Arike Ogunbowale on the switch from soccer to basketball, family, the shoe deal, and advice from Kobe Bryant (Soccer 04/23)

WNBA 5th overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2019 draft and Notre Dame's most outstanding player during their title run in 2018, Arike Ogunbowale joins Kate Abdo, Clint Dempsey, Mo Edu and Charlie Davies for a candid conversation about transitioning from soccer to basketball, putting school first, family support, and becoming a pro. They group also talk about legacy, shoes, and the American Dream.

Transition (1:42): From soccer to basketball, 7th grade offers, and Caitlin Clark awareness.

Making it (6:03): School first, sports second, meeting Kobe, and lasting advice.

Support systems (9:45): Nigeria, current WNBA CBA, and ordering in.

Finding celebrity (15:06): Dancing with the Stars and playing against and alongside heroes.

Relationships (22:00): Teammates, camaraderie, extended family.

Hanging with family (23:58): Multiple pro-children, the American Dream, and rooting for the National Team.

Vice Versa (27:05): NBA & WNBA, USMNT & USWNT, and swappin' jersey with Rose Lavelle.

Sponsorship (30:01): Getting a shoe deal, connections, and nostalgia.

Style side (37:36): Fits, culture, and hobbies.

Legacy (39:28): Giving it your all, charity games, and playing a full 90mins.

Kickin’ It is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. 

Follow the Kickin’ It team on Twitter: @CBSSportsGolazo, @kate_abdo, @CharlieDavies9, @MauriceEdu, @clint_dempsey

Watch Kickin’ It on the CBS Sports Golazo Network, the 24-hour soccer streaming network that is available for free on connected TV and mobile devices through the CBS Sports App and Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com, as well as Paramount+.

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