Episode 312 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, shines a spotlight on student-athlete leadership with guest Dominic Giacona, the newly elected GMAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Chair and president of Tiffin University’s campus SAAC.

In the episode, Giacona reflects on his journey to becoming conference chair after being elected at the league’s annual SAAC Summit in Columbus. He discusses the responsibilities of the role, including leading discussions on NCAA legislative proposals and ensuring student-athlete voices are heard at both the conference and national levels. From breaking down complex proposals into understandable terms to gathering feedback from teams across campus, Giacona emphasizes the importance of representation and advocacy within Division II governance.

The conversation also explores Tiffin’s strong commitment to community engagement. Giacona highlights initiatives such as reading programs at local elementary schools and free leaf-raking services for community members, underscoring the effort to bridge the gap between campus and community. He shares how SAAC involvement has helped foster relationships across teams and build a more unified athletic department.

Beyond leadership, Giacona reflects on his experience as a member of Tiffin’s men’s lacrosse program, which he helped build from the ground up as part of the program’s inaugural class. He discusses the growth of lacrosse at the collegiate level, the challenges of launching a new team, and the pride that comes with laying a foundation for future success.

Episode 312 offers listeners an inside look at the impact of student-athlete leadership, the value of community service, and the growth of emerging programs within the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

Episode 311 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features Camilo Marrugo, a standout swimmer from the University of Findlay, following the Oilers’ recent championship success. Marrugo shares insight into the team’s performance, the balance between individual and team goals, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming NCAA Championships.

Marrugo emphasizes that the foundation of Findlay’s success lies in teamwork and encouragement, noting that individual achievements ultimately contribute to the collective goal. He highlights the strong camaraderie between the men’s and women’s programs and how that unity enhances performance at championship meets. Relays, in particular, bring a special energy and shared responsibility that fuels the team’s competitive edge.

The conversation also explores the mental side of competition, including handling pressure and turning it into confidence. Marrugo reflects on the value of qualifying early for NCAAs, which allows swimmers to compete with freedom and focus. Drawing from past championship experiences, he shares how growth, presence, and enjoying the moment are critical components of success at the highest level.

Episode 310 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, welcomes Rachel McCool following her election as the Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Chair. In this episode, McCool reflects on her experience at the NCAA Convention, the responsibility of representing student-athletes on a national level, and the goals she has set for her term.

McCool discusses the importance of student-athlete voices in legislative conversations, emphasizing how meaningful it is for representatives to feel heard and valued in high-level meetings. She shares how the convention provided valuable networking opportunities and insight into the decision-making processes that shape Division II athletics.

Throughout the conversation, McCool highlights her passion for leadership development and community engagement, both of which will be priorities during her time as chair. She also acknowledges the significant time commitment required for SAAC involvement and the overwhelming support she has received from her campus and conference community.

Episode 310 offers an inside look at the impact student-athlete leadership can have at the national level and reinforces the importance of advocacy, service, and engagement within Division II athletics.

Episode 309 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features two guests from Walsh University as the Cavaliers reflect on their recent recognition at the NCAA Convention. The episode includes conversations with Sophia Rosa, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president at Walsh, and Josh Ruiz, coordinator of veteran affairs, highlighting the university’s Award of Excellence for its Salute to Service efforts.

Rosa discusses Walsh’s Cav Salute Initiative, a comprehensive community service project designed to honor veterans through campus-wide engagement. She shares how 100 percent participation from all athletic teams, along with strong support from coaches and administrators, helped make the initiative a success. From student-athletes wearing patches to honor veterans, to events such as a Patriot Day home run derby that raised funds and awareness, Rosa emphasizes the pride student-athletes feel in being part of something with lasting impact.

Ruiz, a Marine Corps veteran, provides perspective on the significance of the Salute to Service initiative and its importance for both veterans and the broader campus community. He reflects on the role education and awareness play in helping students better understand military service, as well as the value of collaboration across departments to support veterans and their families. Ruiz also highlights events focused on mental health and suicide awareness, underscoring the meaningful reach of Walsh’s efforts.

Episode 308 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features a conversation with Chris Cross, Vice President of Athletics at Cedarville University. The episode explores Cedarville’s deep commitment to academic excellence, its distinct mission, and the university’s approach to balancing competitive athletics with faith-driven education.

Cross reflects on his professional journey, beginning in athletic training before transitioning into compliance and ultimately into athletic leadership. He highlights how relationships, integrity, and mission-centered decision-making have shaped his path and continue to guide Cedarville’s athletic department.

