WNBA’s StudBudz Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman Dye Their Hair ‘Period Red’

Just when you think they can’t pull off any more stunts, the StudBudz ditched their iconic pink hair for a bright shade of red — all in the name of female empowerment.

Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx — perhaps better known by their BFF moniker, the StudBudz — partnered with U by Kotex to debut a brand-new hair color on Sept. 9: “period red.” It sends a message of strength to women and girls everywhere to not let their menstrual cycles hold them back from the game.

“We want women, little girls, we want them to see this representation and understand that periods are a normal thing,” Williams told PEOPLE, adding, “we all go through it. We just want to let young girls know, keep playing sports.”

The two are seizing the spotlight they earned during July’s WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Ind., when they live-streamed their experience navigating the star-studded event for 72 hours straight, to share that important message. And that wild weekend is an experience they look back on fondly.

For Hiedeman, a particularly standout moment was the first night. “Everybody coming together, not only just the players but the coaches up there and people who worked for other teams … it really set the tone for the whole all-star weekend,” she recalled.

As for Williams’ favorite memory? “Turning up with Cathy [Engelbert], our commissioner,” she said, laughing so hard she caused Hiedeman to giggle too. “When she pulled up on us we thought she was just going to say what’s up, [but] she started dancing.”

Though the StudBudz recently achieved viral fame together, they’re longtime members of the league: Hiedeman is in the seventh season of her WNBA career and Williams is in her 10th. They’re a powerhouse on the court together, and inseparable off it as well.

“She’s like the most caring person in life,” Hiedeman of Williams. “She’s just a very genuine, giving person.”

Williams echoed the same sentiment, calling “T” the “sweetest thing” and a “soft girl” — that is, unless she hasn’t had a meal in a minute. “When she gets hungry, it’s just like everybody get out of the way,” Williams said. “She don’t care what’s going on, where we at, what we doing … everybody stop talking to her.”

With their big personalities and contagious energy, it’s no surprise the two besties have such strong game time and IRL chemistry. Their decision to dye their hair in unison is another example of how they’re united in their hope to lift up women’s voices and encourage more participation in women’s sports.

“That’s what we’re hoping for, to make a lot of noise with debuting this red hair,” Williams explained. And they’ll each put their own spin on the style; Hiedeman noted she channels “rock star” energy while Williams leans into a more “fly” and “spiffy” aesthetic, relying on oversized, cozy silhouettes.

From dominating the court to serving major style inspo, the StudBudz are just getting started. As for any big plans up their sleeve for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, which kick off this Sunday, Sept. 14 (and for which which their team clinched the No. 1 seed and homecourt advantage)? It looks like basketball fans will just have to wait and see.

“I think it’s ‘play it by ear,’” Hiedeman admitted with the slightest of smirks when asked if they are considering postseason shenanigans. “No set in stone plans, just go on with the flow.” (Whether or not the pun was intended, we’ll be watching!)