Former Big 12 Player/Current Professional Player Katrina Pardee: Creating Your Own Destiny

About the Guest(s): Katrina Pardee, a professional basketball player originally from Austin, Texas, has made significant strides in her basketball career. With roots firmly planted at West Virginia University (WVU), Pardee's collegiate experience laid the groundwork for a successful professional journey. Having played in diverse international locations such as Turkey, Spain, Ireland, Brazil, and Slovenia, her overseas career reflects her adaptability and skill on the court. Beyond her athletic prowess, Pardee expresses a deep commitment to mentoring up-and-coming players and eventually aims to explore coaching opportunities to give back to the sport that has defined so much of her life. Episode Summary: In this episode of the podcast, Katrina Pardee takes us through her experiences as a professional basketball player, her journey through injury and recovery, and her views on the current landscape of women's basketball. Pardee delves into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a pro career overseas, sharing wisdom gleaned from years of competitive play. Pardee opens up about the shifting dynamics of basketball culture, influenced by social media and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, and examines how these changes impact player mentality. She advocates for the blue-collar work ethic she believes is waning in players today, emphasizing the necessity of hard work and dedication for lasting success in the sport. Reflecting on her college recruitment process, Pardee sheds light on the importance of persistence and using setbacks as formative experiences. Key Takeaways: Katrina Pardee discusses her journey from being an underdog to playing professionally, emphasizing the role of perseverance and work ethic in achieving success. The influence of NIL deals and social media is examined, noting both positive and negative impacts on the attitudes of upcoming basketball players. Pardee's ACL injury and subsequent recovery underscore the mental and physical challenges athletes face and how it can become a pivotal moment in their careers. The importance of coaching relationships and mentorship is highlighted, particularly when navigating injuries and the recruitment process. Looking ahead, Pardee expresses her desire to give back to the sport through coaching and passions outside of playing professionally. Notable Quotes: "You could do whatever you want to do. If you want to work hard and put in the work to go D1, big twelve, power five school. You can do it." "Coaches don't owe you anything. If they're not winning games, they will say goodbye so fast." "It's rare. So when kids come across a good coach with good connections, take advantage of it, because it is not every day that you see that." "Everybody, it's a lot, like, a lot has been affected with social media. I think NIL deals. A lot of players these days are like, all right, I can go here, and I just want to make money." "You got to trust the process, putting in the work and understanding that day by day it will add up." Katrina On IG: katrinapardee Ashley On IG: _thisisashleyr Its Just Different Podcast on socials: itsjustdifferentpod Want to get some Merch? www.ashleynroberts.com