One and One Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bridget B.
Welcome to the One and One Podcast, where a below average podcaster chats with an above average athlete. Join me, Bridget B., on my quest to get the stories of athletes who have worked just as hard, and have just as many compelling stories, but were not the ones featured on SportsCenter every day.
Niko Spezial played baseball at Wake Forest University from 2010-2013. Afterwards, he was drafted in the 19th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft by the Washington Nationals and played Minor League Baseball in the New York-Pennsylvania League and the Gulf Coasts League in 2013. He talks about growing up in Northern New Jersey, how he got into baseball, and his decision to attend Don Bosco Prep for high school. Niko details his great high school baseball career where he pitched for a program that was ranked number 1 in the country and won a National Championship. Then, he describes getting drafted in the 2009 MLB Draft, his decision to attend college, and the recruiting process that led him to choose Wake Forest. Niko discusses the coaches he committed to leaving two weeks before he got to campus, his decision to stay, what it was like playing for Head Coach Tom Walter, the competitive baseball in the Atlantic Coast Conference, being a bullpen pitcher, and his highlights over his four years. Finally, he talks about getting drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2013, his time playing in the Minor Leagues, his decision to move on from baseball after 2013, and what he's been up to over the past ten years.
Danny Spond played football at the University of Notre Dame from 2010-2012. Prior to his Senior season, he had to medically retire from the sport due to debilitating migraines but he stayed on with the team for the 2013 season. Danny talks about growing up in Littleton, Colorado, getting into football at a young age, and being on a dominate Little League Football team as a kid. He describes what it was like to attend Columbine High School and how special the community is. He details his great Columbine Football career, how good of a program it is, playing many positions, and missing his final games as a senior due to a concussion. Then, he explains why he committed to Notre Dame, his transition to college football, what it was like the first time he put on a jersey, and the team's trying first two seasons. He details his first experiences with migraines prior to the 2012 season, getting cleared to play, and starting every game he played in as Notre Dame went undefeated in the regular season and played for the National Championship. Danny then discusses how the migraines came back prior to his senior season, how debilitating they were, his guess at what caused them, and the very hard decision to medically retire from the sport of football. Finally, he talks about his student coach position for the 2013 season, working with the linebackers, traveling to his home state of Colorado for a game against Air Force, still being a big fan of Notre Dame football today, and his great life with his wife and three children.
Steph Cruz played volleyball at Fairfield University from 2009-2012 and currently has her purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She talks about growing up in Midland Park, NJ, getting into sports through her late father, her great high school career at Immaculate Heart Academy, and what it was like to play through her senior season as her father passed away. She describes her recruiting process, why she chose Fairfield, her transition from high school to college volleyball, and playing in the MAAC. Steph discusses her career at Fairfield, learning to be a great role player and teammate, winning a MAAC Conference Tournament, and playing in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Then, she talks about moving down to South Carolina a few years after college, how she got involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, earning her purple belt, the intense training schedule, teaching classes, and her goal of continuing to compete throughout her life.
Erin Dunston is the Assistant Athletic Director of Football Recruiting & Events at Ohio State University. Prior to that, she was the Director of On Campus Recruiting at Ohio State (2021-Feb. 2024), the Director of On Campus Recruiting at the University of Kansas (2019-2021), the Athletics Administration Associate at Purdue University (2018-2019), and a Graduate Assistant in Football Operations at Louisiana State University (2016-2017). She talks about growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, attending the University of Delaware for undergrad, how she got started working in football while at grad school at LSU, and what it was like working for Head Coaches Les Miles and Ed Orgeron in the SEC. Then, Erin discusses her position at Purdue where she worked mainly with the football and men's basketball programs on many different projects, how the opportunity at Kansas came to be, getting to work with Les Miles again, what the position of Director of On Campus Recruiting entails (it's a lot!), and recruiting through the pandemic. She describes how the opportunity at Ohio State came up, what it's like to work in the Big Ten at one of the very best college football programs in the nation, working with Head Coach Ryan Day, all the work that goes into recruiting at the national level, what is it like to be a woman in a male dominated field, helping other women get into the field, and the relationship she has with the players. Erin also chats about the Ohio State - Michigan rivalry in the Dunston household as her younger sister Jillian played on the Michigan Women's Basketball team and now is an Assistant Coach for the program.
Ryan Henry played softball at Villanova University from 2019-2023 where she was a First Team All Big East Player, a part of 2 Big East Championship Teams, and made 2 NCAA Tournament appearances She talks about growing up in Ramsey, NJ, how she got into softball, her great Ramsey High School career where she was an All State player, originally committing to play in college at Fordham, and how she switched to Villanova. Ryan discusses being diagnosed with diabetes just a few short months into college, how that diagnosis led to studying theater and performing arts, not being completely happy her first 2 years at the school, and the Covid break being able to give her a reset. Then, she details her great 2021 and 2022 seasons where Villanova won back-to-back Big East Championships (the first 2 in school history), played in 2 NCAA Tournaments, her decision to come back for a 5th season, and the 2023 season where they came up just short of another Big East Title. Finally, she discusses what she's been up to since graduation, her desire to work in theater/film, and directing her first production "Delivery Boy" this past month.
Michelle Cruz played volleyball at Providence College from 2013-2016 and holds the school record for career digs. She talks about growing up in Midland Park, NJ, how her late father got her and her sister Stephanie involved in volleyball and other sports at a young age, and the position of libero. She details her excellent high school career at Immaculate Heart Academy where she won 4 straight state championships, was First Team All State, and broke the record for career digs. Then, she describes the unique story that led her to Providence College, the transition from high school to college volleyball, majoring in Computer Science, and playing for Head Coach Margot Royer-Johnson. Michelle discusses her great career at Providence where she played in every single game, switched from the America East Conference to the Big East Conference after Freshman year, led the team in digs each season, and was featured in a documentary entitled "Girls Who Code" Finally, she talks about what she's up to these days which includes preparing to become a mother, working in computer science, and still keeping in touch with many of her former teammates.
Kennedy Martin played basketball at Truman State University, a Division II school in Kirksville, MO, from 2014-2018. She talks about being from Iowa but moving to Southern Illinois as a kid, her connection to the University of Iowa Women's Basketball Team which includes her younger sister Kate Martin as a current member of the team and her aunt Jan Jensen on the coaching staff, growing up going to the Iowa Women's Basketball camp every summer, and her experience at the Final Four last year. Kennedy describes her great three-sport career at Edwardsville High School, the phenomenal basketball program the school has that develops a ton of girls who go on to play in college, her recruiting process, and why she chose Truman State. Then, she discusses the transition to college basketball, how much she loved her team, highlights over the four years, her embracing her role on the team, being able to travel abroad, and writing for the school newspaper. Kennedy details a moving article she wrote prior to her Senior season discussing the different basketball paths her and her sister Kate took, what she's learned from it, and what she hoped to teach Kate. Finally, she talks about what she is up to now, which includes playing in a basketball league with men, being a new mother to her young son, and watching every Iowa game.
Kristina Lynch played soccer at Florida State University from 2018-2021 where she was a member of 2 National Championship teams before transferring to the University of Notre Dame from 2022-2023 to finish her college career. She talks about growing up in Granger, Indiana, being a Notre Dame fan as a kid, how she got into soccer, and winning the NFL Punt Pass and Kick competition in 2010 and 2021. Kristina discusses her decorated career at Penn High School where she was the Gatorade Player of the year for the state of Indiana, a First-Team All American, and won 2 State Championships. Then, she describes her recruiting process, why she chose Florida State, the transition to college soccer, and the competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference. She details her career at FSU, which included winning 2 National Championships, going to 3 Final Fours, dealing with an ACL tear and recovery, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Kristina talks about her decision to use the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted due to Covid, why she chose to transfer back home to Notre Dame, how special it is to be at the same school as her younger brother (Ryan plays baseball for Notre Dame), an ankle injury that led her to redshirt in 2022, the highlights of this past 2023 season, and her exciting plans for the future.
Lexi Weger is the Graduate Assistant Coach for the University of North Carolina Women's Basketball program. Prior to that, she played basketball at Princeton University from 2018-2023 where she won 4 Ivy League Regular Season Championships, 3 Ivy League Tournaments, and played in 3 NCAA Tournaments. She talks about growing up in Alexandria, VA, going to Episcopal High School where she boarded all 4 years, her outstanding high school career there, the recruiting process, and why she chose Princeton. Then, she discusses the transition to college basketball, the success of the Princeton program, Coach Courtney Banghart leaving after her freshman year, and current Coach Carla Berube taking over. Lexi describes the great 2020 team and what could have been had the NCAA Tournament happened, her decision to take a gap year, and what she did for that year. She talks about several internships she's taken, her final two seasons at Princeton where they won a game as the lower seed in the NCAA Tournament both years, and how she realized she wanted to get into coaching. Finally, Lexi shares how she ended up at UNC, what it's like being back with Courtney Banghart, and her duties as the Graduate Assistant.
Kate Blasi is a registered yoga teacher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and owner of Seaquence LLC. She talks about growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, in an athletic family, playing many sports as a kid, and when and how she got into yoga. Kate discusses what she loves about yoga, her favorite kinds to do, why it has become a more popular form of exercise, and how she stayed connected to yoga during Covid. Then, she details becoming a registered yoga teacher in 2021 and all that it entailed, balancing teaching several yoga classes a week while working a full time job and having a family, using yoga techniques as a BCBA to help neurodivergent children, and also using yoga techniques on her toddler aged daughter to help calm her down. Finally, she describes her new business, Sequence, which is designed to support women through all stages of motherhood- from pregnancy through parenting using yoga-infused techniques.
Jenna Giacone is the Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting & Player Development for the University of Illinois Women's Basketball Team. Prior to that, she played basketball at the University of Dayton from 2016-2022 and was on the training camp roster for the Seattle Storm in 2022. She talks about growing up in Delmar, New York, in a very athletic family, playing basketball with her sister Gabby, who is only 15 months older than her, her great career atBethlehem Central High School, and the recruiting process that led her to choose Dayton. Jenna discusses her coach leaving before her Freshman season began, her reaction to Head Coach Shauna Green getting the job, their relationship, and the foot injury that led her to miss a lot of her Freshman season and her entire Sophomore season. She details her career highlights at Dayton which include winning the A-10, playing in the NCAA Tournament, being First Team A-10 and winning Most Improved Player, and the importance of coming back for a 6th season in 2022. Jenna also talks about how she "randomly" wrote a children's book "Gabby's Got Game", going through the details of how it started, what it is about, getting a publisher, and the great reception it's gotten. Finally, Jenna shares her experience with the Seattle Storm, knowing she wanted to be a coach from a young age, how the opportunity at Illinois came up, her roles on the staff, and looking ahead to the 2024 season.
Ka'lia Johnson played basketball at Duke University from 2011-2015, professionally in Europe for a year, has coached at a number of women's college basketball programs, and was recently named an Assistant Coach at Towson University. She talks about being an army brat as a kid before settling in the Richmond, Virginia area, and getting into basketball through her athletic family. She discusses her great high school career at Thomas Dale High School, becoming a Duke fan in middle school, and committing to her dream school as a Sophomore. Ka'lia details the transition to college and becoming great friends with the rest of her class (nicknamed EJAK). She also details her career highlights at Duke which included two Elite 8 appearances, an ACC Tournament Championship, playing with so many great players, staying ready when her number was called, recording a triple-double, and a senior night victory by 1 point over UNC. She describes her season playing professionally overseas in Switzerland and the Czech Republic, how she got into coaching, her coaching highlights so far in her career, and her new role with Towson.
Tania Davis is the Director of Player Development for the University of Iowa Women's Basketball Team. Prior to that, she was an Assistant Coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha from 2021-2023, a Graduate Assistant at Clemson University from 2019-2021, and played at the University of Iowa from 2015-2019. She talks about growing up in Flint, Michigan, getting into basketball at a young age, her great career at Goodrich High School where the team went 100-8 in her 4 years, and the recruiting process that led her to choose Iowa. Tania discusses what it was like to play for Head Coach Lisa Bluder, being able to play right away, tearing her ACLs in back-to-back seasons her Sophomore and Junior year, the hard work she put in to get back, and realizing that she wanted to be a coach while she had to watch from the sidelines. She details the great season Iowa had in 2019 where they won the Big Ten Tournament and went to the Elite 8 and what it meant to her to be a 1,000 point scorer. Then, she talks about becoming a Graduate Assistant at Clemson, her duties in that role, her time as an Assistant Coach at Omaha, her reaction to getting the call to come back to Iowa, her role as Director of Player Development, and her excitement for the 2024 season.
Taylor Wright played baseball at Brown University from 2012-2015 and pitched in the Minor Leagues from 2019-2021. He talks about what it's like having former Villanova Basketball Coach Jay Wright as his father, his involvement with the program, and playing 3 sports growing up. He discusses his great high school career at Episcopal Academy where he played football, basketball, and baseball, his recruiting process for baseball, and why he chose Brown. Taylor then details attempting to play 2 sports at Brown, competition in Ivy League Baseball, adjusting to coming out of the bullpen to pitch, and highlights during his college career. He describes why he didn't try to play professionally right after college, what he was doing for 3 years, and what led him to finally give pro baseball a shot. Taylor speaks about his time in the Minor Leagues on the Evansville Otters and Somerset Patriots, coaching JV Basketball at Episcopal Academy in the offseason, becoming a teacher at Episcopal after the 2021 baseball season, and recently being named the Head Coach of the Varsity Basketball team.
Maddie Plank is a current player on the Davidson College Women's Basketball Team. Prior to joining Davidson in 2022, she played at Princeton University from 2019-2022. She talks about growing up as the oldest of four in Briarcliff Manor, New York, being passionate about basketball from a young age, great high school success, and the recruiting process that led her to Princeton. Maddie discusses getting injured her Freshman year and missing the season, Covid-19 cancelling the remainder of the 2020 season, and her decision to take a gap year in 2021. She details her adventurous cross-country cycling trip with Princeton Men's Basketball player Charlie Bagin, which included going East Coast to West Coast, stopping at cool sights along the way, meeting interesting people, and becoming best friends. Maddie talks about getting back to campus in 2022, the success Princeton had in the Ivy League and their run in the NCAA Tournament. Then, she explains her difficult decision to transfer after the season, why she chose Davidson, winning the gold medal in the 2022 Maccabiah Games and her experience in Israel as a Jewish American, this past season at Davidson, and her hopes for the upcoming 2024 season.
Dylan Geissert is the Associate Head Coach for the North Dakota State University Women's Basketball Team. Prior to being named Associate Head Coach, he worked as an Assistant Coach at NDSU from 2019-2023 and a Graduate Student Manager at the University of Kansas from 2017-2019. He graduated from Emporia State University in 2016 where he was a Student Assistant Coach and Male Practice Player for the Women's Basketball Team. Dylan talks about growing up in Herington, Kansas, playing 3 sports, and having an appreciation for women's sports because his mom is a great athlete. He discusses his intention to play baseball at Emporia State before an injury made him retire from the sport, how he got involved with the women's basketball team, the dominance that Emporia State has in Division II Women's Basketball, going from a Male Practice Player to a Student Assistant Coach, working for Head Coach Jory Collins, and making the 2015 Final Four. Dylan then details the opportunity to be the Graduate Manager for Kansas, going from a D2 school to a D1 school, working in the Big 12 Conference, and what his role entailed. He explains why he chose to move to Fargo, ND, when Jory Collins got the Head Coaching job at NDSU, his time as Assistant Coach, recruiting, coaching through the pandemic, building NDSU back up, and being named Associate Head Coach this past May.
Julia Cunningham played basketball at Princeton University from 2018-2023 where she was a part of 4 Ivy League Regular Season Championships and 3 Ivy League Tournament Titles. She talks about growing up in Watchung, NJ, getting into basketball a bit late, her great career at Watchung Hills High School where she is the All-Time Leading Scorer to this day, and the recruiting process that led her to Princeton. Julia describes the transition to Division I Basketball, playing right away as a Freshman, her Head Coach Courtney Banghart leaving after her first year, and how she liked Current Head Coach Carla Berube. Then, she discusses a promising 26-1 season being cancelled due to COVID-19, her decision to take a gap year in 2021 when the Ivy League cancelled all sports, what she did that year, and her excitement to get back on the court in 2022. Julia goes over the dominance of Princeton Basketball in the Ivy League, the upset wins they had in the 2022 & 2023 NCAA Tournament, and her future plans now that she has graduated.
Stephen Perretta is the Assistant Coach for the Iona College Women's Basketball Team. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Coach for the Fairleigh Dickinson Women's Basketball Team from 2021-2023. He graduated from Villanova University in 2021 where he spent time as a Male Practice Plater for the women's program and is the son of former Villanova Women's Basketball Coach Harry Perretta. Stephen talks about growing up around the Villanova program, what it was like to have a Division 1 basketball coach as a father, his own basketball playing career, and wanting to be a coach at a young age. He describes his time as a student at Villanova, his involvement as a practice player, other jobs he did around the athletic program, and watching his father coach his last season at Villanova. Stephen discusses how he got a Graduate Assistant position for FDU, getting promoted to an Assistant Coach one year later, all of the hype around FDU Basketball during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, following Head Coach Angelika Szumilo to Iona College in the off season, and his excitement for the 2024 season.
On today's brief episode, the host, Bridget, explains why the podcast had to go on hiatus. However, there is great news. It's coming back!
Peter Lipari wrestled at Rutgers University from 2015-2019, Rider University in 2020, and Arizona State University in 2021. He talks about growing up in Byram Township, New Jersey, how he got into wrestling, and his first two years at Lenape Valley High School where he placed in the state. Peter discusses his family's move during his Junior year, transferring to Bergen Catholic High School, a nationally ranked program, the competition in the wrestling room, his excellent final 2 years there, and how it prepared him for college. He details his recruiting process, how he always wanted to attend Rutgers, and ultimately committing there before he was granted a scholarship (that was eventually granted). Peter chats about his first few seasons at Rutgers where he redshirted and got injured, the hard work he kept putting in, and the outstanding Redshirt Junior season in 2019 where he was the starter at 141 lbs. and was an NCAA Tournament Qualifier. Then, he discusses transferring to Rider for his Redshirt Senior season, his highlights, and how it was cut short due to COVID-19. Lastly, he talks about using his 6th year of eligibility to wrestle at Arizona State, how he liked living out there, the odd 2021 season with so many pandemic rules, getting a job as an MMA agent once he was done wrestling, recently moving back to New Jersey, and his excitement for his career ahead.
Kyla Sears played lacrosse at Princeton University from 2018-2022 and became the program's all-time leading scorer. She talks about growing up in Skaneateles, New York, getting into lacrosse through her father, and her great career at Skaneateles High School where she won 2 State Championships, played in the Under Armor All-American Game, and came back from 2 knee injuries to win the 2017 National Player of the Year award. Kyla discusses her recruiting process and choosing Princeton because of the high academics, athletics, and the connection to her grandfather who was an alum. She details what it was like playing for Head Coach Chris Sailer, singing the National Anthem before every home game, Princeton's dominance in the Ivy League, and playing in the NCAA Tournament. Kyla then talks about the pandemic ending her junior season early in 2020, the tough decision she and her teammates made to defer a year in 2021 to maintain Ivy League eligibility, what she did during her off year, and coming back after a 2 year layoff, the pressure the team felt to send Coach Sailer off on a high note, and the phenomenal senior season that it was. She closes the episode off by talking about her decision to not take a 5th year of eligibility, getting a job she's excited about, and moving to New York City.
Grace Lange played basketball at Villanova University from 2017-2020, is currently in law school at the University of Pennsylvania, and recently won Miss Delaware. She talks about growing up in Newark, Delaware, in an athletic family, how she got into basketball, her great high school career at Caravel Academy, how she got into the pageant world, and winning Miss Delaware Teen in 2017. Grace discusses her recruiting process, her decision to become a preferred walk-on at Villanova, and getting to continue her modeling career in a pre-NIL NCAA. She details her highlights at Villanova, the great team chemistry, playing for Head Coach Harry Perretta, and the tough decision she made to graduate early in 2020 and not play basketball her Senior season. Grace then chats about her getting into law school, the type of law she wants to pursue, and why she competed for Miss Delaware in 2022. She explains the process, winning the crown, and now preparing to compete for Miss USA coming up on October 3rd.
Danielle Rauch played basketball at the University of Michigan from 2018-2022 and is now the Graduate Assistant for the Clemson University Women's Basketball team. She talks about growing up in Syracuse, New York, in an athletic family, how she got into basketball, and her outstanding career at Bishop Ludden High School where she became the all-time leading scorer and once had a quadruple-double. Danielle discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Michigan, and being apart of a great recruiting class that would ultimately be the most successful class in the history of the program. She describes being a backup point guard behind a teammate in her class, playing in the very competitive Big Ten, playing for Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico, and having the 2020 season cancelled due to COVID-19. Then, Danielle details the 2021 season, becoming the starting point guard during the NCAA Tournament and helping lead Michigan to a Sweet 16 appearance, and starting every game her senior year in 2022. She chats about what a successful season 2022 was, the chemistry the team had, making it to the Elite 8, the press conference that went viral, and why she chose to not use an extra year of eligibility. Finally, she talks about her new position as the Graduate Assistant for Clemson, her duties, and her future career in coaching.
Jon Quigley is a hiker who has logged over 1,600 miles on the Appalachian Trail during 3 different trips. He talks about being born in Pennsylvania, but growing up in West Virginia, getting into hiking through his family, being a big Philly sports fan, running cross country and track in high school, and serving in the United States Military. Jon discusses why he decided to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2013, how he got his trail name "Jupiter", his experiences, and why he went back and hiked more miles in 2015. Then, he details why he decided to leave his job and home in Philadelphia to hike the trail from April-September 2022. He speaks about starting out with good friends, people he met along the way, beautiful sights he saw, and the injury that forced him to leave the trail in late May. Jon gives an update on the injury, his life now back in West Virginia, and his intentions to long-distance hike on another trail in the future.
Taj Benning played basketball at Fairfield University from 2017-2022. He talks about growing up in Fair Lawn, NJ, getting into basketball through his father, starting AAU at a young age, attending Bergen Catholic High School, being apart of the Bergen Catholic/Don Bosco rivalry, and his recruiting process that led him to choose Fairfield. Taj discusses the transition to college basketball, the competition in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), and losing more games that he was used to since he attended a dominant high school. He details the highlights of his 5 year career, going through a coaching change but never questioning a transfer, going through COVID-19 as a college athlete, and his decision to play the extra year the NCAA granted. He also explains what is next for his career, which includes hiring an agent and playing professionally overseas.
Mike Giambagno is the founder of Every Ball Has A Story, a company that tracks golf balls and the stories they create around the world. He talks about growing up in Paramus, NJ, being the middle of 3 boys, getting into golf at an early age from his father, and his high school career on the golf team. Mike discusses enjoying golf into adulthood, some of the courses he's played at, and the courses that are on his bucket list. Then, he details how he, his brothers, and a friend came up with the idea of Every Ball Has a Story and putting that idea into action, which included buying a special printer, golf balls in bulk, making custom designs, and creating a website. Mike explains how the golf ball are tracked using QR codes, how a golfer who finds one of the balls can track the courses it has been played on, and how the golfer can then log the courses they have played the ball on. He discusses the progress the company has made since starting in April, some short term goals for 2022, and long term goals going forward.
Mary Schwappach played soccer at the University of Notre Dame from 2012-2016. She talks about growing up in Denver, Colorado, how she got into soccer, starting club soccer at an early age, and being on many successful teams. Mary describes her Mullen High School career where she was a 3-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, track & field, and soccer, but only playing 2 years of high school soccer to prioritize club. She details her recruiting process, why she chose Notre Dame, switching from the Big East to the ACC following her freshman year, and her career highlights which include 4 years of making the NCAA Tournament. She then discusses her knee injury senior year, the long recovery process, and the difficulty of watching as her team had a great season. Mary gives an update on what is going on as a post-grad which includes moving back to Denver, loving her job, and keeping up with Notre Dame athletes. Fun fact: Mary has been to all 7 continents!
Caleb Krueger played basketball and ran track & field at Ottawa University from 2012-2016 and is now the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of North Carolina Women's Basketball team. He talks about growing up in Wakefield Kansas, how he got into basketball and track & field, his great career at Wakefield High School, and the process that led to him playing 2 sports at Ottawa University. Caleb details how he was able to play 2 sports at the collegiate level, how he managed his time, and how burning himself out freshman year led him to his interest in strength and conditioning. He discusses how he changed up his training process, the highlights of his basketball and track career with Ottawa, graduating early, and interning with the basketball team. Caleb explains his first job in strength and conditioning at Ottawa working with 8 different sports teams, going to the University of Kansas and working with the women's basketball team, men's basketball team, and softball team, and how he adjusted his trainings while student athletes were away from campus during the pandemic. He then talks about how the job with the UNC Women's Basketball team came to be, what it's like to work with Head Coach Courtney Banghart, what a day during the season looks like for him, and his excitement for the 2023 season.
Charlie Bagin played basketball at Princeton University from 2017-2022, and during a gap year in 2021, he cycled across the country with fellow athlete, Maddie Plank, raising money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He talks about growing up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, being the oldest of four kids, how he got into basketball, and playing on competitive AAU teams. Charlie discusses his high school career at Don Bosco Prep, the rivalry with Bergen Catholic, winning a State Title and a Bergen County Title, and being class valedictorian. He then explains his recruiting process, why he chose Princeton, the transition from high school to college, and what it was like playing for Head Coach Mitch Henderson. Charlie details his Princeton basketball highlights, playing in the Ivy League, his thoughts on Ivy Madness, and why he decided to take a gap year in 2021 when the Ivy League cancelled all sports. He talks about how this cycling trip came to be, why him and Maddie decided to raise money for NAMI, and he gives all the details of the amazing 68 day trip! He wraps up the episode chatting about his great senior season where Princeton won the Ivy League regular season and his plans for the future.
