HAWK Talk

UND Head Soccer Coach Henrik Sohn reflects on the team's 1-0 victory over NDSU, highlighting how wins like that make for the best bus rides home. He emphasized the importance of mentality and mindset, urging players to break free from old habits and stay composed even when the game doesn’t start as planned. “Don’t panic,” he said focus, awareness, and avoiding ball-watching are key. Looking ahead, Coach Sohn is preparing the team for their upcoming match against Oral Roberts.

UND Head Hockey Coach Dane Jackson is celebrating back-to-back wins over St. Thomas, with final scores of 6-2 and 5-2. He credited the team’s success to playing with instinct to gain the lead. While the team doesn’t rely on traditional line charts, Jackson admitted it’s always a challenge deciding who gets the start. He emphasized that simply playing the game the right way often leads to results. The team showed grit, played with an edge, and made several creative plays throughout the weekend. Performances were closely evaluated, and Jackson noted that the goalie came up big when the team needed him most. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming home game against Minnesota.

UND Head Football Coach Eric Schmidt previews the upcoming matchup against Southern Illinois. He reflects on how many players and coaches in the football world have ties to Illinois, making this game feel a bit more personal. Coach Schmidt also addresses the pressure some of his players are feeling and highlights the importance of physicality and adaptability. He says the team must stay flexible and make adjustments to keep opponents off guard.

UND Head Football Coach Eric Schmidt reflected on the team’s 35-17 win over Youngstown State. He emphasized the importance of taking the lead by halftime, noting that teams who are ahead at the break typically come out on top. Coach Schmidt also stressed the value of consistent practice, strong sportsmanship, and staying focused. “Every story will be written,” he said, highlighting that the theme for the week is simple but powerful: you have to work.

This week, Bill and Alex bring back Ralph Englestad Arena General Manager Jody Hodgson to discuss new fan experiences at the REA, the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame Game in Austin, the CHL-to-college hockey dynamic, and much more (2:00). Then, the guys flip through a flawless weekend for the Fighting Hawks, highlighted by wins in hockey, football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country (37:24). On the B-side (51:49), soccer’s latest international break has Bill searching for answers.

UND Volleyball Head Coach Jesse Tupac reflected on the recent road losses in Omaha and Kansas, acknowledging the team's struggles during those matches. He discussed areas for improvement as the team works to bounce back. Looking ahead, UND is preparing for an upcoming matchup against Denver.

UND Assistant Hockey Coach Dillon Simpson made his first appearance on the show following the team’s 7–0 win over Manitoba. He noted that while the game started off a bit messy, the team settled in and found their rhythm. Simpson emphasized the importance of practicing with game-like intensity and learning from mistakes. He also spoke about the team’s ongoing growth and focus on playing together as a unit. Looking ahead, UND prepares to face No. 19 St. Thomas in their next matchup.

Head Football Coach Eric Schmidt reflected on the team's 35–7 victory over Northern Iowa, highlighting the strong defensive performance and the thorough preparation leading up to the game. He emphasized the importance of running through all possible scenarios beforehand, which helped the team stay ready. Looking ahead, Schmidt also shared thoughts on the upcoming matchup against Youngstown State.

Men’s Head Golf Coach Todd Schaefer recaps the team’s impressive first-place finish at the Zach Johnson Invitational. He highlights the competitive nature of college golf, where his players face opponents of all ages and experience levels. This year’s roster features a strong group of local Midwest recruits, most of whom are juniors or younger. Coach Schaefer emphasizes that every player must earn their spot through performance and consistency. Looking ahead, the team is preparing for an upcoming match in Fargo against NDSU, followed by a home competition in Grand Forks also against NDSU.

UND Head Volleyball Coach Jesse Tupac reflects on the team’s recent 3-1 victory over South Dakota and their tough loss to NDSU. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and maintaining a strong work ethic, regardless of the outcome. The team continues to practice with intensity as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Omaha. Coach Tupac also shares a lighter moment, noting that the players enjoy some great barbecue while traveling on the bus.