Cougar Sports Show

In this special episode of the Cougar Sports Show, new host Mara Nelson sits down with founding host Abby Whittington for an exit interview packed with stories, laughs, and reflection. From Abby’s decision to attend USF to how the podcast first got started, the conversation covers everything that made her time behind the mic so memorable. Abby shares her thoughts on the future of the show, what she’d change if she could, and even takes on a fun trivia challenge to test her Cougar Sports Show knowledge. She also opens up about her journey as a USF soccer player, her favorite memories on the field, and the mental side of college athletics. Tune in for advice for future hosts, final reflections, and a heartfelt farewell to an incredible voice in Cougar sports.

00:00 - Introduction

00:35 - Why USF?

01:25 - How did the podcast begin?

06:23 - Future plans

07:12 - What would you change about the podcast?

08:08 - How well does Abby know the Cougar Sports Show?

11:02 - Sponsor message

11:36 - Soccer experience

13:07 - Favorite on the field memory

14:15 - Mental battle of college athletics

17:11 - Women’s soccer in the NSIC

20:41 - Advice for future hosts?

21:32 - Final thoughts and thank yous from Abby

22:47 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Kevin Grebin, head tennis coach at USF, for an in-depth look at the season so far. We start with a recap of the team’s preseason trip to Florida and how early matchups against high-level opponents helped elevate the level of play. Coach Grebin reflects on the conference season to date, spotlighting key wins and tough battles on the court. We also dive into standout players and preview some of the big matches on the horizon. Coach shares his approach to fostering a competitive yet supportive team environment and attributes the positive culture to the girls on the team. We wrap up with thoughts on this year’s team dynamics and coaching philosophy. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at USF tennis!

00:00 - Introduction

00:28 - Team trip to Florida/preseason games

02:08 - Conference season so far

04:27 - Standout players and matches

09:29 - Sponsor message

10:02 - Upcoming matches

12:12 - Creating a competitive and support environment

15:07 - Closing thoughts on this years team and philosophy

17:02 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Interim Head Softball Coach Madie Brink, along with athletes Taryn Wagner, Meghan Jochimsen, and Morgan Linstad. After a brief introduction of our guests, we dive into their season so far and the team's journey. Madie shares her path to becoming head coach, and we discuss the team's performance in the conference season, including insights into recent games against Minot and Mary. The team’s recent trip to Florida and the experiences gained from it are also highlighted. Taryn reflects on her final season at USF and the impact of being part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Meghan talks about her role in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and highlights some of the initiatives the group is working on. The episode wraps up with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and thoughts on the upcoming conference tournament. Tune in for an in-depth look at USF Softball!

00:00 - Introduction

03:11 - Madie’s journey to head softball coach

06:46 - Sponsor message

07:20 - Conference season so far

10:11 - Team trip to Florida

11:10 - Conference games against Minot/Mary

14:44 - Leaders on the team

17:50 - Future mindset

21:10 - Conference tournament

22:55 - Taryn’s thoughts on it being her last season

24:03 - Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

25:29 - Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

27:42 - Advice for current or aspiring college softball athletes

34:00 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we chat with USF soccer players Alivia Tindall (Liv) and Mara Nelson (Nelly). Liv has been an integral part of the show from the start, working behind the scenes alongside our host, Abby, since its launch in 2023. With Abby set to graduate, she will be passing the reins of the podcast to Liv and Nelly, with Nelly stepping into the role of host and Liv continuing her behind-the-scenes support. We kick things off by getting to know Liv and Nelly, then dive into the exciting future of the podcast and their plans for expanding it. In the second half of the episode, we discuss the recent coaching change in the soccer program, exploring Nelly and Liv’s perspectives on Joe DeMay taking over as head coach. Tune in for an exciting look at the future of the Cougar Sports Show!

00:00 - Introduction

01:01 - Background info on Mara and Liv

05:04 - Shoutout Mara Nelson Photography

05:30 - Why the podcast?

07:08 - Future of the podcast

08:55 - Sponsor message

09:29 - Coaching change in the soccer program

11:18 - Culture on the team

14:33 - Additions to the coaching staff

17:58 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with the Joe DeMay, who joined USF women's soccer in January 2025 as the 3rd head coach in program history. First, DeMay discusses his journey into coaching, his vision for building a new program, and the core values he’s instilling in the team. DeMay then outlines his plans for change and his goals for the fall season. We also get an update on the program's upcoming competitive spring schedule, followed by a discussion on leadership and positional depth. DeMay reflects on his favorite part of coaching at USF so far, as well as the most challenging aspects. We finish up by announcing the new assistant coach chosen by DeMay. Tune in to hear about the new era for USF women’s soccer!