Christian Rodriguez played baseball at Prairie View A&M University in 2017-2018 before getting cut from the team. Instead of transferring, he stayed at the school to complete his electrical engineering degree and found a love for coaching baseball. Christian talks about growing up in Cypress, Texas, being a Chicago sports fan, how he got into baseball, playing baseball at 2 different high schools in Cypress, and his recruiting process that led him to becoming a preferred walk-on at Prairie View A&M. He explains the try out process, the difficulty of making a baseball team as a walk-on, and getting cut on the last day, and his decision to stay at the school to pursue his degree. Christian describes how he got into coaching baseball through his younger brother, the age groups he coaches, what he likes about it, and how he balanced being a coach and a student. He details the joy he gets from coaching kids, his love for the recruiting process and watching his players sign letters of intents to play at colleges, his recent move to Fort Worth, Texas, after graduating college, currently working full-time, attending graduate school, and coaching, and his future in coaching.
Gianna Bowe played lacrosse at the University of North Carolina from 2016-2019 and was a member of the 2016 National Championship Team. She talks about growing up in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, how she got into the sport of lacrosse, her great three-sport career at Clearview Regional High School, and recovering from an ACL tear her junior year. Gianna describes her recruiting process, why she chose UNC, the transition to college lacrosse, and the great freshman season where both the UNC Women's Lacrosse Team and the UNC Men's Lacrosse Team won National Championships. She highlights the rest of her career which includes winning 4 ACC Tournaments, never losing to rival Duke, making 2 more Final Fours, being a spark plug for the team, and the dominance of UNC Women's Lacrosse over the years. Gianna gives an update to what she is up to now which includes being engaged, a home owner, and continuing to support UNC athletics.
Tia Weledji played basketball at Princeton University from 2014-2018. She's also played on the Cameroon National Team and professionally overseas. She talks about growing up in Overland Park, Kansas, coming from an athletic family, her father's influence on her basketball career, her great high school career at Saint Thomas Aquinas where she won a State Championship with her older sister, Nelly, and her recruiting process that led her to choose Princeton. Tia discusses Princeton's dominance in Ivy League Women's Basketball, playing for then Head Coach Courtney Banghart, playing against Nelly at Brown, the addition of Ivy Madness, and making the NCAA Tournament 3 out of 4 years. She also details the experiences she had playing on the Cameroon National Team in the summers of her Junior and Senior years. Tia also talks about her professional basketball career overseas, the countries she was able to play in, continuing to play for Cameroon, going through rehab after tearing her Achilles, supporting her younger sister, Serena at UPenn, joining Courtney Banghart's coaching staff at the University of North Carolina for a period of time, why her retirement from basketball isn't set in stone, and what's she's up to now.
Kelly Jekot played basketball at Villanova University from 2016-2020 & Penn State University from 2020-2022. She talks about growing up in Enola, Pennsylvania, in a large, athletic family where she is the oldest of 4 daughters (that all play basketball), how she got into basketball, and her decorated career at Cumberland Valley High School where she won 3 State Championships with her sister, Kate, and was named Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year twice. Kelly discusses her recruiting process, why she chose Villanova, playing for Harry Perretta, playing in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, playing against her sister in a Big Five game, and her first ACL tear that happened in 2019. Kelly explains her decision to become a graduate transfer, why she chose Penn State, transferring during COVID-19, and playing for Carolyn Kieger. She then details tearing her other ACL in 2021, having to go through the rehab process all over again, blogging her rehab through TikTok, and using her COVID year in 2022 to play the entire season for Penn State. Kelly discusses wanting to create a positive alumni culture within the Penn State program, her plans for the future, and her continued support for her younger sisters' careers: Kate at Saint Joseph's, Julie at La Salle, and Jillian in high school.
Kevin Hoehn played basketball for Villanova University from 2018-2021. He talks about growing up in Morristown, NJ, coming from an athletic family that includes the Arcidiaconos, how he got into basketball, attending Morristown High School where he had to opportunity to play with his older brother and scored over 1,000 points, and his experience at the 2016 Final Four that led him to want to play for Villanova. Kevin discusses his recruiting process, choosing to try out as a walk-on for Villanova instead of playing Division 2 or 3, not making the team as a Freshman, but staying connected to the program and doing whatever he could to be involved. He details making the team as a Sophomore, his first time suiting up against UConn at Madison Square Garden, getting to play with his cousin, Chris, and playing for Jay Wright. He also talks about the Tournament being cancelled in 2020, tearing his Achilles Senior year in 2021, his decision to not pursue a 5th year, attending the 2022 Final Four, and what he's up to now.
Christina Foggie played basketball at Vanderbilt University from 2010-2014 and was drafted 24th overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft to the Minnesota Lynx. She is currently back at her alma mater as the Chief of Staff for the Women's Basketball team. She talks about growing up in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, how she got into basketball, AAU highlights, her stellar career at Lenape Regional High School where she became the all-time scorer, and her recruiting process that led her to pick Vanderbilt. Christina describes her great Vanderbilt career where she dealt with concussion issues early on, living in Nashville, playing in the SEC, making the NCAA Tournament all 4 years, the rivalry with Tennessee, breaking the 3 point record at Vanderbilt, and winning the SEC Scoring Title as a senior. She then details what it was like to be selected in the WNBA Draft, her experience at training camp, and her decision to not pursue a professional career overseas. She discusses her career working in athletics, including 6 years spent at St. Joseph's University, her decision to come back to Vanderbilt, what the role of Chief of Staff entails, working with Shea Ralph and her former coach Tom Garrick, and her excitement about the future for Vanderbilt Women's Basketball.
Tess D'Orsi played lacrosse at Princeton University from 2017-2020 where she helped the Tigers win 3 Ivy League Titles. She talks about growing up in Sudbury, Massachusetts, in a large athletic family, how she got into lacrosse, her impressive career at St. Mark's High School where she broke 6 school records and was an Under Armour All American, and her recruiting process that led her to pick Princeton. Tess discusses the transition to college, what it was like playing for Head Coach Chris Sailer, the competitive Ivy League Conference, winning 3 straight Ivy League Titles, and playing in the NCAA Tournament. She then details her senior year in 2020 that was cut short due to COVID-19 and explains the emotions when she found out the season was cancelled and why she decided to not use her 5th year of eligibility. Tess also chats about living and working in New York, training for the Boston Marathon, continuing to follow Princeton Women's Lacrosse, and looking forward to being in attendance for Chris Sailer's last home game later this season.
Melis Kelly played tennis at the University of West Virginia from 2010-2012 and then transferred to East Carolina University where she played from 2012-2014. She talks about growing up in London, England, how she got involved in tennis, moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, in the 8th grade, and having to play quite a bit of catch up in order to get a ranking. Melismas describes her great high school career at Ravenscroft, winning a state championship, being ranked #1 in the state, and her recruiting process that led her to pick West Virginia. She explains that the coach she committed to play for resigned three days before she was moving on campus, her decision to stick with West Virginia, getting coached by a grad assistant for a while, and then having a head coach named after 3 months. Melis details the abusive coaching style the woman had, her decision to stay and play her Sophomore year there, and why she ultimately decided to transfer after 2 years. She discusses why she chose East Carolina University, the great relationship she had with her head coach there, how happy she was to play tennis again, her great record there, and what she's up to now as a wife and working mom to 2 small children.
Justin Jones played football at LSU from 2016-2019 and Prairie View A&M from 2019-2020. He talks about growing up in Dallas, Texas, being a big Dallas Cowboys fan, and coming from a family full of football players. Justin discusses his 3 sport career at St. Mark's School of Texas where he excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball, why he chose to pursue football in college, and the recruiting process that led him to become a preferred walk-on at LSU. He describes what it was like going from a private high school to a large University, Les Miles getting fired in the middle of his Freshman year, what it was like playing for Ed Orgeron, the SEC football environments at home games and away games, and his decision to transfer after his junior year in hopes of more playing time. Justin then talks about why he chose Prairie View A&M, playing Special Teams, getting a degree in engineering, and what he is up to now.
Sean Kelly was a student manager for the Duke Basketball team from 2011-2014 before joining the team as a walk-on in 2015 and becoming a National Champion. He talks about moving from Carmel, New York, to Raleigh, North Carolina, at a young age and coming from an athletic family where his parents both played sports in the Ivy Leagues, his sister played volleyball at Elon, and his brother Ryan also played basketball at Duke, (National Champion in 2010) played in the NBA, and currently plays overseas. Sean describes how he got into basketball and baseball, his interesting high school sports career at Ravenscroft where he mainly focused on baseball, his decision to attend Duke, and why he decided to become a student manager. He breaks down the duties of student managers, working for Coach K, getting to be around his older brother, Ryan, and his decision to transition to a player. Sean details the work he put in to get in shape, finding out he made the team, what it was like to suit up every game, the 2015 team chemistry, their run to the Final Four, and winning the National Championship. He then discusses his life as a husband and father, attending Coach K's last home game, and how he thinks Jon Scheyer will do as Head Coach.
Christina Esposito is a Professional Lacrosse player, the Head Coach for St. Dominic High School (Oyster Bay), and the Women's Lacrosse Director for the Long Island Jesters. Collegiately, she played at Northwestern University from 2013-2017 where she was an All Big Ten Player. She talks about growing up in West Babylon, New York, getting into lacrosse late for Long Island standards, playing many sports growing up, and playing club lacrosse. Christina discusses her great West Babylon High School career where she earned 12 varsity letters playing lacrosse, soccer, and basketball, being a 2 time All-American in lacrosse, and playing in the Under Armour All American Showcase 3 times. She describes her recruiting process, why she chose Northwestern, how historic the Northwestern Women's Lacrosse program is, and the transition from high school to college. Christina then details her injury riddled Freshman and Sophomore years, working hard to come back as a Junior, earning her starting spot back as a Senior, being a team captain, and her decision to come back for a 5th year that ended up being her best season at Northwestern. She talks about her 2 years as a Professional Lacrosse player, how injuries led to her decision to retire (for now), her passion for coaching, and her hope that the sport continues to grow.
James Gillespie played football at Widener University from 2016-2021 where he was an All-American, and basketball in 2019-2020. He talks about growing up in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, coming from an athletic family (his older sister Victoria was a swimmer at the University of Delaware and his younger brother Collin is currently on the Villanova University Basketball Team), how he got into football and basketball, and thinking he would focus on basketball at the start of his high school career. He details his career at Archbishop Wood High School where he was a great Wide Receiver, his father being on the coaching staff, and winning back-to-back state titles . He also talks about his basketball career and playing with his brother, Collin. James discusses his recruiting process, why he chose Widener, the transition to college football, playing in the Middle Atlantic Conference, and the competition in DIII College Football. He then talks about his standout career, breaking his collarbone Junior year when he was playing great football, and coming back the next season to win the the MAC's Offensive Player of the Year and become an All-American. James explains why he chose to join the basketball team after his Senior season, transitioning from football to basketball, and being the hustle player every team needs. He then discusses his decision to come back for a 5th year in 2021 but having to wait a year since the NCAA cancelled the 2020 season, his 2021 season, and how he is currently training for the NFL draft.
Myles Ehrlich is a WNBA beat writer covering the New York Liberty for Nets Republic, the Connecticut Sun for Winsidr, and the WNBA in general for Queen Ballers Club. He talks about growing up in Brooklyn, New York, playing sports, specifically basketball and baseball, and writing since a young age. He discusses attending NYU for college where he found his passion for writing, how he got involved with the WNBA, what it's like writing for 3 different sites, and balancing this with a 9-5 job. Myles details what a typical day during the season looks like for him, attending every Liberty game last season, being in the press conferences, and writing player profiles for Queen Ballers. Myles gives his opinions on the WNBA free agency, the Athletes Unlimited League, the growth of the WNBA, the rising popularity, and his excitement for the 2022 season. He also talks about writing a novel in his free time called "From The Bleachers", the personal story behind it, and his timeline for publishing.
Steven Johnston played basketball at Fairfield University from 2012-2015 and now runs his own basketball training company "No Days Off". He talks about growing up in Stamford, Connecticut, how he got into basketball, and his high school career that involved 3 different schools and re-classifying. Steve discusses his recruiting process, why he chose to walk-on at Fairfield University, getting cut as a Freshman, but staying on the team as a Team Manager and a practice player, and his work ethic that led him to suit up the final game and earn a spot on the team as a Sophomore. He then details his Sophomore season in 2013, becoming a regular rotation player in the lineup in the tough Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. He talks about his Junior season in 2014 where he started multiple games, and his Senior year in 2015 where an injury derailed him slightly. Through his college career, he never stopped working and literally went from team manager to a starting guard. After college, Steve describes his time playing professionally in Canada, how and why he started No Days Off, what he teaches when he trains his players, and following all of their careers. Some of the big names Steve has trained include Sonia Citron, Aaron Wheeler, Christyn Williams, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
Dave Day played basketball at Ouachita Baptist University from 2010-2014. He talks about growing up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, how he got into basketball, and being tall as a kid. Dave discusses his great career at ThunderRidge High School, where both the boys' and girls' programs are phenomenal. He talks about making it to the state Final Four, playing with other great players, having a good relationship with his head coach to this day, also being a great Track & Field athlete (All State in the High Jump), and being recruited for that sport at the Division I level. He details his recruiting process in both basketball and track, why he chose basketball, and how he ended up at Ouachita Baptist University, a Division II school in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Dave then dives into the transition from high school basketball to college basketball, living so far from home, and playing for one season with his older brother, Scott. He talks about the highlights of his career, which includes a Great American Conference Tournament Championship, meeting his wife in college, and what he's been up to since graduating from OBU: getting married, starting a family, moving back to the Denver area, and having a successful business career.
Taylor Becerra played softball at Arizona State University from 2016-2019 and went to the 2018 Women's College Softball World Series. She talks about growing up in Whittier, California, how she got into softball, starting club at a young age, being a slap hitter, and playing middle infield as well as catcher growing up. Taylor describes her career at La Serna High School where she won a CIF Division Championship, her recruiting process, and why she ultimately chose Arizona State. She details her transition from high school to college softball, switching positions to 3rd base, the competition in the Pac-12, and getting to the College Softball World Series in 2018. She speaks about her time in Oklahoma City and the experience she will have for a lifetime. Taylor then discusses her senior season that was unfortunately cut short due to an ACL injury, how she came to terms with her career ending, and why she started TB26 Performance Training in Chandler, Arizona after graduating from ASU where she trains young softball players.
Conor Triplett attended the University of Notre Dame from 2015-2018 where he was a male practice player for the Women's Basketball team, and was there when they won the 2018 National Championship. He talks about growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, being a twin, having a father that's a Professional Golfer (Kirk Triplett), and how he got into basketball. Conor describes his basketball career at Brophy College Prep High School, getting recruited to smaller Division 3 schools, and his decision to attend Notre Dame as a student. He then details how he became a member of the practice squad for the women's team, what it takes to be a practice player, having a high basketball IQ, and his experience working with former Head Coach Muffet McGraw and current Head Coach Niele Ivey. He chats about the 2018 title run, going to the Final Four with other members of the practice squad, the rollercoaster of emotions that Final Four was, and a special moment between Muffet McGraw and the practice players after the game. Conor discusses majoring in engineering and design, attending grad school at Carnegie Mellon, his career thus far, and his ultimately goal to build theme park rides.
Donavan Mosley played football at the University of Alabama from 2015-2018 where he went to 4 straight National Championship games and won 2 National Titles. He talks about growing up in San Antonio, Texas, coming from a large family with a military background, his love for the Dallas Mavericks, and how he got into football. He discusses his career playing Safety at James Madison High School, his recruiting process, and why he decided to be a preferred walk-on at Alabama. Donavan details the transition to college football, the culture of Alabama Football, what it was like playing for Head Coach Nick Saban, and playing with the best athletes, many of whom have gone on to have great careers in the NFL. He talks about playing in the SEC, what practices were like, making it to 4 straight College Football Playoffs and 4 straight National Title Games, and coming away with 2 National Championships. He then discusses being in the Disney movie "Safety" where he played the role of a Clemson player (not kidding!), starting his own podcast, and his continued support for the Alabama Football program
Blaise Lezynski played in the 2005 Little League World Series and then went on to play collegiate baseball at the University of Notre Dame from 2012-2015 and Mercer University in 2016. He talks about growing up in Newtown, Pennsylvania, coming from a big Notre Dame family and being a fan of the Irish since a young age, how he got into baseball, playing 3rd Base, and being a fan of the Little League World Series before he was even a participant. Blaise describes the summer of 2005 when his Newtown Little League team dominated the competition, had some scares in the Regionals, but making it to Williamsport. He talks about his experience at the LLWS, playing on TV, and why he is still upset his team went 1-2. Blaise then discusses his great career at Notre Dame High School, his recruiting process, and why he chose the University of Notre Dame. He chats about the transition from high school to college baseball, playing in the cold South Bend weather, his highlights at Notre Dame, and going from the Big East to the ACC. He discusses playing summer baseball, the injury and illness that caused him to redshirt his senior year, and why he chose to transfer to Mercer. He then describes his great season as a Graduate transfer at Mercer in Georgia, winning the SoCon, attempting to play professionally, coaching at Penn State for a year, and moving back to South Bend, Indiana, and becoming the co-founder of Onora Whiskey.
Link to Onora Whiskey: https://www.onorawhiskey.com
Baylee Wellhausen played hockey at the University of Wisconsin from 2014-2018 and went to 4 straight Frozen Fours. She talks about growing up in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, being a Badgers fan, how she got into hockey, and her family ties to the sport. Baylee describes playing hockey with the boys when she was younger, choosing to attend the Minnesota boarding school Shattuck-St. Mary's for high school, her outstanding hockey career there, and playing for U-18 Women's National Team. She then details her recruiting process, why she chose Wisconsin, her relationship with Head Coach Mark Johnson, playing in the competitive WCHA, scoring a ton of great goals, making it to 4 consecutive Frozen Fours, and loving her overall college experience. Baylee discusses leaving hockey after graduation, but recently getting back into it and playing professionally in the PWHPA, coaching youth boys hockey, working, and getting her Masters degree.
Kelsey Budd played basketball at Bradley University from 2010-2014. She talks about growing up in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, how she got into basketball, her AAU highlights, and her outstanding career at Sauk Prairie High School where she was First Team All State. Kelsey describes her recruiting process, why she chose Bradley, the transition from high school to college basketball, and the school's support for the athletic programs. She then details her great four year career, the competition in the Missouri Valley Conference, scoring over 20 points many times when she had to come off the bench, working her way back into the starting lineup, beating multiple Power 5 Schools, and making the Honor Roll every semester. Kelsey discusses her famous teammate, Michelle Young, who is currently The Bachelorette, how she was as a player and a teammate, and what she thinks of the season. She also talks about what she's been up to since graduation, doing well in her career, keeping basketball in her life, and preparing for her upcoming wedding.
David Bergida wrestled at Virginia Tech from 2013-2017. He talks about growing up in Belle Mead, New Jersey, how he got into wrestling at a young age, and his great career at Montgomery High School where he was a 4 year Varsity starter. David then describes his recruiting process, the schools he was considering, and why he ultimately chose Virginia Tech. He discusses the difficult transition from high school to college wrestling, the competitive ACC conference, and the success Virginia Tech had all 5 years he was there. He speaks highly about his teammates and coaches, and how it was truly a family environment. David explains his personal career there, going through some ups and downs, but ultimately coming out on top his 5th year to become the starter at his weight class. He then discusses what he is up to now, living in the DC area, and continuing to coach and train at District Martial Arts.
Xavier Lezynski played football at the University of Notre Dame from 2018-2020 where he went to 2 College Football Playoffs during his career. He talks about growing up in Newtown, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of 4 children, and his family's connection to Notre Dame. Xavier discusses growing up as a Quarterback, then attending Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where he played Safety until his Junior year when he won the starting Quarterback spot. He speaks on his recruitment, his dream to go to Notre Dame and play football, getting wait-listed at first, and then getting into the school. He describes stepping on campus as a Freshman, the process of trying to become a walk-on, and not making the team his Freshman year. Xavier describes his decision not to give up on his dream, trying out again as a Sophomore, this time making the dream, and what it was like the first time he put on the uniform and ran out of the tunnel. He discusses what it was like having his brother, Nick, on the coaching staff, his highlights which include getting into several games, playing on two Notre Dame teams that went onto the College Football Playoff, and the team comradery. Xavier then discusses his life after graduation, living in North Carolina, and working for Mogl, a company created by athletes for athletes.
Alysa Auriemma is an English Teacher and Assistant Coach for the Girls Basketball Team at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut. She is also the daughter of UConn Women's Basketball Coach, Geno Auriemma. Alysa talks about growing up in Manchester, Connecticut, growing up around the UConn program, her own basketball career, and why she stopped playing in high school to focus on her greater passion, theater. She explains how much she has always loved reading, including bringing books to the UConn games, and her passion for writing. Alysa discusses why she chose to attend UConn, her own life there away from her father, going to NYC to pursue theater, her decision to return home, go back to school, and pursue English. She describes how she became an English teacher, working at her alma mater Miss Porters, and helping to coach the basketball team. She opens up about some viral moments she had as Geno's daughter, including her piece honoring Coach Pat Summit and tweeting at Morgan William congratulating her after she hit a buzzer beater against UConn. Alysa then talks about the novel she wrote, "All Daughters Rise" that is available now for pre-order, and will be released on January 4th, 2022. She describes her writing process, how she came up with the idea, what the book is about, why she decided to self-publish, and how she's already working on the sequel.
James Bull played lacrosse at UMBC in 2014 before transferring to the University of Maryland where he played from 2015-2017 and was a member of the 2017 National Championship Team. He talks about growing up in Woodbridge, Virginia, how he got into lacrosse, and his great high school career at St. Stephens & St. Agnes where he won several state championships. James then talks about his recruiting process, why he chose UMBC, his Freshman season there where he switched positions, and the reason why he decided to transfer. He discusses picking Maryland, fitting in with the team right away, the team comradery, the competition in the Big Ten, playing for Head Coach John Tillman, and facing several injuries. James details what it was like getting to 3 straight Final Fours, what it felt like to lose back-to-back National Championships in 2015 & 2016, and how the team wouldn't be denied in 2017. He describes the National Title, the celebration, what he is up to now, and how he keeps in touch with the Maryland program and many teammates.
Dr. Andrew Kelley is a physical therapist in the state of New Jersey who treats a wide range of patients, including athletes rehabbing from sports-related injuries. He talks about growing up in Ringwood, New Jersey, playing multiple sports growing up, being a big Duke Basketball fan, and his great basketball, soccer, and track career at Lakeland Regional High School. Andrew then discusses becoming interested in physical therapy after rehabbing an injury, playing soccer at Delaware Valley University for 2 years, his decision to transfer to the University of Delaware, his time on the club soccer team for UDel, and getting to work with athletes like Elena Delle Donne. He explains the road to becoming a physical therapist and going to Rutgers-Newark for Physical Therapy school after receiving an undergraduate degree from UDel, going through clinicals, getting his doctorate, and the other certifications he has. Andrew describes a day in the life of a physical therapist, working with people of all ages, the major sports related injuries he sees, how he helps athletes get back on their feet after injuries, and how he follows their careers afterwards.
Diamond Gillis played football at Colorado School of Mines from 2010-2014. He talks about growing up in Aurora, Colorado, how he got into football, playing Quarterback at a young age, and his great career at Cherokee Trail High School where excelled in football, basketball, and was an Honors student. He tells the great story of coming into the game as a Sophomore backup quarterback and winning a State Playoff game. Diamond discusses his recruiting process, why he chose Colorado School of Mines, a Division II school, and the unique academic experience that Mines offers. He describes the transition from high school to college football, redshirting his freshman year, switching positions from Quarterback to Wide Receiver, the hard work he put in to be one of the best receivers on the team, and how he balanced athletics and academics. Diamond then explains his career highlights at Mines, the success the program had, his decision to return for a 5th year, and making the SportsCenter Top 10 Plays list for an insane catch he made in 2014. He talks about what he's been up to since graduation, becoming a husband and father, and keeping football in his life by coaching at the high school level.
Brianne Reed is a Professional Soccer player currently playing overseas in Denmark and also is a member of the Dominican Republic National Team. Collegiately, she played at Rutgers from 2012-2015 and helped them reach the Final Four in 2015. Brianne talks about growing up in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, how she got into soccer, her club career highlights, and her great soccer and track & field career at Red Bank Catholic High School. She discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Rutgers, the transition from high school to college soccer, and what it was like to play in 3 different conferences in 4 years. Brianne details her great career at Rutgers, playing the important position of Center Back, getting to the NCAA Tournament all 4 years, and the run to the Final Four her Senior year in 2015. She then talks about getting drafted into the NWSL in the 2016 Draft, her time playing with FC Kansas City, and her decision to go overseas to play. Brianne explains her time in Sweden, the different style of soccer that is played, her current career in Denmark, how & why she decided to join the Dominican Republican National Team, and how she balances both.
Gerry Wixted play basketball at Dickinson College from 2011-2015 where he became the school's all-time leading scorer and National Division III Player of the Year as a senior. He talks about growing up in Moorestown, NJ, coming from a large athletic family, how he got into basketball, and why he chose to attend Camden Catholic High School. Gerry describes his great career at Camden Catholic where he played for a great coach and won a state title. He details his recruiting process, an injury that slowed the process down, why he chose to do a year of prep school, and what led him to choose Dickinson College. Gerry then explains his phenomenal career at Dickinson where his class posted the most wins in school history, made it as far as the Elite Eight in the DIII NCAA Tournament, and became the all-time leading scorer and National Player of the Year. Gerry discusses why he chose not to pursue a professional career overseas and became a boarding school history teacher and coach.
