Join host Travis Justice as he interviews Tala Vahedi about her unconventional and rapid ascent in college basketball officiating. Tallah discusses her background, having immigrated from Iran at age seven, and how basketball became a way to connect and make friends. She recounts starting to officiate at 16 years old and quickly moving up the ranks, driven by a preference for the men's game. Tala addresses the gender barrier, noting that her bold, thick-skinned, and extroverted personality has been key to building rapport and earning respect from male coaches and players. She views herself as a trailblazer for female and minority officials, inspired by figures like Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, and shares how her success, including refereeing high-profile games televised nationally, has made her parents—who once viewed officiating as "Plan D"—extremely proud. Tallah emphasizes the need for multiple, thoughtful mentors and believes John Higgins' philosophy of giving younger officials more opportunities is a positive development in the industry.