In this episode we sit down with Ashtin Meerpohl, the Director of Sports Performance for Wichita State Men’s Basketball, whose love for sports started at a young age and ultimately became his life’s work. A native of Holton, Kansas, Ashtin played sports growing up before injuries shifted his path from aspiring athlete to elite performance coach. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education in Community Health from the University of Kansas in 2015, Ashtin began working behind the scenes completing internships at Kansas and The Ohio State University, including time with OSU’s 2016 Fiesta Bowl football team. He then served as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for football at Southwest Minnesota State University, followed by a position as a Sports Performance Assistant back at Kansas before joining Oral Roberts University in 2018, eventually becoming Director of Sports Performance. In 2023 he returned home to Kansas to take on his current role with the Shockers.In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about his journey and timeline, the people who mentored him, the coaches and players he’s worked with, and the hands he’s shaken along the way. We dive into the values he’s seen in those who came before him, the ones who stood out and helped shape his philosophy, and how those same values guide his work today. We also explore his thoughts on faith, relationships, and building culture, as well as deep topics like genetics versus training, the pitfalls of “one size fits all” strength and conditioning programming, and the evolving landscape of NCAA rules and the competitive sports industry. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, athlete, or performance professional, this episode is packed with insight, real-world experience, and hard-earned wisdom for navigating life and performance at the highest levels.

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Ramseyer, Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion at Friends University, for a conversation that goes far beyond wins and losses. Rob shares how the same discipline, sacrifice, and intentionality required in sport show up in his most important roles as a husband and father. We unpack the parallels between marriage, fatherhood, and athletics, and why long-term success in any arena demands commitment, humility, and daily work. Rob also offers sharp insight into Gen Z on what they’re navigating, where institutions often miss the mark, and how leaders can better serve and develop this generation. From hiring philosophies and leadership traits to coaching misconceptions and discovering true purpose, this episode is a masterclass on building people, not just programs.

In this episode, we sit down with Brayan Reyes, a former professional soccer player whose journey took him from the streets of Honduras and the Bronx to the first divisions of Hungary and Honduras, and the USL Championship with FC Tulsa. Brayan’s story is one of grit, faith, and relentless discipline. A true example of how mindset and perseverance can turn humble beginnings into a global career.He opens up about growing up in Honduras, moving to New York at eight years old, and how the city’s parks became his training ground. Brayan reflects on earning a shot in Europe, adapting to new cultures, and returning home to play for Platense in Honduras’s top league before joining FC Tulsa in the U.S. Along the way, he shares the daily habits, values, and routines that shaped his professional success and personal growth.Beyond the game, Brayan speaks openly about his faith, how it grounded him through injuries and struggles, and the lessons he’s carried from each chapter of his career. Filled with powerful stories, raw insight, and motivation, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to make it and stay grounded at the highest level of sport.Press play and hear how Brayan Reyes turned challenges into opportunities, setbacks into lessons, and dreams into reality.

Former University of Tulsa softball standout Abby Jones joins the show to break down the rapid rise of softball, how it stacks up against baseball, and what it truly means to live the college athlete lifestyle. From navigating NIL opportunities to making lifestyle choices that shape success both on and off the field, Abby offers an authentic perspective on the game, growth, and gratitude. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone chasing their own path, her reflections will leave you inspired to rethink how you approach life beyond the diamond.

In this episode, we sit down with Mario Sanchez, former FC Tulsa head coach, to talk about the growth of U.S. soccer. From the rise of MLS and the USL Championship to the hot topic of promotion and relegation. Mario also shares his incredible journey as both a player and coach around the world, the role of family in his life and soccer career, and his insights on how young players should live, train, and prepare to reach the highest levels of the game.