Karlie Cronin played basketball for Ohio State from 2017-2019. Prior to that, she played on the Ohio State Lacrosse team in 2016-2017 and started her college career playing basketball at Southern Methodist University in 2015. She talks about growing up in Oakton, Virginia, how she got into basketball, playing AAU for the Fairfax Stars, her great career at Oakton High School where she won a State Championship in basketball, started playing lacrosse as a Sophomore, and received accolades both sports. Karlie then discusses her recruiting process, why she wasn't happy with it, and what led her to choose SMU. She then details the reason she left SMU, her decision to play lacrosse after being burned out from basketball, choosing Ohio State, and her time on the lacrosse team. Karlie explains her decision to go back to basketball, getting on the Ohio State team, playing for Head Coach Kevin McGuff, the success the Buckeyes had her Junior year in 2018, and tearing her ACL prior to her Senior season. She then talks about how and why she created Blindspot Recruiting, a platform where athletes can rate coaches and schools, her interest in design, going to Grad School at the University of Colorado, and her internship with the Women's Basketball Team.
Nick Wehby played football at the University of Indianapolis from 2010-2012 before a devastating injury off the field in the summer of 2013 ended his career and left him fighting to regain use of his arms and legs. He talks about growing up in Mason, Ohio, how he got into football, his great career at Mason High School where he played offense, defense, and special teams, and the recruiting process that led him to choose Division II UIndy. Nick then discusses his career at UIndy which included redshirting his Freshman year, playing Defensive Back, and a breakout Redshirt Sophomore year for himself and the team. He explains the injury that happened in the summer of 2013 where he dove into a swimming pool and broke his neck, the doctors telling his parents he would never walk again, and Nick beating the odds and walking out of the hospital just a few weeks later. He talks discusses how the Mason and UIndy Community rallied around him, the difficult rehabilitation process, and coming to terms with never being about to play football again. Nick then discusses how he's feeling today and his relationship with Bachelor Nation's Sydney Lotuaco.
Brielle Buckler has worked for the NBA and currently works for Bleacher Report. She also has experience in wine, becoming a sommelier, and has merged both these passions to be a part of the series "Full-Bodied", a Bleacher Report show where athletes chat over wine. Brielle talks about growing up in Paramus, NewJersey, coming from a supportive family, playing softball and soccer as a kid, getting into bowling in high school, and her decision to attend the University of Miami for undergrad. She talks about how an accident led her to change her major to sports, attending grad school at the University of South Florida, and getting a job with the NBA before she graduated. Brielle discusses her career in the NBA, helping to start up the WNBA team Dallas Wings, and working at several All-Star Games and Drafts. She explains how she got into wine, taking classes, studying different regions of wine in the world, wanting to learn all she can about it, and starting her business Viva La Vino NYC. Brielle describes her current job at Bleacher Report, how she got involved in the show "Full-Bodied", her role in the show, and how she and her fiancé, Matt, have traveled the country in the past year
Tatum Hackenberg (maiden name Coffey) played lacrosse at Penn State University from 2012-2015 where she was a 2-time All-American, then played professionally in the United Women's Lacrosse League for the Long Island Sound, and now is a coach and trainer for 3 Point Lacrosse. She talks about growing up in Toms River, playing soccer, basketball, and boys hockey, and not playing lacrosse until she was a Freshman in high school. She describes her great career at Toms River North High School where she earned 12 varsity letters, scored over 300 goals in lacrosse, was 1st team All-American, and was the MVP of the Under Armor All-American game. Tatum discusses her recruiting process, originally picking UMass, and how she ended up at Penn State. She then talks about her phenomenal career with the Nittany Lions, winning a Big Ten Conference Championship, making the NCAA Tournament twice, being a 2-time All American, meeting her now husband Christian, the former Penn State and NFL Quarterback, and how they made the relationship work through busy schedules and long distance. Tatum explains her time as a sideline reporter in college, playing professionally for the Long Island Sound, and her goal to grow the game of lacrosse in the Toms River area through training and coaching at 3 Point Lacrosse.
Mitchell Simmons is the Director of Operations for the University of Wisconsin Women's Basketball Team. Prior to this role, he was the Director of Operations for the Boston University Women's Basketball Team from 2019-2021, and was a student manager for the UConn Women's Basketball Team from 2015-2018. Mitchell talks about growing up in Hartland, Vermont, playing basketball and soccer growing up, how several injuries on the soccer field led him to UConn, and why he decided to become a student manager. Mitchell describes the hard work that student managers put in, what it was like working with the coaching staff, and becoming friends with many of the players. He discusses the opportunity to become Director of Operations at Boston University when Marisa Moseley took the head coaching position, being a full-time DOBO and a part-time Graduate Student, and his time at BU. He then explains why he took the DOBO job at Wisconsin when Marisa Moseley took over as Head Coach, his relationship with her, and his excitement for the upcoming 2022 season.
Ben Lynch played baseball at Drew University from 2007-2011. He talks about growing up in Paramus, New Jersey, how he got into baseball, becoming a pitcher, his best pitch, his club baseball career, and his career at Paramus High School. Ben describes his recruiting process, why he chose Drew University, only being a pitcher in college, and the transition from high school to college baseball. He discusses some career highlights, injuries he faced, coming out of the bullpen, funny stories on the mound, and his relationship with his coach. Ben then talks about his life today, getting married to his wife Danielle, being a qualitative stock trader, and recently having his first child.
Natalie Novosel is a former professional basketball player who spent 5 years playing in the WNBA and overseas. Collegiately, she played at the University of Notre Dame from 2008-2012 where she helped them to 2 straight Final Fours. She talks about growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, coming from an athletic family where both her older sister and twin brother also played college basketball, her AAU days, and her great high school career at Lexington Catholic where the team was one of the best in the country. Natalie describes the recruiting process, why she chose Notre Dame, playing for Muffet McGraw, and her hard work in the summer following a disappointing Sophomore season. She then discusses her Junior year in 2011 where she was the Big East's Most Improved Player and helped the Irish reach their first Final Four in 10 years, beating Tennessee and UConn along the way to the championship game. She also discusses her fantastic Senior year in 2012 where the Irish were one of the best teams in the country, getting back to the Final Four, and her game-tying put-back to send the game to overtime and ultimately defeat rival UConn. Natalie talks about getting drafted 8th in the WNBA Draft, her time with the Washington Mystics, her great overseas career where she mostly played in Australia, going through 3 ACL tears, deciding to stop playing, and what she's been up to since she retired from the game.
Taylor Burke is a musician currently based out of Nashville who recently released the EP "Dog Days". Growing up, he was a phenomenal baseball and basketball player in South Jersey and also happens to be Bridget B.'s cousin! He talks about growing up in Moorestown, New Jersey, getting into sports through his father, his passion for music starting at a young age, learning to play guitar, and creating a band with his friends. He discusses special trips to Cameron Indoor Stadium to see Duke vs. UNC games with his dad, his athletic career at Moorestown High School where he was a varsity baseball player as a Freshman and a key member of his basketball team's underdog run through the state tournament his Senior year, his band Macklin recording a song that was available on streaming platforms, and why he chose to attend William & Mary for college. Taylor discusses his continued pursuit of music being in bands in college and grad school, being a stand-up comedian, his decision to move to Nashville, taking voice lessons, and what it's like to be a musician in that city. He then talks about his EP he released in 2019, his process to writing music, his most recent EP "Dog Days", and his upcoming music ventures.
Tommy Massimino Jr. works in Operations for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. Previously, he was a student manager for the Villanova Men's Basketball Team from 2009-2013, an Assistant Video Coordinator for the Iowa Men's Basketball Team from 2014-2015 and worked in Operations for the Denver Nuggets from 2015-2017. He talks about growing up in Barrington, Illinois, being the grandson of the late Rollie Massimino, being from a basketball family, and his basketball career through high school. Tommy explains why he chose to attend Villanova, the process of becoming a student manager, all of the duties involved, learning to cut film, and what it was like working for Head Coach Jay Wright. He then details his time at Iowa working under Head Coach Fran McCaffery, making the jump to the NBA, his time working for the Denver Nuggets, and working with Ed Pinckney. Tommy describes his current position with the Orlando Magic, what it's been like working during the pandemic, the exciting young Magic roster, and his continued support for both the Villanova and Iowa programs.
Taylor Sharp is a film producer who has created the film "Hoops Africa" and is currently working on the film series "Hoop Portraits". He is also a University of North Carolina sports superfan. Taylor talks about growing up in Morganton, North Carolina, how he became such a big Tar Heels fan, and deciding to go to the school himself. He discusses how he became so close to the basketball team, his friendships with Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige, traveling for all of the NCAA Tournament games, his summer in Africa where he learned about the concept of Ubuntu, and how this inspired him to create his first film, "Hoops Africa". Taylor goes into detail of what the film is about, the process of making it, and how he was involved in every step. Taylor then discusses creating Blue Cup Productions after he graduated from college, how COVID-19 has affected his work, and what his next project "Hoop Portraits" is all about, and the pilot episode "Two Ways to The League".
Geno Morelli is an MMA Fighter who wrestled collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh from 2012-2014 and Penn State from 2015-2017. He talks about growing up in DuBois, Pennsylvania, being a lifelong Penn State fan, coming from an athletic family, how he got into wrestling, and his great career at DuBois High School. Geno describes his recruiting process, why he originally chose Pittsburgh, highlights of his 2 seasons there, and why he decided to transfer to Penn State during his Junior year. He then discusses what it was like to wrestle for his dream school, the competitiveness of the Big Ten Conference, the pedigree of Penn State Wrestling, getting to the NCAA Championships in 2016, and winning several team NCAA National Championships. Geno then talks about getting his MBA, marrying his high school sweetheart, working in the business world for a while, his decision to leave his job to go all in on becoming an MMA Fighter, his training process, his first fight, and his upcoming fights.
Jared Miller played Professional Baseball in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system from 2014-2019. Collegiately, he played at Vanderbilt University from 2012-2014 and helped the team win the 2014 National Championship. He talks about growing up in Avon, Indiana, how he got into baseball, when he started pitching, and his great high school career where he excelled at baseball and basketball. Jared describes the recruiting process, why he chose Vanderbilt, the transition from high school to college baseball, and what it was like living in Nashville. He then details his great career at Vanderbilt, how good the team was, what it was like to play for Head Coach Tim Corbin, his experience at the College World Series in Omaha, and winning the 2014 National Championship. Jared discusses his decision to forgo his senior season after getting drafted, his 6 year professional career where he reached as high as Triple A and made the 40 man roster for the Arizona Diamondback, why he retired in 2019, and what he's been up to lately.
Shay Knighten is a professional softball player for the USSSA Pride and an Assistant Coach for the University of San Diego Softball Team. Collegiately, she played for the University of Oklahoma from 2016-2019 and won 2 National Championships. Shay talks about growing up in Buena Park, California, her athletic family, how she got into softball, and her great career at Sunny Hills High School. She describes her recruiting process, why she chose Oklahoma, and what it was like to play for Head Coach Patty Gasso. Shay details her successful Oklahoma career, getting to 4 College World Series, and winning back-to-back National Championships in 2016 & 2017. She then talks about her current professional softball career with the USSSA Pride, her hopes to see professional softball grow, her coaching career at San Diego, and what it's like to coach with her older sister, MJ.
Marc VandeWettering is the Director of Operations for the University of Wisconsin Men's Basketball Team who recently came out as the first openly gay man on a Division I College Basketball staff. He talks about growing up in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, how he got into basketball, and growing up as a huge Wisconsin Badgers fan. Marc describes his great career at Kaukauna High School where he was an All-Conference player and class Valedictorian his decision to attend Wisconsin-Madison rather than play basketball at a lower division college, and why he became a student manager for the basketball team. He then details the hard work student managers do, working for Bo Ryan and Greg Gard, and getting to back-to-back Final Fours in 2014 & 2015. He also talks about the internal struggle of accepting himself as a gay man and whether he belonged in the sport of basketball. Marc discusses his coming out process, the Wisconsin staff accepting him, and Coach Greg Gard calling him back to Wisconsin in 2017 to become the Director of Operations because he was the best person for the job. He describes the work that goes into the Director of Operations, how the article came about, why he decided to write it, and his hope that it helps others feel more comfortable about themselves and realize that there is a spot for them in the sport regardless of sexuality.
Marc's Article: https://uwbadgers.com/news/2021/6/24/general-news-baggot-my-words-living-my-truth-by-marc-vandewettering.aspx
Julie Hubbard played soccer at Penn State from 2009-2010 and then transferred to UConn where she played from 2011-2014. Throughout her soccer career, Julie has overcome 4 ACL tears. She talks about growing up in Waverly, PA, being a twin, how she got into soccer, her great career at Abington Heights High School, committing to Penn State, and tearing her ACL the first time as a Junior in high school. She discusses how the first rehab process got her interested in physical therapy, her career at Penn State, her decision to transfer to UConn, tearing her ACL 2 more times between 2011-2013, but not giving up on soccer. Julie describes coming back for the 2013 season where she started every game, her great 6th season in 2014 where UConn won the American Athletic Conference Championship, studying physical therapy in college, and going through a 4th ACL tear when she was playing in a league in San Diego during her clinicals. She then talks about why she started her business Just 4 Kicks Boston where she helps young women with ACL recovery and prevention.
Scott Merritt is the Associate Head Coach for the University of Wisconsin Women's Basketball Team. He played basketball at Marquette University from 2000-2004, was a member of the 2003 Final Four Team, and then played 9 years professionally in the US and overseas. He talks about growing up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, how he got into basketball, his high school highlights at Wauwatosa East, the recruiting process, and why he chose Marquette. Scott details what it was like to play for Head Coach Tom Crean, having Dwyane Wade as a teammate, and his career highlights which included getting to the 2003 Final Four. Scott then discusses his professional basketball career, what it was like to play overseas, why he retired, and how he got into coaching women's basketball. He talks about his experience as an Assistant Coach for the Marquette Women's Basketball Team which included several Big East Titles, his time with the Illinois Women's Basketball Team, why he took the job at Wisconsin, and his excitement for the 2022 season.
Shane Clark played basketball at the Villanova University from 2005-2009 and was a member of the 2009 Final Four Team. He talks about growing up in Philadelphia, his lifelong friendship with NBA star Kyle Lowry, how he got into basketball, playing AAU, and his great career at Cardinal Dougherty High School. Shane describes his year at the prep school Hargrave Military Academy, what military school was like, his recruiting process, picking Villanova before de-committing and committing to Maryland. He then details the transcript mistake at Maryland that led him back to Villanova, what it was like to play for Jay Wright, playing with his childhood friend Kyle, his career highlights, being a two-year captain, and the great run to the 2009 Final Four. Shane discusses his professional career overseas, what he is up to in his life now, and his continued support for the Villanova basketball program.
AJ Burgett is a professional basketball player who currently plays for Etzella in Luxembourg. Collegiately he played for the University of Notre Dame from 2012-2016. He talks about growing up in Avon, Indiana, how he got into basketball, playing AAU, his great career at Avon High School, his recruiting process, and why he chose Notre Dame. AJ describes what it was like to play for Mike Brey, getting his body ready for college basketball, playing in the Big East and ACC, highlights which include an ACC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Elite Eight appearances, and some injuries he faced. He details his time away from basketball after college, interning for Notre Dame, his role in the Matt Farrell/Bo Farrell reunion, and re-discovering his love for basketball while working games at IU. AJ then talks about the process to get overseas, playing for several teams in Europe, his current team Etzella, and how well he has been playing as a professional.
Michael Catalino played lacrosse at Duke from 2006-2010, went to 4 Final Fours, and was a member of the 2010 National Championship team. He talks about growing up in Webster, New York, how he got into lacrosse, playing with his brother Grant, who went on to play at Maryland and professionally, and his great career at Webster Schroeder High School. Michael describes the recruiting process, why he chose Duke, and being interested in their medical program. He details his Freshman year in 2006 where the "Duke Lacrosse Scandal" happened, how he felt during that time, and getting through it with the bond he and his teammates had. Michael then talks about the comeback year in 2007, being one of the best teams his entire career, winning multiple ACC Championships, and how he balanced the rigorous academics with Division I lacrosse. He details the great 2010 season where Duke wins the National Championship, ending his career as a champion after the way it started, his journey to medical school, his current training in neurosurgery, and the beautiful wife and children he has.
Taylor Schwarz played softball at the University of Florida from 2013-2016 and was a member of the back-to-back National Championship teams in 2014 and 2015. She talks about growing up in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, coming from an athletic family where her father played professional baseball and her brother JJ is currently playing professional baseball, how she got into softball, and playing on a club team with girls from all over the country. Taylor discusses her great Palm Beach Gardens High School career, the recruiting process, and why she chose the University of Florida. She then describes her incredible Gator career, playing 1st Base, her love for defense, making it to the College Softball World Series 3 times, winning 2 National Championships, and what she's been up to since graduating in 2016.
Kevin Tangney played soccer at the University of Maryland from 2005-2009, was a member of 2 National Championship teams, and was then drafted 35th in the 2010 MLS Draft. He talks about growing up in Newtown, Pennsylvania, getting into soccer through his father, and playing club & ODP. He discusses his great career at Council Rock North High School, playing with his older brother, and winning a few league titles. Kevin details his recruiting process, why he chose Maryland, and the transition to college soccer. He then talks about winning the 2005 National Title as a Freshman, tearing his ACL as a Sophomore, and then again as a Junior, the struggles he faced, and his hard work and determination to get back on the field. Kevin explains what it was like to come back as a Senior, win the 2009 National Championship, returning for a 5th year where he had his best season, being drafted in the 2010 MLS Draft, and what he's been up to since his soccer career ended.
Maria Lubrano played soccer at the University of North Carolina from 2007-2012 and was a part of 3 National Championships. She talks about growing up in an Italian household in High Point, North Ca rolina, how she got into soccer, her successful club & ODP career, and her excellent high school career at Wesleyan Christian Academy where she excelled at basketball and soccer. Maria describes the recruiting process, her final two choices being UNC and Duke, why she chose UNC, the powerhouse soccer program that UNC has, and what it was like playing for Hall of Fame Coach Anson Dorrance. She then details her great 6 year career at North Carolina where she struggled through injuries, had to redshirt twice, and persevered to end her career with a National Championship- her 3rd in 6 years. Maria talks about playing professionally in Italy, retiring early due to injury, and her career as a soccer trainer.
Nicole Arcidiacono was a walk-on for the Penn State Women's Basketball team from 2007-2010. She talks about growing up in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, coming from a large, athletic family, how she got into basketball, and her experience playing AAU. Nicole discusses her great high school career with Archbishop Wood, the recruiting process, her decision to attend a large college and just play club basketball, the reason she chose Penn State, and her freshman year where she played on the Club Basketball team. She then details her decision to try out as a walk-on for Penn State, the try out process, what it's like to be a walk-on, and her great career where she started multiple games and was awarded a scholarship her Junior and Senior years. Nicole talks about watching her brothers Ryan and Chris play at Villanova, her fun experience at the 2016 Final Four, and what she's been up to since graduating from Penn State.
Anthony Bilas was a walk-on for the Wake Forest University Basketball team from 2015-2019, is the son of famous college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, and currently works for the NBA. He talks about growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, how he got into basketball, his AAU experiences, and his great high school career at Charlotte Latin School where he played basketball and was nationally ranked on the Speech & Debate team. Anthony describes the recruiting process, his decision to walk-on for a big Division I school, and why he chose Wake Forest. He discusses playing for Head Coach Danny Manning, the important role walk-ons have, getting better every year, playing in the NCAA Tournament, getting a scholarship his Senior year, and his great experience on Senior Day. Anthony then talks about staying in the basketball world after graduation, getting a job with the NBA, and living in New York City.
Frank DeAngelis played baseball at Metropolitan State University of Denver and coached both baseball and football at Columbine High School from 19981-1994. He was the Principal of Columbine on April 20th, 1999, when 2 students killed 13 people and injured many others. He would go on to lead the community through the tragedy. He talks about growing up outside of Denver, playing many sports as a kid, his three-sport high school career, and playing some college baseball at Metro State. Frank describes getting to Columbine in 1979 as a teacher and a coach, the highlights of being the assistant football coach and the head baseball coach, the kind of coach he was, and having to stop coaching once he became the Principal. He discusses going to every event as Principal- athletics, plays, concerts, debates, etc. Frank then provides details of April 20th, 1999, saving 25 young girls' lives, and how his background in coaching helped him lead the community. He brings up his thoughts on the media at that time, making a promise to stay at Columbine until the youngest students in the school system graduated- and then staying an additional 2 years, helping other communities deal with similar tragedies, and writing the book, "They Call Me Mr. De- The Story of Columbine's Heart, Resilience, and Recovery".
Taylor Williamson played for the University of Minnesota Women's Hockey Team from 2015-2019 and was a part of the 2016 National Championship Team. She talks about growing up in Edina, Minnesota, her family ties to the sport, how popular hockey is in the state, and her terrific career at Edina High School. Taylor then discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Minnesota, and winning a National Title her Freshman year. She describes medical struggles that started during her Sophomore year, what the symptoms were, having to have emergency brain surgery, and then being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Taylor details the long recovery process, how she got back on the ice, during her Junior year, scoring the game-winning goal in the WCHA Championship game against Wisconsin, and playing her best hockey during her Senior year in 2019. Taylor talks about how she is feeling today, and becoming the Girl's Hockey coach for Wayzata High School with her father.
Brendan Jorgensen was the 2020 Number 1 Draft Pick for Major League Wiffle Ball and was a member of the 2020 World Series Championship Team. He talks about growing up in Trenton, Michigan, the sports he played as a kid, playing Wiffle Ball with friends as a kid, attending Adrian College, and running Track there for a bit. Brendan describes how he got involved with Wiffle Ball again, how he joined MLW, and being the number draft pick for 2020. He explains what Major League Wiffle Ball is, the rules, the structure, how a season is played, and his success in 2020 with his team, The Gators. Brendan discusses how important pitching is, having a net with a zone that calls balls and strikes, and his best pitch. He talks about winning the 2020 World Series, the games being on Instagram Live and Youtube later on, the great competition, looking ahead to the 2021 season, and how much he thinks MLW can grow and evolve.
Tony and Stephanie Meier are a married couple that met while both playing basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stephanie (maiden name Stephanie Schell) played there from 2007-2011 and was a 4 year captain, while Tony played there from 2008-2012 and then spent 8 years playing professionally overseas. They talk about both being from basketball families, their childhoods, the different high school basketball careers they had, and their separate recruiting processes that led them to Milwaukee. They then discuss how they met, what dating was like as Division I athletes, their career highlights at Milwaukee which includes both being one win away from the NCAA Tournament after getting to the Horizon League Conference Tournament Finals, Stephanie being a leader, and Tony scoring over 1,000 points and grabbing over 500 rebounds. They explain their lives right after graduating from Milwaukee (Stephanie joining the coaching staff at Hillsdale College and Tony playing volleyball for Quincy University), Tony having the opportunity to play overseas, the proposal story, when Stephanie joined Tony overseas, adventures they've had around the world, having two beautiful children, why Tony decided to retire from basketball after 8 seasons, and their lives in Missouri.
Alex Miller is an Assistant Coach for the University of North Carolina-Greensboro's Women's Basketball team. She played at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill from 2004-2009, went to 2 Final Fours, and was a member of 4 straight ACC Tournament Championship teams. Alex talks about growing up in Durham, North Carolina, being a lifelong UNC fan, how she got into basketball, playing in the Junior Olympics with future UNC teammates, and her great career at Hillside High School. She describes her recruiting process, why she chose UNC, what it was like playing for Hall of Fame Coach Sylvia Hatchell, playing behind point guard Ivory Latta, and how quick the team was when they both played together. Alex then discusses the ACC rivalries with Duke, Maryland, & NC State, getting to 2 Final Fours, winning 4 ACC Tournaments, her devastating knee injury that happened in the beginning of the 2007-2008 season, and her recovery to get back on the court for the next season. She talks about her decision to get into coaching after she graduated from UNC, playing semi-pro, coaching at her high school and AAU, how she got into college coaching, her time at Mississippi Valley State, her current position at UNCG, and how she thinks the 2022 squad will be.
Chris Hornacek is a Professional Spikeball Player and is the only player to have played in every tour stop in a tournament season. He explains what Spikeball is, how it's played, how he got into it, and how it's evolved from a beach/backyard game to a sport. He talks about his decision to turn professional, what being a professional entails, the tournament landscape, and some of the cool places he's visited on tour. Chris discusses how far he's gone in the competition, turning his basement into a practice room, and how the 2020 season was affected by COVID-19. He then talks about taking a bit of a hiatus from Spikeball to pursue Pickleball, what Pickleball is, and finishing in 2nd place in his first tournament.
Emily Costanzo played soccer at the University of Connecticut from 2015-2018 and was a captain of the 2018 team. She talks about growing up in Ellington, Connecticut, being a lifelong UConn fan, getting into soccer with her twin brother, James, and her outstanding career at Ellington High School where she was 2-time All State, and played multiple other sports as well. Emily explains her interesting recruiting process, why she chose UConn, the transition from high school to college soccer, and why her jersey number 6 was so special to her and her family. She discusses her 4 year career where the Huskies made the NCAA Tournament twice and won the American Athletic Conference Title, embracing her role on the team, being a leader even though she didn't play 90 minutes a night, and how she wouldn't change her career. She then talks about attending Quinnipiac Law School, interning with the Ole Miss Athletic Department, and having another year before she graduates and becomes a lawyer.
