Tag: athlete

USC Basketball Star Juju Watkins on Fashion, Film, Friendship Bracelets, and More

March 18, 2024

Listeners turn to Spotify to connect with their favorites—from artists and albums to audiobooks and podcasts. At the same time, playlists like Discover Weekly and Daylist, curated recommendations like Fresh Finds, and new features like Smart Shuffle and Jam are helping users find new favorites. In fact, nearly 2 billion music discoveries happen on Spotify every single day.

When creators share playlists, products, and personalities, they open up whole new worlds for their fans and followers. That’s why For the Record’s ongoing Discovery Monday series connects with content creators about their recent finds, whether it’s new music, podcasts, TV, food, beauty, technology, or fashion.

This month, we’re talking to college basketball star Juju Watkins. Just a freshman at the University of Southern California, Juju is already one of the most talented and high-profile players in the country. The guard has been in the public spotlight since she was a top-rated high school recruit and has attracted a massive social media following along the way. This level of popularity has turned Juju’s home games into one of LA’s hottest tickets, and it’s not uncommon to see multiple celebs in attendance on any given night. While Juju is expected to jump to the pros after college, she’s also an aspiring entrepreneur whose interests include fashion and travel.

For the Record sat down with Juju to chat about her experience as a college athlete, her life off the court, and her favorite songs, artists, and playlists on Spotify.

What new things have you discovered that you’re enjoying right now?

Lately, I’ve been fully immersed in basketball and the season. I have focused on giving my all to the game and supporting my team.

You’ve built a huge following on Instagram and count many pro athletes and musicians as fans. Are there any memorable moments you’ve had with them?

It’s been cool connecting with other pro athletes and with musicians. I’ve received friendship bracelets—it’s a small gesture, but memorable. 

What’s been the biggest difference between high school and college on or off the court? 

Managing my time and energy effectively has been crucial in transitioning from high school to college and balancing class and basketball. On the court, the biggest difference lies in the heightened level of experience, basketball IQ, and physicality. It has taught me the importance of continuous growth and adapting to new challenges.

When you’re not playing ball, what are your other pursuits?

I enjoy indulging in a few hobbies. Fashion is one of my passions, so I like shopping and expanding my style. I also like to watch movies, whether catching a film at the theater or watching one at home. Movies are a great way for me to unwind and relax off the court.

Who’s a recently discovered artist or what’s a new genre that you’ve been listening to? 

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Ambré, but I enjoy exploring different genres, so I’m always open to discovering new artists.

What do you like to listen to when you’re working out or before a game?

I love to listen to Brent Faiyaz and Mali Nicole—who also happens to be my sister—for that extra motivation and personal connection to the music.

On Spotify, there are so many ways to discover—through playlists like Discover Weekly, features like our AI DJ, or tools like Smart Shuffle. Do you have a favorite?

The Smart Shuffle feature on Spotify is neat. I love New Music Fridays to stay updated on the latest drops, and artist radios are excellent ways to stumble upon unexpected gems.

Our specialty playlists like Niche Mixes and daylist help you discover based on your listening preferences. Which appeals to your specific music taste?

I’m into playlists like Lowkey and DND, but my absolute favorite is JuJu Watkins Taste—I curated it myself, so you should take a listen!

Keep up with Juju on and off the court by following her on Instagram.

US Open Champ Sloane Stephens Shares the Music That Keeps Her Energized

August 27, 2021

As August comes to an end, one of tennis’s biggest events is just beginning: the 141st US Open, marking the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the year. And making an appearance for her ninth year at the Open is American tennis pro and 2017 champion Sloane Stephens. 

After a year of empty fan stands and new challenges, Sloane is excited to be back in the game, following up on her 2017 US Open win and first Grand Slam tournament title. And to get herself and her fans in the competitive spirit, she’s even created an exclusive playlist for Spotify featuring positive, upbeat tracks that keep her energized and motivated both on and off the court. 

As Sloane takes on her fellow tennis pros, fans can stream her personal pump-up playlist Sloane in the City featuring artists like Ariana Grande, Cardi B, and Rayana Jay. The star athlete curated these songs based on current bops and all-time favorites, using them as her soundtrack during practice, workouts, and the quieter, more nerve-wracking moments of competition.

For the Record caught up with Sloane between sets to ask her about her life as a professional tennis player and the music that keeps her on her A game. 

You’re returning to compete in the US Open. How does it feel?

It’s always great to be back in New York! I love playing here, and I really feed off the energy of the city, so it will be great to have the crowd back out here with us.

How do you get in the right mindset before a match?

I like to meet with my coach the night before to discuss the game plan and any specific strategy so that once I wake up on match day, I can lock in. There can be a lot of “hurry up and wait” in tournament schedules depending on the weather or how long the match before mine takes, so it’s important to keep relaxed and be comfortable with changes. Music helps me stay centered and tune out the distractions. 

