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PODCAST

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play

The Play Is The Play

Hosted by Violet Palmer—the first female NBA referee and current Coordinator of Officials for the Big Sky, Big West, Mountain West, WCC & WAC—The Play Is The Play takes you inside the game through the eyes of a trailblazer. Each episode breaks down key plays, explores the art of officiating, and shares stories of resilience, leadership, and growth. With special guests and weekly lessons, Violet blends education, inspiration, and fun for referees, fans, and anyone who loves the game.

sports basketball

All Episodes

01:00:23

EP 021 - Family Roots - Guest: Scott Osborne

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/02/27

In this episode of The Play is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Division I official Scott Osborne for a conversation rooted in family, fundamentals, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the stripes.Scott shares what it was like growing up in an officiating family — learning the craft not from a classroom, but from the backseat of a car listening to postgame breakdowns with his dad and watching games alongside his mom. From camp gyms to conference tournaments, Scott’s journey is proof

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00:44:41

EP 020 - International Official - Guest: Simona...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/02/20

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Simona Petronyte for a conversation that blends culture, authenticity, and high-level officiating.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Simona opens up about her journey as an official from Lithuania, navigating basketball at an elite level while embracing who she truly is. She talks about the importance of being authentic, staying grounded in her identity, and carrying her international perspective into every game she works. Together,

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01:20:03

EP 019 - Happily Ever After - Guests: Tanya Stine &...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/02/06

This episode takes you behind the whistle and behind the scenes.Violet Palmer opens the show with a candid conversation alongside her wife about what it’s like to be married to a basketball official. They discuss travel, time commitments, understanding the profession, and the role support plays in sustaining both the relationship and the career.Violet then teams up with Brian Woods to break down a play centered on dead-ball officiating. The discussion focuses on situational awareness, recognizing

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01:04:05

EP 018 - Not Just A High School Official - Guests:...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/01/30

The Play is The Play with Violet Palmer returns with a meaningful conversation centered on development, foundation, and trusting the officiating process.In this episode, Violet is joined by Dana Pappas for the Keepin’ It Real segment, where they discuss the importance of interscholastic sports officiating. Together, they highlight why the high school level is more than just a stepping stone—it’s where officials build their foundation, develop strong habits, and gain experiences that prepare them for

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01:12:39

017 - VP12 New Hires -

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/01/23

n this episode, Violet Palmer sits down with several new hires for the VP12 team to give listeners an inside look at what it’s like to work on her staff.The group shares where they got started in officiating, what led them to this opportunity, and their early experiences joining a leadership team built on preparation, accountability, and trust. They also talk candidly about expectations, communication, and what it means to be part of a staff that prioritizes development and consistency.This episode

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00:49:51

EP 016 - Showtime Lakers - Guests: Jeanie Buss &...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/01/16

In Keepin’ It Real, Jeanie Buss joins Violet Palmer for an honest discussion about leadership at the highest level of professional sports. Jeanie shares insight on decision-making, responsibility, and what it means to lead with purpose in environments where pressure is constant.Then on The Play Is The Play, Kelly Broomfield dives into the importance of understanding the layers within a play, having meaningful discussions with your crew, and using film as a tool to prepare, evaluate, and improve

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00:23:45

EP 015 - All About The Basics - Guest: Chancy Jones

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/01/10

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer is joined by her best friend and right-hand person, Chancy, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Basics Referee School program and the people who make it special.In Keepin’ It Real, Violet and Chancy talk openly about the vision behind Basics Referee School—why it was created, how it supports officials at every stage, and what it takes to build a program rooted in development, accountability, and care. Chancy shares what it’s like working

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00:49:28

EP 014 - Basketball Family - Guests: Wun Versher &...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2026/01/02

The Play Is The Play brings together family, basketball culture, and on-court teaching in a powerful way.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Wun Versher — Violet Palmer’s nephew — joins the show to talk about growing up in a basketball family and his experience with the Harlem Globetrotters. Wun shares what it was like being surrounded by the game at a young age, how that environment shaped his mindset, and the lessons he learned performing basketball at the highest level while entertaining and

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00:45:07

EP 013 - First Mentor - Guest: Bobby Mozee

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/12/26

Violet Palmer sits down with Bobby Mozee, her first mentor in officiating and the person who helped lay the foundation for everything that followed in her historic career. From mechanics and professionalism to confidence and accountability, Bobby shares what he saw early in Violet—and the lessons he believed would carry her far beyond the high school gym.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Bobby reflects on mentoring Violet in her early years, the traits that stood out immediately, and why investing in

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01:00:02

EP 012 - Sports Family - Guest: Rod Palmer

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/12/19

In this special episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer is joined by her brother, Rod Palmer, for a conversation that blends family, perspective, and the game they both love.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Violet and Rod reflect on growing up in a sports family, the lessons they learned early, and how competition, accountability, and support shaped who they are today. They talk about how those shared experiences influence how Violet officiates and how Rod approaches the game from a coach’s

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00:44:01

EP 011 - Accountability - Guest: Corey Long

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/12/12

SummaryThe conversation delves into the critical responsibilities of sports officials, emphasizing the importance of decision-making, accountability, and clear communication during high-pressure situations. The speakers discuss the expectations placed on officials to provide opinions and clarity, especially when the stakes are high.

