This episode of Can You Hear Us Now, focuses on leveling the playing field in professional sports by discussing the pay gap between men’s and women’s athletics. It explores the differences in opportunities, exposure, and resources that contribute to unequal pay, and how these continue past college sports and into professional careers.
Alexandra Zelaya (pronounced zeh-LIE-uh) is a Division I women’s basketball player whose career spans both Power Five and mid-major levels, giving her a unique perspective on women’s sports. She played four seasons at the University of North Carolina, where she appeared in 21 games as a senior and started on Senior Day against Duke. She averaged 2.1 points and 1.0 rebounds, highlighted by a career-high 12 points in a win over No. 6 NC State. She also served on UNC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council and graduated in May 2024 with a degree in Environmental Science, with minors in Marine Science and Business Administration.
After transferring to UNC Wilmington, Zelaya had a breakout season, starting all 32 games and leading the team with 12.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. She was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year, earned First Team All-CAA honors, and ranked among the NCAA leaders in blocks and rebounds.
Her experience across both levels gives her valuable insight into differences in opportunity, exposure, and pay in women’s basketball.