Anna Bright Defends Controversial Orlando Squeeze Draft Picks on The Drop Podcast
Former College Tennis Star Stands By Selection of Rookie Rachel Rohrbacher inMLP Draft
On the July 12th episode of her popular pickleball podcast The Drop, Orlando Squeeze star Anna Bright spoke in depth for the first time about her role in the franchise's shocking draft decisions. Bright enthusiastically defended GM Ryan DeVos' outside-the-box roster construction, while admitting she faces pressure as the face of the new expansion club.
Squeeze Shake Up MLB Draft With Bold Trades
The Squeeze made waves on draft day by trading out of the 3rd overall pick to select Bright 5th, then snagging veterans Andrei Daescu and Zane Navratil with their next two picks. But it was their surprising fourth round selection of rookie Rachel Rohrbacher that generated fierce debate.
Many pundits questioned Orlando's decision to choose the relatively unknown Rohrbacher over more established players still available like Susannah Barr. As the Squeeze's foundational draft choice, scrutiny fell on Bright's influence over the pick.
On The Drop podcast, the 23-year-old opened up about the behind-the-scenes draft day drama in Orlando. "I texted [Orlando] at like 8:20 and I was like just so you know - you guys can do what you're gonna do - I would be really honored to get taken at three," Bright told co-hosts Dylan Frazier.
Bright Enthusiastic About Rohrbacher's Potential
Later in the revealing podcast episode, Bright further pulled back the curtain on the Squeeze's contentious round four deliberations.
"We could not agree on the last female," she admitted. "Everyone kind of had different thoughts." But Bright said she broke the deadlock by choosing fellow former college tennis player Rohrbacher, despite the risky nature of picking an MLP unknown.
"I'm high on [Rachel]. I did it," declared Bright. "Rachel's a dog...she played at University of South Carolina in the SEC." Bright then reeled off Rohrbacher's impressive collegiate resume, before strongly standing by her bold call.
"You're either playing to get first or last...that was kind of the opinion of the ownership group as well," she rationalized. Bright even acknowledged she "might look stupid" if Rohrbacher struggles on the big MLP stage.
By fully embracing the polarizing decision to select a rookie over more established players, the face of the franchise showed she's willing to put her reputation on the line in pursuit of the Squeeze's championship ambitions.
Bright Thrives Under Pressure
Ever since becoming an MLP franchise cornerstone, Bright has gracefully handled the pressure and scrutiny that comes with the high-profile role.
Rather than shrink from the spotlight, she leverages her platform to lift up and empower those around her. Bright's effusive praise of rookie Rachel Rohrbacher on the podcast demonstrated her commitment to being a supportive teammate, even if the pick doesn't pan out.
In defending the organization's most controversial draft move, the former college standout reinforced the courage of her convictions. Right or wrong, Bright won't shy away from the hard decisions, and she'll embrace ownership of the outcome.
As the Squeeze's unquestioned leader, she now heads to MLP Atlanta with a roster filled with upside, hunger and camaraderie. Bright wouldn't want it any other way. Her boldness shapes the franchise, and the early returns are looking squeeze-worthy.
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