Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Women in Sports and Business

Sports culture comes alive in this electric episode of Pick'em Pros, recorded before an enthusiastic live audience at Kings in Raleigh. Celebrating International Women's Month, hosts Derrick and Diego Thompson bring together legends who have shattered glass ceilings alongside tomorrow's rising stars.The show opens with the undeniable presence of sports pioneer Dolores "Dee" Todd, whose list of "firsts" leaves the audience awestruck—from being the ACC's first Black head coach to appearing on Kellogg's Corn Flakes boxes. With quiet dignity, Todd shares how she transformed women's basketball by securing live TV coverage ("they told me they didn't want to spend money to see women running up and down the court looking like men") and introducing three-person officiating crews. When asked about her proudest achievement, Todd points to her work expanding opportunities for women of color in athletic administration, growing representation from a single member to over 500.The conversation shifts seamlessly between sports analysis and personal stories when Tyler Jones, former NC State player turned recruiter, provides a candid window into today's college recruitment landscape. "It's no longer about which school you like or where your parents went," Jones explains. "It's about who has the biggest checkbook." His advice to young athletes reveals a recruiter's true priorities: character and work ethic outweigh raw talent when building winning programs.Perhaps the night's most touching moment comes when teenage golf phenom Olivia shares her journey as a sophomore athlete dropping five strokes from her game. When Dolores Todd tells her with absolute certainty, "You're going to be the best in the world," the room falls silent with the weight of a torch being passed.Former Duke Athletics marketing director Kelly Marcolini adds another dimension, revealing how she created the now-iconic "Shots" tradition at Cameron Indoor Stadium and the behind-the-scenes work that makes college sports experiences unforgettable. Between segments, musical performances from Chucc Global keep the energy high, culminating in a performance of the Pick'em Pros anthem that brings the house down.Whether you're drawn to stories of barrier-breaking achievements, insider takes on recruitment, or predictions about March Madness and the NBA playoffs, this episode delivers with heart and authenticity that only comes when sports lovers gather to celebrate the games that unite us.🏆 Special Guests:🏅 Delores “Dee” Todd – Trailblazing former ACC Assistant Commissioner🏈 Tyler Jones – Former NC State player & current recruiter⛳ Olivia Heggie – Rising collegiate golf star📢 Kelly Marcolini – Former Associate Director of Marketing for Duke Athletics🎶 Live music performance by Chucc Global🎧 DJ EJ Da Wizz keeping the energy high all night!Lexy's Bussin Baking - Draws the winner of the NCAA VIP Suite Tickets and shares her entrepreneurship journey!Please subscribe to the podcast today and share this content with your friends!