Last month, the Draft Network sat down with Darian Mensah and his twin sister, Grace (Oregon soccer player). A transcript of their discussion is below:
Draft Network: Grace, Darian just played in the ACC Championship game and you’re watching him play. What’s it like being in the stands with the fans and watching your brother play?
Grace Mensah: I think I get more nervous than him. Like my heart’s pounding. But honestly, it’s just amazing to watch him out there. I know he’s doing the best he can and I’m just so proud of him each and every play. I’m just like, “He’s got this. Let’s go. Let’s go.” (laughter)
When I sit next to my mom, it makes it go up because she gets super nervous. She has cups of tea just sitting there like “I need another cup of tea.” (laughter)
Draft Network: Does she have any rituals?
Grace Mensah: I mean, her thing is rocking back and forth.
Darian Mensah: Yes. (laughter) Just out of her mind nervous. She’s the same as my sister. Extremely nervous all the time.
Draft Network: Is it hard to deal with fans? Because we know how they can talk openly and not realize like, hey, that’s my brother playing right there.
Grace Mensah: Definitely. When they say something, I’ll just kind of look, but I’m like whatever. I keep my cool because I know in the end he’s going to produce.
Our mom does not. (laughter) But that’s part of the game. People are hating. And I told my mom — haters going to hate. That’s part of the game. So yeah, she’s learning with that.
Draft Network: Obviously you guys both play high-level college ball — different sports. Growing up, watching each other play — even as younger athletes — did you guys have a “wow” moment watching each other that you remember? Something where you’re like, “****, my sibling is cold.”
Darian Mensah: We were at the flag football game — powder puff — and Grace knows… we got a clip too. She’s playing running back — I don’t know why she’s playing running back — and she makes like three people miss. Hits a spin move, like juke… it was insane for me to watch. Me and my friends are all watching like, “Oh my god,” freaking out. But yeah, that was a moment that was pretty cool to me.
But I’ve always known she’s cold. On the soccer field. She played basketball — I played club basketball when I was younger — she was on the same club. Literally any sport she’s played — volleyball, soccer, basketball — she’s just always been dominant.
Draft Network: Grace, you got one?
Grace Mensah: Yeah. I always knew he was cold too. (laughter) Ever since freshman year football. There’s not a specific moment because every moment was just like… I was like, “****.” (laughter)
But I remember junior year — he threw a crazy touchdown pass to end the game — kind of like the ACC Championship, but it was like… I was like, “****, he’s going places.” (laughter)
Draft Network: Speaking of going places… y’all are from my favorite place in California. I love San Luis Obispo. I think it’s the most underrated part of the West Coast. I think it’s the best city in California.
What’s the number one thing you miss about SLO?
Darian Mensah: I’d say the weather. Easy, clear-cut decision. Especially when I first moved to New Orleans at Tulane — I never experienced humidity like that. You walk outside, you start sweating. Huge adjustment. I lost like 10 pounds just being in that new place.
I always miss being around the beach, around the coast. Something that I highly value.
Grace Mensah: Yeah, I’d say the same. Weather and definitely the beach. Weather just because in Oregon, you’re like, “I just need some sun.” Period. (laughter) A peak of sun. It’s all I need.
But yeah — the weather and the beach. I really love the beach. And obviously here, we don’t get to see the beach that often. But when we go home, it’s nice. We spend a lot of time on the beach.
Draft Network: You guys came from a single-parent household. We did as well. For me, as an athlete growing up, I had that appreciation — especially with hindsight — of that single parent working hard so we can do those things and play the sport we love.
Did you guys feel like you had extra motivation? Any certain moments where you feel like that pushed you through? That “doing it for mom” type of environment.
Darian Mensah: Yeah. I always like to say my mom is my why. She’s the reason I go so hard. It’s not something I think of before the game, but it’s always in the back of my mind.
I didn’t fully realize the sacrifice she was making until I became older — and I realized a lot of her time went to doing stuff she really didn’t have to do. So I’m super appreciative of that.
To see somebody struggle for you means the world to me — especially my mom. And just wanting better for not only myself, but her as well. That crosses my mind pretty often.
Grace Mensah: Yeah. You put it beautiful. (laughter)
But I’d say definitely when I was younger, I couldn’t really tell. She did a good job hiding it. She did all those things behind the scenes so that we could shine.
