‘You See L.A.’ Creators, Coach Made Sure Pic Following UCLA Women’s Basketball Team Shot From The Heart – Contenders TV Documentary

“And these are young athletes. These are young people who are put on the biggest stage,” Lunini added. “These are 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-year-olds who are maybe exposing themselves and making mistakes in front of the largest platform. And let’s remember that they’re the youth and give them a chance. And I think that’s what’s special. We’ve seen it in professional leagues, but to see it on this level and for them to be … We go back and these are authentically people who are themselves. And for them to share their true selves with us, I think that’s what’s unique about this.”

“I remember when Kelsey and Jeff came before our team and told them about the project and they said, ‘We’re not here to have gotcha moments.’ And I could see their shoulders go [relaxed], okay?’ Close agreed. “And just over time, there just really was a trust that their desire was to tell their stories in an honoring, but real and authentic way. And that’s exactly what they did.”

Trainor said that transparency meant seeing the team through both highs and lows. “We hoped there would be a national championship – that was the goal,” she said, “but it was really just ‘Rocky doesn’t win in the first movie,’ So we knew that you could tell a story no matter the result, if you’re caring about the human part of it.”

“Women’s basketball is the most diverse sport in all of college athletics and has been for over a decade,” said Close, “and so we have a phrase in our program, “All of you is welcome here.” Despite your political background, despite where you’re from, what your religion is, whatever it is, all of you is welcome here. And I have so much to learn from you, even if we’re really different. And what a privilege to be able to be a part of that and to tell that kind of story. And we’ve had so much feedback that I needed that. They didn’t need our wins or losses. They needed joy. They needed hope. They needed connection and building.”

Close added that she didn’t have a prediction for the team’s next iteration, which is also going to be films, but promised “We have no interest in rebuilding. We only have interest in reloading. So I have great expectations moving forward.”

Check back Monday for the panel video.

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