Ray Hunnicutt excelled in 2 sports: he played Minor League Baseball in 2012 & 2013 after being drafted in the 40th round of the MLB Draft in 2012, and then played college basketball at Lake Forest College from 2014-2016. He talks about growing up in St. Charles, Illinois, how he got into both baseball and basketball, and his outstanding high school career at Burlington Central where he broke the scoring record in basketball and won a Sectional Championship in Baseball with his brother, Reed. Ray then discusses being recruited for both basketball and baseball, making the decision to pursue baseball, and then his reactions when he found out he was drafted in the 2012 MLB Draft. He describes his decision to pursue professional baseball, his experience playing 2 years in the Minors, attending college during the offseason, and why he decided to play college basketball after 2 years. Ray explains why he chose Lake Forest, getting back into basketball shape, his 2 year career there, and what he is up to today.
Elizabeth Pelton is a former United States Swimmer who also swam collegiately at the University of California-Berkeley from 2012-2016 where she helped win the 2015 National Championship. She talks about growing up in Fairfield, Connecticut, but moving to Baltimore, Maryland, at a young age, coming from a large family of swimmers, and representing the United States and traveling the world at such a young age. Elizabeth describes her high school career where she was homeschooled due to traveling so much for her swim career, her recruiting process, why she chose Cal, knowing Head Coach Teri McKeever through US swimming, and coming so close to making the 2012 Olympic Team. She then discusses her great career at Cal where she won National Swimmer of the Year as a Freshman, being teammates with Missy Franklin, having a talented team at Cal where they won many races and events, including the 2015 National Title, swimming internationally during the summers, and why she chose to retire after the 2016 Olympic Prelims. Elizabeth talks about her life now in the Bay Area, still being involved in swimming, giving lessons, and working in marketing.
Chad Toliver is a professional lacrosse player who most recently played for the Boston Barrage in Major League Lacrosse in 2020, and collegiately played at Rutgers from 2015-2018. He talks about growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, how he got into lacrosse, and what it's like to be a black athlete playing a predominantly white sport. Chad describes his high school career at McCallie School for the first 3 years, why he transferred to Milton High School for his Senior year, and his excellent lacrosse and football career at both schools. He discusses his decision to pursue lacrosse instead of football in college, the recruiting process, why he chose Rutgers, playing in the Big Ten, and his career highlights at Rutgers. Chad then talks about playing professionally in the MLL, coaching high school lacrosse, and the 2020 bubble season where Chad and the other black athletes in the league (MLL-4) spoke out about social justice and wanting to see changes in the sport of lacrosse. He explains the merger of the MLL and PLL, getting ready for the 2021 season, and continuing to use his platform to seek change.
Julie Shaw was a softball pitcher for the University of Sciences in Philadelphia from 2010-2012. She was named to the Bergen County All Decade Team after her great career at Ramapo High School. Julie talks about growing up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, getting into softball through her father, becoming a pitcher, and her great club softball career. She then describes her excellent career at Ramapo High School where she was a cheerleader and a softball player, being the backup pitcher, but having to step up her Sophomore year when the starting pitcher went down, and leading Ramapo to a Sectional Title in 2007. She talks about going back to backup her junior year, continuing to DH, and then being the ace in 2009 and leading Ramapo to another Sectional Title. Julie discusses her recruiting process, why she chose USciences, the transition from high school to college softball, not having the career she exactly wanted, but making great friends that she's still close to today, and continuing to have softball in her life by giving pitching lessons in her free time.
Emily Waner played basketball at the University of Colorado in 2003-2004 before transferring to Duke where she played from 2005-2008 and was a member of the 2006 Final Four team. She then went on to attend Duke Medical School, completed her residency at the University of Washington, and now works as a Hospitalist in the Denver area. She talks about growing up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, coming from a very athletic family, how she got into basketball, playing AAU for the Colorado Hoopsters, and her outstanding high school career at Thunderridge where she won the 2003 State Championship with her sister, Abby. Emily describes her recruiting process, why she chose Colorado, and her Freshman season there. She then explains her decision to transfer, wanting to play at the same school as her sister, and their decision to go to Duke. She discusses her career at Duke, what it was like playing with her sister, making the 2006 Final Four, deciding on a career in medicine, attending medical school, doing her residency in Washington state, and her decision to come back to the Denver area.
Tony Sorrentino is an Assistant Coach for the Northern Illinois University Football team. Collegiately, Tony played football at The College of New Jersey from 2001-2004 and has coached for almost 20 years at every level- New Jersey high schools, colleges, and the NFL. He talks about growing up in Parsippany, New Jersey, coming from a very athletic family, getting into football through his father, and his great career at Mountain Lakes High School where he was a 3-sport athlete. Tony discusses the recruiting process, why he chose TCNJ, his 4 year career with the Lions where he mostly played Wide Receiver, and his involvement in youth coaching in the community. He then explains always wanting to be a coach, his first job working at a high school with his father, coaching at TCNJ, several stints at Power Five teams- University of Minnesota, University of Miami, and University of Tennessee. He describes his 4 years coaching in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, coaching with Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic University, his current job at Northern Illinois, and looking ahead to the 2021 football season.
Lauren O'Connell played soccer at Baylor University from 2014-2017 and then appeared on Season 38 of the hit reality show Survivor in 2019 where she finished in 5th place. She talks about growing up in Bakersfield, California, how she got into soccer, her great career at Frontier High School where she was a 4 year varsity starter, and her club soccer career. She discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Baylor, and the transition from high school soccer to Division I college soccer. Lauren then describes her career at Baylor, being injured 85% of her time there with several knee injuries and Compartment Syndrome, learning to be a great teammate, and her incredible senior season in 2017 where Baylor won the Big 12 Conference and made it all the way to the Elite Eight. She explains watching the show Survivor since she was a little girl with her family, making it on the show after applying just once, her experience on Season 38, the twist of "the Edge of Extinction", her friendship with Kelley Wentworth, the misplayed idol, and whether or not she'd play again.
Ashley & Lauren Engeln are twin sisters who both played collegiate and professional basketball. Ashley played at Johnson & Wales- Denver in 2010-2011, Orange Coast Community College in 2011-2012, and Concordia University Irvine from 2012-2014. Lauren played at the University of Connecticut from 2010-2012 and Boston College from 2012-2015. They both then played professionally overseas for 5 years, and spent their last season together in Italy. They talk about growing up in Laguna Hills, California, how they got into basketball, their great careers at Laguna Hills High School, and their separate recruiting processes. They then discuss their careers in college, what it was like being away from each other, why they each transferred, and always supporting each other even though they were on opposite coasts. Lauren & Ashley describe their time overseas playing professional basketball, the amazing sites they saw, and the decision to play one last year together in Italy in 2020 before retiring. Since retirement, Ashley has started her own company "Drips to Sips" where she sells wine collars. She talks about how she came up with the idea, what a wine collar is, and getting the product in retail stores.
Ashley's Website: www.dripstosips.com
Kassidy Shumway played soccer at Brigham Young University from 2007-2010. She talks about growing up in Bountiful, Utah, being the oldest of 5 children, how she got into soccer, and her excellent career at Woods Cross High School where she played soccer, basketball, and was the Valedictorian. Kassidy then describes her recruiting process, why she chose BYU, and being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She discusses being able to play right away as a freshman, being a top team that always made the NCAA Tournament, the great success they had in the Mountain West Conference, meeting her husband through watching a Utah Jazz game, and what it was like being married in college. Kassidy explains her feelings on an incident her junior year in 2009 where a player on New Mexico pulled her down by her ponytail, the fame she received as the clip made its rounds on TV and the internet, and whether she ever received an apology. She talks about what she's been up to recently, being a mother, and her continued support for BYU.
Ryan Smyth is entering his 11th season on the Keystone College Baseball coaching staff. He played collegiately at Boston College, Brookedale Community College, and Keystone College, and also played professionally with the Evansville Otters. He talks about growing up in River Edge, New Jersey, coming from an athletic family, and how he got into baseball. Ryan describes his great career at Don Bosco Prep High School, his recruiting process, why he chose Boston College, and why he transferred after one year. He then discusses his transfer to Brookdale in NJ, his two years there, making the Junior College World Series, being named First Team All-American, and transferring to Division III Keystone College in Pennsylvania for his final 2 seasons where the team went 70-15. Ryan talks about his season playing professionally in the Frontier League, his decision to become a coach on the staff at Keystone College, making it to 2 College World Series, winning 15 straight Conference Titles, and coaching in the Cape Cod League in the summers. He also explains his love for golf which has become a family affair with his wife and daughter.
Ashley Hoffman is the team captain for the United States Women's National Field Hockey Team. She plays professionally overseas in the FIH Pro League, and collegiately, she played at the University of North Carolina from 2015-2018 where she was an All-American and won a National Championship. She talks about growing up in Mohton, Pennsylvania, getting into field hockey through her mother, Brenda, who was a member of US Olympic Field Hockey Team in the 1980s, and playing multiple sports growing up. Ashley describes her great 3-sport career at Twin Valley High School, being coached by her mother in field hockey, and playing on the youth national teams. She then discusses the recruiting process, why she chose UNC, graduating high school early to join the team, and her incredible 4 years at North Carolina where she played in 4 Final Fours, went undefeated her senior year and won the National Title in 2018, and also played on the National Team. Ashley talks about her experience on the National Team, being voted as team captain at such a young age, her overseas career in The Netherlands, her desire to grow the game of field hockey in the United States, and her company "Become Uncommon".
Cory Andersen worked as a Gameday Marketing Assistant for the University of Connecticut's athletic program from 2010-2013, and now works in music management and has developed Cory Andersen Productions and PRYSM Music Management. He talks about growing up in Enfield, Connecticut, being a lifelong UConn fan, and being into sports from a young age. Cory then details why he chose to attend UConn, why he wanted to work in the sports marketing department, his duties as Gameday Marketing Assistant, and how basketball was his favorite sport to work at. He describes many of the other activities he did as an undergrad, including working at a radio station and traveling into New York City for internships. Cory explains why he wanted to get into the music industry, the first few steps he took out in Los Angeles after he graduated, working with Nick Jonas and Gavin DeGraw, being an entrepreneur, starting Cory Andersen Productions, and creating PRYSM and some of the very talented artists he's been working with. He also discusses his continued support of UConn athletics and the Hot Sauce Challenge with The Husky Ticket Project.
Camille Little played in the WNBA from 2007-2019 and won a championship with the Seattle Storm in 2010. Collegiately she played at the University of North Carolina from 2004-2007 where she went to 2 Final Fours. She talks about growing up in Winston Salem, North Carolina, how she got into basketball, and her outstanding career at Carver High School where she won the State Championship in 2001, was the Gatorade Player of the Year in North Carolina for 2002 & 2003, and a McDonalds All-American. Camille describes her recruiting process, why she chose UNC, and being in the same class as Ivory Latta. She then details her great career at UNC where she won 3 ACC Tournaments, went to 2 Final Fours, and played for Hall of Fame Coach Sylvia Hatchell. Camille talks about falling into the 2nd round of the WNBA Draft, playing for San Antonio and Atlanta before being traded to Seattle where she won a title and still keeps up with her teammates today. She discusses her time with Connecticut and Phoenix, why she decided to retire in 2019, and her recent marriage.
Tim Buckley played football at North Carolina State University from 2012-2014 after transferring from Penn State in 2011. He talks about growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, how he got into football, playing both offense and defense, and spending his Freshman year of high school at a boarding school in the Northeast, before transferring back home to Cardinal Gibbons High School. Tim describes his great career at Cardinal Gibbons where he played running back, safety, and line backer, his recruiting process, and why he chose Penn State. He discusses his Freshman season there where he was a redshirt, what it was like to play for Coach Joe Paterno, the sex abuse scandal that came to light that year, how it was being a player at that time, his feelings when the sanctions came down, and his reasons for transferring to NC State. Tim then talks about his career at NC State where he played defensive back in a nickel package, his career highlights, ending his career with the Bitcoin Bowl win against UCF, and why he chose to forgo his final year of eligibility to be a regular college student . He explains what he's been up to since graduating college, his friendship with The Bachelor, Matt James, and his thoughts on the show.
Caroline Doty played basketball at the University of Connecticut from 2008-2013 where she won 3 National Championships and came back from 3 ACL tears. She talks about growing up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, having a twin brother and another brother just one year younger, how she got into basketball, and playing AAU with Elena Delle Donne on Fencor where they won several AAU National Championships. Caroline details her outstanding career at Germantown Academy where she was a 3 sport athlete in basketball, soccer and track, the recruiting process, and why she chose UConn. She then talks about her first ACL tear senior year of high school while playing soccer, missing the basketball season, but getting to UConn healthy and starting as a Freshman. Caroline describes her 5 year career at UConn where she suffered 2 more ACL tears, but never thought about quitting basketball, making 5 Final Fours, winning 3 National Championships, and being coached by Geno Auriemma. She explains her decision to move out to Oregon after college, working very hard to get a job at Nike, spending the last 8 years with the company, and coaching JV at Beaverton High School.
Courtney Clements played in the WNBA for the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx, and Los Angeles Sparks. Collegiately, she played at the University of Arizona in 2008-2009 before transferring to San Diego State and playing from 2010-2013. She talks about growing up in Long Beach, California, how she got into basketball, and her great high school career at both Artesia High School and Millikan High School. Courtney describes her recruiting process, feeling slighted by some Pac-10 schools, why she chose Arizona, and her Freshman season where she made an impact right away. She then discusses why she decided to transfer to San Diego State, playing in the Mountain West Conference, being a Mid-Major, becoming an All-American, and playing in the NCAA Tournament. She then talks about signing a training camp roster with the Atlanta Dream, making the roster, getting less playing time than she was used to, and making the Finals with both the Dream and the Chicago Sky. Courtney explains founding "She's Empowered Sports", what it is, why she created it, and what she's looking forward to in the future for the company.
Brandon True played football at Bloomsburg University from 2012-2013 after transferring from Albright College in 2011. He now is a CrossFit and Florida Grid athlete. Brandon talks about growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, playing football and baseball as a kid, and his terrific football career at Bishop McDevitt, a powerhouse program, where he played Defensive Back. He explains his recruiting process, what led him to Albright, his Freshman year there, and losing more than he ever had in his career. Brandon then discusses why he transferred to Bloomsburg, the process of making the football team, and having an agonizing elbow injury in 2012 that caused him to miss the season. He describes his hard work to get back in 2013, the great season Bloomsburg had going 10-2 and winning the PSAC Championship, and the tough decision to end his football career after that season due to his elbow injury. Brandon talks about moving to Florida after graduation, how he got into CrossFit, his passion for it, what Florida Grid is and how he got involved in it, winning the first Florida Grid Tournament he competed in, and his desire to become a professional CrossFit athlete.
In a special bonus episode of the podcast, Bridget B. chats with her great friend Dan Kinsley, who has been a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, and commemorated the 2018 Super Bowl win with 2 tattoos: the Lombardi Trophy and the Philly Special play. Dan talks about growing up outside Philadelphia, how he became such a big Eagles fan, and other Philly teams he roots for. He then describes his feelings during the 2018 Super Bowl run, watching the game with his father, the celebration when the Eagles won, and his experience going to the parade. Dan explains his love of tattoos, his decision to get the Lombardi Trophy and Philly Special tattoos after the Super Bowl, and what the reaction has been like. Dan also talks about his love for movies, his movie review blogs, and film festivals he's attended.
Check out Dan's blogs at:
https://thescratchcinema.com/author/dankinsley/
https://theporkchopexpress.blog
Megan Willis played softball at the University of Texas from 2004-2007, went to 2 Women's College Softball World Series, and then played 8 seasons in the National Pro Fastpitch League. She coached at both Texas and in the NPF, and now works as an Analyst for the Longhorn Network. She talks about growing up in Chandler, Arizona, how she got into softball, playing the position of catcher, and the great career she had at Corona Del Sol High School. Megan describes the recruiting process, why she chose Texas, and wanting to catch for Cat Osterman. She then discusses her great career with the Longhorns where she went to 2 WCWS, was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and set the Big 12 record for putouts. Megan talks about her 8 year professional softball career where she reunited with Cat Osterman and won several titles, and also discusses her time coaching. She then discusses her current career as a softball analyst for the Longhorn Network, and how great it is to see the game growing.
Ronnie Palmer played football at the University of Arizona from 2004-2008, was signed by the Washington Football Team, and played professionally in the United Football League. He is now the Head Coach for Monterey Peninsula College. He talks about growing up in Spring, Texas, how he got into football, and being a three-sport athlete at Spring High School, playing a little Quarterback, but finding the most success at Linebacker. Ronnie discusses the recruiting process, why he chose Arizona, redshirting his freshman season, and the competitiveness of the PAC-10. He then describes his great career, the team getting better each season he was there, meeting his now wife, Lauren, who was a great Arizona Softball player, and ending his career with a Bowl win in Las Vegas. Ronnie talks about his time in the NFL with the Washington Football Team, playing in the United Football League, and going back to Arizona to start his coaching career. He then gets into his time coaching at Monterey Peninsula (his 1st stint), Colorado State, Texas A&M Kingsville, Northern Colorado, and his first Head Coaching gig back at Monterey Peninsula where he is anxious to start playing after the delay with COVID-19.
Laura Weinberg played soccer at Duke University from 2010-2013 and was a member of the 2011 Final Four team. She talks about growing up in Boca Raton, Florida, how she got into soccer, traveling for club soccer and ODP, and her excellent career at St. Andrew's High School where she won a State Championship and was named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year. Laura describes her recruiting process, why she chose Duke, the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference, making the Sweet Sixteen as a Freshman, the Final Four as a Sophomore in 2011, and the Elite Eight in both her Junior and Senior seasons. She then discusses what she's been up to since graduating in 2014.
Caity Whiteley Connors played lacrosse at the University of Virginia from 2006-2010 and scored 3 goals in UVA's inspiring NCAA Tournament win against Towson in 2010 after the death of her roommate and teammate Yeardley Love. Caity talks about growing up in Phoenix, Maryland, how she got into lacrosse, other sports she played, and her great high school career at St. Paul's where her father coached her and her sister to a championship her senior year. She describes the recruiting process, why she chose Virginia, and the well-rounded college experience she had which included traveling abroad. She then discusses her great 4 year career at Virginia where they went to a Final Four, won several ACC Tournaments, and never missed an NCAA Tournament, Caity details her senior season in 2010, which was her best on the field, but a terrible year as her good friend Yeardley Love was killed. She describes the person that Yeardley was, the decision to continue with the season, the inspiring win over Towson, what the One Love Foundation is, and her contributions to it. Caity discusses her life now with her husband in Charleston, SC, and the travel company she founded: Caity Connors Travel
Olivia Volpe played field hockey at Sacred Heart University from 2014-2016 and now is a Power Yoga instructor. She talks about growing up in Metuchen, New Jersey, how she got into field hockey, playing club, and her outstanding career at Metuchen High School where she was an All-State player. She describes the recruiting process, why she chose Sacred Heart, the transition from high school to Division I field hockey, and scoring the game-winning goal in her second career game. Olivia then discusses going through a hard time her Junior season where she was experiencing anxiety and depression, and decided it was in her best interest to transfer back home to Montclair State and stop playing field hockey. She explains how she got involved in yoga during this time, how it helped her anxiety go away, what Power Yoga is, and how she created her own business "Liv Through Movement".
Kenzie Maloney played volleyball at the University of Nebraska from 2015-2018 and won 2 National Championships. She talks about growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, as the oldest of 4 girls, how she got into volleyball, her athleticism, her club career, and her outstanding career at Assumption High School where the team was nationally ranked. Kenzie then describes the recruiting process, why she chose Nebraska, what it was like being so far from home, and changing positions. She discusses playing Defensive Specialist her first 2 years, and then moving to Libero for her Junior & Senior year where she was named an All-American. She talks about playing in the competitive Big Ten Conference, going to 4 straight Final Fours, and winning 2 National Titles. Kenzie then updates what she's been up to since graduating in 2019, which includes giving volleyball lessons in Nebraska.
Taylor Cummings is a professional lacrosse player for the United States National Team and the WPLL. She played for the University of Maryland from 2013-2016 where she won 2 National Championships and was a three-time winner of the Tewaaraton Trophy. She talks about growing up in Ellicot City, Maryland, how she got into lacrosse, and being a three-sport athlete. She describes her great career at McDonogh School where she played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, was an Under-Armor All-American, and went undefeated from 2010-2012. Taylor explains the recruiting process and why she chose Maryland. She then talks about her great 4 year career with the Terps where she played in 4 straight National Championship games, won 2 of them, became the first ever three-time winner of the prestigious Tewaaraton Trophy, got to play with her younger sister, and met her now fiancé. Taylor discusses her professional lacrosse career thus far, playing for the US National Team, and being Head Coach for McDonogh Girl's Lacrosse.
Kayla Miller played basketball for the University of Delaware from 2010-2012 where she helped the Blue Hens reach the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history. She then worked as the Director of Operations for the program from 2015-2018. She talks about being born in Pennsylvania and moving to Delaware in the 5th grade, how she got into basketball, and her career at powerhouse Ursuline Academy where she won 3 State Championships, was teammates with Elena Delle Donne, and had the experience of playing with her younger sister. She describes her recruiting process, why she chose George Washington University at first, and why she decided to transfer after one semester. Kayla then explains why she transferred to UDel, getting to play with Delle Donne again, and the back injuries she faced. She discusses having to sit out after back surgery, being able to come back for the 2012 season where Delaware won their first NCAA Tournament game, feeling good during the 2013 season where Delaware made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen (where their biggest fan was President Elect Joe Biden). She then talks about coaching at the high school level, becoming the Director of Operations, what it was like to be on the staff at the program she played for, and what she's up to now.
Julian DeBose played basketball at Rice University from 2011-2013 before transferring to Florida Gulf Coast university where he played from 2014-2016. He is also one of the founders of Learn Life Elite, a training and life coaching company. He talks about growing up outside of Washington DC, how he got into basketball, the great basketball in the DMV area, and playing AAU for Team Takeover. Julian describes his great career at St. John's College High School, the recruiting process, why he chose Rice, and what it was like being so far from home. He details his highlights at Rice, playing right away, and why he decided to transfer after his Sophomore season. Julian then talks about why he decided to transfer to Florida Gulf Coast, playing in the ASUN, his experience with Team USA in the 2015 World University Games, and playing in the NCAA Tournament. He discusses his experience playing overseas in Europe, founding Learn Life Elite, and his Youtube series "Athletes N' Quarantine".
Taylor Amann was an All-American Pole Vaulter at the University of Wisconsin from 2015-2018 and a 3 time contestant for the NBC show American Ninja Warrior. She talks about growing up in Hartland, Wisconsin, her background in gymnastics, and how she got involved in Track & Field and specifically pole vaulting. She discusses her great career at Hartland Arrow High School where she was a gymnast and a pole vaulter for the Track & Field team where she was a sectional regional, and conference champion. Taylor then details the recruiting process, why she chose Wisconsin, her career highlights in both the indoor and outdoor season, being a 3 time Big Ten Champion, 2 time All-American, and competing in the NCAA Championships. She explains her first appearance on American Ninja Warrior: College Edition in 2016 where Team Wisconsin came in first place, her decision to go on a 2nd time in 2019, her 3rd appearance in 2020, if she would go on a 4th time, her career today, and her photography business.
Ashley Doty (maiden name Ashley Seal) played soccer at Oregon State University from 2008-2011. She talks about growing up in Williams, Oregon, how she got into soccer, being an Oregon State fan from a young age, and balancing several sports with club and ODP soccer. Ashley discusses her great career at Hidden Valley High School where she lettered in 4 sports, won 2 State Championships in soccer, and was the Oregon Player of the Year. She then describes the recruiting process, why she picked Oregon State, playing in the competitive PAC-10 Conference, and having to switch positions. She details her outstanding 4 year career at Oregon State where she was a part of 3 NCAA Tournament teams, made it to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, and never lost to rival University of Oregon. Ashley also discusses playing in Canada for the Ottawa Fury, playing futsal post college, and her life with her husband Mike, and their young son.
Bret Visciglia played quarterback at Los Angeles Valley Junior College in 2008 & 2009 before transferring to Chapman University where he played in 2010 & 2011. He also played professional football in Switzerland. He talks about growing up in Woodland Hills, California, getting into football through his late father and older brother, and his decision to attend Notre Dame High School. Bret describes his athletic career at Notre Dame playing football, golf, and soccer, playing behind Dayne Crist at quarterback, his great friendship with Crist, the success of the team, and his decision to attend junior college to get the chance to play quarterback. He discusses his productive 2 seasons at Los Angeles Valley Junior College, the recruiting process, and why he chose to attend Chapman. He then talks about his 2 seasons at Chapman, being a part of the building process for the program, getting a great education, how the opportunity to play in Switzerland came up, what that experience was like, and his continued support for the Chapman football team.
Eric Shapiro is a former writer for UMHoops.com who started his own website, How To Talk Basketball (www.howtotalkbasketball.com) where he creates videos and explains basketball terminology and concepts. He talks about growing up around Washington DC, how he became into basketball, his background as a good tennis player, and having season tickets to the Washington Wizards as a kid. Eric explains why he chose to attend the University of Michigan, attending athletic events as a student, and going to the Final Four in 2013 to watch Michigan. He details how he became even more obsessed with the game of basketball after he graduated college, studying the game, developing a high basketball IQ, his time writing for UM Hoops, the detail involved in the articles he wrote by breaking down film, and his active Twitter where he breaks down plays and explains them. Eric then talks about why he started How To Talk Basketball, what it is, what he hopes it achieves, and his thoughts on the Michigan Basketball team so far this season.
Will Corrigan played lacrosse at the University of Notre Dame for his father, Head Coach Kevin Corrigan, from 2012-2015 and is currently an Assistant Coach for the Harvard Lacrosse program. He talks about growing up in South Bend, Indiana, what it was like having his father as the coach at Notre Dame, his mom helping to start a lacrosse team when he was in the 6th grade, and his background in tennis. Will describes his great lacrosse and tennis career at St. Joseph's High School, the recruiting process, and why he chose to play for his father. He discusses what it was like to play for his father, Notre Dame switching from the Big East to the ACC during his career, winning the 2014 ACC Conference Tournament, the big time win over UNC on Senior Day, and making 3 Final Fours in his career. Will then talks about why he went into coaching, his time as a high school coach in Washington, then being the assistant coach for Division III Washington & Lee, his current job as the assistant coach at Harvard, and how COVID-19 has impacted his time there.
