I'm Kimberly Crenshaw, and this is Intersectionality Matters.

The podcast that brings intersectionality to life by exploring the hidden dimensions of today's most pressing issues, from say her name to the war on woke, DEI and CRT, and the global rise of fascism.

This idea Trave-Log lifts up the work of leading activists, artists, and scholars, and helps

listeners understand politics, the law, social movements, and even their own lives in deeper,

more nuanced ways.

On this episode of intersectionality matters, we turn our attention to what may it first seem

like an unlikely topic, the 26 NCAA women's final four.

This year's matchup was between two of the most story programs in women's college basketball,

the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, coached by Don Staley,

and the University of Connecticut Huskies, coached by Gino Ariama.

For decades, his name has been synonymous with dominance in the women's game.

Multiple national titles have been won under his leadership, making him the standard

bearer for excellence.

But in recent years, that same standard

has had to make room for another legend,

Don Staley, a black woman from North Philadelphia,

who has transformed South Carolina into a powerhouse.

And by so doing, redefined what leadership, excellence,

and visibility look like for black women in sports.

Coach Don has led South Carolina to three national championships and a perfect 30-0 season in 2024,

solidifying herself as one of the greatest coaches of her generation. She is a four-time

Naismith coach of the year, a Hall of Famer, and she also led Team USA to Olympic Gold as head coach,

...