GNAC Insider

Podcast Guests: 

Kendall Kramer: University of Alaska Fairbanks Women's Cross Country, Junior
Rosie Fordham: University of Alaska Fairbanks Women's Cross Country, Junior

In this episode, we sit down with Kendall Kramer and Rosie Fordham, the dynamic duo from the University of Alaska Fairbanks women's cross-country team. Fresh off their remarkable first and second-place finishes at the GNAC Cross Country Championships, they share with us their reflections after competing in Alaska. Kendall discusses the transformation of their once underrated team, while Rosie provides a unique perspective as an international student-athlete from Australia. Both standout runners express their excitement for competing at the 2023 NCAA West Region Championships on Nov. 4, where Kramer was the regional runner-up a season ago.

Podcast Guests: 

Ryan McCarthy: UAA Women's Basketball Head Coach
Vishe' Rabb: UAA Women's Basketball, Guard, Senior
Kate Robertson: UAA Women's Basketball, Forward, Senior

We are joined by Ryan McCarthy, the Head Coach of the University of Alaska Anchorage Women's Basketball team, as well as this season's captains, Vishe' Rabb and Kate Robertson. They shared their insights on their recent team trip to Taiwan, emphasizing that their journey was focused on fostering team unity and cultivating the essential team chemistry needed for the upcoming season. This episode gives us a deeper understanding of their collective identity and the values they embody as both a program and as individuals.

Podcast Guests: 

Liberty Palmer: Montana State University Billings, Women's Soccer, Sophomore


Join us in this episode as we sit down with Liberty Palmer from Montana State University Billings women's soccer. Liberty's resilience shines through as she shares her journey of overcoming her second ACL tear and achieving a career-defining brace. In a candid conversation, we delve into the mental challenges she faced during her recovery and the reasons she kept going. We also explore the energy among her team as they chase their chance to make it into the conference tournament for the first time since 2015. 

Podcast Guests: 

Cole Nash: Cole Nash, University of Alaska Anchorage Men's Cross Country, Junior

In anticipation of the 2023 GNAC Cross-Country Championship in Anchorage, Alaska, we had the privilege of sitting down with Cole Nash, a standout athlete on the men's cross country team. In this exclusive interview, Cole offers us a glimpse into the demanding physical and mental challenges that come with being an elite runner. He also expresses his team's enthusiasm for the honor of hosting a GNAC championship and the special opportunity to compete before their hometown community, Anchorage, which boasts a vibrant running culture.

Podcast Guests: 

Enrique Gomez: Western Oregon Men's Soccer, Defender, senior

In this episode, we sit down with  Enrique Gomez, a senior defender from Western Oregon Men's Soccer team. We get insights into how a team that is only in its second year of existence has found its way to the top of the conference. We explore the beauty found in the struggles of pursuing college athletics, and Enrique shares his dreams of becoming a mental health professional to help Spanish-speaking individuals. 

Podcast Guests: 

Hannah Hair: Seattle Pacific Volleyball, Middle, Senior

We are joined by Seattle Pacific University volleyball standout, Hannah Hair. Hannah shares with us the infectious excitement and energy of her team, which is in the midst of an 11-game winning streak and enters the week in first place in the GNAC standings. She attributes much of their achievements to the exceptional coaching staff and team culture on and off the court. While her team has been moving up the ranks, Hannah has found individual success and recognition at the national level. However, it's Hannah's humility that really shines through in this episode.

Podcast Guests: 

Katie Watt: Western Washington Women's Soccer Defender Senior

We are joined by Katie Watt, starting center back for the defending DII National Champions Western Washington women's soccer team. Katie shares with us her first-hand experience of what it took to win a national title and how that is shaping who they are as a team this season. We get the inside scoop on the culture of a historically successful program and insights into how Katie's teammates support one another on and off the pitch. In this episode, we really get to know Katie as a student, an athlete, and as a person.

Podcast Guests: 

Makayla Roggow: Northwest Nazarene Women's Soccer Defender Senior

On this episode of GNAC Insider, we are joined by Makayla Roggow who shares invaluable advice on embracing open-mindedness and adapting to change. She reveals how she transitioned from being an attacking player to becoming a formidable center back, a position she's excelled in throughout her college career, having played in every game. As her team sets its sights on the GNAC tournament, Makayla reflects on her personal growth from freshman to senior year, even sharing stories of how her older sisters have inspired her collegiate soccer career.

Podcast Guests: 

Devin O'Hea: Simon Fraser Men's Soccer Forward, Senior

On this episode of GNAC Insider, we explore Devin's untraditional route to becoming one of Simon Fraser's top players. Additionally, he shares highlights from his team trip to Norway where they had a chance to connect on and off the field. He gives us insights into the Red Leafs' goals for this year's season and how pre-season is helping them get there one day at a time.  

Podcast Guests: 

Tia Andaya Central Washington University Women’s Volleyball Setter/Outside, Senior
Mario Andaya Head Coach Central Washington University Women’s Volleyball 

On this episode of GNAC Insider Mario and Tia, a father-daughter duo, share insights into their pre-season expectations and goals for the 2023 volleyball season. We get to explore the relationship between Tia and Mario and how they have navigated family ties on and off the court.