About Michelle
I grew up in small-town California watching the NFL, NCAA basketball, Olympics, and playing basketball and gymnastics. For me and my mom, the place to be and the team to watch, the vibe to have was the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team led by legendary coach Pat Summit. I still wish I had those EYES – the eyes that expressed a variety of emotions, most of the time irritated exasperation. I’ve come to love that hideous orange, partially because it matches Coach Summitt’s steely blue eyes. Rest in Power!
I’m a miserable childless cat lady from Central California by way of Virginia with some MidWest influence. I’m a women’s sports fanatic, full stop. I’m an activist, YIMBY, Golden State Valkyries Founding Guard member and season ticket holder with my partner Filiberto, and occasional runner who works for social justice, equal pay, and intersectional liberation. I’m a former journalist now focusing on advocacy communications and storytelling.
I found a home in sports, a home with fans and athletes who are as passionate and committed to community and building something bigger than ourselves. Prior to Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe taking knees, WNBA and NWSL players were leading with justice.
Despite the evil emanating from the darkest recesses, we’re seeing a tidal shift. Women and people who identify as women can be themselves. We’re seeing their full selves, when they are able and safe. I’m excited to see what’s next.
Caption under photo on website: Quote to live by: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should (I’m looking at you oligarchs, tech bros, and homeowners associations).”
About Filiberto
'La justicia es igual a las serpientes, sólo muerden a los que están descalzos'
-Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero
Over the last 20 years I have been devoted to the movement for working people as an elected union leader, organizer, researcher, investigative journalist and most consistently a storyteller. Raised in a Mexican working class enclave of Eastern Los Angeles, I spent many hours hooping with the homies in public parks all over Montebello.
During the pandemic I turned away from men's sports as teams were increasingly owned by billionaires and the unpunished transgressions of abusive and predatory men became a common plot line. Without the spectacle and noise of male sport I realized that my interest was in part shaped by early and distorted ideas of masculinity that were beaten into me by my father and others.
My love of athletics, team building, and achievement was rekindled by watching hours of women’s basketball with my partner Michelle. In the women’s game I saw compelling storylines, fluid beautiful play, relatable players who interview really well, and an overall history of women being denied and ignored. I was hooked. For me, a cis gender hetero first gen Mexican dude, this podcast is a celebration of what women have achieved on their own terms and how much we enjoy watching it unfold. As a consumer, the men's game felt like deception and extraction. I find the women’s game healing.
For me WNBA players have been an inspiration speaking out in the face of injustice. As a journalist in Minnesota I was strengthened by the Lynx displays of disgust and solidarity after the murder of George Floyd. As a brown man in an increasingly fascist and dystopian society I see and appreciate players speaking out against ICE raids, murders and occupations of cities across the country.
Podcasts are not new to me. In the past I ran a Latinx lifestyle website and podcast, El Huateque. My music journalism covered the emerging Los Angeles Latinx music scene having produced shows with bands such as Yanga, Brainstory, El Huroi Kuroi, Quitapenas among others. I am most proud of an Oakland benefit show I put together headlined by Chicano Batman for unaccompanied minors seeking political asylum. I loved what I did then and I am so looking forward to exploring ball with my partner, guests and y’all.