Answering the Call

Aggie Baseball's Jace LaViolette joins host Ivy Robinson on Answering the Call to share his unique journey to becoming a student-athlete at Texas A&M. Affectionately known as “Lord Tubbington,” the All-American outfielder reflects on his early love for the game and how Aggieland has truly become home. Hear his perspective on the culture of Aggie Baseball, the pride he takes in representing Texas A&M and how donor support and NIL opportunities have shaped his college experience.

Aggie Softball’s Olivia Johnson joins host Ivy Robinson to share her journey from Washington back home to Texas. Olivia discusses fulfilling her dreams on the softball field, her experience playing under Coach Trisha Ford and her aspirations for dental school. Discover how Olivia has embraced Texas A&M's traditions and culture while striving to help the Aggies reach the Women's College World Series. Tune in to hear how her passion, perseverance and donor support fuel her and the team’s success.

Gerrod Chadwell joins Ivy Robinson to share his journey to becoming the head coach of Aggie Women’s Golf. In this episode, Coach Chadwell discusses the experiences that have shaped his coaching philosophy, the importance of developing student-athletes both on the course and in the classroom and how Texas A&M’s world-class facilities and the extraordinary support of the 12th Man have laid the foundation for an elite women’s golf program.

Texas A&M Basketball guard Zhuric Phelps joins Ivy Robinson to share his unique journey to Aggieland. The Midland native talks about his family, his French bulldog and what led him to transfer from SMU to Texas A&M. Hear why the former Texas Mr. Basketball loves being an Aggie and how support from 12th Man Foundation donors has impacted his student-athlete experience on and off the court.

All-American pitcher Emiley Kennedy joins host Ivy Robinson to share her journey to becoming a leader of the Aggie Softball program. She reflects on her dream of following in Megan Gibson’s footsteps to elevate the A&M program, the impact of her family and Coach Ford on her success and her goal of representing Team USA in the 2028 Olympics. Emiley also discusses the significance of donor support in shaping her experience both on and off the field.

Texas A&M Basketball's Pharrel Payne joins host Ivy Robinson on Answering the Call to share his unique journey from Cottage Grove, Minnesota to College Station. Pharrel opens up about his roots, his family's influence on his work ethic and the brotherhood he's found within Aggie Basketball. Learn how Buzz Williams' approach to developing players both on and off the court played a crucial role in Pharrel's decision to transfer to Texas A&M and how 12th Man Foundation donor support has enhanced his student-athlete experience.

Join Aggie Baseball's Kaeden Kent as he steps off the diamond to discuss his unique path to Texas A&M. From growing up in a competitive family to finding his home in Aggieland, Kaeden reflects on his development as a student-athlete and shares his appreciation for the support of the 12th Man. Discover how his family baseball legacy and the opportunities he's embraced have shaped his journey to becoming an impact player for the Aggies.

Texas A&M Softball pitcher Grace Sparks shares her journey from Crosby to College Station. In this episode, the Ole Miss transfer discusses her transition to Aggie Softball, the mentorship of Coach Trisha Ford and her aspirations to become an All-American. Beyond athletics, Grace talks about her love for reading, family influences and her passion for inspiring the next generation of athletes. Discover how the unique culture in Aggieland has shaped her experience and why she's proud to wear the maroon and white.

From Southern California’s dugouts to the heart of Aggieland, Texas A&M Baseball standout Gavin Grahovac takes us through his unique journey in this episode of Answering the Call. Hear how he’s carrying on his father’s baseball legacy while carving his own path and why he believes the 2025 team has unlimited potential. The sophomore standout also discusses the impact of NIL, the strong brotherhood and culture within Aggie Baseball and how the support of 12th Man Foundation donors has transformed his student-athlete experience.

Texas A&M Softball head coach Trisha Ford reflects on her journey to Aggieland, from playing baseball as a child to leading one of the nation’s top programs at Davis Diamond, the crown jewel of college softball. Discover how her blue-collar roots are shaping the Aggie program and how Texas A&M’s unique culture provides the perfect environment for student-athletes to thrive, both on and off the field.