PJ Brown

PJ Brown: Opening day at Arizona softball Observations from Hillenbrand Stadium

Here are my observations from opening day at Arizona Softball.

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Time for opening day at Arizona softball

It was a sad day for journalism and sports journalism. A great message from my friend, @howardmegdal.bsky.social today (and always). This is the time to support your favorite journalists, so we can all continue to do good, quality work.

Last week I was back reporting on basketball in person for 2 games at SMU women’s basketball.

Here are some observations on what it’s like being back after 10 months.

(photo courtesy of SMU Athletics)

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Arizona Sports & Events Alliance's Kelly Triplett made for the sprint to the Women's Final Four What goes into the last few months of preparing to host the most anticipated event of the 2025-26 season

Phoenix is hosting the 2026 Women’s Final Four. I talked to Arizona Sports & Events Alliance’s Kelly Triplett on the planning, as well as what the sprint to April 3 looks like.

Here’s the full story …

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Stanford basketball's Chloe Clardy "battle-tested" and it shows Clardy on studying, working to grow and help teammates

“She’s battle-tested. You can’t buy that; you can’t rush that. That’s true experience.” - Stanford women’s basketball coach Kate Paye on junior guard Chloe Clardy

Read the full story here …

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Great nugget from @cbrunsonaz.bsky.social on this USC-UCLA game about the shoes. USC’s JuJu Watkins designed the Nike shoes her teammates are wearing however Londynn Jones isn’t wearing them because they didn’t make them small enough. Jones wears a 7 & the shoes only go down to 7 1/2.

PJ Brown: The fight for media attention for women's sports continues UCLA coach Cori Close's message after little coverage of game between two ranked teams

The lack of media coverage for women’s basketball/sports was a big topic this week as UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close started the conversation after the Bruins game at Ohio State.

Here’s my take …

(Photo courtesy of UCLA Athletics)

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Team USA women's water polo navigating new waters after loss at 2024 Olympics With parity in play, the domination may be over but Team USA still among the best

I believe stories on Olympians should be told all the time, not just the few weeks leading up to their events.

My latest is on Team USA women’s water polo team and their reset for the 2028 Olympics in L.A.

Here’s the full story…

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This is a must-listen. Not just this episode but every episode!

Louisville volleyball's Hannah Kenny takes on new role, yet thrives, impacts the program as a freshman Kenny relies on work ethic, mentality and skills

“We’d want a million Hannah Kennys on our team if we could.” - Louisville volleyball assistant CC McGraw.

Here’s the full story on Hannah Kenny.

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Illinois women’s basketball with a dominant win, 78-57, over Indiana to open Big Ten play. It was disciplined, team ball with 23 assists on 34 made FGs. The Illini forced 20 turnovers.

Illinois basketball's Destiny Jackson uses her Chicago mentality to her advantage Jackson on never being satisfied

“(It’s about) never being satisfied; always knowing that there is another step that I can reach.” - Illinois freshman guard Destiny Jackson.

Here’s the full story on this Chicagoan …

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It's a new day and a reset for SMU basketball coach Adia Barnes Barnes on starting over in Dallas and at SMU

I talked to SMU women’s basketball coach Adia Barnes recently on her new chapter.

Here’s the full story

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I had a great conversation with Arizona Triathlon’s Kelly Wetteland a few weeks back (prior to her winning the NCAA individual championship and another team title).

I hope you’ll take a look at theundercovered.substack.com/p/arizona-tr...

My biggest fan ... Honoring and celebrating Phyliss Brown

My 97 year old mom, Phyliss Brown, passed away last week. After some reflection, it’s time to celebrate her life.

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From individual and team National Champion, Arizona Triathlon’s Kelly Wetteland…

Spend a few good minutes with ... USC basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb Gottlieb on the "Real 'SC" matchup. coaches facing extra challenges and more

With all the changes in college basketball, USC basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb made a “conscious decision to double down on the things that are my core values of coaching.”

Here’s the full Q&A, including Saturday’s upcoming “The Real ‘SC” game

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Arizona Triathlon’s Kelly Wetteland’s unimaginable meteoric rise to the top of the sport A newcomer to triathlon, Wetteland’s work ethic, clear-headedness and trust in her coaches made all the difference

I wrote about Kelly Wetteland earlier in the week and today she won the National Championship as Arizona Triathlon won its’ second consecutive title.

Here’s the story …

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Arizona Triathlon’s Kelly Wetteland’s unimaginable meteoric rise to the top of the sport A newcomer to triathlon, Wetteland’s work ethic, clear-headedness and trust in her coaches made all the difference

Just a few years ago, Arizona Triathlon’s Kelly Wetteland never imagined she would be competing in this sport or be excelling at this pace.

I talked to Kelly and here’s her story. (Photo by Rebecca Sasnett/Arizona Athletics)

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Here’s what one reader said when they subscribed to my Substack, The Undercovered: Women’s sports with PJ Brown

Charlisse Leger-Walker is back on the court! Off the court, she's home and leaving a legacy at UCLA Leger-Walker on her journey after an ACL injury and more

It’s the first day of basketball; it’s the first day back on the court in a game that counts for UCLA’s Charlisse Leger-Walker in around 650 days.

I talked to Charlisse about her ACL injury and so much more about being a Bruin.

Here’s the story …

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Spend a few good minutes with ... Stanford basketball coach Kate Paye Paye on settling in and more

One more sleep until women’s basketball tips off!

In the meantime, here’s Stanford women’s basketball coach Kate Paye on all things Cardinal.

(photo from Stanford Athletics)

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Spend a few good minutes with ... Stanford basketball coach Kate Paye Paye on settling in and more

“Just knowing more what’s coming, having lived through a whole year in the ACC, you feel more comfortable.” - Stanford women’s basketball coach Kate Paye.

Here’s the full conversation…

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Oh, heck yes. PJ Brown is fantastic — a fabulous and well-connected chronicler of women’s sports.

Go get ‘em, cuz!

Here’s what one reader said when they subscribed to my Substack, The Undercovered: Women’s sports with PJ Brown.

Arizona's Jordan Wilson's evolution on the volleyball court Wilson's clear focus, mindset and growth

“I’m here to focus on volleyball, focus on my team and help them get better.” - Arizona volleyball’s Jordan Wilson from a recent insightful conversation.

Here’s the full story (it’s a feature!) …

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Spend a few good minutes with ... Arizona triathlon coach Wes Johnson Johnson on evolving messaging for the reigning National Champions

Arizona Triathlon, reigning National Champions, dominated the NCAA West Regionals today.

Here’s my conversation with UA Triathlon coach, Wes Johnson.

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Spend a few good minutes with ... former Arizona and pro basketball player Sam Thomas Thomas on her life after playing basketball

My good friend @pjbrown024.bsky.social recently launched a Substack about women's sports. I can think of no better person to tell those stories than PJ.

If you're into women's sports (or know someone who is), please check it out. Here's a sample:

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Spend a few good minutes with ... UCLA basketball coach Cori Close Close on her coaching style and more

“(Coaching style) is an art form, not a scientific formula” - from another wide-ranging and always enjoyable conversation with UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close.

Find the full Q&A at The Undercovered: Women’s sports with PJ Brown…

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