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00:45:23

EP - 010 - Unexpected Opportunities - Guest: Kathleen...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/12/05

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Kathleen Kassidy to talk about opportunity, preparation, and trusting the process—even when the moment feels bigger than you.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Kathleen shares the story of how she received her opportunity during the COVID year, a time when officiating rosters were thin and flexibility was essential. She opens up about the hard work, commitment, and professionalism that allowed her not just to get the opportunity, but

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00:31:50

EP 009 - Crew Chimistry - Guest: Alecia Murray

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/11/28

In Episode 9 of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Alecia Murray for an insightful conversation on the importance of crew chemistry — how to create trust, build comfort, and help every partner perform their best on the floor.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Alecia shares how she approaches crew development, focusing on communication, collaboration, and connection. She discusses how a comfortable and confident crew leads to better game flow, more consistent calls, and stronger trust

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00:44:49

EP 008 - Women's Basketball - Guest: Connie Hurlbut,...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/11/21

In this special edition of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer is joined by two powerhouse leaders in women’s college basketball — Connie Hurlbut (West Coast Conference) and Jaynee Nadolski (Big Sky Conference).In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Connie and Jaynee sit down with Violet to discuss the state of women’s basketball, the growth of the game, and why officiating development is crucial to sustaining that success. They share their perspectives from the conference level — how investing in

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00:49:08

EP 007 - Your Brand - Guest: In'Fini Robinson

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/11/14

In Episode 7 of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer welcomes In’Fini Robinson for a dynamic conversation about identity, presence, and purpose in officiating.In Keepin’ It Real, In’Fini breaks down what it means to brand yourself as an official — from how you present yourself on the floor to the effort you put in off of it. She challenges officials to think about what kind of referee they want to be, how they want to be remembered, and what their habits say about their professionalism.Then, in The

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00:28:21

EP 006 - Season Ending Injury - Guest: Kim Hobbs

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/11/07

In this powerful episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Kim Hobbs to talk about perseverance, perspective, and purpose after adversity.In Keepin’ It Real, Kim opens up about the season-ending injury that sidelined her after suffering hamstring tears — and the long road to recovery that followed. She shares how faith, focus, and the officiating community helped her find strength to return to the court stronger than ever.Then, in The Play Is The Play segment, Kim and Violet

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00:39:49

EP 005 - First Game Opportunity - Guests: Schel Brown...

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/10/31

In Episode 5 of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer brings together two voices in officiating — Schel V. Brown and Kenny Nash — for an episode all about growth, composure, and leadership.In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Schel Brown opens up about working his first Division I game alongside Violet. He shares what that moment meant to him, how Violet helped him feel confident on the floor, and what he learned about preparation, trust, and staying present when the lights are bright.Then in The Play Is

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00:37:31

EP004 - Work-life Balance - Guest Ashley Ellis

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/10/24

In Episode 4 of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Ashley Ellis for an honest discussion about work-life balance and how clear communication can keep officials grounded both on and off the court.They share practical advice on managing demanding travel schedules, maintaining family life, and collaborating with assigners and crews to make the season run smoothly. It’s a conversation every official can relate to—finding balance while still chasing excellence.Then, in The Play Is The

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00:41:18

EP 003 - Health & Fitness - Guest: Julie Kromenhoek

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/10/17

In Episode 3 of The Play Is The Play, legendary referee Violet Palmer welcomes Julie Kromenhoek, a respected basketball official, for an episode centered on staying sharp — both physically and mentally — throughout the season.Together, Violet and Julie break down a real play that highlights the importance of staying engaged at trail — maintaining awareness, reading matchups, and staying mentally locked in even when the ball isn’t in your primary. Their discussion reminds officials that the trail

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00:37:40

EP 002: Mentorship-Guest: Lisa Jones

Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play ·

2025/10/10

In Episode 2 of The Play Is The Play, legendary referee Violet Palmer sits down with veteran official Lisa Jones for a powerful conversation that blends film breakdown, mentorship, and motivation.Together, Violet and Lisa analyze a real in-game situation — focusing on trusting your coverage, maintaining positioning, and understanding when to take the call. Their discussion shows how awareness and teamwork create consistency across the crew.In Keepin’ It Real, Lisa opens up about her mentorship

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21 results

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