Athlete Insights

What happens when an athlete’s journey takes them far beyond the pool?In this episode of Athlete Insights, I sit down with Dr. Grace Davie, Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Kennesaw State University, to talk about her incredible journey from young athlete to college diver, aspiring Olympian, PhD student, and professor.Grace shares how her early start in gymnastics eventually led her to diving, and how she developed the goal of competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics.We also discuss her collegiate career as a diver at the University of South Carolina, how her experiences as a student-athlete helped shape her academic interests, and her transition from the pool into a PhD program in Sport Management.Finally, Grace talks about beginning her career as an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Kennesaw State University and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey.One of the biggest pieces of advice Grace shared for young girls pursuing sport was:“Everyone you meet, there’s something you can learn from them.”A great reminder that every person we encounter—and every experience we have—can teach us something valuable.In this episode:- Grace's early start in gymnastics- How gymnastics translated into diving- Her goal of reaching the 2016 Rio Olympics- Her journey as a South Carolina diver- Transitioning from student-athlete to PhD student- Her Sport Management academic journey- Becoming an Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State- Advice for young girls pursuing sport- Finding purpose beyond your athletic careerIf you enjoyed the episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE Athlete Insights with someone who could benefit from Grace's story!

In this episode of Athlete Insights, I sit down with Anna Newell, former Lady Vol golfer and current assistant coach for the University of Tennessee women’s golf team.Anna takes us through her journey from being recruited to play Division I golf at Tennessee, competing as a Lady Vol, and ultimately returning to Knoxville as a coach.We talk about:

• Her journey as a Lady Vol golfer
• Her family's love for the University of Tennessee
• What her recruiting process to Tennessee looked like
• Her experience competing at the Division I level
• What it was like to return to Tennessee as a coach
• Her coaching philosophy and approach to developing student-athletes - The transition from being a player to becoming a coach
• Advice for young female golfers who want to play Division I golf
• The importance of having goals while learning to enjoy the process
• What makes Tennessee and the Lady Vol program so special

…and much more!Anna shares valuable insight for aspiring college golfers, current student-athletes, coaches, and anyone interested in the journey from athlete to coach.If you're a young golfer dreaming of playing college golf, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Subscribe to Athlete Insights for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about their careers, experiences, and lessons learned along the way.#AthleteInsights #AnnaNewell #LadyVols #TennesseeGolf #WomensGolf #CollegeGolf #Golf #LadyVolsGolf #DIgolf #GolfRecruiting #StudentAthlete

What does it take to build a career in college athletics and eventually work for the Big Ten Conference?In this episode of the Athlete Insights Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Menard, Assistant Director of Digital & Social Media for the Big Ten Conference, to discuss her incredible journey through the sports industry.Jordan shares how she got her start in the Sport Management program and Athletics Communications Department at Central Michigan University, gained valuable experience as an Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant at the University of Indianapolis, worked at the NCAA, and ultimately landed her current role helping lead the Big Ten's digital and social media strategy.Whether you're a sport management student, aspiring athletic communications professional, or someone looking to break into the sports industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights.In this episode, we discuss: - Jordan's journey from Central Michigan to the Big Ten - What it's like managing digital and social media for one of the nation's premier conferences - How internships and graduate assistantships can accelerate your career - Her experience working at the NCAA - Tips for landing your first job in college athletics - Advice for students pursuing careers in sport management, communications, and digital mediaIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share with someone interested in working in sports! Athlete Insights Podcast brings you conversations with coaches, athletes, and sports industry professionals to help you learn from the people shaping the future of sports.

What does it take to build a winning football program? More importantly, what does it take to develop young men into leaders?In this episode, I sit down with Coach JR Conkright, Head Football Coach of the Loveland HS Red Wolves (CO), to discuss his remarkable journey from the United States Air Force to leading one of Colorado's respected high school football programs.Coach Conkright shares how his football background, military service, and coaching experiences have shaped the leadership philosophy he brings to his team every day.One message stood above the rest:"Be relentless in everything you do."Whether it's in the classroom, the film room, the weight room, or under the Friday night lights, Coach Conkright believes relentless effort and accountability are the foundation of long-term success.In this episode, we discuss:

• Coach Conkright's football journey
• How the Air Force shaped his leadership philosophy
• Why success starts in the classroom
• The importance of film study and preparation
• Building discipline in the weight room
• Creating a culture of accountability
• What he looks for in student-athletes
• Advice for aspiring coaches and young football players

This conversation is about much more than football—it's about leadership, discipline, service, and pursuing excellence in every aspect of life.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more interviews with coaches, athletes, executives, and leaders from across the sports industry.

