In this episode of Little Giants Radio, head tennis coach Leah Hale discusses the upcoming 2025 season, highlighting the impressive turnout at tryouts and the importance of off-season training. She emphasizes the mental aspects of tennis, the significance of building trust and inclusivity within the team, and her coaching philosophy that prioritizes life skills alongside athletic development. The conversation also touches on the energy dynamics within the team and the benefits of a no-cut program, ultimately fostering a supportive and competitive environment for all players.

Follow all things Waynesboro High School Little Giants Girl's Tennis on social media by following @GiantsTennis on Instagram

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: ⁠⁠⁠smoothathletics.com⁠⁠⁠
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In this episode, we sit down with Megan Collier—coach, mom of four, and the heart behind the Augusta Wolves Lacrosse Club. From her days as a D1 athlete at The Ohio State University to building a community-first lacrosse program in the Augusta County area, Megan shares her passion for creating opportunities where none existed.

We dive into how the Wolves are opening doors for homeschoolers, private school students, and young athletes of all backgrounds—while breaking down barriers like Virginia’s controversial Tim Tebow Law. Plus, find out why lacrosse might just be the perfect sport for kids of every size, skill level, and competitive spirit. 🥍💚

If you’re a parent, coach, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play and get inspired by the power of community, sports, and the people making it happen right here in the Shenandoah Valley.

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Own a local business in the Shenandoah Valley? Interested in advertising on Shenandoah Valley Sports Network's Little Giants Radio? Email us at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

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Special Thanks To This Episode's Sponsors:

• Smooth Athletics: ⁠⁠smoothathletics.com⁠⁠
• NKD Towing: ⁠⁠nkdtowing.com

Cesar Ruiz joins Little Giants Radio Host, John Fairbanks, for Part 2 of their conversation. On this episode, we explore the incredible journey that led him from college football dreams to military service and finally to becoming a restaurant owner and entrepreneur.

Hear about his battles with self-doubt, the lessons he learned from his military training, and how cooking became both his therapy and his purpose. This is a story about resilience, finding one’s identity, and chasing dreams with unrelenting passion. Plus, learn how family, community, and sheer determination can fuel a small business to extraordinary heights.

📍 China's Cocina: 2284 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, VA
🌮 Try the best Birria in the state and hear the story behind it!

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Building Strength and Spirit: Waynesboro High School Cross-Country’s Journey to States

In this episode, host John Fairbanks sits down with Coach Julie Stevens and several state-bound athletes from the Waynesboro High School cross-country team to explore how they’ve built a foundation of success this season. From introducing strength training to fostering mental resilience and team camaraderie, Coach Stevens shares the strategies that propelled the girls’ team to the state championship.

The athletes share their own perspectives on overcoming injuries, adapting to new training regimens, and finding inspiration through friendly competition and mutual support. This episode is a celebration of hard work, teamwork, and the determination to chase big goals—on and off the course.

With the state meet around the corner, the team reflects on their journey and looks ahead to the future of Waynesboro High School cross-country.

Takeaways:

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:
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Building Champions On and Off the Field: Cesar Ruiz’s Journey - Part 1

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Cesar Ruiz, a former Waynesboro High School football player and alumni whose athletic dreams took him from high school to college sports. Cesar shares how the lessons of resilience, teamwork, and learning from mistakes helped him shape his life as he continues on his journey as a small business owner.

Cesar has a desire to use his experience to inspire the next generation of young athletes, proving that success isn’t just about winning on game day—it’s about building a future with purpose and community.

There are so many incredible athletes and mentors doing inspiring work in Waynesboro and the surrounding areas. It’s time to come together to support local talent and keep building a stronger Shenandoah Valley.

Takeaways:

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Building a Stronger Community: How Salute of Virginia is Changing the Lives of Veterans in the Valley

In this episode, we explore the incredible work being done by Salute of Virginia, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and their families transition from military to civilian life. Leah Hale, the visionary behind the organization, shares how it all began with a simple veterans’ brunch that has since evolved into a vital community hub. From creating a space for veterans to connect and share their stories to offering essential resources, Salute of Virginia is empowering those who have served our country to find purpose and belonging.

There are so many people doing amazing things for veterans in Waynesboro and the surrounding areas. It’s time to come together and continue building a stronger community that honors the service and sacrifices of our military families.

Takeaways:

Stay Connected with Salute of Virginia:

Follow Salute of Virginia online to stay updated on their latest events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support veterans in the Shenandoah Valley.

Be sure to check out their pages and spread the word about their incredible work in our community!

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring weekly episodes like this one. Tap the link below to choose your level of monthly support:
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The conversation explores the current state of youth sports in Waynesboro, discussing challenges such as participation rates, the impact of travel sports, the importance of coaching, and the need for improved facilities.

There are so many people doing amazing things in Waynesboro, it's time to come together to build a better and stronger community of athletes and people for the future here in the Shenandoah Valley.

Takeaways

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! The show is made possible by monthly supporters just like you and help us continue to bring weekly episodes right to your ears! Just tap the link and choose your level of monthly support:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Special Thanks To This Episode's sponsors:

Smooth Athletics - https://www.smoothathletics.com/

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Coach Bell, Goodnough, and Fairbanks sit down to discuss the transformation of the WHS football team so far this season, focusing on the changes in team dynamics, the identification of players who are committed versus those who are not, and the importance of building trust and accountability within the team.

They emphasize the need for players to have the desire to play and the role of competition in fostering a successful team culture. The coaches also reflect on their long-term goals for the players, aiming to develop not just athletes but responsible members of the community.

Takeaways

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! The show is made possible by monthly supporters just like you and help us continue to bring weekly episodes right to your ears! Just tap the link and choose your level of monthly support:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! The show is made possible by monthly supporters just like you and help us continue to bring weekly episodes right to your ears! Just tap the link and choose your level of monthly support:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/littlegiantsradio/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Little Giants Radio, host John Fairbanks sits down with head football coach, Coach Bell, to discuss the team's new uniforms, logo, and approach for the season.

Coach Bell shares his vision for establishing a new culture and tradition at Waynesboro High School, and how the team is methodically working to find the right players and schemes.

They also talk about the captains being selected by the players, the growing community support, and the renewed energy and competitiveness they're seeing from the team in practice.

With the first 2 games under their belt, Coach Bell and John are excited about the progress they're making and the upcoming matchups against Broadway and Turner Ashby.

Tune in to hear all the inside details on the Little Giants' new era.

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In this episode, host John Fairbanks sits down with Waynesboro High School alumni Brad, Bobby, and Brent Harlow to discuss the rich athletic traditions and community spirit that defined their time playing sports in Waynesboro in the 1990s.

The Harlow brothers share stories of the camaraderie, work ethic, and competitive drive that fueled their teams, as well as the unique rituals and achievements that were celebrated, like earning helmet stickers.

They also reflect on how the community rallied around the sports programs and the importance of maintaining that support for the next generation of Little Giants.

This conversation provides a window into the glory days of Waynesboro athletics and inspires ideas for how to reignite that passion and tradition in the present day.

Become a member of the Little Giants Radio Nation by becoming a monthly contributor to the show! The show is made possible by monthly supporters just like you and help us continue to bring weekly episodes right to your ears! Just tap the link and choose your level of monthly support:

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