After a championship-winning season at SNU, James Burries opens up about his journey from a multi-sport kid to a dominant D1 prospect, the wild nightlife scenes in Arizona and Cali, and the game-changing impact of NIL deals that are reshaping college sports with some players earning more than NFL pros. But that’s just the start. He reveals the untold struggles behind the spotlight, the secrets to staying mentally and physically elite, and why basketball players have an edge off the court that no one saw coming. Plus, you’ll hear his take on college relationships and the power of belief — and a cliffhanger that’ll have you coming back for more.In this episode, we dive deep with James Burries, the 6'7" guard making waves at Southern Nazarene University after leading his team to a championship. James shares the story of growing up playing multiple sports, the mindset and habits that keep him at the top of his game, and the D1 offers that shaped his path.We talk candidly about the nightlife cultures in Arizona and California, revealing how college athletes navigate the social scene while balancing the grind. James breaks down the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports with NIL deals, where some players are now earning more than NFL stars — challenging everything we thought we knew about amateur athletics.Beyond the glitz and glamour, he opens up about the real struggles college athletes face — the pressure, the relationships, and the constant fight to believe in yourself when the odds are stacked high. He also shares why basketball players often stand out among their peers off the court in ways you wouldn’t expect.

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Shellenberger, District Athletic Director at Piedmont Public Schools in Oklahoma, to explore the realities of leading an entire athletic program from the top.With years of experience shaping student-athletes and supporting coaches across multiple sports, Matthew shares his journey into athletic administration, the challenges and rewards of the role, and the leadership values that guide him. We also dive into the mental side of sports—not just for athletes, but for leaders—discussing how worry and doubt can creep into our lives, what to do when it feels overwhelming, and how to build a mindset that thrives under pressure.Whether you’re a young athlete, coach, or someone passionate about sports leadership, this conversation will leave you with powerful lessons on resilience, perspective, and purpose. Topics covered in this episode:* Matthew’s path to becoming a district athletic director* Overseeing athletic operations at the school district level* Leading and supporting coaches & teams* The mental battles leaders and athletes face* Practical steps for overcoming worry and doubt

In this episode of The Commits, we sit down with Wawa Palga — a national champion, relentless competitor, and passionate leader on and off the field. Wawa shares his story of playing at Iowa Western alongside now-Ligue 1 and Canadian international star Moïse Bombito, reflecting on what it took to win a national title at the junior college level. We dive into the mentality, adversity, and growth required to thrive in the Juco system, the behind-the-scenes bond of championship teams, and what Wawa envisions for his own future in the game and in life. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about perseverance, belief, and staying true to your purpose.Whether you're a young athlete or just someone navigating life’s challenges, this episode is packed with real gems.

In this episode of The Commits Podcast, we sit down with Jevon Bowman — former University of Tulsa Strength & Conditioning Coach, founder of Synapse Performance, and a man who’s trained D1 athletes, Professional athletes and elite performers at every level. But this conversation goes way deeper than just lifting weights.

Jevon opens up about his faith journey and what led him to commit his life to Christ, the founding of Synapse Performance where he uses cutting-edge neuro-based training to unlock new levels of movement, power, and athletic intelligence — and why traditional weightlifting is failing today’s athletes.

We cover:

What REALLY builds resilience and strength. The best athletes he’s ever coached (some names may surprise you). The biggest myths in weight training and performance. His challenges as a strength coach in a competitive field. How faith, pain, and purpose shaped his life and coaching philosophy. Why training the nervous system is the next frontier in performance. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just chasing growth — this episode will challenge the way you think about strength, performance, and character.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Lauryn Reither — former standout guard for Fort Hays State and Southern Nazarene University, now a graduate assistant coach — as she pulls back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes in college basketball. From battling through injuries and transfer struggles to finding her purpose in coaching, Lauryn shares how her faith, resilience, and love for the game have shaped her journey.

We dive into the realities most players and recruits don’t hear: the misconceptions about playing at the DII level, what coaches are really looking for in athletes, and how the transition from player to GA has challenged her both personally and professionally. Lauryn doesn't hold back as she debunks myths about college sports, recruiting, and coaching culture — and reminds us all why passion, perspective, and purpose matter more than ever.

If you're an athlete, coach, or someone navigating the world of college sports, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.