Throughout the conversation, Cross emphasizes the university’s longstanding academic achievements — including receiving the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence for 13 consecutive years — and discusses how culture, intentional hiring, and the integration of faith play a crucial role in the success of Cedarville’s student-athletes. He also shares insights on the continuing growth of the GMAC, rising competitiveness across the conference, and the importance of preparing athletes to represent Christ well in all areas of life.

The episode concludes with a look at the exciting developments happening on Cedarville’s campus, from new construction projects to record student enrollment, reflecting a period of momentum and growth for the university.

Episode 307 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, spotlights Ohio Dominican senior volleyball standout Saige Avery following the Panthers’ historic win at the G-MAC Championship. Avery reflects on the emotions of the championship match, the team’s season-long growth, and the significance of securing their place in the NCAA tournament.

Avery shares how the energy surrounding this year’s title run felt different from any season before. She discusses the intensity of the championship match, acknowledging that Cedarville wasn’t going to make the final set easy. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the team’s confidence, their determination to prove themselves, and the belief that they belonged on the court heading into the postseason.

The episode also highlights the strong camaraderie within the Ohio Dominican program. Avery speaks about the importance of cherishing “the little moments,” the excitement of extending their season into December, and the special bond that has shaped their success. With every opponent posing a challenge, the Panthers remain focused, grateful, and ready for the battles ahead.

Episode 306 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, celebrates both the G-MAC men’s and women’s soccer tournament champions with insights from two key voices: Tiffin University graduate student and men’s soccer standout Griffin Cook, and Ashland University head women’s coach Cayleb Paulino. The episode offers a look into the championship mindset that propelled each program to conference titles.

Cook reflects on Tiffin’s season-long commitment to a focused, one-game-at-a-time mentality. He emphasizes the importance of treating every match as if nothing is guaranteed and playing with a mindset of giving everything on the field. Cook shares how this approach kept the team grounded, prepared, and consistently performing at a championship level throughout the year.

Paulino discusses Ashland’s journey and the significance of recognizing opportunities that not every program gets to experience. He highlights the balance between celebrating milestones and maintaining the hunger to improve, crediting last year’s Sweet 16 run as a motivating factor for this season’s success. Paulino notes that the team’s confidence and late-season performance are among the best he has seen, contributing to their return to the top of the conference.

The latest episode of the Talkin’ G-MAC podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features Rachel McCool from Ashland University, who serves as the Great Midwest’s National SAAC Representative and the Division II National SAAC External Communications Coordinator. In this episode, McCool discusses the importance of student-athlete voices in decision-making and how meaningful representation can drive impactful change across college athletics.

The conversation centers on a recent NCAA Division II football date survey, where two student-athlete representatives played a key role in shaping the final decision. McCool shares how the overwhelming majority of student-athletes expressed a desire to keep the original football date, and how their collective feedback—presented with confidence and clarity—ultimately influenced the committee’s decision.

McCool also reflects on the challenges student-athletes often face when voicing opinions in administrative settings and emphasizes how advocacy, communication, and unity can help shift narratives within sports governance. The experience, she explains, serves as a reminder that young athletes’ perspectives matter and that effective representation can lead to meaningful change.

Episode 305 offers an inspiring look at leadership, advocacy, and the growing influence of student-athlete voices within collegiate athletics.

Tune in to Episode 305 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast — available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major streaming platforms.

The latest episode of the Talkin’ G-MAC podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features two standout student-athletes fresh off their teams’ Great Midwest Cross Country Championship victories — Aubrey Hayes from Cedarville University and Kyle Woods from Walsh University. Both runners share their reflections on championship weekend, team culture, and the competitive drive that has propelled their programs to the top of the conference.

Hayes discusses the importance of setting high goals and maintaining a competitive spirit, emphasizing that even when teams aim high and fall short, the pursuit itself leads to growth and confidence. She highlights Cedarville’s team mentality, awareness of their toughest competition, and the mindset needed to keep improving as they head into the regional meet.

Woods reflects on Walsh’s return to championship form, noting that the feeling of winning a G-MAC title is unmatched. He credits the team’s “pack running” strategy, trust in training, and strong leader

The latest installment of the Talkin’ G-MAC podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features Makenna Belcher from the University of Findlay volleyball team. Belcher offers insight into the Oilers’ recent performance at the Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover, highlighting the team’s strong sense of camaraderie and focus on offensive execution.

Throughout the conversation, Belcher discusses the group’s “team-first” mentality, their growth throughout the season, and how preparation and trust have fueled Findlay’s success heading into the final stretch of conference play. She also reflects on the program’s goals as they look ahead to the upcoming Great Midwest Championship.

Listeners will enjoy an inside look at the Oilers’ approach to teamwork, motivation, and what drives their pursuit of excellence this season.