Jayne Appel-Marinelli was an All-American basketball player for Stanford University from 2006-2010 and then played in the WNBA for the San Antonio Silver Stars from 2010-2016. She talks about growing up in Pleasant Hill, California, getting into basketball through her father, going to St. Mary's games as a kid, playing other sports, including water polo, and her AAU career. She describes her great career at Carondelet High School where she was named the California Gatorade Player of the Year, playing for USA Basketball, her recruiting process, and why she chose Stanford. Jayne then discusses her All-American career where she went to 3 Final Fours, won four Pac-10 Tournament Championships, her injury during the 2010 NCAA Tournament, what it was like to play for Head Coach Tara VanDerveer, and meeting her husband, Chris Marinelli, at Stanford. She talks about getting selected 5th in the 2010 WNBA Draft, her seven years for the San Antonio Silver Stars, playing overseas, and why she decided to retire. She explains her life now where she is working for the WNBPA, married with 2 young kids, and a 3rd on the way.
Tyler Alter played volleyball at the University of Ohio State from 2017-2020 and was a member of the 2017 National Championship team. He talks about growing up in Laguna Beach, California, how he got into volleyball, playing both indoor and beach volleyball, and playing in the Junior Olympics for his 949 club volleyball team. He describes his volleyball career at Laguna Beach High School, his recruiting process, why he chose Ohio State, and what it was like dealing with a Midwest winter. Tyler explains why he redshirted his freshman year, the 2017 National Championship that was played at Ohio State, playing in the MIVA conference, getting better each year he played, and his academic success. He then discusses his Senior season in 2020 being cut short by COVID-19, why he chose not to use his extra years of eligibility, his thoughts on the popularity of NCAA Men's Volleyball, and what he's been up to since graduating a few months ago.
Grant Mattos is a former NFL Wide Receiver that played for the San Diego Chargers, the Denver Broncos, and the Tennessee Titans. Collegiately, he played at Foothill College before transferring to the University of Southern California and winning the Orange Bowl in 2003. He was also a contestant on the CBS reality show Survivor Season 22: Redemption Island. Grant talks about growing up in Mountain View, California, getting into football through his father, having to sit out his Senior year at Saint Francis High School with a hip injury, and attending Junior College. He explains how he was recruited to USC, playing there at the start of their dynasty with Carson Palmer and Troy Polamalu, his great Pro Day, and his 4 year career in the NFL. Grant then discusses why he went on Survivor, his time on the island, his falling out with Boston Rob, and whether or not he would play again. He describes creating the Mattos Method which helps people to live a happy life through breath work, movement, meditation, and cold exposure.
Website: https://mattosmethod.com
Katherine Hamilton played basketball at the University of San Diego from 2013-2017. She talks about moving from Elk Grove, Illinois to Chandler, Arizona at a young age, how she got into basketball, playing with the boys, and being the only person in her family into the sport. She discusses her great career at Dobson High School where she remains close to her coach, the recruiting process, and why she chose San Diego. Katherine describes playing in the West Coast Conference, the difficulties of being a Mid-Major, the success San Diego had during her career, her great defensive mindset, and hitting the game-winning shot on Senior Night. She then talks about what she's been up to since graduating, why she decided not to play overseas, coaching in her free time, and what she hopes to accomplish in her career.
Ross Bielejeski is the president and founder of the company Rock With U Entertainment based out of South Florida. Over the years, Ross has worked with many celebrities, including various athletes. He is the in-stadium MC for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes, and was the DJ at US soccer stars Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris' wedding. He talks about growing up in Kearney, Missouri, playing sports as a kid, including golf in college, being a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan, and why he moved to Florida. He discusses how he founded Rock With U, built it from the ground up through hard work, and the success they have had recently with clients such as JJ Watt, Jason Taylor, Luke Combs, and Ali Krieger & Ashlyn Harris. Ross explains how COVID-19 has impacted his business and his hopes for 2021. He then describes what it was like to be the DJ at the Krieger/Harris wedding, not knowing how big the event would be when he booked them, all of the athletes that were guests, and what a great celebration it was.
Jesse Martin played hockey at the University of Denver from 2007-2010, suffered a serious neck injury in a game his senior year, and had a miraculous recovery. He talks about growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, how he got into hockey, and playing in the Junior Leagues. He describes his recruiting process, why he chose Denver, and playing in the United States Hockey League for a year before joining the team. Jesse explains the transition to NCAA Hockey, being able to play early in his career, and the success that the Denver Ice Hockey program has had. Jesse then goes into detail about the injury he suffered on October 30th, 2010, in a game against North Dakota where a brutal hit broke his neck and left him temporarily paralyzed. He explains the surgery he had, how lucky he was he was able to walk a few days later, the national attention his injury had, the long recovery process, and why he couldn't play hockey again. Jesse talks about his life now, over ten years after the accident, and how he is doing.
Katie Cole was a walk-on turned scholarship player for the Notre Dame Women's Basketball Team from 2017-2020, and was a member of the 2018 National Championship team. She talks about growing up in Toledo, Ohio, playing basketball with her older sister, her great career at Sylvania Northview High School, and turning down several offers to play college basketball to attend Notre Dame as a student. Katie discusses her Freshman year at Notre Dame as a normal student, playing basketball through intramural sports, and getting noticed during Bookstore Basketball. She then talks about her decision to try out for a walk-on spot, what the try-out was like, how welcoming the team was, and what it was like going from normal student to Division I athlete. Katie describes the 2018 season, playing quality minutes, her big time play during the 2nd Round NCAA Tournament game against Villanova, the Final Four in her home state of Ohio, and winning the National Championship on 2 game winning shots. Katie explains why she couldn't play in 2019 due to a micro fracture in her knee, having to sit out for another great season where Notre Dame made the Final Four, and her rehab to get back for 2020. She talks about Coach McGraw offering her a scholarship for her Senior season in 2020, how much it meant for her, and what it was like to be a rotation player. Katie updates everyone on what she's up to now, her thoughts on playing for Head Coach Muffet McGraw, and how happy she is for new Notre Dame Coach, Niele Ivey.
Brandon Wimbush & Ayden Syal are business partners that founded the company MOGL, which helps current and former collegiate athletes profit off of their name, image, and likeness. Brandon was a Quarterback for the University of Notre Dame from 2015-2018, and then was a graduate transfer for the University of Central Florida in 2019. Ayden graduated from Notre Dame in 2017, serves as the East Regional Director of the Notre Dame Young Alumni Board, and has worked in a variety of finance roles. They talk about growing up in New Jersey, their sports careers, attending rival high schools, their decisions to attend Notre Dame, and Brandon's football career with the Irish. They then discuss how they linked up to start MOGL, what MOGL is, and the impact it can have for athletes and communities.
Scott DelVecchio was an All-American Wrestler at Rutgers University from 2013-2018, and is now an assistant coach at Stevens College. He talks about growing up in South Plainfield, New Jersey, how he got into wrestling, and the outstanding feeder program that South Plainfield has. He then describes his excellent career at South Plainfield High School, the lineup of many teammates that would go on to wrestle in college, his recruiting process where he first chose NC State, and his decision to go to Rutgers. Scott discusses the highlights of his Rutgers career, wrestling with several teammates from South Plainfield, getting the first win for Rutgers in Big Ten history, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament several times, getting an upset win in the NCAAs, and getting All-American status. Scott then talks about how he became a coach at Stevens College, his duties for the year, and his excitement for the upcoming season
Reggie Redding played basketball at Villanova University from 2006-2010 and has played the past 10 years professionally overseas. He talks about growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, how he got into basketball, watching Big East games as a kid, and his AAU team that stayed together from a young age. Reggie discusses his great career at St. Joseph's Prep High School, his recruiting process, and why he chose Villanova. He then describes what it was like to play for Coach Jay Wright, the transition from high school to college basketball, being one of the team's best defenders, his career highlights at Villanova, including going into detail about the play that sent Villanova to the 2009 Final Four. Reggie talks about the Final Four experience, his suspension at the start of his Senior season, the joy he felt when he got back on the court, his 10 year professional career in Europe where he's played for 7 different teams, and his plans to return for his 11th season.
Zach & Kacie Jo Osborne are a married couple that had great careers in baseball and softball. Kacie Jo played softball at Campbellsville University from 2010-2013 and Zach was a member of the 2002 Little League World Series Championship team, played collegiately at the University of Tennessee from 2009-2012, and then played professionally in the Colorado Rockies system. They talk about growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, playing for Valley Sports Little League but not knowing each other, Kacie's run at a state title getting upstaged by Zach's team winning the World Series, and Zach's experience in Williamsport. They then talk about their excellent high school careers: Kacie Jo at Beth Haven Christian where she was a 7 year varsity player, and Zach at Pleasure Ridge Park where he won a State Championship. They detail their recruiting process, why they chose Campbellsville & Tennessee, and their career highlights at those programs. Zach goes on to talk about his career in the Minor Leagues and then becoming a Minor League Coach, while Kacie Jo talks about becoming a teacher and coach, and still playing in a softball league. They explain how they met, the proposal story, their wedding, and how their first year of marriage has gone in quarantine.
Scott Ratliff is a professional lacrosse player for Archers of the Premier Lacrosse League. He played collegiately at Loyola University of Maryland from 2010-2013 and was a member of the 2012 National Championship team. He talks about growing up in Marietta, Georgia, getting into lacrosse through his father, who was a great player at Maryland, and his great career at George Walton Comprehensive. Scott discusses his recruiting process, getting told he was more fit for a mid-major, and his decision to attend Loyola. He then talks about his great career there, where he was a two-time captain, an All-American, and holds several records as a long stickman. He goes into detail about the terrific 2012 season, going 18-1, making it to the Final Four, and the irony of beating the University of Maryland in the National Championship game. Scott explains how the Premier Lacrosse League came to be, his 8 professional seasons so far, and his love for coaching and growing the game in his free time. He is a Personal Development Coach, and created a non-profit called the Give and Go Foundation, traveling to countries, fundraising to help start programs, and creating scholarship funds. Scott also enjoys writing poetry in his time and hopes to write a book one day.
Check out the Give and Go Website: https://givegofund.com
Victoria Maxon played lacrosse at Lafayette College from 2010-2013. She then went on to medical school and is now a doctor in the US Army. She talks about growing up in Bothell, Washington, how she got into lacrosse, and the fact that it was not a popular sport on the west coast. She details her high school career at Holy Names Academy where she was an All-State player, an Academic All-American, and class valedictorian. Victoria explains how her club lacrosse team would travel to the east coast to get exposure, her recruiting process, why she chose Lafayette, and what it was like being so far from home. She then talks about her 4 year career at Lafayette, how the team got better over her 4 years, being a pre-med student and D1 athlete, and the Lafayette/Lehigh rivalry. Lastly, Victoria discusses attending medical school, why she chose to join the US Army, what it is like to be an army doctor, her interest in Urology, and her experience living in Hawaii for her residency.
TJ Popolizio played soccer and wrestled at Brown University from 2008-2011 and then transferred to Indiana University for his last year of soccer eligibility, where he helped the Hoosiers win the 2012 National Championship. He talks about growing up in Clifton Park, New York, being the oldest of 3 siblings very close in age, and how he got into soccer and wrestling. TJ describes his great career at Shenendehowa Central High School where he was a six year varsity wrestler and won a state championship in soccer, his recruiting process, why he chose Brown, and how he was able to play both sports. He then describes how he handled playing two Division I sports and an Ivy League education, the challenges that came with it, and how he went from not getting playing time on the soccer team his Freshman year to being the leading goal scorer his Senior year. TJ explains the Ivy League rule that forced him to transfer if he wanted to play his 5th year, how he ended up at Indiana, the great season in 2012 where IU went to the College Cup and won the National Championship, and what he's been up to since his soccer career ended.
Eric Ringel played hockey at the University of Notre Dame in 2008 and 2009 before a concussion forced him to retire from the sport, but he stayed on as a student coach for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. He talks about growing up in Hinckley, Ohio, how he got into hockey, and playing in the North American Hockey League while he was in high school. Eric describes the recruiting process, why he chose Notre Dame, and the transition from the NAHL to NCAA Hockey. He then discusses his 2 seasons playing, the concussion, his long road to recovery, why he had to retire from hockey, and his decision to stay a part of the program as a student coach. Eric explains his duties as student coach, his opportunity to be more of a normal college student, his move to Aspen, Colorado, after graduation and continuing to coach at the younger levels, and his move back to the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Jordan Pagano wrestled his Freshman year at Penn State in 2015 before transferring to Rutgers University where he wrestled from 2016-2020, and now works as the Administrative Assistant for the Rutgers Wrestling program. He talks about growing up in South Brunswick, New Jersey, rooting for Rutgers in sports as a kid, and how he got into wrestling. Jordan then explains his career at South Brunswick High School, his decision to transfer to Bergen Catholic, and the success the program has had under Coach Dave Bell. He describes his recruiting process, why he chose Penn State, his Freshman season there, and why he decided to transfer back home to Rutgers. Jordan then describes his 5 years at Rutgers, the injuries he went through, the fantastic 2020 season that was cut short due to COVID-19, and his disappointment to not get one more shot at an NCAA Title as he was wrestling in memory of his best friend, Sam Cali. He explains how he got his current job with the team, what it entails, and how he thinks Rutgers will be in 2021.
Taryne Mowatt-McKinney is an Assistant Coach for the University of Arizona Softball Team. She played softball collegiately as a pitcher for Arizona from 2005-2008, was a member of 2 National Championship teams in 2006 & 2007, played in 4 Women's College Softball World Series, won 2 ESPYs, and played professionally from 2008-2013. Taryne talks about growing up in Corona, California, how she got into softball, how she became a pitcher, and her pitching coach being Jennie Finch's father, Doug Finch. She details her great career at Corona Santiago High School with over 1,200 strikeouts, her recruiting process, and why she chose Arizona. She discusses playing behind Alicia Hollowell her first 2 seasons, being a Designated Hitter and hitting a home run in the 2006 WCWS, starting her Junior year, and the incredible 2007 WCSW where she pitched every game, broke multiple records, and was the MVP as Arizona won the National Championship. Taryne then talks about winning 2 ESPYs, her Senior year where they were in a bit of a rebuild, her professional career highlights, and how she got into coaching thanks to her younger sister. She describes her time coaching at Cal Baptist, Ole Miss, and getting her dream job as the pitching coach at Arizona where she made the 2019 WCWS this time on the coaching side.
Kayla Treanor is the face of Nike Women's Lacrosse. She played collegiately at Syracuse University from 2013-2016 and now is a professional lacrosse player, a member of the US National Team, and an assistant coach for Boston College Women's Lacrosse. Kayla talks about growing up in Niskayuna, New York, how she got into lacrosse, being a 3 sport athlete along with her older sister Alyssa, and her great career at Niskayuna High School. She discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Syracuse, and the highlights of her tremendous career where she was an All-American, a Tewaaraton Finalist, went to 4 Final Fours, and holds the Syracuse record for goals. Kayla then describes her professional career, the new league being formed with Athletes Unlimited, playing for Team USA, and her coaching career with Boston College.
Michael Burke is Bridget's father, and he played baseball at Villanova University from 1972-1974. He talks about growing up in Maywood, New Jersey, as the middle of 9 children, how he got into baseball, and being so into it from a young age. Michael discusses his 3 sport career at St. Joseph Regional High School, his recruiting process to Villanova, not being on Villanova's Varsity team his Freshman year, but having a great 3 year career after that, and still being friends with his teammates today. Michael explains why he moved to Florida to attend Graduate School at Florida Atlantic University and it being the best decision of his life, because he met his wife there. He then talks about moving back to New Jersey, continuing to play baseball in summer leagues, his favorite experience playing baseball for the Maywood Colts where he played with his younger brother Matthew, and playing into thirties before retiring and then coaching his 3 kids in sports. Michael describes his support for Villanova University, his love for the sports programs, especially both the Men's and Women's Basketball Teams, and a special 4 days in March of 2018 where he bonded with his sons over the Villanova Men's National Championship and his daughter with the Notre Dame Women's National Championship. He intends to be at the next Final Fours in person!
Autumn Champion-Schur played softball at the University of Arizona from 2003-2006 and was a member of the 2006 National Championship team. She talks about growing up in Tustin, California, how she got into softball, playing from childhood through college with Caitlin Lowe, and her mom always willing to drive her to tournaments hours away. Autumn discusses her great career at Foothill High School, originally being upset when her coach moved her from shortstop to the outfield, her recruiting process, and why she chose Arizona. She details playing for Coach Mike Candrea, the competitive then Pac-10, playing right away as a Freshman, playing in 3 Women's College World Series, and tearing her ACL her Sophomore year. She then talks about the 2006 season where Arizona won the National Title and she was named to the All World Series Team, her professional career, working as a teacher but then deciding to attend nursing school, working her way up in her career, working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her wonderful life with her husband and children.
Mike Rotolo was a Sophomore football player at Columbine High School in 1999 when the shooting that killed 12 students, 1 teacher, and injured many others happened. The following fall, the Columbine Football Team won the State Championship and dedicated the season to teammate Matthew Kechter who was killed in the shooting. Mike talks about growing up in Littleton, Colorado, how he got into football, and almost deciding not to play his Freshman year. He then details the tragic day on April 20th, 1999, where he was in the school, and how the Columbine community supported each other during and after that time. He then talks about returning to school and "taking it back", the high expectations the football team had in 1999, bringing some joy and normalcy to the community through the great season, and winning the State Championship and giving the trophy to the Kechter family. The Columbine Football team went 13-1 that year, each win dedicated to a person that lost their life. Mike then talks about his Senior year in 2000 where Columbine repeated as State Champions, attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, his career working in sports media and radio as an audio technician, and gives some details of the documentary in the making for the 1999 season.
Michele Stellato played Volleyball at Ramapo College of New Jersey from 2006-2009. She was recently diagnosed with ALS at the age of 32 and has been inspiring in her fight against the disease, raising over $70,000 for research so far. Michele talks about growing up in Rutherford, New Jersey, as the youngest of 3 girls, getting into volleyball through her sister Jess, and her great 3 sport career at Rutherford High School playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. Michele discusses the recruiting process, how she sought out a spot on the team for Ramapo, and being able to play right away as a Freshman. She describes her 4 year career there, being a great defensive player, having a winning record every year, getting involved in coaching after graduation, and continuing to play volleyball in an adult league until the pandemic shut it down. Michele then goes on to discuss her ALS diagnosis, the signs that led to it, the shock she felt at first, why she and her family jumped into action to help raise funds and awareness, her involvement with Project ALS, and her hopes to see more FDA approved medications and treatments in the near future.
Please visit https://www.fightalsnow.org to donate to Michele and Project ALS & Michele's GoFundMe page: http://gf.me/u/y5qmxz
Dave & Maureen Boak are a married couple who met during their athletic careers at Bryant University. Dave played football there from 2002-2005 and Maureen played both lacrosse and field hockey there from 2002-2006. They talk about growing up in New Jersey & New Hampshire, how they got into their respective sports, their excellent high school careers at Bergen Catholic and Pinkerton Academy, and their recruiting process to Bryant. Dave talks about his great football career, being a top player on the team in tackles, and playing with one of his best friends from high school, while Maureen discusses balancing two sports, being All-Conference in both, and being inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame. They both explain how they met, dating in college, the proposal story, the wedding, what their lives are like now living in New Jersey with 2 beautiful children, and their continued support of Bryant Athletics.
Jackie Nared-Hairston is the Assistant Coach for the University of Arizona Women's Basketball Team. She played collegiately at the University of Maryland and St. Mary's College of California and professionally overseas. Jackie talks about growing up in Portland, Oregon, how she got into basketball, and her great basketball career at Westview High School. She discusses her recruiting process, why she chose Maryland, her two seasons with the Terps, and her decision to transfer closer to home that led her to St. Mary's. Jackie describes her outstanding 3 seasons with St. Mary's in which she broke several records, getting a try-out with the Los Angeles Sparks, and her career playing overseas. She details how she got into coaching, her time at the University of Washington where the team advanced to the 2016 Final Four, her time at the University of Oregon coaching a young Sabrina Ionescu, her time at Washington State helping a rebuild, and her current position as Assistant Coach for a great Arizona team. Jackie talks about the excellent 2020 season and looking forward to the 2021 season.
Alexandra Maund played basketball at Yale University from 2015-2019 and then played her Graduate Transfer year at George Washington University in 2020. She talks about growing up in Dorchester, Massachusetts, coming from an athletic family, how she got into basketball, and being on the Varsity team as a 7th grader. She discusses her decision to attend the boarding school Nobles & Greenough, the hard work she put in on the basketball court, and the great athletic and academic career she had there. Alexandra describes her recruiting process, why she chose Yale, tearing her Achilles her Freshman year and having to redshirt, and her highlights during her 3 years of playing. She then explains the Ivy League's rule on no 5th year players, transferring to George Washington to play her last season, and the terrific 2020 season she had in a system that fit her style of play. Alexandra then goes into detail about her own Podcast, "Baskets and Brains", which dives into athletes' passions outside of sports.
Walker Kelly played baseball at Texas Christian University in 2009 & 2010. He gained notoriety during the 2002 Little League World Series for being a dominant left-handed pitcher. Walker talks about growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, how he got into baseball, and being a pitcher. He then details Westside's run to the 2002 Little League World Series, the experience in Williamsport, the record-breaking semi-final game where he had 19 strikeouts, and how he is still friends with a lot of his teammates today. Walker explains the adjustment to pitching on the Big League field, his great high school career at Arlington Heights where he went undefeated on the mound, the recruiting process, and why he chose TCU. He details his 2 seasons there, the adjustment to college baseball, beating rival Texas to advance to the College World Series, his experience in Omaha, why he stopped playing baseball after the 2010 season, and what he's been up to since his baseball career ended
Alyssa May played basketball at the College of Holy Cross from 2007-2011. She talks about growing up in Oradell, New Jersey, how she got into basketball, and playing other sports but having to give them up to pursue basketball. She details her great career at River Dell High School where she played both volleyball and basketball, was an All-League and All-County volleyball player, and was one of the best basketball players in Bergen County history, winning North Jersey Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007 and holds multiple River Dell records. Alyssa describes playing for Coach Lou Wejnert, the impact he had on her, and his recent passing. She then goes into the recruiting process, why she chose Holy Cross, playing the 4 early in her career, playing against UConn all 4 years, the tough Patriot League competition, and her great four year career there. Alyssa explains why she chose not to pursue a professional basketball career and describes her position working at the NBA.
Dylan Maltz played lacrosse at Syracuse University in 2014, before transferring to the University of Maryland from 2015-2017 and was a member of the 2017 National Championship team. He nows plays professionally and trains players. Dylan talks about growing up in Ashburn, Virginia, coming from a family of lacrosse players, where his father won a National Championship at Syracuse, his older brother played at Syracuse, and his younger brother is currently playing at Maryland. He discusses his great lacrosse career at Stone Bridge High School, being an Under Armour All-American, and the recruiting process that first led him to Syracuse. Dylan describes playing his Freshman year with his older brother, his decision to transfer, and why he chose Maryland. He then describes his great 3 years at Maryland where the Terps went to 3 straight Final Fours, lost 2 Finals, and won the 2017 Final. Dylan also talks about playing professional lacrosse, coaching and training in the sport, and the travel he's gotten to experience through it.
Josh Lester is a Minor League Baseball Player that was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2015 MLB Draft. Prior to that, Josh played at the University of Missouri from 2013-2015 and was a member of the 2006 Little League World Series Championship Team. He talks about growing up in Columbus, Georgia, how he got into baseball, his experience in Williamsport at the 2006 LLWS winning the World Championship against Japan, and the recognition he's gotten from it. He then discusses the transition to the big league field, his great high school career at Columbus High School where he won 3 State Championships, his late growth spurt, and the recruiting process that led him to Missouri. Josh details his great 3 years at Missouri, playing multiple positions in the infield, his experience in the Cape Cod League, being drafted into the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, and his decision to forego his senior season to become a professional player. He talks about being a Minor League Player, the lifestyle, getting to Triple A, the cancelled 2020 season, and his goal to make the Major Leagues.
Brendan McKillop played basketball for his father Bob McKillop at Davidson College from 2007-2011 and was a part of the magical 2008 NCAA Tournament run. Brendan talks about growing up across the street from Davidson, how he got into basketball, being a part of the Davidson program basically all of his life, and knowing Steph Curry since they were young. He details his high school career at Charlotte Catholic, the recruiting process, picking Davidson, and the father/son coach/player dynamic. He then describes the amazing NCAA Tournament run his Freshman year where 10 seeded Davidson beat Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin, before falling by just 2 points in the Elite Eight against Kansas. Brendan talks about his brother joining the staff as Assistant Coach his Sophomore year, other career highlights for Davidson, and playing in all 3 post season tournaments throughout his career. He explains his brief time playing overseas after graduation, his current career with the NBA, and how he continues to keep up with the Davidson program today.
Dewey Burke was a walk on for the University of North Carolina Men's Basketball Team from 2005-2007. He talks about growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, being the oldest of 4 boys, and how he got into both basketball and football. Dewey details his great career at Conestoga High School, the recruiting process in both football and basketball, and why he chose to pursue football at Fairfield University. He then talks about getting to Fairfield where the football team was discarded after his first semester, why he chose to pursue basketball after that, and what led him to pick North Carolina. Dewey describes the JV Team at UNC, being the last cut on the Varsity Team during the 2005 title season, and making the Varsity Team the next 2 seasons. He talks about his role on the team, his relationship with Head Coach Roy Williams, his continued support of the program, and what he's been up to since he graduated in 2007.
