Beau Sparks and Lincoln Pare: College Football Journeys, Team Unity, and Future Goals
S2 E31 • Jul 8, 2025 • 28 minsBeau Sparks and Lincoln Pare share their respective journeys from high school to college sports, detailing their experiences transitioning to Utah Tech and college football. Beau discusses adapting as a transfer student, setting freshman goals, and proving his speed to earn a spot at the university. Lincoln reflects on realizing his potential through multiple sports, overcoming injury, and his MVP performance in a bowl game. The episode explores their personal and team goals, the "7-Eleven Brothers" alumni connection, and school history. They delve into roommate dynamics, recruitment, competitive gaming, and NCAA player ratings, concluding with insights into team unity under Coach Kenny.
Erin Rodgers and Ta'Ziah Jenks: Team Culture, Recruitment, and Building FAU's Basketball Legacy
S2 E30 • Jul 1, 2025 • 33 minsJoin Angelina Martell, Erin Rodgers, and Ta'Ziah Jenks as they dive into the culture of their team and early basketball influences. They discuss the recruitment process, why they chose FAU, and the transition from high school to college basketball. Discover their role models, inspirations, and mental preparation strategies. The episode highlights their improvement goals, team chemistry, and behind-the-scenes hard work, including balancing academics and coping with mistakes. The athletes share excitement for the upcoming season, offer advice for aspiring athletes, and conclude with memorable moments and personal shout-outs.
Liam Dayco-Green: From Canada to FAU, Basketball Dreams and Cultural Representation
S2 E29 • Jun 24, 2025 • 16 minsLiam Dayco-Green shares his journey from Canada to Utah, detailing his experiences at boarding school and the independence he developed at Prolific Prep. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his training and the role of family influences, including sibling rivalry, in shaping his athletic path. Liam reflects on his passion for basketball and the adjustments required to compete at a high level. He addresses the challenges faced in college and his representation as an Asian athlete. The episode explores cultural dynamics, memorable games, and Liam's transition to college basketball at FAU, along with his expectations for the season.
Kyle Boylston: Faith, Dual-Sport Excellence, and Future Ambitions
S2 E28 • Jun 17, 2025 • 14 minsKyle Boylston delves into his early sports journey, sharing insights about his idols and the challenges of balancing two sports at the Division I level. He discusses the intricacies of the recruiting process and his first meeting with Coach Kitley, highlighting the importance of strong support systems. Kyle emphasizes the significance of building bonds with teammates and outlines his future aspirations. He reflects on the role of faith in his athletic career and expresses excitement for the upcoming football season. Through his experiences, Kyle offers a unique perspective on the dedication and resilience required to thrive in college sports.
Sierra Sacco: Mentorship, Faith, and Preparing for Professional Softball
S2 E27 • Jun 10, 2025 • 26 minsSierra Sacco shares her compelling softball journey, discussing recruitment challenges and her transition between universities. She highlights the importance of maintaining mental and physical consistency in her performance while balancing the demands of sports and education. Sierra addresses common misconceptions about SEC softball and emphasizes the significance of leadership, mentorship, and role models in college sports. The episode delves into her preparations for professional sports and personal growth, as well as the role of faith in her life. Sierra reflects on memorable moments and personal experiences, offering insights into her journey.
Cameryn Orland: From Two ACL Tears to Unshakable Faith
S2 E26 • Jun 4, 2025 • 49 minsCameryn Orland shares her journey from her early years in softball to becoming a key player at FAU. She reflects on high school recruitment and the decision to join FAU, influenced by Coach Joyce. Cameryn discusses the challenges of adjusting to college sports, her support system, and overcoming two ACL injuries. The episode explores the fear of re-injury, FAU's team culture, and the impact of fans. Cameryn talks about team camaraderie, personal superstitions, and the role of faith in her life. She describes her playing style, life outside softball, and her role as a mentor. The episode concludes with 2026 season expectations.
Rylee Holtorf: Married in College, Grounded in Faith, and Chasing OKC
S2 E25 • May 28, 2025 • 17 minsFlorida softball standout Rylee Holtorf joins the show fresh off a Super Regional berth to share her remarkable journey—from early recruiting and transferring from Washington to finding her voice as a leader in Gainesville. In this episode, Rylee opens up about what it's like being married as a college athlete, how her faith keeps her grounded, and the pride she feels wearing orange and blue. With Oklahoma City in sight, Rylee reflects on the joy of the game, the strength of the Gator culture, and what it means to lead with love, purpose, and grit.