Even if she wasn’t at every single game or every single event — she was there in spirit. It meant the world to me. Waking up early in the morning to train or do that extra thing — I thought of that. And I was like, “Okay, she’s going to work early. She’s pulling all-nighters. I’ve got to do this.” It definitely comes within the work. Because you can relate with that — she’s going to work, we’ve got to go to work too.
Draft Network: Who is the better celebrator of the moment?
Darian Mensah: Me. I’m just more passionate. One time, I hit the Thriller. (laughter) I’ve been working on my cellys for sure, but I usually just let it out and I’m yelling, hype for my guys.
Draft Network: Grace — if he’s going to hit a dance move in the end zone, what should it be?
Grace Mensah: I told him it’s got to be this. (does the Cam Ward celebration)
Darian Mensah: Yeah, bro. Me and my running back were supposed to hit it too. Oh man.
Draft Network: Growing up, who was the bigger troublemaker?
Grace Mensah: Definitely Darian.
Darian Mensah: I wasn’t even that bad though.
Grace Mensah: You weren’t bad, but I was goody.
Darian Mensah: You were a goody two-shoes. (laughter) 4.4 GPA. Dude, for me I couldn’t do any right because she was doing everything right.
Granted — she did sign some detention slips with mom’s signature. (laughter)
Grace Mensah: Sorry, ma.
Darian Mensah: Sorry to admit that out loud on a podcast. Yeah, that did happen. Ma, I could definitely do your signature perfectly.
Draft Network: We’re going to end on a more serious note — a message to your mom. You both mentioned how important she is.
Grace Mensah: I just want to thank her for everything she’s done — the sacrifices she’s made. She’s literally my rock. I don’t know what I would do without her. I just want to give thanks to her.
She’s literally birthed us and made us who we are. And all the challenges we’ve faced — it’s because of those challenges we were able to persevere and become the people we are. So thank you so much, Mom. I love you.
Darian Mensah: Took the words right out of my mouth. I just want to say I love you so much, Mom. You’re the reason I go. I wouldn’t be nowhere near this position without you. You made me want to live my life to the fullest. And I just appreciate you so much.
I just want to be the greatest — just for you. So I love you so much.
Draft Network: Grace, Darian just played in the ACC Championship game and you’re watching him play. What’s it like being in the stands with the fans and watching your brother play?
Grace Mensah: I think I get more nervous than him. Like my heart’s pounding. But honestly, it’s just amazing to watch him out there. I know he’s doing the best he can and I’m just so proud of him each and every play. I’m just like, “He’s got this. Let’s go. Let’s go.” (laughter)
When I sit next to my mom, it makes it go up because she gets super nervous. She has cups of tea just sitting there like “I need another cup of tea.” (laughter)
Draft Network: Does she have any rituals?
Grace Mensah: I mean, her thing is rocking back and forth.
Darian Mensah: Yes. (laughter) Just out of her mind nervous. She’s the same as my sister. Extremely nervous all the time.
Draft Network: Is it hard to deal with fans? Because we know how they can talk openly and not realize like, hey, that’s my brother playing right there.
Grace Mensah: Definitely. When they say something, I’ll just kind of look, but I’m like whatever. I keep my cool because I know in the end he’s going to produce.
Our mom does not. (laughter) But that’s part of the game. People are hating. And I told my mom — haters going to hate. That’s part of the game. So yeah, she’s learning with that.
Draft Network: Obviously you guys both play high-level college ball — different sports. Growing up, watching each other play — even as younger athletes — did you guys have a “wow” moment watching each other that you remember? Something where you’re like, “****, my sibling is cold.”
Darian Mensah: We were at the flag football game — powder puff — and Grace knows… we got a clip too. She’s playing running back — I don’t know why she’s playing running back — and she makes like three people miss. Hits a spin move, like juke… it was insane for me to watch. Me and my friends are all watching like, “Oh my god,” freaking out. But yeah, that was a moment that was pretty cool to me.
But I’ve always known she’s cold. On the soccer field. She played basketball — I played club basketball when I was younger — she was on the same club. Literally any sport she’s played — volleyball, soccer, basketball — she’s just always been dominant.
Draft Network: Grace, you got one?
