Behind The Jersey

Beekmantown High School's Athletic Director kicks off the premiere episode of the second season of Behind the Jersey, with senior varsity athlete Kolin Smart.

Episode Highlights:

• The Unstoppable Spin Move: Kolin reflects on teaching his Unified Basketball teammate Gage a signature spin move, leading to a viral game-day moment featured on WPTZ news.
• The Cucumber Game-Day Ritual: Kolin breaks down his non-negotiable pregame meal of two whole cucumbers poured with ranch dressing alongside a buffalo chicken sandwich.
• Effort Over Raw Skill: Moving to varsity soccer as a sophomore without advanced technical skills, Kolin proved that pure effort pays off, helping transform the squad from winless to 14–2 Sectional Champions.
• Competitive Gaming & Yamal Mentality: Outside of school sports, Kolin competes in video game tournaments (currently playing FIFA 26) and visualizes game plays to Spanish and Brazilian music inspired by soccer star Lamine Yamal.
• Teammate Superlatives: Kolin names Phoenix Kelly as the funniest teammate on the roster and Ryan Dube as the best dressed.

In Episode 4 of Behind the Jersey, Beekmantown High School Athletic Director Justin Frechette sits down with senior Mia Perez to explore her high-speed rise in varsity volleyball.

• The Zero-to-Varsity Leap: Mia made the bold switch from soccer to volleyball in her junior year despite never having played or even watched a volleyball match before.
• Relentless Summer Grind: Throwing herself into the "deep end," she relied on driveway drills, beach volleyball, jump camps, and travel club play to master years of missed fundamentals in a single season.
• Gritty Game Plan: Describing her play style as gritty, determined, and ready, Mia approaches every point with an "all in" mentality to keep the ball alive.
• Strong Support System: Her rapid growth was propelled by her father (Beekmantown middle school teacher Mr. Perez), coaches Nate Kenyon and Alyssa Rock, and encouraging teammates who guided her through the steep learning curve.
• Life Beyond the Court: Stepping outside her comfort zone taught Mia that taking risks gives you the power to actively shape your own future.

In Episode 3 of Behind the Jersey, eighth-grader Jack Miller makes podcast history as the show's very first middle school guest. Balancing life as a tri-sport star, school leader, and movie fan, Jack breaks down what it takes to stay grounded while competing at a high level.

Top Highlights:

• Tri-Sport Talent: From scoring five quick goals in modified soccer to winning clutch tournament shootouts in Albany and building a backyard ice rink with his dad every winter, Jack stays locked into soccer, hockey, and golf year-round.
• Student Leadership: Jack stepped up off the field to earn a seat as the middle school ex-officio representative on the school board, bringing a direct voice for his peers to school leadership.
• Driven Philosophy: Inspired by Tiger Woods' work ethic and local hockey star Ryan Racine, Jack lives by a student-first mindset and the rule that you only get out of your sport what you put into practice.
• Off-the-Field Balance: To unwind after high-intensity training, Jack relaxes by reading Harry Potter, watching Star Wars, and marathoning Adam Sandler movies.

In this episode of Behind the Jersey, Beekmantown Athletic Director Justin Frechette catches up with senior dual-sport standout Sheamus Bibeau (#1) to talk championship culture, mental toughness, and life beyond the field.

Top Highlights from the Episode:

• The Mascot Origin of #1: Sheamus reveals how watching flashy basketball mascots as a kid inspired him to claim number one back in 7th grade—a number he’s owned ever since.
• Conquering the Yips: After struggling with fumbles early in his career, Sheamus turned it around using a practice field tunnel called "the fingers" and building a zero-fumble mindset that has lasted through his senior year.
• "Kick the Sheets" Discipline: Sheamus breaks down how his family's military background—including his grandfather’s Army service and his brother's ROTC journey—keeps him grounded and motivated through tough practices.
• Championship Film Study: A look into how becoming visual "students of the game" through Hudl TV propelled Beekmantown to a Sectional Championship.
• Life Off the Gridiron: When he's not on the field or sitting down for family dinners, Sheamus hits the slopes as a park skier at Whiteface Mountain.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Behind the Jersey! In our inaugural show, the Beekmantown High School Athletic Department sits down with senior multi-sport powerhouse Meegan Burdo, Varsity Girls Soccer goalkeeper (#30), varsity hockey player (#10), and softball standout.

Megan opens up about what it really takes to mind the net for the Eagles, navigating the high-pressure world of high school athletics, and the family traditions that drive her competitive spirit.

Episode Highlights:

• The Legend of #10: The special story behind carrying on her dad Terry’s Beekmantown alumni legacy on the ice.
• Mindset in the Net: Overcoming the intense pressure of the goalkeeper position and building unshakeable resilience.
• Sectional Glory: Reliving her sophomore year sectional championship and building big-game confidence.
• Classroom & Character: Tackling math challenges head-on and the key teachers who helped her succeed off the field.
• Advice for the Next Generation: Essential wisdom on finding mentors, staying focused, and persevering through tough moments.
• Rapid-Fire Fun: Pre-game rituals, chicken parm, hype songs (\"Dancing in the Dark\"), curling ambitions, and a dream dinner party with David Pastrnak and Adam Sandler!

Hit play to kick off the season and get to know one of Beekmantown’s finest student-athletes!