When Coach Brenda Frese had an intense exchange with star player Oluchi Okananwa in the 3rd quarter of Maryland’s 2nd round game against North Carolina, the entire internet took notice.

The people’s coach, Coach Jackie J, went to Maryland’s facilities to hear from Coach Frese and Okananwa themselves and understand what was going through their minds in that moment. 

What looked like a heated sideline moment was actually built on trust, communication, and a coach-player relationship that’s been developing since long before March. In this conversation, they talk about what each of them was feeling and how Coach Frese’s tough coaching immediately impacted the game.