For the second straight week, Blaise welcomes two varsity captains on the Siefer’s Scoop podcast. This time, it’s Jordan Bessalel ’21 and John Mikus ’21, co-captains for the men’s golf team. Bessalel and Mikus begin the episode by recalling their early golfing experience, from their influences to how they cracked into the competitive sphere. Then, they reflect on what intrigued them about Middlebury and how they landed at the school. With three seasons under their belts, the co-captains discuss their past three years, and touch on Bessalel’s NESCAC co-rookie of the year honor. Finally, we preview the upcoming spring season and the home meet on May 8.

On this week’s edition of the Siefer’s Scoop podcast, Blaise welcomes Jack Farrell ('21) and Tommy Eastman ('21)–captains on the men’s basketball team–to the podcast. Jack and Tommy, both All-NESCAC players, reflect on their on-court careers at Middlebury. They explain why the NCAA D-III Tournament is so special and what their experience was like playing on D-III basketball’s highest stage. They also discuss the basketball team’s culture and dynamics, shedding light on how the team operates off the court. Finally, they comment on how COVID-19 has impacted their senior years, how they felt the college handled the situation, and what they have planned going forward. Bonus: Jack and Tommy offer their opinions on the NCAA D-I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

For the first episode in Siefer’s Scoop podcast history, Blaise has a co-host! A sophomore Feb at Middlebury, Sam Lipin joins the podcast to help Blaise host Lucy Ambach ’23, the first women’s volleyball player to appear on Siefer’s Scoop. Blaise and Sam begin the episode by asking Lucy when she began to play volleyball, and if her height had anything to do with it. Next, they chat with Lucy about Middlebury. What made the school stand out? Was it always her first choice? What are some of her favorite memories with the team? Finally, Lucy is asked about her goals for the program, and she’s also prompted to create a 30-second program pitch for prospective Middlebury volleyball players.

This week, Blaise welcomes Hans Pessl ’22.5, a member of the men’s nordic team, on the podcast. A native of Bozeman, Montana, Hans grew up with a pair of skis on his feet. He describes how he first got into racing, how he honed his talent, and how his skills ultimately qualified him for a coaching job with the Argentinian nordic team. Hans also explains Winter Carnival week from an athlete’s perspective, his favorite memories on the Middlebury team, and his goals for the program.

On the second edition of the Siefer’s Scoop podcast this spring, Blaise is joined by Beau Root ’23, a member of the men’s baseball team. The Connecticut native talks about his roots in baseball, his ties to the MLB, and how he progressed in the sport. He also discusses the college recruitment process, highlighting why he chose Middlebury and what his experience has been like so far. The episode concludes with Beau explaining his optimism and aspirations for the team.

The Siefer’s Scoop podcast is back for the spring 2021 semester! In the first episode of the term, Jordyn Johnson ’23, a member of women’s softball, joins the podcast. The Hoover, Alabama native discusses her introduction to softball, how she progressed as a player, and her experience walking onto the team at Middlebury. She also describes the team dynamics and some of the squad’s unique rituals. The episode concludes with some rapid-fire questions, which elicited some surprising answers!

Delanie Goniwiecha ‘23 joins the podcast this week, marking the first hockey player to appear on the Siefer’s Scoop podcast. A sophomore on the women’s hockey team from Rochester Hills, Michigan, Delanie recorded five goals and 2 assists as a first-year on the team. While her sophomore season was axed due to the pandemic, Delanie still remains optimistic about what’s to come. She speaks about her roots with hockey, her college recruitment process, the dynamics on the women’s hockey team, and everything in-between on this jam-packed episode!

Nate Moll ‘22 joins the Siefer’s Scoop podcast this week, the first guest to appear in 2021. A junior on the men’s squash team from Birmingham, Michigan, Nate begins our conversation by explaining why he picked up the sport and how he progressed to the college ranks. Who were some of his early influences? During his college search, why did Middlebury stand out? Next, we discuss the squash team in general, and Nate sheds light on some of his favorite moments in the Middlebury uniform. Finally, we look forward to the spring semester as Nate describes how he is preparing for his return to Vermont.

Alex Stimpson ‘23, a member of the men’s squash team, joins the Siefer’s Scoop podcast this week. A sophomore at Middlebury, Alex discusses the COVID-19 guidelines that the squash team has faced this semester.  How are practices structured?  What’s it like wearing a mask while playing squash? Alex then dives into an overview of the squash team, detailing the team culture and dynamics. How tight-knit is the team? What are some favorite team bonding activities? Finally, he touches on his roots with the sport, including an examination of his early influences and how his affinity with squash has grown over his life.

In this episode of the Siefer’s Scoop podcast, I explore the political activism exhibited by Middlebury student-athletes this semester. I interview a host of athletes and coaches to learn about how our sports teams are fulfilling their civic duty, from ensuring voting registration to calling representatives to demand justice for Breonna Taylor.

The podcast features Brinlea La Barge, a member of women’s tennis; Beatrice Donavan, a member of women’s soccer; Charles Roselle, a member of men’s football and lacrosse; Courtney Gantt, a member of women’s swim and dive; Bob Rueppel, head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming programs; and Erin Quinn, Middlebury athletic director.