In this episode of the Athlete Insights Podcast, I sit down with Ayden Vanwinkle, senior football player at Coffee County High School in Manchester, Tennessee, to discuss his journey through high school football and the lessons he's learned along the way.Ayden reflects on his high school career, the importance of film study, leadership, preparation, and what it takes to continue improving as an athlete. We also discuss NIL opportunities at the collegiate level, the recruiting process, and advice for younger players looking to maximize their potential.Topics discussed:🏈 Reflecting on a high school football career🏈 Why film study is critical for player development🏈 Leadership and being a great teammate🏈 Thoughts on NIL and the future of college athletics🏈 Advice for younger football players🏈 Life lessons learned through sportsWhether you're a player, coach, parent, or football fan, this episode provides valuable insight into the mindset and habits that contribute to success on and off the field.

In this episode of the Athlete Insights Podcast, I sit down with Mike Famiglietti, Special Teams Coordinator at Minot State University, to discuss his journey through the world of college football.From his playing days as a long snapper at Western Michigan University and Western Illinois University to leading special teams at the collegiate level, Coach Famiglietti shares the experiences, lessons, and challenges that shaped his coaching career.In this episode, we discuss: - Coach Famiglietti's path from player to coordinator - What it takes to succeed in college football coaching - Leadership, culture, and player development - Recruiting and relationship-building in today's game - Advice for aspiring coaches and sport management students - The future of college footballWhether you're an athlete, coach, student, or football fan, this conversation provides valuable insight into the profession and the people who help build successful programs behind the scenes.Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in sports, athletics, coaching, and sport business.

In this episode of Athlete Insights, I sit down with Alicia Barnachea, Game Presentation/Operations and Community Relations Manager for the Cincinnati Cyclones, to talk about her journey from Ball State University to building a career in professional sports.Alicia shares her experiences breaking into the sport industry, lessons learned along the way, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes in professional hockey. We also reflect on our time at Ball State, the importance of networking, gaining hands-on experience, and advice for students and young professionals looking to work in sports.In this episode, we discuss:

• Alicia’s path from Ball State to the Cincinnati Cyclones
• What game presentation & sport operations look like behind the scenes
• Community relations and fan engagement in professional sports
• Breaking into the competitive sport industry
• Career advice for aspiring women in sport
• Lessons learned from the journey so far + more!

Like & Subscribe to Athlete Insights for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sport industry professionals sharing their journeys and insights!

In this episode of Athlete Insights, we sit down with Jacob White, Assistant Linebackers Coach at Northwestern University, to discuss his journey from his early days in football to playing at Ball State University and building his career in college coaching.Coach White shares insights on leadership, player development, recruiting in today’s college football landscape, and how NIL and the transfer portal have completely changed the game for coaches and student-athletes.We also dive into what separates great linebackers, the importance of team culture, and advice for young people looking to break into football coaching and operations.If you're interested in college football, coaching, NIL, recruiting, or leadership in sports—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders across the sports industry.

In this episode of Athlete Insights, I sit down with Josh Shelton, Communications Manager for the Tennessee Golf Association, to dive into the world of sports communications in golf.Josh shares his journey into the industry, what it takes to effectively tell the story of the game, and how communications plays a critical role in growing golf at the amateur level. We also discuss the day-to-day responsibilities behind managing media, branding, and digital content for a state association.Whether you're interested in sports media, golf, or building a career in athletics, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for students and aspiring professionals.Josh and I talked about: Breaking into sports communicationsThe role of media in growing the game of golfBehind-the-scenes of the Tennessee Golf AssociationCareer advice for sport management studentsDon’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of Athlete Insights!

In this episode of Athlete Insights, we sit down with Kaylan Makan, former Tennessee Basketball player, alongside guest host Dave Patel.Kaylan shares his journey from his early beginnings to competing at the Division I level with Tennessee Basketball. We also dive into his experience as an Indian-American athlete in college sports, the challenges he faced, and how his identity shaped his path.This episode is packed with insight for athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, as Kaylan provides real advice on what it takes to succeed at the next level—both on and off the court.Social Media links to follow: Kaylan Makan:Twitter (X): @Kaylan_MakanInstagram: @kaylanmakan1Dave Patel: Twitter (X): @davep2024Instagram: @davep2024Yash Padhye:Twitter (X): @PadhyeYashInstagram: @TheYashPadhyeIf you’re an aspiring athlete or just love hearing real stories from high-level competitors, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more athlete stories!