In this episode, we sit down with Nicol Traynor Starkes, Associate Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field at Rutgers University.

Nicol shares her personal athletics journey, from the spark that ignited her passion for running and jumping to her favorite memories across a decorated career as both an athlete and now a top college coach.

We dive deep into the rapid rise of the Rutgers distance program: what’s fueling their growing success, how they stay competitive in the tough Big Ten conference, and how recent rule changes have reshaped recruiting and athlete retention.

Plus, Nicol gives her honest take on the current state of the sport, new training philosophies, emerging technology, and her thoughts on Grand Slam Track’s attempt to shake up the professional side of track & field.

Whether you’re a runner, coach, or fan of college athletics, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and real talk about where the sport is headed.

Nicol's X: @ntraynor12
Nicol's Instagram: @coachtraynor_rutgers

Tune in now!