Paige Siniki: Leadership, Resilience, and the Spirit of Oregon Softball
S2 E24 • May 28, 2025 • 34 minsPaige Siniki and Angelina Martell delve into the world of Oregon softball, starting with the super regional atmosphere and Eugene's unique home field advantage. They reminisce about early softball memories and the pivotal decision to choose Oregon. The conversation explores the balance of academics and athletics, highlighting Paige's relaxation techniques and the role of faith in her life. Training routines and physiology studies are discussed alongside overcoming injuries and winning awards. The episode sheds light on leadership, team culture, memorable moments, and playing multiple sports. Paige shares her ambitions and future aspirations, all while celebrating Oregon's vibrant softball culture and fan experiences.
Korbe Otis: Balancing SEC Softball, Academic Excellence, and Surgical Aspirations
S2 E23 • May 20, 2025 • 17 minsKorbe reflects on her high school journey, early recruitment, and the differences in playing in Colorado versus California. She discusses her transfer to the University of Florida, emphasizing mental game strategies and the challenges of balancing academics with athletics. Korbe also shares her aspirations in the medical field and considers a hypothetical switch to another sport. Korbe reveals her personal favorites, including her walk-up song and a golden ticket for AUSL, and concludes with a discussion about her legacy at the University of Florida.
Payton Washington: Resilience, Cheerleading Leadership, and Advocacy for Change
S2 E22 • May 13, 2025 • 28 minsJoin Payton Washington on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as she shares her inspiring journey in cheerleading, from an undefeated record to overcoming adversity. Payton discusses her early influences, the media's impact on cheerleading, and the mental challenges of leadership and fan expectations. She provides insights into team dynamics, recruiting, and balancing academics with athletics. Payton candidly talks about overcoming exhaustion, burnout, and a significant accident, rebuilding to All-American status, and finding her identity. The episode concludes with her advocacy for gun violence awareness and moments of perseverance.
Ty Johnson: Baylor Baseball, Faith, and Overcoming Challenges
S2 E21 • May 6, 2025 • 44 minsJoin Ty Johnson on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as he shares his commitment to Baylor and the pride in their team culture. Ty discusses his baseball journey, the support system that has shaped him, and his development goals. The episode explores his experience in JUCO, aspirations for professional play, and the differences in resources between JUCO and Division I. Ty reflects on the impact of coaching consistency and faith at Baylor, team activities, and their influence on performance. He opens up about overcoming a life-threatening illness, bonding with teammates, and the contagious team spirit driving them towards Omaha. Ty's personal faith journey and resilience highlight the importance of embracing team identity and learning from past experiences.
Amber Toven: Transfers, Triumphs, and Faith in College Softball
S2 E20 • Apr 29, 2025 • 47 minsAmber Toven joins ZenGame with Grant Gurtin to discuss her journey from Arizona to Baylor. She reflects on lessons from her first year, World Series experiences, and playing against Oregon State. Amber talks about Arizona's move to the Big 12, navigating the transfer portal, and her impressions of Baylor. She shares her role on the team, the support systems that helped her find faith, and her decision to get baptized. Amber also recounts her ACL injury, recovery, and adapting to new challenges. The episode highlights mental health in college sports, academic pressures, and tips for student-athletes.
Coach Freeland: Building a Winning Culture in Women's Basketball
S2 E19 • Apr 25, 2025 • 9 minsCoach LeAnn Freeland joins ZenGame with Angelina Martell to discuss Coach Freeland's vision for FAU women's basketball. They explore the process of building a championship culture and overcoming challenges. Coach Freeland shares her transition from playing to coaching, her recruiting philosophy, and the values she instills in her program. The episode highlights memorable experiences and aspirations for the NCAA tournament. Coach Freeland closes with a message to fans about the excitement and expectations for the upcoming season.