00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - DeMay's background and journey to USF

05:49 - Building a new program

08:65 - Implementing core values

11:19 - Plans for change

12:32 - Goals for the fall season

14:04 - Spring season games

17:40 - Leadership

21:22 - Sponsor message

21:55 - Positional depth

25:50 - Favorite and most challenging parts

28:10 - Assistant coach

29:26 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with track and field head coach Eric Chilson, along with student-athletes Emily Swanson, Tyler Hiatt, and Kamry Lindsey. We start by exploring why each athlete chose to join USF before diving into a recap of the current indoor season, highlighting standout performances and national provisional marks. The conversation then shifts to the impressive national qualifiers from USF, followed by insights from the athletes on their past experiences at the national meet. All three share how they are mentally and physically preparing for upcoming competitions. We wrap up with valuable advice for aspiring college athletes. Tune in to this week's episode to get the inside scoop on the 2025 Indoor Track and Field season at USF!

00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - Athletes reason for choosing USF

01:34 - Recapping this indoor season

02:40 - Standout performances/national provisional marks

05:19 - National qualifiers from USF

06:43 - Sponsor message

07:17 - National meet

12:13 - Mental training

13:43 - Advice for aspiring college athletes

15:08 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with head baseball coach, Grand Hieb, as well as two players, Isaac Bonnor and Ben Serie, to discuss their experiences at USF. The conversation kicks off with an introduction and dives into Isaac and Ben’s journey at the university. We move on to discussing the team’s recent trip to Hawaii and recap their games last weekend in Pueblo, CO. After a brief sponsor message, the discussion shifts to the upcoming games in Denver, CO, scheduled for March 1-5. The coach and players highlight key players and leaders for the team this season, and talk about their goals for the remainder of the non-conference games. As they look ahead, they share their excitement and strategy for the upcoming conference games. Tune into this week's episode to hear about this year's USF baseball team!

00:00 - Introduction

00:39 - Isaac and Ben’s time at USF

01:36 - Team trip to Hawaii

05:40 - Last weekends games in Pueblo, CO

08:15 - Sponsor message

08:47 - Games in Denver, CO (March 1-5)

11:18 - Key players/leaders this year

18:27 - Goals for the rest of the non-conference games

20:11 - Looking forward into conference games

25:44 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with USF Swim Coach Ricky Perkins and Assistant Coach Elizabeth Spaans to discuss a variety of topics surrounding their program. Coach Perkins reflects on his first year at USF and shares insights into the team's progress and challenges. Coach Spaans talks about her journey transitioning from athlete to coach, while both coaches dive into last season's overall performance, recruiting strategies, and the exciting results from the NSIC Conference meet in Fargo, ND. They also highlight standout swimmers, senior performances, and ‘B’ cut times, before wrapping up with thoughts on qualifying for nationals. Tune in for an inside look at the USF swim team's journey and successes!

00:00 - Introduction

00:33 - Coach Perkins reflects on his first year at USF

01:36 - Elizabeth’s transition from athlete to coach

04:54 - Last season overall

07:03 - Recruiting

09:00 - Sponsor message

09:33 - NSIC Conference meet in Fargo, ND

11:54 - Qualifying for nationals

12:56 - Standout performances at conference/senior swimmers

16:00 - Swimmers who got a ‘B’ cut time

18:28 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with head football coach Jim Glogowski, redshirt sophomore Cade Morse, and graduate student Conor Rice. We begin with a recap of National Signing Day (NSD), looking at the incoming recruiting class for the fall of 2025, followed by insights into the new redshirt rules. The group shares their expectations for team culture and offers advice to incoming players. The conversation then shifts to the role of veteran players, thoughts on the strength and conditioning program, and the team’s primary focus for this spring. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on USF football and what fans can look forward to in the future!

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - Incoming recruiting class (fall of 2025)

05:50 - New redshirt rules

06:43 - Culture expectations

07:44 - Advice for incoming players

10:45 - Sponsor message

11:20 - Veteran players

14:07 - Thoughts on strength and conditioning program

16:15 - Emphasis for this spring

20:00 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Toby Bryant, head coach of the women’s wrestling team, to take an in-depth look at our USF women’s wrestling program. We start with a discussion about the key to success this season and the strong culture that drives the team. From there, we explore the process of establishing a new program and the promising future of women’s wrestling. We also reflect on the significant strides the program has made over the past year, and highlight some of the standout matches from the season so far. The conversation touches on the team's starting 10, their performance in competition, and how they are preparing for the rest of the season, including the upcoming regional tournament. Tune in for an insightful look at the growth, challenges, and success of USF women’s wrestling!

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - Key to success this season/USF wrestling culture

08:30 - Establishing a new program

11:35 - Future of women’s wrestling

15:22 - Sponsor message

15:55 - What strides has the program made in the past year?

20:09 - Standout matches from the year

22:30 - Starting 10

25:18 - Competition so far

27:50 - Preparing for the remainder of the season

29:30 - Regional tournament

30:41 - Wrap-up

USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/

Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

Show notes written by Alivia Tindall