Grace Mensah: Yeah. I always knew he was cold too. (laughter) Ever since freshman year football. There’s not a specific moment because every moment was just like… I was like, “****.” (laughter)
But I remember junior year — he threw a crazy touchdown pass to end the game — kind of like the ACC Championship, but it was like… I was like, “****, he’s going places.” (laughter)
Draft Network: Speaking of going places… y’all are from my favorite place in California. I love San Luis Obispo. I think it’s the most underrated part of the West Coast. I think it’s the best city in California.
What’s the number one thing you miss about SLO?
Darian Mensah: I’d say the weather. Easy, clear-cut decision. Especially when I first moved to New Orleans at Tulane — I never experienced humidity like that. You walk outside, you start sweating. Huge adjustment. I lost like 10 pounds just being in that new place.
I always miss being around the beach, around the coast. Something that I highly value.
Grace Mensah: Yeah, I’d say the same. Weather and definitely the beach. Weather just because in Oregon, you’re like, “I just need some sun.” Period. (laughter) A peak of sun. It’s all I need.
But yeah — the weather and the beach. I really love the beach. And obviously here, we don’t get to see the beach that often. But when we go home, it’s nice. We spend a lot of time on the beach.
Draft Network: You guys came from a single-parent household. We did as well. For me, as an athlete growing up, I had that appreciation — especially with hindsight — of that single parent working hard so we can do those things and play the sport we love.
Did you guys feel like you had extra motivation? Any certain moments where you feel like that pushed you through? That “doing it for mom” type of environment.
Darian Mensah: Yeah. I always like to say my mom is my why. She’s the reason I go so hard. It’s not something I think of before the game, but it’s always in the back of my mind.
I didn’t fully realize the sacrifice she was making until I became older — and I realized a lot of her time went to doing stuff she really didn’t have to do. So I’m super appreciative of that.
To see somebody struggle for you means the world to me — especially my mom. And just wanting better for not only myself, but her as well. That crosses my mind pretty often.
Grace Mensah: Yeah. You put it beautiful. (laughter)
But I’d say definitely when I was younger, I couldn’t really tell. She did a good job hiding it. She did all those things behind the scenes so that we could shine.
Even if she wasn’t at every single game or every single event — she was there in spirit. It meant the world to me. Waking up early in the morning to train or do that extra thing — I thought of that. And I was like, “Okay, she’s going to work early. She’s pulling all-nighters. I’ve got to do this.” It definitely comes within the work. Because you can relate with that — she’s going to work, we’ve got to go to work too.
Draft Network: Who is the better celebrator of the moment?
Darian Mensah: Me. I’m just more passionate. One time, I hit the Thriller. (laughter) I’ve been working on my cellys for sure, but I usually just let it out and I’m yelling, hype for my guys.
Draft Network: Grace — if he’s going to hit a dance move in the end zone, what should it be?
Grace Mensah: I told him it’s got to be this. (does the Cam Ward celebration)
Darian Mensah: Yeah, bro. Me and my running back were supposed to hit it too. Oh man.
Draft Network: Growing up, who was the bigger troublemaker?
Grace Mensah: Definitely Darian.
Darian Mensah: I wasn’t even that bad though.
Grace Mensah: You weren’t bad, but I was goody.
Darian Mensah: You were a goody two-shoes. (laughter) 4.4 GPA. Dude, for me I couldn’t do any right because she was doing everything right.
Granted — she did sign some detention slips with mom’s signature. (laughter)
Grace Mensah: Sorry, ma.
Darian Mensah: Sorry to admit that out loud on a podcast. Yeah, that did happen. Ma, I could definitely do your signature perfectly.
Draft Network: We’re going to end on a more serious note — a message to your mom. You both mentioned how important she is.
Grace Mensah: I just want to thank her for everything she’s done — the sacrifices she’s made. She’s literally my rock. I don’t know what I would do without her. I just want to give thanks to her.
She’s literally birthed us and made us who we are. And all the challenges we’ve faced — it’s because of those challenges we were able to persevere and become the people we are. So thank you so much, Mom. I love you.
Darian Mensah: Took the words right out of my mouth. I just want to say I love you so much, Mom. You’re the reason I go. I wouldn’t be nowhere near this position without you. You made me want to live my life to the fullest. And I just appreciate you so much.
I just want to be the greatest — just for you. So I love you so much.