James Spinelli is the Video Coordinator for the Notre Dame's Women's Basketball Team. Prior to this, he spent 4 seasons as Video Coordinator for the Temple Women's Basketball Team and was a team manager for Temple during his undergrad. James talks about growing up in Long Hill, New Jersey, how he got into basketball, realizing that he wanted to get into coaching when he was in high school, and why he picked Temple University. He details how he got involved in the Women's Basketball Team, his duties as a manager, and how he got the job as Video Coordinator after he graduated in 2014. James describes the role of Video Coordinator and how important it is for a basketball team, his experience at Temple working for Head Coach Tonya Cardoza in the A-10 Conference, and how the job at Notre Dame came to be. James then talks about working for Head Coach Muffet McGraw in the ACC, the success of the 2019 season, the struggle in the 2020 season, and his excitement for new Head Coach Niele Ivey and the 2021 season.
John Lento played both golf and hockey at Becker College and is now an Assistant Golf Professional and on the South Florida PGA Tour. He talks about growing up in Paramus, New Jersey, his first love of hockey, playing on a club team where he traveled a lot, and getting into golf a bit later. John describes his two years at Paramus High School where he had a great hockey and golf career, his decision to transfer to the prep school Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, what it was like going to boarding school, the competitive hockey, and working to make the Varsity A Team. John discusses his parents' move to a house in Florida on a golf course and his summers spent on the course. He then details the recruiting process, why he chose Becker College, balancing both hockey and golf, and his decision to leave college early to focus on becoming a professional golfer. John details his job as Assistant Golf Professional at The Club at The Renaissance, the hard work he puts in to help his golf career, and playing on the South Florida PGA tour.
Josh Hairston played basketball at Duke from 2010-2014 and then played professionally overseas from 2015-2019. He talks about growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, how he got into basketball, the high level of basketball in the DMV, and playing AAU with several future teammates at Duke. Josh describes his first three years of high school at Cortland where he won a state title and was named the Virginia Player of the Year, and his senior year of high school where he transferred to Montrose Christian and won Gatorade Player of the Year in Maryland. He details his recruiting process, why he picked Duke, and coming in with Tyler Thornton and Kyrie Irving. Josh then talks about his highlights at Duke, some of the shortcomings, what it was like playing for Coach K, and playing in Cameron Indoor Stadium. He discusses playing professionally overseas after graduating in Switzerland, Sweden, Israel, and Italy, his decision to retire in 2019, his recent marriage, and how he is working to become an agent.
Vanessa Sullivan played volleyball at Southern Connecticut State University from 2009-2012. She talks about growing up in Paramus, New Jersey, getting into volleyball through her older sister, being the youngest girl on her club team for several years, and starting on the varsity team at Paramus High School as a Freshman where the team went on to win the 2005 State Championship and the Tournament of Champions. Vanessa describes her relationship with Coach MariaElena Bellinger, winning 4 straight league titles, and the recruiting process that led her to pick Southern Connecticut State. She details the transition to college volleyball, playing right away, her great 4 year career, and her decision to major in Psychology. She then talks about the struggle after her volleyball career ended as to who she was without the sport, how her coaching and psych background led her to co-write her first book "Was It Something I Said?- A Guide to Coaching Female Athletes", using her degree to help her at work, the process of co-writing her second book "Broken to Blessed", and her desire to write more books in the future.
Jason Abromaitis and Ann Strother Abromaitis are a married couple that both played college basketball. Jason played at Yale from 2003-2007 and Ann played at the University of Connecticut from 2002-2006 and won 2 National Championships. They talk about their childhoods, how they got into basketball through their fathers, and their great high school careers that included Jason winning the Gatorade Player of the Year for Connecticut and Ann winning the National Gatorade Player of the Year. They describe their recruiting process, what led them to pick Yale and UConn, and how they met in college. Jason talks about playing in the Ivy League Conference, working hard to get more playing time, and starting a campus refrigerator business. Ann talks about what it was like to play for Geno Auriemma, being able to play right away, not being the favorite in either National Championship, and what it was like to play at the Final Four. They discuss how they began dating while Ann was playing basketball overseas, the proposal story, and their life in Colorado with their children.
Kaila Turner played basketball at the University of Notre Dame from 2009-2013 and went to three straight Final Fours. She talks about growing up in Joliet, Illinois, how she got into basketball, her great high school career at Marian Catholic, and the recruiting process that led her to choose Notre Dame. She describes what it was like to play for Coach Muffet McGraw, making the Final Four her Sophomore and Junior years where they beat UConn, and her Senior year where she played with an elbow injury that would later require Tommy John Surgery. She details hitting a huge shot in a triple overtime game on Senior Night, winning the last Big East Tournament Notre Dame was in, and playing big minutes in the Elite Eight to help get Notre Dame to the 2013 Final Four. Kaila then talks about the family atmosphere around the Notre Dame program, her excitement for new Head Coach Niele Ivey, and what she's been up to since graduation.
Charles DiGisco is a competitive MMA fighter, an MMA commentator, and co-owner of the gym District Martial Arts in Washington DC. Charles talks about his first few years in Newburgh, New York, where he was picked on, moving to Randolph, New Jersey, and how he got involved in the sport of boxing. He then details learning other sports such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, and how he used those skills in Mixed Martial Arts. Charles explains why he chose to attend American University, becoming involved in the MMA community in DC, and learning wrestling skills by practicing with the Division I American Wrestling Team. He describes the increased popularity in MMA & UFC, becoming a competitive MMA fighter, opening his own MMA gym, and how he got involved in commentating, which is a huge passion of his. Charles also talks about his own Podcast, "The Lover and The Fighter", which is available on iTunes and Spotify.
Conner Mertens played football at Willamette University from 2013-2017 and became the first active college football player to come out as LGBTQ. He talks about growing up in Kennewick, Washington, being the youngest of 4 boys, playing soccer and football, and what he likes about being a kicker in football. Conner describes what it was like to know at a young age that he is bisexual and growing up in an area that was not very accepting. He details his Southridge High School football career where he or his brothers own most of the kicking records, being a part of Young Life, and his recruiting process that led him to pick Division III Willamette University in Oregon. Conner then talks about his college career, his decision to come out to his family, friends, and football team, and then writing a letter to his hometown which became public. He details the positive reaction the football team and his fraternity had, but getting kicked out of Young Life. Conner now speaks publicly about LGBTQ themes, lives in New York City, and is much more confident about who he is.
Cameron Thomson wrestled at Iowa State from 2012-2015 and is currently a writer. He talks about growing up in Barrington, Illinois, how he got involved in wrestling, and his interest in writing. Cameron details his great Barrington High School career, his recruiting process, his family's connection to Iowa State, and why he he chose the Cyclones. He then describes the rivalry with Iowa, Big 12 Conference Wrestling, having to redshirt his Freshman year, getting his first concussion that year, and how writing stories became an outlet for him. Cameron talks about his success Sophomore and Junior year on the mat, continuing to get concussions and having to medically retire from wrestling and not participate his last year and a half at school, and using that extra time to write. He then talks about moving to DC after graduation, training wrestlers at District Martial Arts, working on his first novel, and his recent engagement.
Tim Jenkins played Quarterback for the Football Team at Fort Lewis College from 2009-2012, then had stints in the NFL for the St. Louis Rams and in the CFL for the Calgary Stampeders. He went on to create the company Jenkins Elite in 2013 where he's worked with over 200 quarterbacks. Tim talks about growing up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, how he got into football, his terrific career at Thunderridge High School where he set 7 school records, and the recruiting process that led him to Fort Lewis College. Tim describes playing in the Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, being a 4 year starting quarterback, dealing with injuries and losses, setting 18 school records, and being able to play in a college all-star game as a Senior. He details the NFL draft process, not even watching the draft, going undrafted and signing with the Rams, playing in a pre-season game at Mile High Stadium, and then playing in the Canadian Football League for the Stampeders. He then talks about how his business, Jenkins Elite, came to be after he finished playing football, the growth the company has had, players that have gone on to play in college and in the NFL, how COVID-19 has impacted the business, and Tim's hope that football will be played in the fall.
Bobby Warshaw played soccer at Stanford University from 2007-2010, and then played 6 years professionally in the MLS and in Europe. He's also worked as a writer, analyst, and podcaster. Bobby talks about growing up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, how he got into soccer, his intensity and drive to succeed, playing ODP and making the U17 and U18 US National Teams, and his Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School career where he was named Gatorade Player of the Year twice. He describes why he chose Stanford, having a hard time in the beginning of his career, switching positions, his friendship with Kelley O'Hara, and the great NCAA Tournament run Stanford made in 2009. Bobby then details being selected in the 2011 MLS Draft, his two seasons with Dallas FC, why he decided to go to Europe, playing for teams in Sweden and Norway, and his last professional stop in 2016 back home for the Harrisburg City Islanders (Now Penn FC). He talks about his decision to retire, writing the book "When the Dream Became Reality", having his own podcast for a while, becoming an analyst for the MLS, and what he's up to today.
Ben Braunecker and Sydney Golic are an engaged couple that met through sports. Ben played football at Harvard from 2012-2015 and then went on to play in the NFL for the Chicago Bears from 2016-2019. Sydney was a member of the swim team at Notre Dame from 2012-2016. They both talk about their childhoods, how they got involved in football and swimming, their high school careers, and the recruiting process. They discuss their great careers at Harvard & Notre Dame, going through injuries, and Ben's journey in the NFL which is where he met Sydney who was working for the Chicago Bears. They tell their proposal story, their wedding plans so far, Ben's future plans to become a doctor, and talk about the Golic Family Podcast- Sorry In Advance.
Lindsay Cunningham played basketball at the University of Missouri from 2012-2017 and was Assistant Director of Development for the 2018 season. Lindsey talks about growing up in Columbia, Missouri, having strong family ties to the university, how she got into basketball, her great Rock Bridge High School career in both basketball and soccer, and winning a State Championship in basketball her senior year. She describes the recruiting process, why she picked Missouri, and her sister Sophie committing shortly after her. Lindsey discusses her career at Mizzou, having to redshirt Freshman year, the team getting better each season, becoming an NCAA Tournament team and contender in the SEC, and what it was like playing with her sister for 2 seasons. She then talks about joining the staff for the 2018 season, commentating for the SEC Network, playing in Australia, and her current job working on her family's farm.
Jon Poppe played football at Williams College from 2003-2006 and is currently an assistant coach for Harvard University. Jon talks about growing up in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, how he got into football, and his great high school career at Bergen Catholic where he played both offense and defense, and won a State Championship in 2001. He describes the recruiting process, why he chose Williams, playing in the NESCAC, and his career highlights. Jon details his decision to become a coach, his first stop at Kings College, and then becoming a Graduate Assistant at Springfield College where he met his wife. He talks about his first Division 1 stop at Holy Cross, and then his first stint at Harvard, where he coached the Secondary and the team won several Ivy League Championships. Jon then talks about moving onto Columbia, where he helped rebuild the program for 3 seasons, and his decision to go back to Harvard, where he is currently, to be the Secondary and Special Teams Coach. He discusses the recent cancellation of the Ivy League's 2020 season due to Covid-19 and how he is continuing to coach through the pandemic.
Anna Kestler played basketball at William & Mary from 2011-2015 and is currently the co-owner of Sweat PGH. Anna talks about growing up in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, getting into basketball through her older siblings, playing AAU at a young age, and being the point guard. She describes her great Mount Lebanon High School career where she won 3 State Championships, the recruiting process, and what led her to choose William & Mary. Anna then details her career at William & Mary, always being willing to get the assist rather than score, and having to sit out most of her Senior year due to injury. She talks about going to work in commercial real estate after college, but then changing career paths and opening a fitness studio with her older sister. She describes what Sweat PGH is all about, her role for the company, and her passion for what she does. Check out her website www.annakestler.com
Marcus Ginyard played basketball at the University of North Carolina from 2005-2010 and currently playing professionally overseas in France for Limoges CSP. Marcus talks about growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, both of his parents being in the military, and getting into basketball through his older brother, Ronald. He discusses the great basketball in the Northern VA/Maryland/DC area, playing AAU for the DC Blue Devils, and his great high school career at Bishop O'Connell where he won 3 State Championships, was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state, and was coached by his brother. He then details the recruiting process, why he picked UNC, and being able to play right away as a Freshman. He talks about his highlights at North Carolina, getting better each year with the class he came in with, redshirting due to injury in 2009 when UNC won the National Championship, and returning for a 5th year in 2010. Marcus then discusses his 10+ year professional career overseas, playing in many different countries, and now living and playing in France for Limoges CSP.
TJ Bray played basketball at Princeton from 2010-2014 and currently plays professionally for Bayern Munich. TJ talks about growing up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, how he got into basketball, his great high school career at Catholic Memorial where he suffered an ACL tear as a Freshman, but came back strong to win Conference honors the next season, and then won a State Championship as a Senior and was named Wisconsin Player of the Year. He describes the recruiting process, his decision to attend a great academic school to honor his late mother, and why he chose Princeton. He details his great career there, winning the Ivy League as a Freshman, playing Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament, getting an upset triple overtime win at Florida State, scoring over 1000 points, and being in the record books for assists. TJ then talks about playing in the NBA Summer League after graduating college, going overseas to play professionally, and his experience playing in many different countries, and currently playing in the EuroLeague.
Ariel Braker played basketball at the University of Notre Dame from 2010-2014 and then went on to coach at Wayne State, Western Texas, and Lehigh. She is currently Assistant Coach at Oakland University. Ariel talks about growing up in Evansville, Indiana, but moving to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan in middle school, being the oldest of 5 children, and how she got into basketball. She discusses her great career at Grosse Point North High School, the recruiting process, why she chose Notre Dame, and having to wait behind a few older players. Ariel then talks about going to 4 straight Final Fours, having a winning record against UConn, switching from the Big East to the ACC, being defensive-minded, and being ready when her time came. She details how she got into coaching after her Notre Dame career, her first stop at Division II Wayne State, then Western Texas College, and then her first Division 1 job at Lehigh where she played against Notre Dame for Muffet McGraw's 900th win. She discusses her current job at Oakland University in Michigan and her continued support for Notre Dame.
Bobby Frasor played basketball at the University of North Carolina from 2005-2009 and is currently the head basketball coach at Brother Rice High School in Chicago. Bobby talks about growing up in Blue Island, Illinois, having a father who was a long-time high school basketball coach, how he got into basketball, and his great career at Brother Rice. He details his recruiting process, why he chose UNC, the great class he was in, and playing right away at point guard as a Freshman. He describes the UNC/Duke rivalry, beating Duke Freshman year on JJ Redick's Senior Night, and being undefeated at Cameron Indoor. Bobby then talks about several injuries he went through, the pool jump incident, getting a step further each year in the tournament, and ending his career with the 2009 National Championship. He discusses his professional career overseas, coaching at both UNC and Alabama-Birmingham, his decision become a high school coach at his alma mater Brother Rice, and how he likes coaching that age group.
Mark Cirello wrestled at American University from 2010-2014, currently coaches and trains Mixed Martial Arts, and is a phenomenal artist. Mark talks about growing up in Paramus, New Jersey, how he got into wrestling, the mindset of being a good teammate but also focusing on individual success, and his great career at Paramus High School. He discusses his decision to do a year of prep school at Blair Academy after graduating high school, having a successful year where he wrestled against college level wrestlers and really got into his artwork. He describes the recruiting process, why he chose American University, how competitive the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association is, and his highlights at American. Mark then talks about how he used art as a stress relief in college and how he has expanded it in the recent years, including forming his own website (www.cirelloart.com) and participating in art shows. He also talks about how he got involved in Mixed Martial Arts after his wrestling career ended.
Eric Murdock Jr. played basketball at The College of New Jersey from 2014-2018 and is currently Assistant Coach for the team. Eric talks about growing up in Bridgewater, New Jersey, what it was like having a father who played in the NBA, and how he got into basketball. He discusses his career at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, the recruiting process, and why he picked TCNJ. Eric describes his great career where the team was better each season and he was able to break out of his father's shadow and be his own player. Eric shattered the TCNJ assist record and is 3rd all-time in scoring. He then talks about how he got the coaching job at TCNJ, how his duties have changed during COVID-19, and his job as Skills Trainer at the new basketball facility, Inner Drive Hoops.
Anthony DiBella played Sprint Football at the University of Pennsylvania from 2009-2012. He talks about growing up in River Edge, New Jersey, how he got into football, and his great career at River Dell High School where he won a State Championship. Anthony talks about learning about Sprint Football from his River Dell coach, details what the sport is, how many schools have a team, and his recruiting process. He discusses why he chose Penn, playing a few different positions, winning the Sprint Title his Sophomore year, being a two year captain, balancing the sport with an Ivy League education, and the impact Coach William Wagner has had on him. Anthony details Alumni Weekend, how close the alumni are, the networking that happens, and his excitement for the Alumni game every year.
Ben Asher is the Director of Operations and Recruiting for the Rutgers Men's Basketball Team. He talks about growing up in Oyster Bay, New York, how he got into basketball, his basketball and football career at Oyster Bay High School, his decision to pursue student managing at a Division 1 college rather than play at a lower Division, and the process of how he ended up choosing to attend West Virginia University. Ben describes the hard work of a student manager, working for Head Coach Bob Huggins, making it to the 2010 Final Four his Freshman year, and the old Big East Conference before conference realignment. He discusses his first coaching job as Graduate Assistant at NC State from 2013-2015, working in the Triangle by Duke and UNC, and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 2015. Ben then talks about taking a job with Siena College as Director of Operations, working for a Mid-Major, and then making the move to Rutgers in 2016. He describes working in the Big Ten Conference, spending 3 years as Special Assistant to Head Coach Steve Pikiell, being promoted to Director of Operations and Recruiting, the phenomenal 2020 season Rutgers had, and the disappointment of the Tournament being cancelled due to COVID-19.
Scott Martin played basketball for the University of Notre Dame from 2008-2013 and played 5 seasons professionally overseas. He is currently the Development and Recruiting Coordinator for the Notre Dame Men's Basketball Team. Scott talks about growing up in Valparaiso, Indiana, how he got into basketball, his AAU career, and his great career at Valparaiso High School. He describes the recruiting process, playing for Purdue his Freshman year, and his decision to transfer to Notre Dame. He then describes sitting out 2 years in a row due to transferring and tearing his ACL, finally being about to play for the 2010-2011 season, making a deep run in the Big East Tournament, the incredible turnaround in the 2012 season, and his good relationship with Head Coach Mike Brey. Scott discusses getting a 6th year of eligibility but the season being cut short by another knee injury, his great 5 year career overseas playing in England and the Czech Republic, how he became a coach for Notre Dame, going from playing for Mike Brey to coaching with him, and the changes to the program since he was player.
Laura Kurz played basketball for Villanova from 2007-2009 after transferring from Duke where she played from 2004-2006. She is currently the assistant coach for the Drexel Women's Basketball Team, and has previously coached at Villanova and Lehigh. Laura talks about growing up in Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania in an athletic family, how she got into basketball, her AAU career with the Philly Belles, and her great 5 year varsity career at Germantown Academy where she is the all-time leading scorer. She describes the recruiting process, why she chose Duke, what it was like to play for Gail Goestenkors, and making it to the Final Four in 2006. Laura discusses her decision to transfer, choosing Villanova, her 2 great seasons there, playing for Harry Perretta, and playing overseas in Greece for a season after graduating. She then discusses how she got into coaching, her time at Lehigh and Penn Charter, her 5 years at her alma mater and what it was like to coach with Harry Perretta through his retirement, and her new job as assistant coach at Drexel University.
Sydney Storey (maiden name Smallbone) played basketball for the late Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee from 2007-2011 and was a member of the 2008 National Championship Team. Sydney talks about growing up in Granger, Indiana, how she got into basketball, playing AAU from a young age, and her excellent career at Saint Joseph High School in South Bend where she played with Melissa Lechlitner and Kristen Dockery, and won a state championship. She describes the recruiting process, what led her to pick Tennessee, what it was like to play for Pat Summitt, winning a National Championship her Freshman year, followed by an early exit in the tournament her Sophomore year, and experiencing Pat Summitt's declining health. Sydney discusses her decision to become a high school basketball coach after graduating Tennessee, turning a program around at a school in Michigan before being offered a position at her alma mater, coaching with some former teammates, and dedicating her State Championship win in 2017 to Pat Summitt.
Angie Benson is a current goalkeeper for the Virginia Tech Women's Lacrosse Team who had previously played for Towson in 2016 and 2017, before stepping away from the game for a few years. Angie talks about growing up in Palm City, Florida, how she got into lacrosse, playing goalie, and what it is like to be a black woman in a mostly white sport. She discusses her great lacrosse career at Martin County High School, participating in weightlifting and golf, the recruiting process, and why she chose Towson. Angie describes her two seasons there, her decision to leave, moving back to Florida and starting her own business, and how the opportunity at Virginia Tech came to be. She talks about the process of returning to the NCAA, finding a new joy for the game, getting off to a great start to the 2020 season before COVID-19 cancelled spring sports, and being able to return for the 2021 season.
Kenzie Kent played for both the Boston College Women's Hockey Team and Boston College Women's Lacrosse Team from 2015-2019, was drafted into both the NWHL and WPLL, currently plays professional lacrosse for the New England Command, and is an assistant coach for the Harvard Women's Lacrosse Team. She talks about growing up in Norwell, Massachusetts, coming from a large athletic family, getting into lacrosse through her mother, who is an assistant coach at BC, and how she got into ice hockey. Kenzie describes her great high school career at Thayer Academy and Noble & Greenough, winning 3 National Championships with Assabet Valley, playing for the USA U18 Hockey Team, and the recruiting process to play both sports in college. Kenzie discusses how she managed both sports, only being able to play half of the lacrosse season due to when the hockey season ended, and her decision to use a redshirt year to have a year to focus only on hockey and a year to focus only on lacrosse. She then talks about the success both teams had, getting to 3 Frozen Fours in hockey, and 3 Final Fours in lacrosse, what it was like playing for her mom, getting drafted into both professional leagues, playing in the WPLL, and becoming an assistant coach at Harvard.
Mike Paulus played quarterback for the University of North Carolina from 2007-2009 and then transferred to William & Mary where he played in 2010 and 2011. He now works as an Associate Athletic Director for Navy. Mike talks about growing up in Syracuse, New York, in a large athletic family, being the 6th of 7 children, how he got into football, his high school career at Christian Brothers Academy where he backed up his brother Greg for 2 years, and his very successful 2 years as the starting quarterback. He describes the recruiting process, why he chose UNC, and the unique experience of being on opposite sides of the Duke/Carolina rivalry with his brother. Mike discusses his reasons for transferring, why he picked William & Mary, his success there, and the shoulder injury he faced. He then talks about his journey in athletic development, the universities he's worked at, his continued education, and his current job at Navy.
Barbara Turner is a current professional basketball player in Turkey who has also played in the WNBA, and played collegiately at UConn from 2002-2006. She talks about growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, being the youngest of six kids, getting her passion for basketball through her grandmother, her great career at East Technical High School, and how important winning a state championship was to the city. Barbara describes her recruiting process, why she chose UConn, what it was like to play for Coach Geno Auriemma, and winning National Championships as a Freshman and Sophomore. She discusses winning the Big East Tournament her Junior year, her game-winning shot in the Sweet Sixteen her Senior year, and not being able to play in the overtime loss in the Elite Eight due to cramping. Barbara then talks about her career in the WNBA and her path to a professional basketball career in Turkey, where she continues to have success.
Kelly Conheeney played professional soccer in the NWSL for the Sky Blue FC and Houston Dash, played in Sweden, and played collegiately for Virginia Tech from 2009-2013. Kelly talks about growing up in Ridgewood, NJ, how she got into soccer, playing club soccer for the Montclair Aristocats, and her excellent career at Ridgewood High School. She describes the recruiting process, why she picked Virginia Tech, playing right away for the Hokies, her phenomenal first 3 years there, playing in the W League in 2012, and scoring the winning PK for the championship. Kelly then discusses the concussion issues she faced, having to sit out 2 years at Virginia Tech because of them, not being about to play in the Final Four, and her year with Coaches Across Continents. She talks about her journey back to soccer, how she made the NWSL, and scoring the game winning goal against Hope Solo in her first game.
Haley Peters is a current professional basketball player who has played overseas, played in the WNBA for the San Antonio Silver Stars, Washington Mystics, and Atlanta Dream, and played collegiately at Duke from 2010-2014. She talks about growing up in Red Bank, NJ, having two brothers that also played basketball, being a lifelong Duke fan, attending Peddie School where she had a great career both on the court and in the classroom, and playing AAU for the Philadelphia Belles. Haley describes the recruiting process, why she chose Duke, having her oldest brother Casey on campus, playing right away as a freshman, the rivalry with UNC, and returning to play in a game after having to get stitches. She details her great career at Duke, getting to the Elite Eight 3 times, going undrafted in the 2014 WNBA Draft, but getting into the league in 2016, playing on several teams, and having a lot of success playing overseas, where she is still playing today.
Barb Sullivan played lacrosse at the University of Notre Dame from 2012-2016, was a three-time All American, and played Professional Women's Lacrosse for the Philadelphia Force. Barb talks about growing up in Garden City, New York, how big lacrosse is on Long Island, how she got into lacrosse, and playing soccer and basketball as well. She describes her Garden City High School career where she earned 12 Varsity letters, winning a state championship in soccer, being named Nassau County Player of the Year in basketball, and being named an Under Armour All-American in lacrosse. Barb details her recruiting process, why she chose Notre Dame, playing for U-19 USA team before college, playing right away as a Freshman, moving from the Big East Conference to the ACC Conference, getting injured and having to redshirt her Junior year, being a Tewaaraton finalist, being a three-year captain, and making it to the Elite Eight her 5th year. She then discusses her time in the WPLL, joining the coaching staff at Ohio State in 2017, and now working in the Athletics Department at Notre Dame.
