she had the numbers to back it up. So I was like, Well, you know what I mean? And then so due to that they had the game with Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, Iowa versus LSU and LSU ended up winning. And then Angel Reese. Gave it right back, she gave that banter right back. Okay, so this is very typical sports, Twitter and the media erupted over this, especially specifically Angel Reese, but I want but that’s a whole nother conversation. But my focus is on how they treated the women I feel. Did you feel that there was gender bias because usually see a lot of like, especially in MBA, cause basketball men trash talking is truly a part of the game banter is a part of the game. And I felt like with with both of these student athletes, it was really frowned upon that they were expression, emotion, almost the same type, the same type of emotions that men Express it’s, you know, the competitiveness of the game. And I that’s what I personally saw in the media, but I would love to know your thoughts on that.
Jaelyn Ardnt
Yeah, I mean, I think the media runs with like, the most trendy story or what’s gonna get people talking, but like, it was, it was a sign like Caitlin did, like, you can’t see me type of vibe, like when they won a game previously. And then Angel Reese did it back to her when they were about to win. And honestly, like it was that stuff was going on. But they just kind of took it to a whole nother level. And like you said, like, this is part of the game is why people come to watch the game. It’s why people tap into the game. I mean, at the end of the day, I think both of them handled that extremely well. Like Caitlin Clint came out and was like, like, I doesn’t matter that angel did that. And like Angel was like it does that was wasn’t a malicious thing to her. It was like in the moment in the heat the game, you know, so to me like, I love it. I thought it was so fun. Yeah, and like, like, I love that you can have that little cocky swag, little chip on your shoulder, whatever. But at the end of the day, like both of them have numbers to back it up. Oh, my point. You tell them nothing. Like they were doing their thing.
Akua Konadu
They were doing their thing. They were killing it. And it was so fun to watch two athletes. Like for me, it wasn’t like, oh, they were women. It was so fun to see two athletes and their teams. And there’s so many other who obviously like, you know, have helped push both programs, as far as they’ve gotten. Be passionate about the game. And it was so fun to watch them. So when everything just erupted on Twitter, I was like bambbles. I said, What Wait, what’s the problem? Like, and so I had to go back and read I said, Oh, are we serious right now? I literally and that’s where I saw like the gender bias because they’re doing no different. Now I am watching currently the NBA Finals. Am I that person that? Yes, I do go in at the end, I do. So the Grizzlies in the Lakers. All that trash talking that was happening. And nobody said a word about the way that these men are behaving. Nobody has been worried about that. And so I think again, it’s just to the point that I don’t know why I think this sounds so ridiculous even say out loud. But I’m like art is just society in certain aspects just not used to seeing women have so much emotion. Or you know what I mean? Just that intensity? I don’t know. But I thought it was amazing and how they truly to your point how they both handled it because it wasn’t a personal thing. You’re in the moment you’re playing the game. And that’s just what it was. And they both handle it gracefully to athletes that have absolute respect for each other. And I just loved that the way that they just didn’t play into it. So yeah, yeah, that’s it was wild. The competition was wild. I was living on Twitter. I wanted to ask you about it because you were there. So I was like, Oh my gosh, oh my goodness, this is nuts. And so what I guess to like, what do you think? Like, what are your predictions for you? In women’s sports? Like, what do you think of the future? Now after the success and like, these two athletes have literally put the bet women’s basketball, college basketball, the map, and there, y’all and this has always been here. So, basketball, women’s basketball has always been there. I don’t know. But I think you know, this, definitely, they captured a lot of people’s attention. Like I’m really looking forward to watching them play next year. So what are your hopes for the future? Like, what do you think the future looks like for women’s sports?
Jaelyn Ardnt
Yeah, I mean, I think one, like they have definitely changed the game, they’re changing the narrative, they’re making it, it’s an entertainment brand at this point, you know, like, it’s competitive. And a lot of people might not even know him. But in Dallas this year, it was, uh, like D one, D two, and D three, it was a joint championship. So all the championships were played there this year. And that was like something that was so cool to see, like, we had an event called the Salu, and Division One, two, and three, they were all there, like the student athletes, and they got to hang out and meet each other, and mingle and like those were moments that maybe a d3 athlete would have never crossed paths with an angel Reese or Caitlin Clark, and people are taking pictures with Coach Staley, like, all these things. And in like, that’s what it’s about, like the community that like being a women’s basketball player will provide you or being a student athlete period. So I can see like the joint championships are coming something because it is fun to like, the more people the merrier. And then I just see it being seen more, there’s going to be more people that are going to be pushing the narrative wanting you to go to games like the the clothes, the swag, the style, like it’s not even just about what happened on the court, like people invested into these players off the core. And that’s what’s gonna make this like movement go above and beyond anything else.
