Athlete+: Yaya Felder on Personality, Her Game & Why Baylor

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In the Athlete+ interview with Yaya Felder conducted by Ashley Hodge, they discussed various aspects of Yaya's basketball career and personal life. Yaya, a junior transfer guard at Baylor University, talked about her decision to transfer from Ohio to Baylor and the transition process. She mentioned that the competition at Baylor is intense, and she enjoys the environment and the opportunity to improve.

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Yaya shared that she currently lives in the dorms with her roommates, Cat and Bella, and they have helped her become more open and outgoing. Ashley commented on Yaya's on-court aggressiveness despite her shy personality, to which Yaya explained that she has always been shy but is working on opening up more.

They also discussed Yaya's upcoming trip to Greece and Italy, her family background, and her introduction to basketball through her mom and participation in Boys and Girls Club leagues. Yaya described her basketball game as strong in driving to the basket but mentioned that she needs to work on her mid-range and pull-up game. She acknowledged that turnovers are an area she needs to improve on, and the coaching staff is helping her make better decisions on the court.

Ashley asked Yaya about her toughest challenge during practice, and she mentioned Jada Walker as a quick and skilled defender. Yaya expressed confidence in the team's potential and mentioned Texas and Miami as challenging opponents.

They delved into Yaya's interests off the court, including playing video games, creating TikToks, hanging out with teammates, and going shopping. Yaya discussed her undecided major at Baylor but mentioned her previous studies in physical activity and sports coaching at Ohio. She expressed her desire to play professional basketball, such as in the WNBA or overseas, and eventually become a coach.

Yaya shared the story behind her nickname, Yaya, which her grandmother gave her because she couldn't pronounce her birth name, Zaiya (unsure of correct spelling). They also discussed her tattoo that reads, "Let your faith be bigger than your fear," and Yaya explained that it was inspired by a challenging time when her mother faced immigration issues.

Ashley asked Yaya about her decision to choose Baylor and her goals for the upcoming season. Yaya mentioned the program's history and winning mentality as factors in her decision. She expressed excitement about playing in the new Foster Pavilion and her belief that Baylor has the potential to win the Big 12 championship and compete for a national championship.

They concluded the interview with a series of icebreaker questions. Yaya shared her favorite fast food meal, favorite apps on her phone (TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram), and her superstition about wearing the same shoes after consecutive wins. She also discussed her desire to be less shy, the importance of faith to her, and her aspirations to buy a big house for her mom and land if money were not a concern.

Overall, the interview provided insights into Yaya Felder's basketball journey, her personality, and her goals for the future at Baylor University.