 Yes, we're here with the 2020 ACC defensive player of the year and one of the newest members of the New York Liberty, Kylie Schuch. Kylie, thank you so much for joining us. We appreciate it. Thank you for having me. I appreciate it too. Not a problem. And, you know, your journey starts in Colorado and it starts playing against boys in boys league. So how old were you when you started playing against the boys and what was that experience like for you? I would probably say third grade and like we had like the little baby rims that go like on the lower and like I always remember I used to like hit it and like the rest would be like I'm like, ooh, I've been, I'm like, oh, and then yeah, so that's probably where I started playing with boys. And then the older I got, I just kept playing with boys. Your sophomore and junior year in high school, you ran into some injury problems. And then when you went into your senior year, it was said that your high school coach, Jeff Beatty, he took you aside and gave you a talk and it led to you being a McDonald's All-American. So what was it about Coach Beatty that turned everything around your senior year? I would just say I'll drop my high school career. He was like, you have so much potential and then him and my dad would have like discussions off the scene and then kind of like collaborate. So they both be telling me the same things. So I guess my senior year, I just finally realized like it's possible and the more opportunities you hear about, the more you want to accomplish them. So when he like pulled me aside to him and my dad and they were like, you have the possibility to do this. So I was like, okay, like I can do it. So if I want to do it, I need to put my mind to it and work towards it. How cool is it? Because I went through this too with my dad because the practice didn't end when practice ended because we got in the car, the ride home, it was more practice with your second coach. So how influential was your dad along your journey? Oh, he was crazy. I mean, he was there through every moment, whether it's before and before games, we have pet game, pet game, pre-talk and all that stuff. And then after games, he's like, yep, there's what you did. And I'm like, oh man, but no, it never stopped. But he definitely pushed me to be the best that I could be. And that's probably half the reason why I am where I am because my whole high school career, he kind of established what I need to do. So when I got to college, I was like, it's just the same routine. And you get to college and you have a pretty awesome college coach and Jeff Walls at Louisville. So how did he continue that process and get you to the next level? He's a very hard coach. I mean, not hard to work with or anything like that. But he's that's the whole reason I went to Louisville because I know that he would make me the best that I could be. And I know like playing at that level, you have to play the best that you can, which is why I sat the bench for two years because I didn't get it. So I mean, in order to be the best, you have to train the best. You have to really focus. And I think that he pushed me to get there, which is what I wanted. I mean, the journey wasn't easy, but he stuck on my side and he was hard on me. Like he saw potential that I didn't see myself. So it was good. It plays with your mind when you know you have the ability and you're you're basically locked on the bench. How much did that drive you to get to where you were later in your career at Louisville? A lot. I mean, everybody goes through ups and downs, wanting to give up and then getting mad. Like, why am I here? Why am I this? But I think he did a really good job at explaining to me like what I needed to do all the time. I was like, like, I'm doing it like, why am I sitting in the bench? Like, I don't get it. So I think it just took growth and learning and confidence and watching the other players, the best players ahead of me, seeing what they're doing. So yeah, it was a journey, but it got me where I am because I buckled down like this. I wanted to make it to the WNBA this level and I didn't do that. I can't sit the bench. I can't take summers off. And that's what I did. So how about, all right, you brought up the WNBA and the New York Liberty. So let's go back to draft night. First and foremost, when your name is called, what's that moment like for you and your family? It just seemed unreal. I was like, what? Like, well, first jazz called me before I even saw it on the TV. I was like, congratulations. She's like, no, you. I'm like, huh? We're all jumping and screaming. It just felt unreal. I didn't expect to go that early. And I'm so thankful I did. And to the team I wanted to go to, because I love the coaches and my teammates are already there. So it was just like a dream come true. So Jasmine Jones gets drafted right before you at 12. She's the last pick of the first round. You're the first pick of the second round. And already on the team from Louisville is Asia Durk. So going into this whole process, do you have to be uber comfortable to have so many familiar faces around you? Oh, yeah, definitely. So I mean, I have my two teammates. And then on top of that, other people in the league, like in the ACC, like Jocelyn and well, Sabrina, I don't know Sabrina from AAU and all that stuff. And then Odom, we've all played with each other for four years. We all know how we play. And then Odom, I went to, I actually roomed with her at McDonald's. So it's kind of comfortable because I know somewhat about all of these people. Yeah, sometimes people say familiarity breeds contempt, but it's just the exact opposite with the way you know everybody here. How important is that to have a familiarity with the people that you're going to play at the professional level? I would say it's really important. I mean, because more comfortable you are, the more able you are to feel comfortable to talk to them and speak and open up. So instead of being the way I kind of am and timid and like, oh, I don't want to step on anybody's toes. Like I'll go there and be semi comfortable. And on top of that, we're already having calls with other teammates. So I'm already getting comfortable in that aspect too. You brought up the Liberty coaching staff and you said you hit it off with them. What was it about Walt and his staff that you hit it off with them? I would say probably just feeling comfortable in what he talked about. Like how he wants to play the team, how he wants me to play and how it's a process. Like he's very upfront, straightforward, doesn't sugarcoat. And I like that about coaches. He also cares like, you can tell that the coaching staff really cares about the players and cares about like the small details and the things that I focus on when I'm looking at basketball. And I kind of feel like the way they coach is similar to the way Walt's coaches. So just how like they look at details and like the minor things and coach you through them. So that really like stood out. So I was like, okay, like, be good. All right, back on February 13th against fourth ranked NC State. You had 10 points, 10 boards, seven blocks and you held Alyssa Canane to one for 12 from the floor. So having said that, playing such at a high level against a highly ranked team, what could Liberty fans expect from you when they see you play? I would say I really focus on both sides of the court. I know some people really just focus on the offensive end, but I love defense and I take pride in my defense. So definitely look out for that. Hopefully I'll be out there doing what I did in college. But no, I'm just really gonna try to make an impact on both sides of the floor and do what's best for my team and kind of get into the new process. And the WNBA is definitely a higher pace. So I'll get used to that. Asia Dur called you on draft night too. Did she give you any words of wisdom about coming to the league? No, she was just like, congratulations. Cause she knew my process. She was like my go-to person when I was struggling. So she was like, you did it, be proud. She's like, I can't wait to see you. I miss you. She's like, but just be ready. I mean, it's a whole different level. It's a whole different game. Now besides prepping for the upcoming season, are there any hobbies? Are there any books? Are there any shows that you're binging? What are you doing in your free time if you have some? So much free time. But no, I'm watching All-American. So I haven't got through that. But hiking a lot, working out. I'm working out like three times a day. I'm just bored. I'm like, OK, next video. But I'm actually going camping with my dad for Memorial Day weekend. So that should be fun. Yeah, mainly just hiking, working out, reading books, being bored. How about some favorite food? Anything you're cooking up while you're in quarantine like everybody else? I am cooking, so that's a start. But no, I have time to. But no, my favorite food is crab and prime rib. And I don't know how to cook, though, so. Well, we'll have to do a cooking show. I already have Zowie be on board. I have Rashonda Gray on board as well. So maybe we'll all get together. And crab will be on the menu. We'll have to hook that up. Rashonda's already sending me videos by my eyebrows. We were talking about them. I said, I'm shaving them all off. Quarantine's not doing me good. Kylie, I cannot wait to see you in a New York Liberty uniform. I can't wait to see us start playing basketball again. Thank you so much for the time. We appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you very much.