Sweet Seats Podcast

🎙️ Episode 16 – McKinley Taylor: Riding the Ridge Lines

In this episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana hit the trails with McKinley Taylor, standout rider for the Hershey and Dauphin Composite Mountain Bike Team. McKinley shares how he first got into mountain biking, what drew him to the sport, and why the tight-knit, supportive biking community keeps him coming back for more — even after long rides and gnarly climbs.

They dive into the intensity of cross-country courses, race-day nerves, and the unique vibe of team trail culture in central Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just curious about the world of youth MTB, McKinley brings insight, grit, and good energy to the mic.

And of course, it’s time for the Sweet Seats Round, where McKinley reveals:

• His favorite Hershey candy

• Go-to Gatorade flavor

• And his dream vacation spot after the race season ends

Trail-tested and community-rooted, this episode is all about finding your flow — on and off the bike.

🎙️ Episode 15 – Reggie Onwe: Heart, Hustle, & Hershey Football

In this episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana sit down with Reggie Onwe, a standout player from the Hershey High School football team, to talk about passion, leadership, and the power of playing for something bigger than yourself.

Reggie shares how he first got into football, what the sport has come to mean to him over the years, and the leadership lessons he’s picked up both on and off the field. From intense practices to Friday night lights, Reggie brings a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to perform, stay grounded, and keep pushing forward — even when the going gets tough.

Of course, the episode ends with a fan-favorite — the Sweet Seats Round, where Reggie shares his favorite Hershey candy, pre-game hype song, and his ultimate dream vacation spot.

🎧 If you’re into football, student-athlete journeys, or inspiring young leaders, this one’s for you!

🎙️ Episode 14 – Taryn Valoczki: Focus, Field Hockey, and the Next Level

In this episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana sit down with Taryn Valoczki, standout field hockey player from Hershey High School, to talk about her journey from picking up a stick to committing to play at the next level with Villanova University.

Taryn opens up about how she first discovered field hockey, what the sport means to her, and how she stays composed and focused during high-pressure games. She shares stories about key moments on the field, the importance of mindset and leadership, and how she navigated the college recruitment process — from training to visits to making the big decision.

And of course, the episode wraps with the Sweet Seats Round, where things get fun with Taryn’s favorite Gatorade flavors, vacation spots, and more!

🎧 Whether you're an athlete, fan, or future recruit, this episode is full of heart, hustle, and inspiration.

🎙️ Episode 13 – Evy Winder: Running with Purpose

In this episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana are joined by Evy Winder, a powerhouse in cross-country and track at Hershey High School. From long runs in the heat to sprint finishes on the track, Evy shares how she first fell in love with running — and what keeps her coming back day after day.

They dive into the mental side of distance running, discussing how Evy tackles nerves, doubt, and those moments when the finish line feels far away. She opens up about the impact the sport has had on her life, including the friendships, structure, and self-confidence it’s helped build. Most importantly, she explains how the lessons of running — grit, pacing, and pushing through — translate far beyond the track.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Sweet Seats episode without the fan-favorite Sweet Seats Round — where Evy reveals her favorite Gatorade flavor, game-day pump-up songs, and go-to emoji!

🎧 Whether you're a runner or just love a good story of growth and grit, this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️ Episode 12 – Lexie Hahn & Lexi Schulz: Field Hockey’s Fierce Duo

In this episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana sit down with Lexie Hahn and Lexi Schulz, the dynamic duo lighting up the turf for Hershey High School Field Hockey. From their earliest days with a stick in hand to leading their team on and off the field, Lexie and Lexi share how they got started in the sport, the drills they actually enjoy, and what leadership looks like when you're in the heat of competition.

They talk about how the game has shaped them, the moments they’ll never forget, and the life lessons that field hockey has taught them — from resilience to teamwork to hustle. Plus, in the fan-favorite Sweet Seats Round, they reveal their go-to hype songs, favorite Hershey candy, dream vacation spots, and more!

🎧 Tune in, cheer on, and get inspired.

🎙️ Episode 11 – Jack Zakovitch: Precision, Pressure & the Playoff Push

In this week’s episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana sit down with Jack Zakovitch, a dynamic and disciplined force on the Hershey High School soccer team. ⚽🔥

Jack shares how he first got started in soccer, what it’s like to play at such a high level of competition, and the mindset it takes to adapt his game based on different teammates, opponents, and match situations. He also reflects on the experience of competing in district and state championships, and the growth that comes with playing under pressure.