Lindsay Schutzler is a CrossFit athlete who played professional softball with the Chicago Bandits and collegiately with The University of Tennessee from 2004-2007. Lindsay talks about growing up in Monterey, California, in an athletic family, how she got into softball through her father, and her excellent career at Notre Dame High School where she led her team in hits, runs, and stolen bases every season. She describes her recruiting process, what led her to choose Tennessee, playing in the SEC, and what it was like playing for a married couple in Ralph and Karen Weekly. Lindsay details her great career with the Lady Vols which included 3 trips to the College Softball World Series, making it to the championship series in 2007, being a team captain, and being an Academic All-American. She talks about playing in the NPF for the Chicago Bandits, being a teacher, how she got into CrossFit, and being involved in team competitions.
Austin Calitro is a current Linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals. He's played in the NFL since 2017 with various teams including the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, and played collegiately for Villanova from 2013-2016. Austin talks about growing up in Danbury Connecticut, having a twin sister, how he got into football, being a three-sport athlete at Danbury High School, the recruiting process, and why he chose Villanova. He describes the NCAA Football Subdivision, redshirting his Freshman year, and his growth each year he played at Villanova. Austin discusses never questioning returning for his 5th year, being a team captain during longtime Head Coach Andy Talley's last year, participating in the pre-draft activities, going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, and what happens after the draft for those players. He details his early career in the NFL, spending time on practice squads, getting a break with the Cleveland Browns, and experiencing success during the 2018 season with the Seattle Seahawks. He also talks about spending the 2019 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, being claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals in April 2020, how he feels about moving around so much, and his excitement to start the 2020 season.
Katie Meyer is a current member of the Stanford University Women's Soccer Team and was the starting goalkeeper for the 2019 National Championship team. Katie talks about growing up in Newbury Park, California, how she became interested in soccer, and how she became the goalkeeper. She details her time at Newbury Park High School, being a kicker on the football team, and her soccer career there. She then explains why she chose to switch to the online school Century Academy due to the amount of travel she was doing for club soccer. Katie talks about playing for the United States National Team and how she used being cut from the U17 team as motivation. She discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Stanford, and how tough the Pac-12 is in soccer. Katie describes having to redshirt her freshman season, splitting time at goalie for much of the 2019 season before taking over as the full time starter, and making the Final Four. She explains the semi-final win over UCLA, the trash talk that happened, the National Championship win over North Carolina that went into penalty kicks, her celebrations that went viral, and her excitement for the next 3 years at Stanford.
Matt Ryan played basketball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2020 and before that played at Vanderbilt from 2017-2019 and Notre Dame from 2015-2017. He talks about growing up in Cortlandt Manor, New York, how he got into basketball, being a pitcher in baseball when he was young, and being a quarterback in football before giving it up to focus on basketball. Matt details his great high school career at Iona Prep, having to go through double hip surgery his Junior year, coming back Senior year to help his team win the Class AA Championship and being named Mr. Basketball for the state of New York, his recruiting process, and why he chose Notre Dame. He describes his 2 seasons with the Irish that included playing the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in his home state and making an Elite Eight appearance. He then talks about why he decided to transfer to Vanderbilt, the rough 2019 season the team had, the coach he came there to play for getting fired, and why he decided to put his name in the transfer portal for his graduate year. Matt describes how he ended up at Chattanooga, his great 2020 season where he scored over 500 points, why he believes playing his last year at a Mid-Major program was the best decision for him and his goals of playing professional basketball.
Tricia Hurley (maiden name Tricia Liston) played in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx in 2014 and 2015, and played at Duke from 2010-2014. Tricia talks about growing up in River Forest, Illinois, being the youngest of 4 girls, and getting into basketball through going to her older sisters' practices and games. She discusses her Fenwick High School career which included winning a state championship, scoring over 2,000 points, and receiving multiple Illinois accolades. Tricia then goes into detail about the recruiting process, what schools she was considering, and why she chose Duke. She talks about her growth at Duke, becoming more versatile as a player, getting to the Elite 8 three times, winning multiple ACC Tournament Championships, and playing for Team USA in the World University Games. Tricia describes being selected in the 2014 WNBA Draft, playing for a veteran team in the Minnesota Lynx, playing with former Fenwick teammate Dev Peters, winning the 2015 WNBA Championship, playing overseas, and the back problems that led her to retire. She talks about her current life in Chicago and being recently married.
Abby Prohaska is a current member of the University of Notre Dame's basketball team who helped them reach the 2019 Final Four. Abby talks about growing up in Liberty Township, Ohio, how she got into basketball, and her great career at Lakota West High School where she won a State Championship in 2015, broke the school assist record, and played in the U-17 Fiba World Championship for Team USA. She discusses the recruiting process, why she chose Notre Dame, and the foreign tour she took with the team the summer before her Freshman year. Abby details her great first season with the Irish, where she played with 5 future WNBA players, the energy she brought to the team when she was in the game, and her great game against Stanford that helped Notre Dame advance to the Final Four. Abby then talks about having to sit out her Sophomore year with blood clots in both lungs- the diagnosis, the danger of Pulmonary Embolisms, the rehab, the decision to redshirt, and how she is feeling today. She also discusses the team Zoom call where Muffet McGraw announced her retirement and named Niele Ivey Head Coach.
Alex Binder was the star of MTV's Two-A-Days in 2006 and won 4 State Championships in football while he attended Hoover High School. Alex talks about how he got into football and baseball, what it was like playing for Head Coach Rush Probst, seeing Jeremy Pruitt become an SEC Head Coach at Tennessee, and how the show came to be. Alex discusses how he became one of the main characters, what it was like having cameras around at all times, not seeing any money from the show, and what it was like when it aired on TV. He talks about playing against Tim Tebow in high school, the team during his Junior year at Hoover being the most successful, the shoulder injury he had that hurt his recruiting process, and why he had wanted to play baseball in college. He discusses going to Bevill State Community College, but not making it through a full season, becoming a father at a young age, and what his life is like today.
Jacob Rainey was a student coach for the University of Virginia from 2013-2016, and was a standout high school quarterback in 2011 when a freak injury on the football field led to an amputation of part of his leg. Jacob talks about growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia, going to UVA football games as a kid, and how he got into football. He discusses his decision to attend the boarding school Woodberry Forest School for high school, playing quarterback, and the recruiting process before his injury. Jacob goes into detail about how his injury happened, the severity of it, and why the amputation had to happen. He also describes his attitude about it, the rehab process, learning to walk with a prosthetic, and getting back on the field for his senior year. He then talks about his decision to attend UVA, become a student coach, the duties that were involved, coaching at UCLA for a year after he graduated, and how he is doing today, almost ten years after the injury.
Patrick Farrell was a walk-on for the Villanova University Basketball Team from 2012-2016 and was a member of the 2016 National Championship Team. He talks about growing up in Rockville Centre, New York, playing both basketball and lacrosse growing up, his great career at Chaminade High School, and how he ended up at Villanova as a preferred walk-on. Patrick describes what it was like to play for Coach Jay Wright, how every member of the team was treated the same way, and how the walk-ons made an impact on the team. He also describes winning the Big East regular season, not making out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament his first 3 years, receiving a scholarship for his senior year, and how the 2016 season did have some bumps along the way. Patrick details the run to the Final Four in Houston, getting into the semi-final game against Oklahoma, and what it was like to beat North Carolina at the buzzer for the National Championship. He talks about his great friendship with Ryan Arcidiacono, what he's been up to since graduation, and how he still follows the Villanova basketball team.
JJ Hones played basketball at Stanford University from 2006-2010 and was a member of 3 Final Four teams. She talks about where the name "JJ" comes from, growing up in Beaverton Oregon, and how she got into basketball. JJ discusses her great career at Southridge High School, where she played with several other future D1 players, won 2 State Championships, and was a nationally ranked program. She describes the recruiting process, why she chose Stanford, and how she was able to handle the tough academics while playing basketball and joining a sorority. JJ then talks about her great freshman year that ended with an ACL tear in February, the rehab process, coming back in 2008, helping lead Stanford to the Final Four, and her outstanding game in the Elite Eight against Maryland. She details tearing the same ACL a second time at the start of her Junior year, being able to travel abroad during that time and gaining perspective, coming back for her Senior season but continuing to play through knee problems, how her knee is doing today, and what she's been up to recently.
Jaclyn Wood played soccer at Villanova University in 2009 before transferring to Elon University and playing there from 2010-2012. She talks about growing up in New Jersey, having a twin brother, David, how she got into soccer, and her club career. She details her excellent high school career at Immaculate Heart Academy which was ranked #1 in the country at one point, being captain of the State Championship team, and the recruiting process. Jaclyn talks about why she went to Villanova, why she decided to transfer, and how she ended up at Elon. She describes her great career there, which included scoring a game-winning PK on her 21st birthday, being named a 2-time captain, and the bond she had with her teammates. Jaclyn then talks about becoming an assistant coach at Manhattan College after graduation and her current career as a Physical Education teacher in New Jersey.
Erica Williamson and Maria Noucas-Williamson are a married couple that met through basketball. Erica played at the University of Notre Dame from 2006-2010, and then went on to coach at Loyola-Maryland, George Washington, Towson, and Notre Dame, where she was a part of the 2018 National Championship. Maria played at Bowdoin College, and then went on to coach at Navy, Dartmouth, and Loyola-Chicago, where she just finished her 4th season. They both talk about their childhood, how they got involved in basketball, their great high school careers at South Mecklenburg and Portsmouth, the recruiting process, and why they chose Notre Dame and Bowdoin. They detail their great college careers and their different paths to coaching. They also discuss their coming out process, how they met, being long-distance for a while, the proposal story, and their beautiful wedding in New Hampshire.
Kyla Irwin played basketball at the University of Connecticut from 2016-2020 where she was a part of 3 Final Fours and went undefeated in the American Athletic Conference. Kyla talks about growing up in State College, Pennsylvania, being the youngest of 6 children, her mother being a basketball coach, and how she got into the sport. She details her great basketball and volleyball career at State College High School, what it was like playing for both of her parents, the recruiting process, why she chose UConn, and what it was like playing for Head Coach Geno Auriemma. Kyla describes what it was like to be involved in the HBO documentary during her Freshman season, what it takes to be a great teammate, losing in back-to-back Final Fours at the last seconds, and getting her first start Junior year. She talks about this past season, seeing the most minutes in her career, breaking her elbow in the AAC Tournament, needing immediate surgery and missing the championship game, but her teammates FaceTiming her shortly after the win, and her reaction to COVID-19 cancelling the 2020 NCAA Tournament.
Adrian Ritchie played basketball at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay from 2009-2013, and then played professionally for a year in England. Adrian talks about growing up in De Pere, Wisconsin, how she got into basketball, her great three-sport career at De Pere High School, which included being named Wisconsin's Miss Basketball in 2009, her recruiting process, and why she chose Green Bay. She discusses her excellent career at Green Bay, being a successful Mid-Major that made the NCAA Tournament every year she was there, playing in the Horizon League Conference, making the Sweet Sixteen her Sophomore season, and ending her career as a 1,000 point scorer and making the All Defensive Team. Adrian also discusses her coming out process, when she told her teammates, and how she met her now wife, Blaire. She details her year playing professionally in England and her decision to move to Denver afterwards. She talks about her busy life now with a full-time job, a successful YouTube Channel, a hat company (Still Co.) and a Podcast of her own (The Underscore Show).
Sean Wallis played basketball at Washington University in Saint Louis from 2006-2010. He talks about growing up in Northbrook, Illinois, how he got into basketball, being teammates with Jon Scheyer since a young age, and his great career at Glenbrook North High School which included a 2005 State Championship. Sean describes his recruiting process, why he chose WashU, and how competitive Division 3 basketball is. Sean discusses the tough leg injury he suffered his Junior season, having to redshirt but deciding to join the coaching staff as a student coach for the year, and winning the 2008 National Championship. Sean also discusses coming back from the injury in 2009, leading his team to repeat as National Champions and winning MVP in the process, his decision to return for a 5th year, and his decision not to pursue professional basketball.
David Wood played baseball at Elon University in 2010 and 2011 before switching over to football in 2011-2013. David talks about growing up in Park Ridge, NJ, having an athletic twin sister, Jaclyn, how he got into football and baseball growing up, and his path to St. Joseph's Regional High School. He details his career at St. Joe's for football, which included a State Championship, and baseball, which included a County Championship. David describes the recruiting process, why he initially chose to pursue baseball, picking Elon University, going to the same college as his twin, and his two years on the baseball team, which included scoring the winning run in a Southern Conference Tournament game. He then describes why he chose to stop playing baseball and pursue football, the recruiting process for football that led him right back to Elon, getting into football shape, and his excellent 3 seasons on the football team as a Defensive Back.
Jordan Hulls played basketball at Indiana University from 2009-2013, has played professionally overseas since 2013, currently playing for S. Oliver Wurzburg in Germany. Jordan talks about growing up in Bloomington, Indiana, his grandfather being on Bob Knight's coaching staff, how he got into basketball, and not being allowed to shoot a 3-pointer until the 7th grade. He describes his great career at Bloomington South High School, his AAU career for Indiana Elite, what the recruiting process was like for him, and why he chose hometown IU. Jordan discusses his first few years with the Hoosiers, the turning point Junior year when they went from having a losing record to becoming an NCAA Tournament team, what it was like to be a part of the famous IU-Kentucky game where Christian Watford hit a buzzer beater, and making an emotional speech on Senior Night. Jordan then talks about his journey overseas, having to rush back to the US when his first son was born, bringing his family to Germany with him, and his excellent career with S. Oliver Wurzburg that included winning 2019 MVP of the Fiba Europe Cup. Finally, he discusses his love for being a father and being back in Indiana for the quarantine.
Kayla Deitz played lacrosse at San Diego State University from 2014-2017. She talks about growing up in Simsbury, Connecticut, coming from an athletic family, how she got into lacrosse, and what it was like when her father Terry went on the show "Survivor". She also talks about her great career at Simsbury High School, her club lacrosse career, the recruiting process, and why she picked San Diego State. Kayla details her career at SDSU, the amazing team chemistry, being able to turn around a losing record into a winning record her senior year, and being a team captain. Kayla also describes a hard time in 2015 when her brother Danny needed a heart transplant, the family decision to pull her father from his second season of "Survivor", how the SDSU team was there for her family, and why going through that is part of reason she decided to become a nurse.
Jeannine Johnson played soccer at Hofstra University from 2012-2015. She talks about growing up in Virginia, coming from a soccer family, traveling all over for club soccer, and her great career at Robinson High School. She describes the recruiting process, why she chose Hofstra, and being able to play right away as a Freshman. Jeannine details winning the conference tournament and making it to the NCAA Tournament Freshman year, getting better as her career went on and receiving post season honors, winning an NCAA Tournament game against Georgetown Senior year off penalty kicks, and what she's been up to since graduating from Hofstra.
Ana Drehwing played lacrosse at Lafayette College from 2010-2013 and was also a 3-sport athlete in high school. Ana talks about growing up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, as the youngest as 3 girls, playing multiple sports as a kid, not playing lacrosse until Freshman year of high school, and how she got into it. She details her great Ramapo High School career playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, what it was like to play lacrosse with both sisters, being named the 2009 Jersey Sports Athlete of the Year, the recruiting process in basketball and lacrosse, and what led her to choose Lafayette. Ana describes the transition from high school to college lacrosse, playing a year in college with one sister, Maria, playing against her other sister, Elizabeth, some injuries she faced, and the great turnaround the program had during her time there. She also discusses her coaching career and her teaching position in Special Education.
Brianna Turner is a WNBA player for the Phoenix Mercury. She played at Notre Dame from 2015-2019. Brianna talks about growing up in Pearland, Texas, how she got into basketball, her excellent high school career at Westbury Christian and Manvel, winning Gatorade Player of the Year and getting to attend the ESPYs, and winning 5 gold medals playing USA Basketball. She describes the recruiting process, why she picked Notre Dame, starting right away for the program, the interesting game in Houston, dealing with the injuries she faced, and what it was like to redshirt in 2018 when Notre Dame won the National Championship. She talks about coming back for 2019, getting a huge block in the Final Four against UConn, getting drafted in the 2019 WNBA draft, and what her experience with the Phoenix Mercury has been like so far.
Joy Smith (maiden name Joy Cheek) played basketball at Duke from 2006-2010, played in the WNBA and overseas, and has been coaching in college basketball since 2011, currently serving as an Assistant Coach for Clemson University. Joy talks about being born in Maryland, but moving to North Carolina at a young age, how she got into basketball, having a father that was an NFL ref, and her great career at South Mecklenburg High School. She describes the recruiting process, why she picked Duke, playing right away as a freshman, sticking with Duke when Head Coach Gail Goestenkors left, and her fantastic senior season that included winning the ACC Tournament. Joy then talks about her professional career, starting her coaching career with Duke in 2011, then moving on to Ohio State, Vanderbilt, and now Clemson. She details the great turnaround the Clemson program has had, and how she is continuing to work in this current quarantine.
Mo Fitzgerald played soccer for Boise State in 2009, the University of Oregon from 2010-2012, and professionally in the NWSL for the Portland Thorns in 2016. Mo talks about growing up in Beaverton, Oregon, how she got into soccer, her outstanding career at Westview High School, and playing club soccer for Lake Oswego. She also talks about the recruiting process, why she chose Boise State, and why she transferred to Oregon. Mo is very honest about her experience at both places. She describes what it was like playing in the PAC-12, her coaching career which includes coaching college women at Concordia University, coaching boys at Lincoln High School, and coaching younger girls at the club soccer level. Mo then goes into detail about her unique journey to the National Women's Soccer League.
Robby Toma played Wide Receiver for the Notre Dame Football Team from 2009-2012. Robby talks about what it was like to grow up in Hawaii, how he got into football, the great football players that have come from the state, being lifelong friends with Manti Te'o, and his great career at Punahou High School. He then talks about the recruiting process, what led him to pick Notre Dame, and the very different weather in South Bend. Robby describes what it was like to play as a freshman, playing more every season he was at Notre Dame, and the undefeated regular season in 2012. He also describes trying to make it to the NFL, moving back to Hawaii, and becoming a high school football coach.
Stephanie Gilronan Played Softball at Saint Peter's University from 2010-2014. She talks about growing up in Saddle Brook, NJ, playing softball and basketball as a kid, being a left-hander, and her club softball career. She also talks about her excellent career at Saddle Brook High School, the great culture of the softball team, and her speed on the base path. Stephanie then goes into detail about the recruiting process, why she chose Saint Peter's, the transition from high school to college softball, playing in the MAAC, and playing both 1st base and the outfield. She describes the knee injuries she faced, the recovery process, sitting out for over a year before finally being able to play healthy 5th year, and why she wouldn't change anything that happened. She also talks about what she's been up to since her softball career ended, which includes building a van to travel the country in.
Joslyn Tinkle played basketball at Stanford University from 2009-2013 and has played professionally for the Seattle Storm and overseas. Joslyn talks about living in Europe when she was young, being from a family full of basketball players, moving to Montana where her father coached at the University, her great career at Big Sky High School in both basketball and volleyball, and playing for USA Basketball. She describes her recruiting process, why she chose Stanford, what it was like playing for Tara VanDerveer, and her tremendous career which included 3 Final Fours. She discusses what it was like playing against her sister, Ellison, in college, what it was like to play for the Seattle Storm, and her career overseas. She then discusses her father taking the Oregon State Head Coaching job, moving to Portland, getting to sit courtside at Beaver games, and what it was like being able to watch her brother Tres' career.
Isaac Parks is the current Punter for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke's Football Team. He talks about growing up in Greensboro, NC, being the middle child, how he got into football, and how he became a punter. Isaac describes his great career at Southern Guilford High School, and how the team was so good, he barely got on the field to punt, his recruiting process, why he chose North Carolina A&T, and why he transferred to UNCP. He discusses the training process for punters and how his hard work has led to All-American honors. Isaac then explains his sweet proposal story to fiance Sarah Graham- his plan to propose after a football game, his teammates being so happy when she said yes, and how the video has gone viral.
Ryan Gensler is the Assistant Coach for the University of Dayton Women's Basketball Team. He discusses growing up in Syracuse, New York, how he got into basketball, playing at Christian Brothers Academy with Greg Paulus, and why he decided to attend Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Ryan explains how he got involved as a practice player for the women's team, and then deciding to become a team manager, and being a Grad Assistant at Providence in the old Big East. Ryan then talks about being on the coaching staff at St. Bonaventure and making it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen, moving onto Loyola Maryland, where he would meet his wife, being the video coordinator at the University of Florida, and now being Assistant Coach at Dayton. He describes the family environment at Dayton, the excellent season Dayton had, and the disappointment of the season ending due to the Coronavirus.
Dominique Dillingham played basketball at Mississippi State University from 2013-2017 and has been on the coaching staff for the past 3 seasons, currently serving as Video Coordinator. Dominique talks about growing up in Spring, Texas, how she got into basketball, her great career at Klein Collins High School and her AAU career, the recruiting process, and why she picked Mississippi State. She also talks about what it was like to play for Vic Schaefer and her commitment to defense. Dominique describes a great season Junior year that ended with an embarrassing loss to UConn in the 2016 Sweet Sixteen, and how her team channeled that loss and used it as motivation for the 2017 season. She then describes the great 2017 season, getting to the Final Four in Dallas, the upset of UConn in the Semi-Final, how she got into coaching, and her duties as Video Coordinator.
(Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before it was announced that Vic Schaefer was named Head Coach at the University of Texas)
Becca Greenwell played basketball at Duke University from 2014-2018, played USA Basketball, and was drafted into the WNBA. Becca talks about growing up in Kentucky, playing varsity basketball as a 7th grader, her fantastic career at Owensboro Catholic, tearing her ACL while playing for USA Basketball in Italy, and her family's history of knee injuries. She also talks about breaking a national record for 3-pointers in a game her senior year of high school, the recruiting process, why she picked Duke, and hurting her knee again before arriving at Duke and having to redshirt her first year. She then goes on to describe her great career at Duke, getting selected into the WNBA, why she hasn't been able to play professional basketball to this point, and how she has been keeping busy as she trains to get back on the court.
Rory Molleda played soccer at Guilford College from 2009-2012, and is currently the Director of Team Administration for DC United in the MLS. Rory talks about being born in Venezuela before moving to Alexandria, Virginia, when he was a few years old, his family's love for the game of soccer, his mom being his coach when he was young, and playing year-round. He also talks about attending Robinson High School, his recruiting process, how he ended up at Guilford, and his great career there. Rory describes how he became interested in working in sports, the steps he took before landing the DC United job, and all that is involved in working in Operations for DC United. He then opens up about being a gay man and why he didn't come out to his co-workers and the team right away, his relationship with the great Wayne Rooney and Wayne's acceptance of him, "The Athletic" writing a great piece on their friendship and the support he's gotten since the article came out.
Mike Auriemma played basketball at St. Joseph's University from 2008-2010 and Assumption College from 2010-2012. He talks about growing up in Manchester, Connecticut, being the son of famous women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma, being at every UConn practice as a kid, and Geno coaching his AAU team growing up. Mike also talks about knowing Aaron Hernandez and why he chooses to remember the Aaron he knew when they were kids, his great high school career at East Catholic, deciding to do a year of prep school at the Hun School, why he chose St. Joe's, why he ultimately decided to transfer to Assumption College, and some of the injuries he faced. He discusses the great respect he has for women's basketball, his friendship with many UConn players, including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Caroline Doty, and the family environment at the Final Four.
Mikey Byrne is an Assistant Coach for the New York Institute of Technology Men's Basketball Team. He also played collegiately at Bergen Community College and Farmingdale State College. Mikey talks about starting basketball at a young age, his dad running the town basketball program, being coached by his dad, his high school career at Bergen Catholic and Wood-Ridge, and his 2 years at Bergen Community College. He discusses how he faced injuries at Farmingdale State, his unconventional path to coaching and training, being on the coaching staff at Bergen Catholic and learning from Head Coach Billy Armstrong, and then moving onto Dwight-Englewood High School. Mikey then moved on to college and coached at Rutgers Newark before landing the job at NYIT in 2019. He talks about his first season, why he thinks the team is going to be even better in 2021, and whether he has aspirations to be a head coach one day.
Brennan Fox played football for Washington University in St. Louis from 2008-2012, and was also a world ranked Sport Stacker as he was growing up. Brennan describes the sport of Sport Stacking, also known as Cup Stacking, how his father worked to grow the sport by founding Speed Stacks, and how competitions went from local PE classes to World Championships. He talks about growing up in Highlands Ranch, CO, as the middle child with an older sister Emily and a younger brother Kit, the athleticism the Fox family has, how they were all world ranked in the top 5 at Sport Stacking, the traveling they did to promote the sport, and representing Team USA in the International Challenge Relay Race against Germany in his last Sport Stacking competition. He then discusses how he got involved in football, his career at Thunderridge High School, the recruiting process that led him to pick Washington University in St. Louis, his great career there, and how his last catch for WashU was for a touchdown.
Becca Bruszewski played basketball at Notre Dame from 2008-2011 and helped the Irish reach their first Final Four in ten years. Becca talks about growing up in Valparaiso, Indiana, as the youngest of 4 kids, her outstanding basketball and volleyball career at Wheeler High School, the recruiting process, and what led her to choose Notre Dame. She also talks about the transition from high school to college basketball, a successful Freshman season, breaking her finger and having surgery, but only missing 2 games, and being a consistent, reliable player. Becca describes what it was like being a captain with Brittany Mallory her Senior year, the moment that turned that season around, the exciting run to the Final Four, playing with an injured knee, and beating Tennessee and UConn. She also talks about her successful professional basketball career overseas, coming back to Indiana and coaching, and what it's like to be the varsity coach at St. Joe's High School while also working a full-time job.