Inside Acrobatics and Tumbling: Emily Bott & Gigi Rendino
S2 E18 • Apr 22, 2025 • 42 minsJoin Gigi Rendino and Emily Bott from Baylor on ZenGame with Daniela Hurtado as they discuss their journey from cheerleading to acrobatics and tumbling. They explore the growth of acrobatics and tumbling in college sports and the challenges faced from freshman to sophomore year, including injury management and self-care routines. The episode delves into the unique atmosphere of meets, the importance of teammate bonds, and navigating social media and NIL opportunities as athletes. Gigi and Emily provide insights into team dynamics, typical practice sessions, mental preparation, and setting goals. They share their pre-practice rituals, the role of faith in their careers, and offer advice for aspiring athletes. The episode concludes with their future aspirations.
Drew Mestemaker & Miles Coleman: Friendship, Football, and Team Impact at UNT
S2 E16 • Apr 8, 2025 • 20 minsJoin Drew Mestemaker and Miles Coleman on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as they explore their journey from early friendship to navigating the challenges of high school sports. They discuss their transition to college athletics, detailing their experiences acclimating to college football and the decision to choose UNT, including training with Jeff Christianson. The episode offers insights into preparing for and reflecting on significant games, like the Texas Tech matchup and bowl game experiences. Drew and Miles highlight the impact of their connection on team dynamics, sharing valuable advice for aspiring athletes. The conversation wraps up with closing remarks and a look toward the future.
J'Wan Roberts: Journey to the Final Four, Coach Sampson's Impact, and Competitive Drive
S2 E15 • Apr 3, 2025 • 13 minsJoin J'Wan Roberts on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as he reflects on his journey in college basketball, including the challenges and triumphs of the season and reaching the Final Four. J'Wan shares insights from the loss to Baylor and the significant impact of Coach Sampson on his development. The episode delves into the role of competition, effort, and the intensity of practices in shaping athletes. J'Wan also offers observations on Duke's Cooper Flagg and the path to the Final Four, providing a candid look at the mental and physical demands of elite college basketball.
Reese Poffenbarger & Cam Dorner: Leadership, NIL, and Passion in College Football
S2 E14 • Apr 1, 2025 • 15 minsJoin Reese Poffenbarger And Cameron Dorner on ZenGame with Tommy Morris as they share their college football journey from recruitment to becoming a team leader. They discuss the challenges they have faced transitioning from high school to college football, offering insights into the different levels of college football and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The episode highlights their strategies for maintaining their passion for the game amid the pressures and demands of being a college athlete.
Terrance Arceneaux: Growth, Team Dynamics, and Sweet 16 Memories
S2 E13 • Mar 27, 2025 • 14 minsJoin Terrance Arceneaux on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as he reflects on his bench experience and the key takeaways from the past year. Terrance shares insights into a day in the life before reaching the Sweet 16, including impactful messages from veteran players. The conversation delves into team dynamics, preseason challenges, and pivotal turning points, particularly highlighting the Kansas game. Terrance discusses the atmosphere and motivation during road games, while also exploring his personal growth and support system. The episode captures key contributions and fun moments throughout the season, concluding with closing remarks and expressions of gratitude.
Sara Vanderford & Jessica Mullins: From Players to Champions and Coaching at Texas State
S2 E12 • Mar 25, 2025 • 22 minsJoin Sara Vanderford and Jessica Mullins on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as they discuss their transition from players to coaches, offering insights into their new perspectives in the sport. They share their journey to Texas State, providing valuable advice to aspiring athletes and reflecting on their experiences playing professionally. The episode highlights the triumph of winning the conference championship, underscoring the support received from Coach Woodard and their teammates. Throughout the conversation, Sara and Jessica offer a thoughtful look at their evolving roles in college sports and the impact of strong team dynamics.
Josh Trevino: Coaching Texas State Softball, Mentorship, and Championship Journeys
S2 E11 • Mar 18, 2025 • 53 minsJoin Joshua Trevino on ZenGame with Grant Gurtin as he shares his journey and passion for Texas State Softball, highlighting his coaching experience with Jess Seary and the achievements of the senior class, including winning the Sunbelt championship. Joshua discusses the loyalty and challenges faced in mid-major sports, focusing on recruiting and player retention. The episode explores Maddie's growth, Sierra's leadership, and preparing for conference games. Joshua reflects on his first experience with softball, volunteering with Kat Osterman, and the lessons learned. He touches on his time at Arizona State, the hardest moments in coaching, and managing player expectations, concluding with his most exciting coaching moments and future goals.