Akua Konadu
Oh, I love that. But I think also to that speaks to what you do just as a follow storyteller of how you are sharing the stories, the impact that’s being made by you, supporting them and letting and allowing them to be seen because it truly is. It’s such a beautiful moment that not everybody gets to experience especially like just being a collegiate athlete, like somebody you know what I mean? Like, it’s, that’s, I think that’s amazing that they combine all of them and just to have all of the students and everybody that has supported them get together and like, hang out, I think that’s amazing. I’m super, super excited as well for the future women’s sports, honestly, because it’s about damn time. I mean, I’m gonna watch I will be watching women’s I won’t be watching men’s I know, shades, or there’s nothing I just really enjoyed. Just everything that I saw. And it was so much fun just to I didn’t know that angel Reese is only like a sophomore or something or like, I was like, what she got high. So while she’s there, I’m a watch. I will be watching, getting as many, you know, games as I can, watching her and also to Caitlyn Clark. Like they both are just truly, truly amazing. And so is there anything else that you want to share? Like what anything else about women’s sports that like women in sports, like you just want people to know, because this has been such a fun conversation.
Jaelyn Ardnt
This has been so fun. I mean, I also think like women in sports, like you don’t have to be an athlete to be in this industry. And I think some people really think you had to be an athlete to come through this industry, and then just continue to network, like everyone like to be honest, like, my LinkedIn is like, full of DMS, and like, I just want to pick your brain, I just want to do this. And like, I always want to, like pay it forward and like help out, but it’s just like, there’s not enough time in a day. And like, have yourself stand out when you’re reaching out and making connections. Like, there’s a different, like, there’s a fine line between like, hey, I want like, if there’s a job open, can you let me know. And like, I don’t even know you. So I’ll probably have another race of people, I’d probably send a job to
Akua Konadu
I’m travel, I just have like, I’m at the airport,
Jaelyn Ardnt
like, I don’t know, but then if someone’s like, genuinely like, hey, I want to connect and just hear about your career path. Like that’s a different type of conversation. Or if I’m getting connected through someone to one of my other friends in the industry, like I always get the time. So I think just understanding that and then just being willing to put in the work, like going back to that, like there’s going to be times like, okay, you can come help out an event, but it might be volunteering your time. But it could make you that one connection that changes your whole career trajectory, like so, you know, it is a balance because, I mean, I did it to like I was a GA getting paid like 600 a month for nine months out of the year like we all have been there. So just continue to grind and find your circle that uplifts you like in your life. Like I always tell everyone no matter where you’re at, like take everything that company will give you like if it’s professional development, if it’s extra online training, if it will pay you to take a class once a month, like do it like you Do you desert like that to your benefit, so like, take it for everything that it will provide you and then honestly, like, just go with it like trust yourself, like use your voice at the table like in your You do deserve to be there period.
Akua Konadu
I just love that because I feel like that’s so everything that you shared is something that you literally can just take with life in general. Like literally if there’s anything that you see that you want, go after it, work hard for it, you know what I mean? Those things are gonna pay off build those genuine connections with people that really matter to you. I think those are all just such important aspects and it’s really fun. Like I said, y’all, we’ll touch base where people can find you but y’all please find her because I’m looking at what she’s doing because also to the outfits are always great. What I always love her outfits and too it’s just really fun to see somebody who lives that out everyday who’s working hard, and you do get to see like some of the like you reaping some of those benefits and it’s really been awesome and such a gift to see and how you are making an impact and really impacting these students lives. Honestly, this is it truly is such a gift. So I am just so thankful that you joined us today. And Jaylen where can people find you?
Jaelyn Ardnt
Yeah, well thank you for having me on like oh my gosh, he’s gonna be choked up. But yeah, honestly people reached out like more than happy to connect my Instagram is Jalen dot art. My Twitter is Jalen underscore art and then LinkedIn is just my first and last name Jalen art, feel free to slide in my DMs and then we will connect
Akua Konadu
Yes, girl. Thank you so much. And for this conversation, I think just this really frank and honest conversation about women’s in sport women in sports, and I hope everybody that you all enjoyed this episode. And until next time. Thank you so much for tuning into here’s the tea with a cooler. If you are loving the podcast, I’d be so honored if you go ahead and hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast player and leave a review. This helps grow the podcast so more people can be impacted by the story shared by powerful guests like in today’s episode. Until next time, go make uncomfortable conversations a little more comfortable.
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