Where does music fit into your daily routine?

I’m always on the go and music is a staple in my routine. When I’m getting ready, training, recovering, or traveling, there is always music playing from my phone. Since I travel all the time for my job and tennis is such a global sport, I’m constantly being introduced to new songs. I think it’s a great way to connect with people and learn about what’s popular in their culture. Even if you don’t speak the language somewhere, everyone can recognize a good song. 

Any favorite songs or artists when you’re training?

Ariana Grande. She is my favorite artist, so whenever I’m training, she’s right there with me. My team laughs because I even play her slower songs in the middle of tough workouts, but she always keeps me going. I just love her! 

How do you like to wind down from a day of competition? 

Sometimes I’ll finish a match and press after midnight, or time zones are playing with me, and I’ll have to find a way to unwind so I can sleep and have a productive next day. Over the years, I’ve discovered how important self-care rituals are to this process, and I created a routine that I can do anywhere in the world. After a nice meal, I’ll take a long shower and drop my essential oils into the steam to create a spa moment. After that, I’ll light a candle and do my skin care routine, which usually includes a face mask. When I’m winding down the vibe is peaceful, and I play artists like Rayana Jay, Samaria, and VanJess.

Talk us through curating this playlist. Any recommendations on how listeners can get the most out of your song choices?

I worked on this playlist for a few weeks and added whatever came to mind at that time. It’s a mix of current hits and artists and songs I’ve always loved. I’m all about positive energy, so whether it’s a song from 30 years ago or yesterday, if the vibe is right, it stays with me. I usually put my playlist on shuffle and let it flow. 

Are there any songs on the playlist that have a special meaning? 

I have memories with so many of the songs on this playlist, and I’m sure a lot of listeners do, too. Specifically related to the US Open, “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B takes me back. After I won in 2017, we blasted it on repeat in the car the entire drive back into the city. The song had just come out earlier that summer, and when I hear it now, it brings me back to that specific time and place. 

Ready to press shuffle? Listen to Sloane’s positive energy playlist, Sloane in the City, below. 

NFL Star Saquon Barkley Talks Football and His Top Sports Podcasts

January 23, 2020

Saquon Barkley knows football. Thanks to his success on and off the field, he’s become a household name—and personality—in both collegiate and professional football. He’s also expanding his talents to other areas by partnering with Spotify to curate a playlist of his favorite football podcasts. Now you can be as in the know as he is, and just in time for the season to start.

Saquon spent three seasons as an All-American running back for the Penn State Nittany Lions, breaking records and garnering acclaim as one of college football’s most promising athletes. More recently, he was chosen second overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL draft, where he was awarded Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019.

Now Saquon is hooking up fans with all the best football podcasts. We sat down with him to chat about streaming podcasts on the go, the teammate he thinks should host his own talk show, and more.

During the course of a season you’re constantly on the move. How do you keep up with the latest news around the league?

I used to be able to watch TV and listen to a few radio shows, but we’re on the go so much that plugging in a podcast is the most efficient way. I need a source that allows me the flexibility to choose when I can tune in, and podcasts allow me to do that. I usually don’t have the opportunity to listen live, so being able to go back to recorded episodes that I can catch up on at home, in the car, heading to practice, or traveling for away games is great.

Why should die-hard football fans try podcasts?

I think we’re in the infancy of podcasting, and it’s only going to gain popularity. It’s another form of information, and if you’re a die-hard fan, why wouldn’t you want more? Football shows are great for getting broad stats, updates, and news, but what’s cool about podcasts is that if you’re really into fantasy or a certain topic, there’s usually a niche podcast out there that you can find and really familiarize yourself with.

What are your favorite football or sports podcasts to listen to, and why?

I love Pardon My Take. Any time you get different opinions I like to hear both sides, and I enjoy the arguing. Also, The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 is hilarious. I think he’s great. He’s got an interesting perspective because he played football. He understands the game and also has an amazing personality. It’s a great combination.

Which of your teammates do you think should have his own podcast? Why?

Sterling Shepherd. He’s hilarious. I think it would be nonstop laughs. 

What non-football podcasts do you listen to?

The Brilliantly Dumb Show. Robby Berger is amazing. In his podcast he covers sports but also goes beyond to share funny stories and experiences he has encountered in everyday life. One of my favorite episodes is episode 31, “Bobby Baseline and the Hardwood Boys.” Gives an amazing description of when we first met. It had me dying, he’s so funny.

What’s your go-to jam to get in the right headspace before a big game?

Anything Drake really, he always gets me in my bag. 

Stream Saquon’s playlist for a podcast touchdown.