In this episode:

• Jack’s soccer origin story and early influences
• How he trains, prepares, and adapts his play
• His take on team chemistry and game-day strategy
• What it felt like to go deep into the postseason
• The lessons he’s learned as a leader and competitor

🎧 Tune in for another inspiring conversation — only on Sweet Seats Podcast!

#SweetSeats #HersheySoccer #HometownHeroes #HighSchoolSports

🎙️ Episode 10 – Grant Later: Friday Night Lights & Full-Court Press

In this milestone 10th episode, Katherine and Alana sit down with Grant Later, a standout football and basketball player at Hershey High School 🏈🏀

Grant shares how he first got into football, the key people who have inspired his journey, and the physical and mental challenges of playing such a demanding sport. He also talks about his love for basketball, the unforgettable experience of making it to the state championship, and how both sports have helped shape who he is today.

In this episode:

• What it takes to play two varsity sports
• The mindset needed for football toughness
• The excitement of a championship basketball run
• What Grant has learned about leadership, discipline, and himself
• Future goals on and off the field

Plus, don’t miss his answers in the Sweet Seats Round, including pre-game hype songs and favorite vacation spots.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Grant’s story!

#SweetSeats #HersheyFootball #HersheyBasketball #StudentAthlete #HighSchoolSports #HometownHeroes

🎙️ Episode 9 – Blake Umberger: From the Ice to the Diamond

On this week’s Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana sit down with Blake Umberger, two-sport standout in hockey and baseball at Hershey High School. 🏒⚾

Blake shares how he first got involved in hockey, the lessons the sport has taught him, and what it’s like competing as part of a high-level team. He also opens up about the unique mental challenges of baseball, how he’s learned to overcome them, and the exciting story of how he was recruited to play at a top college program.

In this episode:

• How Blake discovered his love
• for hockey
• The teamwork and discipline that comes from competitive sports
• Handling the mental ups and downs of baseball
• His college recruitment journey
• What’s next after high school

It’s an inspiring conversation that shows the dedication, resilience, and love of the game that defines Hershey’s athletes.

🎧 Tune in now and grab your Sweet Seat!

#SweetSeats #HersheyHockey #HersheyBaseball #StudentAthlete #HometownHeroes

🎙️ Episode 8 – Eva Carlson & Niklas Budde: Kicking Goals & Overcoming Challenges

On this week’s Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana hit the pitch with Eva Carlson and Niklas Budde, standout soccer players from Hershey High School. ⚽🔥

Eva and Niklas share how they each got started in soccer, what drives their passion for the game, and how they’ve handled the physical challenges that come with playing at a high level. They open up about overcoming injuries, the best advice they’ve ever received, and where they see their soccer journeys taking them in the future.

In this episode:

· How Eva and Niklas first fell in love with soccer

· Training and handling the physical demands of the sport

· Lessons learned from setbacks and injuries

· The best advice that’s shaped their careers

· Future goals and next steps on and off the field

It’s a conversation about resilience, teamwork, and the love of the game — straight from two of Hershey’s stars.

🎧 Grab your Sweet Seat and tune in now!

#SweetSeats #HersheySoccer #HighSchoolSports #HometownHeroes #SoccerLife

🎙️ Episode 7 – Avery Kesterson: Strength, Stamina & Swimming Success

On this week’s episode of Sweet Seats, Katherine and Alana dive into the pool with Avery Kesterson, standout swimmer for Hershey High School and the Hershey Aquatic Club. 🏊‍♀️💦

Avery shares how she first discovered her love of swimming, what her training and competition season looks like, and how she pushes through both the physical and mental challenges of the sport. From long practices to big race moments, she gives us an inside look at what it takes to succeed in the water.

In this episode:

• How Avery got started in swimming
• What a season of training and competition looks like
• Strategies for handling mental and physical challenges
• Her future plans in and beyond the pool

It’s an inspiring conversation filled with focus, determination, and hometown pride.

🎧 Dive in and tune into Sweet Seats Podcast!

#SweetSeats #HersheySwimming #HersheyAquaticClub #WomenInSports #HometownHeroes