Herbert Lang played college basketball at Centenary College of Louisiana and then went on to play 18 years on the Harlem Globetrotters. Herb talks about growing up in Brinkley, Arkansas, being the oldest of 9 siblings, how he got into sports, being a 3 sport athlete at Brinkley High School while also the top of his class academically and the Senior Class President. He discusses the recruiting process that led him to Centenary College of Louisiana, his outstanding career there, winning the Dunk Contest at the 1998 Final Four, how he became a Harlem Globetrotter, and where he got his nickname "Flight Time". Herb goes into detail on what it is like to be a Globetrotter, the opportunity to meet the Pope and President Obama, and competing on 3 seasons of the TV show The Amazing Race with fellow Globetrotter "Big Easy". Herb recently wrote a book entitled "Of Projects, Popes, and Presidents" that is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Maura Schwitter played Lacrosse at Duke from 2014-2017, was a member of the US National team, and also played professionally in the Women's Professional Lacrosse League. Maura talks about growing up in Oradell, NJ, as the youngest of 5 children, how she got into the sport of Lacrosse, and the differences between Men's and Women's Lacrosse. She also discusses her 4 year Varsity career at Immaculate Heart Academy, playing club Lacrosse, and her mom making sacrifices to drive her an hour twice a week in the winter to compete. Maura then talks about being a 2013 Under Armour All-American, the recruiting process, why she chose Duke, what it was like playing in the ACC Conference, and the rivalry with North Carolina. She describes the incredible run to the Final Four in 2015 and why the team was playing for something bigger than themselves, the honor of being on the US Women's National Team, and playing professionally in the Women's Professional Lacrosse League.
Brooke Jelniker played basketball at the University of Kansas in 2010-2011 and the University of San Diego from 2012-2015. She talks about growing up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where girls basketball is outstanding, attending Thunderridge High School with Carlie Needles, playing for a great program that always had many fans in the stands, playing in the Nike Tournament of Champions every season, and playing AAU for the Colorado Hoopsters. She also discusses the recruiting process, why she committed to Kansas, Abby Waner giving her a booklet with advice for being a college athlete before she left, why she decided to transfer after her freshman season, and what led her to San Diego. Brooke describes her time at San Diego and the success the program had, winning over 20 games each year she was there. She also discusses what her life is like now as she is the Assistant Girls Varsity coach at a high school in Colorado, attending nursing school, and being a nurse's assistant.
Brittany Mallory played basketball at the University of Notre Dame from 2008-2012 and also played on the lacrosse team in 2012. Brittany talks about growing up in Maryland, her excellent basketball and lacrosse career at McDonogh School, but ultimately deciding to pursue basketball in college, and what led her to choose Notre Dame. She also discusses her first few years there, tearing her ACL and what she learned from sitting out a year, her mindset on having to guard the other team's best player, and defying the odds her Senior year by beating Tennessee to make it to the Final Four and then beating UConn in the Semi-Final. Brittany goes into detail about the tough decision to come back for her Redshirt Senior season, why it was her older brother Bobby that helped convince her to come back, some exciting wins in 2012, an emotional day for her leading up to playing Maryland in the Elite 8, and her heroic game in the overtime at the Final Four against UConn. Finally, she talks about how she ended up on the lacrosse team following the 2012 basketball season, her experience on the team, continuing to follow both sports since she's left campus, and what she's up to now.
Evan Edelman was a pitcher on The College of New Jersey's Baseball Team from 2013-2015. He discusses growing up in Hillsborough, NJ, how he got into baseball, the mindset of a pitcher, the best pitches he threw, his great career at Hillsborough High School, and playing American Legion in the summers. Evan talks about what led him to TCNJ, the transition from high school baseball to college baseball, playing in the NJAC conference, some great stats he had, and the injury that ended his career. He also talks about how his current job led him to Austin, Texas, playing in 2 different Adult Softball Leagues, and what he likes about the city of Austin.
John Wagner played football at Moravian College in 2004. He discusses growing up in Wayne, NJ, in a house with 5 kids, how he got into football and wrestling, his outstanding career at Wayne Valley High School, playing against Gregg Olsen, and the rivalry with Wayne Hills. John talks about the transition from high school to college football, why he chose Moravian, starting as a Freshman, and why he chose to end his college football career after one year. He also talks about getting a degree in engineering, his unique job in the field, being a recently new father, how head injuries are so prevalent in the sport of football, and whether or not he'd let a son play the sport.
In a special bonus episode of the podcast, Bridget B. chats with her good friend Perrin DeFreitas, who has been a season ticket holder for the New Jersey Devils for the past 6 years. Recently, Perrin got a tattoo on his arm that pays homage to the Devils Stanley Cup. It was noticed by the MSG Network, and they filmed a commercial where Perrin spoke about his fandom. Perrin talks about why he decided to become a season ticket holder, the benefits it brings, and what it was like to film a commercial in his bedroom.
Erin Kelly was a Sophomore Varsity Softball Player at Hackensack High School with a great future in the sport, when one night she woke up and couldn't feel her legs. Erin had contracted Transverse Myelitis, a disorder caused by the inflammation of the spinal cord. Instead of attending softball practice, Erin had to spend 6 weeks in rehab re-learning how to walk. She discusses what she went through in the hospital, how intense those 6 weeks of re-learning how to walk were, having a positive attitude through the whole ordeal, why she wasn't able to make it back on the softball field, and how her experience led her to her current career as a nurse.
Derick "Dizzy" Grant played basketball at The College of New Jersey from 2002-2005, and then played 8 years for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. He now coaches and trains in the sport. Derick talks about how seeing the Harlem Globetrotters when he was 7 years old got him into basketball, why he chose TCNJ (where Bridget B.'s brother Kyle was his teammate), his fantastic career there in the tough NJAC conference, and how his hard work led him to get better every season, eventually earning him Conference Player of the Year. Derick then talks about how he became a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, the hard work and travel involved, hitting the first ever four-point shot on ESPN2, and appearing on TV shows. He discusses becoming an entrepreneur after his professional basketball career ended, and training successful basketball players, including Kyle Guy, Kelly Faris, Paul Jorgensen, Tyasha Harris, and Katlyn Gilbert. Derick details his strong relationship with Kyle Guy, his thought's during UVA's NCAA Title run in 2019, and why he is the one responsible for Guy's famous "man-bun". He also describes the impact Kobe Bryant's death had on him and details his book "Results" which is a 100-day devotional for athletes. "Results" is available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Derickgrantspeaks.com
Tara Schwitter played soccer at the University of Miami from 2010-2013, and then joined the Miami basketball team for the 2014 season. Tara talks about growing up in New Jersey in a large, athletic family, attending Immaculate Heart Academy and playing varsity in both soccer and basketball as a freshman, and her soccer team being ranked #1 in the country. She also discusses the recruiting process, choosing Miami, and how a tough decision ended her last season of high school basketball. Tara describes playing in the highly decorated Atlantic Coast Conference, playing against current USWNT players, her mindset of being a facilitator on the field, being a player that would take penalty kicks, and finally getting the chance to end her basketball career on her own terms when Miami was in need of another point guard.
Abby Hatch played volleyball at the University of Michigan from 2013-2016, and then joined the Michigan basketball team for the 2017 season. she talks about growing up in Grand Haven, Michigan, as the oldest child, always being the tallest when she was younger, and playing tennis, basketball, and volleyball growing up. Abby then describes her amazing career at Grand Haven High school in both basketball (where she won back-to-back state championships and came in 3rd place in Miss Basketball voting) and volleyball (where her team was successful and she came in 2nd in Miss Volleyball voting). She talks about the recruiting process, choosing the University of Michigan, her amazing 4 year career there playing in the best college volleyball conference and making it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen as a senior, and her time on the basketball team, despite never getting to play due to injury. Abby then goes into detail about meeting her husband, Austin Hatch, and his inspirational story of surviving 2 plane crashes. She tells the story of how they met, their strong connection, walking with Austin on his Senior Day, the proposal story, and their beautiful wedding.
Maddie McCallie played basketball at Miami Ohio and Elon from 2013-2017 and is the daughter of Duke Women's Basketball Coach, Joanne P. McCallie. Maddie talks about what it's like having a mom as a Division I coach, growing up around the sport, and moving from Michigan to North Carolina in middle school. She also discusses her great career in both basketball and volleyball at Riverside High School in Durham, why she wanted to go down her own path and not play for her mom, and committing to Miami Ohio before eventually transferring to Elon. She then goes on to talk about her excellent career at Elon, having a huge game during an upset win at NC State, going 27-7 as a senior, the experience of playing against her mom's Duke team at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and what it was like to be in the same bracket as her mom during the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
Dario Pizzano is a professional baseball player who has played in the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets Minor League Systems. He discusses the special bond he and his late grandfather had through baseball, playing in the Little League World Series in 2003 for Saugus, Massachusetts, the incredible Semi-Final game against Richmond, Texas, making it all the way to the US Championship game, going to the ESPYs in 2004, and the bond he still shares with his Little League teammates. Dario also talks about his career at Malden Catholic, the college recruiting process that led him to Columbia, his incredible career in the Ivy League, and being drafted in the 2012 MLB draft. He describes his 7 years in the Mariners system and his time in the New York Mets system. Dario also talks about his involvement in the non-profit Mission Stadiums 4 Multiple Sclerosis that raises money to help advance research and find a cure for MS, and his recent engagement to his college sweetheart.
JD Pakledinaz is a golfer from Farwell Michigan, who was born with Spina Bifida. JD discusses how he got into golf from growing up on a golf course, playing 4 years on the Farwell High School team, and how he is able to golf so well despite the challenges he faces. He also talks about his love for other sports, especially Central Michigan University teams, and how he is not only active in golf, but also hunting and skiing. JD tells the stories of how attending a Little League Regional Tournament at a very young age led to a lifelong friendship with Brody Grothus, meeting professional golfer Lexi Thompson, and a recent trip his family took to Australia. Another subject discussed is the JD Open, an annual golf tournament held in JD's name to raise money for two charities: Camp Spifida and Challenge Mountain.
Caroline Coyer played Point Guard for the Villanova Women's Basketball Team from 2012-2016, where she had one of the best assist to turnover ratios in the country, was a 2-time Big Five Player of the Year, and a 2-time Big East First Team member. Caroline talks about growing up in Oak Hill, Virginia, her incredible career at Oakton High School winning multiple championships and multiple Player of The Year Honors, how her high school coach prepared her for Villanova's system, and her and twin sister Katherine deciding that they wanted to play college basketball at the same school. She also talks about the recruiting process, why they picked Villanova, her bond with teammates, her incredible career that led to an opportunity to play for Team USA at the 2015 Pan American Games, and a knee injury that cut her senior year short. Carolina offers some perspective on the injury, how it led to where she's at today, and why her comeback didn't involve basketball. She also offers some thoughts on historic Villanova Coach Harry Perretta's upcoming retirement after his 42nd season.
Colleen Creamer is a two time Philadelphia Marathon runner in 2017 & 2019. She discusses how she got into running, her Track and Cross Country career in high school, getting back into running after college when she moved to Philadelphia, joining a running club, and why she decided to run a marathon. She also discusses the training process for running 26.2 miles, what goes on on Marathon Day, her favorite parts of the Philadelphia Marathon, why she decided to run it a second time, and future marathons she'd like to run.
Tahirah Guice (maiden name Tahirah Williams) played for the University of Connecticut Women's Basketball Team from 2005-2009, where she was a member of 3 Big East Championship teams and a member of the 2009 undefeated National Championship team. Tahirah talks about growing up in a large athletic family in Montclair, NJ, choosing to attend the private high school Immaculate Heart Academy, her very successful career there, and the events which led to her team being disqualified from the state tournament in 2005. Tahirah also talks about her recruitment, originally wanting to attend Maryland, and how she ended up choosing UConn. She discusses transitioning from a star in high school to a role player in college, accepting her role, what it is like to play for Geno Auriemma, going undefeated and winning the national title her senior season, and what she's been up to since graduating from UConn.
Max Korten was a two sport athlete at Moravian College, running Track and Cross Country from 2013-2016. Max discusses being diagnosed as Autistic at a young age, defying doctors who once said he would never be able to talk, going through years of occupational and speech therapy, blossoming in high school by participating in sports and other extracurricular activities, and when he realized he was a gay man. He also talks about choosing Moravian, deciding to hide both his autism and sexuality when he went to college and how it affected him and his running times, and when he came out as his true self, his life (and running times) got so much better.
Carlie Needles Miller played basketball at the University of Florida from 2012-2016. Carlie talks about growing up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the talent in that area, attending ThunderRidge High School which has a rich girl's basketball tradition, and playing club basketball for the Colorado Hoopsters and Cal Storm. She explains why she chose to play at Florida, what it was like being so far from home, tearing her ACL her freshman year, and her relationship with then head coach Amanda Butler. She talks about some of the highlights of her playing career which include playing in the NCAA Tournament, playing in a Thanksgiving tournament in her home state, winning a game at Tennessee without her head coach, and hitting a program record 9 three pointers in a game. She also talks about meeting her husband Karl while at Florida and her current life in Chicago, Illinois.
Amber Henson played basketball at Duke from 2012-2016, had 6 knee surgeries, and missed 2 years before finally being able to play as a Junior. Amber talks about growing up in a household that rooted for rival North Carolina, her brother, John Henson, playing basketball at UNC, moving from Texas to Florida during her high school years, and what it was about Duke that led her to commit there. She then goes on to discuss coming to Duke with knee issues, dealing with all of those surgeries, but then defying the odds after doctors told her the knee issues were career-ending, and getting back on the court. Amber has a unique perspective of the Duke vs. UNC rivalry that is discussed as well.
Andraya Carter played for the University of Tennessee Women's Basketball team from 2013-2016 and was a part of the last class that signed their letters of intent to play for Pat Summitt. Andraya talks about how she got into the sport of basketball, her love for the Tennessee program that started at a young age, her successful high school basketball career at Buford, injuries she faced during her senior year, and what it was like to be able to commit to a program she loved for so long. She also chats about Pat Summitt retiring before her freshman year at Tennessee, playing for Holly Warlick, starting the first game as a freshman, and having to redshirt due to a shoulder injury. Andraya discusses her career as a Lady Vol, the multiple injuries she dealt with, deciding to forego her 5th year of eligibility, how she dealt with the death of Pat Summitt, how she got into her current career as an ESPN SEC women's basketball analyst, and her recent engagement.
Michelle Christmann was a member of the Bloomsburg University Track & Field team from 2009-2013. Michelle chats about how she got into the sport, the success her River Dell High School team had, recruiting herself to a college team, why she chose Bloomsburg, and the differences between Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. She also talks about the events she competed in, what a track meet is like, her bond with her teammates that still exists today, and the races she's competed in since graduating college.
Madison Cable was a member of the Notre Dame Women's Basketball team from 2012-2016, won 4 straight conference tournament championships, and went to 3 Final Fours. Madison chats about how she got into basketball, winning 3 State Championships at Mount Lebanon High School, and her recruiting process to college. She discusses how hard it was having to redshirt her Freshman year due to stress fractures in both feet, the unique first game she played for Notre Dame, being a role player her first 2 seasons, and her huge game at Tennessee in 2014. Madison also describes being 6th man in 2015 and the importance of that role, and the biggest shot she's ever hit- the game winner in the Final Four against South Carolina. She explains her decision to return for a 5th year, the incredible year she had as a starter in 2016, becoming a Grad Assistant at Wisconsin for 2 years after her time at ND, and her strong bond with her teammates that still exists today.
Kyle Burke played Basketball at The College of New Jersey from 2001-2005. Kyle is the host of the podcast, Bridget B.'s older brother, and she is so proud to broadcast his incredible story. He discusses his love for basketball beginning at a young age, the big games in the driveway growing up, and his special bond with his father through Villanova Basketball. He then discusses his successful high school and AAU career leading to Division I and II offers, before a devastating knee injury took those away. Kyle goes into great detail of that time in his life, specifically the rehab process and how hard he worked to get back in 4.5 months from an ACL tear to play his senior year of high school. Kyle explains why he chose DIII The College of New Jersey, his excellent career there, and why he wouldn't change the injury and all he went through because it led him to his beautiful wife and children.
Alec Reitzel swam at Lenoir-Rhyne University, graduated in 2013, and stayed on as graduate assistant and received his masters in 2015. He talks about growing up in a small, conservative town, having a religious background, and struggling with his sexuality. He describes the sport of swimming and how he got involved, playing tennis in high school, getting burnt out and deciding not to swim in college. Then, after the first semester of freshman year, he transferred to Lenoir-Rhyne University and became the first male signee for the swim team. Alec talks about making amends with his coach, his college career, and how a career ending injury led him to really confront his sexuality. He then talks about his coming out process, and how a European work-trip led him to be confident with who he is. Alec finishes the episode by talking about his fiancé, Michael, and their sweet proposal stories!
Billy Ashnault wrestled at Rutgers University from 2010-2012 after transferring from Lock Haven. He talks about growing up in South Plainfield, NJ, a town with an excellent wrestling program, his tremendous high school career, what led him to Lock Haven, and what led him to transfer to Rutgers, wrestling in a few different weight classes, qualifying for the NCAA Championships 3 times, and coming within one win of being an All-American. Billy also chats about joining the Rutgers Wrestling coaching staff as the Director of Operations after he graduated, spending 7 years in that position. During that time, his brother Anthony wrestled at Rutgers, so he touches on what the player/coach relationship was like. Billy describes what watching Anthony win the 2019 National Championship was like, getting married a week later, and his current position as head coach of Christian Brothers Academy High School Wrestling.
Mike Fiuk played goalie for the West Point Soccer Team from 2009-2013. He talks about his love for soccer, why he likes the position of goalie, his dream of attending West Point, what is it like to attend a military academy and how it differs from other colleges. Mike also discusses what a typical day at West Point during the soccer season looks like, his fond memories of attending West Point, his career in the military, his marriage to his High School Sweetheart, Rachel, and his new adventure- attending Harvard University for Graduate School.
Kristina Nelson played for the Notre Dame Women's Basketball team from 2014-2018 and was a member of the 2018 National Championship team. Kristina chats about growing up in Buford, Georgia, and playing with and against good friend Kaela Davis, transferring high schools, and why she chose Notre Dame. Kristina also opens up about a family tragedy, and how her Buford community and Notre Dame community were there for her during a difficult time. She also discusses the transition from high school to college basketball, having to redshirt due to a shoulder injury, choosing to use her 5th year of eligibility to come back to Notre Dame and ultimately win the National Championship, and her new job position with the University of Minnesota Football Team.
Reed Hunnicutt was a student at Notre Dame from 2015-2018, and at the end of his Freshman he decided to join the practice squad for the women's basketball team. Male practice players attend practice so the girls can go up against stronger, more physical competition to get them ready for the games. They will watch film on the opponents and run their defenses and offensive plays against the women. Practice players do not get paid, they don't get athletic scholarships, and they cannot travel with the team. It is a very selfless job. Reed talks about his love for basketball, his decision to attend Notre Dame, how he ended up on the practice squad, his dedication to the team, and what he learned from Muffet McGraw and the coaching staff. He also discusses being a captain in 2018, attending the Final Four in Columbus, how Coach McGraw sought him and the other practice players out after winning the National Championship, Bookstore Basketball, the lifelong bond he has with the other members of the practice squad, and what he is up to now, including his own Podcast "Speak Up and Dribble".
Brody Grothus wrestled for the University of Iowa from 2012 to 2016. Brody chats about growing up with 3 brothers, playing in the Little League World Series in 2004 and 2005 and what a special experience going to Williamsport twice was, the lifelong friendship he made with J.D. Pakledinaz from the Little League experience, playing 3 sports in high school, and choosing to stay local to be a wrestler for the decorated University of Iowa program. He talks about the unique sport of wrestling, and how it's both a team and individual sport, having to drop a weight class, being an outstanding student-athlete, and having a great support system. Brody discusses his family's business "Grothus Dragbikes", his father's ability to build these complex bikes, the family atmosphere around the sport, and what it is like to race drag bikes. Brody also shares his sweet proposal story to his wife, Sarah.
Derek Schell is back! In this special bonus episode, Bridget B. and Derek talk about their mutual love for the show The Bachelor, the crazy season of the Bachelorette that just ended, who should be the next Bachelor, why Derek needs to watch Bachelor in Paradise, and whether we believe there could ever be a gay bachelor.
Roy Mabrey was a member of the Saint Anselm College Basketball Team from 2012-2015, and currently works as a High School Basketball Coach and trainer in the Jersey Shore area. Roy chats about his basketball journey in the decorated Jersey Shore Conference, playing against Kyrie Irving, choosing to attend Prep school for a year, what led him to choose Division II Saint Anselm College, and the success he had there. Roy also talks about being the oldest of 5 siblings, all successful basketball players, the hard work it takes to get to a high level, his passion for training young basketball players, and his high school coaching career.
Makenzie Fuller was a member of the Baylor Women's Basketball Team from 2011-2014, and is currently the Associate Director of Operations for the program. Makenzie chats about what it was like playing for and now working with Coach Kim Mulkey...who by the way is her mother. She also talks about playing in the Little League Softball World Series when she was 12 years old, the dynamic she and her mom had of being mother/daughter but also coach/player, whether it was hard for her to be the "coach's kid", joining the Baylor Softball Team after her Freshman basketball season ended, her huge game against Oklahoma State as a senior, and what working in operations for the basketball team entails. Makenzie also opens up about a family tragedy, but never losing hope, and the joy that her young son Kannon has brought to her family and the Baylor program.
Makenzie's Instagram: makenzie.fuller
Makenzie's Twitter: MakenzieMFuller
Link to Scout's Story: https://fullerfam.home.blog/2019/04/19/scouts-story/
Hannah Huffman was a member of the Notre Dame Women's Basketball Team from 2013-2016 and went to 3 consecutive Final Fours. Hannah chats about growing up in Northern California, being a lifelong Notre Dame fan, what it was like to receive a scholarship offer from Muffet McGraw, and having to deal with the South Bend winters. Hannah also talks about how she dealt with seeing limited playing time in her first two seasons, transitioning from a guard to a wing/post, becoming the energy player that every team needs, her heroic game in the 2015 Final Four against South Carolina, and her strong friendships that remain with her former teammates.
Jo Kremer was a 3 time National Champion for the University of Southern California's Beach Volleyball team from 2015-2018. Jo chats with Bridget B. about playing both beach and indoor volleyball growing up, originally going to Notre Dame for indoor, transferring to USC to play 4 years of beach, the success of USC and winning 3 titles, beach volleyball's recent addition to NCAA sports, the differences between indoor and beach, and much more!
John Maughan was a member of the Villanova Football team from 2010-2013. On this episode John talks about his high school career at the decorated Bergen Catholic, the Bergen/Bosco rivalry, his family ties to Villanova, the difference between FBS and FCS, the injuries he faced in his career, and his involvement in scholarship fundraising today.
Matt Kaplon was a 4-year starting catcher for Drew University from 2010-2014 who came out as gay in 2014 in an Outsports.com article. He discusses his love for the game of baseball, how he ended up at Drew, the internal struggle he had with being a gay athlete, becoming friends with Derek Schell, coming out to his family, friends, and teammates, the importance of the Outsports community, his role in Jeff Sheng's 2015 book "Fearless", and what he is up to this month to celebrate Pride.
Matt's Outsports Article:
https://www.outsports.com/2014/2/24/5443428/matt-kaplon-gay-drew-university-baseball
Lindsay Allen played for the Notre Dame Women's Basketball team from 2014-2017, starting every single game in her career, leading the Irish to 4 consecutive ACC Regular Season Championships and 4 consecutive ACC Tournament Championships, and breaking the ACC record for career assists. Lindsay was drafted 14th overall in the 2017 WNBA draft, playing for the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces. She's also played overseas in Russia and Australia. Lindsay chats with Bridget B. about her decision to go to Notre Dame, replacing Skylar Diggins at the point guard position, making multiple Final Fours, her mindset as a point guard, playing for legendary coach, Muffet McGraw, her crazy journey from Russia to Columbus to see Notre Dame win the 2018 title, and much more!
Sean Dugan was a student manager for the Rutger's Men's Basketball team from 2009-2012. He discusses his love for the game of basketball and how it led him to become involved at Rutgers, as well as what goes into being a student manager. He then discusses the Mike Rice player abuse scandal, and his different perspective than the public reaction from being with the team on a daily basis, and whether Mike Rice deserves a second chance coaching at the college level. To finish off the episode, Sean talks about his basketball training and sports media business: Bucket University. Bridget B. also gives him credit for being the the "tech support guy" of the One and One Podcast!
Jenna Frush was a walk-on for her first three years on the Duke Women's Basketball team, before her hard-work and dedication earned her a scholarship for her senior season. Jenna talks about being a lifelong Duke fan, the decision to become a walk-on, the mentality she had as a player, balancing athletics and academics, earning a scholarship, starting her last home game as a senior, being a current medical student at Duke, and much more!
Derek Schell, a former Hillsdale College shooting guard who made headlines in 2013 when he came out as the first openly gay Division II basketball player, joins the show to discuss his early struggle to accept himself, his decision to write the inspiring article on Outsports.com, becoming a better player, and more importantly a happier person once he came out, and the state of openly gay athletes in the major sports today. They also discuss his recent engagement and end the show with some great One Tree Hill talk!
Outsports.com article: https://bit.ly/2K5xITq
In the very first episode, Shanna Zolman Mahaley chats with Bridget B. about growing up in Indiana where basketball is a way of life, her time at the University of Tennessee playing for Pat Summitt, her WNBA career, her passion for ministry, and her 2 podcasts of her own!
Join Bridget B. on her quest to tell the stories of athletes that have worked just as hard and have just as many compelling stories, but weren't the ones featured on SportsCenter every day.