On this episode 204 I am delighted to be joined by Texas Women's head basketball coach Vic Schafer.

This episode was recorded in person from coach Schafer's office on campus in November 2025. We discuss his coaching philosophy, reason for coaching, how recruiting has changed, the attributes he looks for in his players & coaching staff and more.

Listen to Grace Prenter's episode here https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yUo76pJV6RtAhdcHMnHeL?si=e8aef2f2f1a44438

Vic Schafer Bio: Overall record 435–206

• Vic Schaefer began his head-coaching career at Sam Houston State (1990–1997), rebuilding the program and earning Southland Coach of the Year honors.

• At Mississippi State (2012–2020), he turned the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse, reaching two NCAA finals and snapping UConn’s historic win streak in 2017.

• He took over Texas (2020–present) and quickly restored the Longhorns as a national contender with conference titles and deep NCAA runs.

• Renowned for elite defensive culture and consistency, Schaefer has led multiple programs to sustained success at the highest level of women’s college basketball.

  
  

  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

  ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠

  Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

  Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . 

  If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 203 I am delighted to be joined by one of Australia's best ever Aussie Rules coaches Alan McConnell.

We discuss coaching, attributes of elite coaches, leadership, captains and more. We also discuss AFLW and the influx in Irish players. Alan was the mastermind behind Cora Staunton's move to Australia and also signed Brid Stack. Two athletes that made a remarkable effect not only on the team but Alan as a coach.

Known for his calm leadership, tactical clarity, and deep understanding of high-performance environments, Alan has been influential in shaping players both on and off the field. hE brings a thoughtful perspective on coaching, culture, and the evolving demands of elite sport.

Since stepping down from Western Sydney Giants AFLW he is now working as a coach developer with olympic and paralympic sports in Australia.

Loads of insights throughout with gems and nuggets from Alan's tenure as a coach. This episode was recorded a few months ago and experienced audio issues at times. Thanks to Paul McConnell of the great coaches podcast for connecting us both.

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On this episode 202, I am joined by golf podcaster Jonny Mac Cann for a deep and dynamic State of the Game golf edition. The aim was to keep the conversation to 40 minutes which we failed at miserably as the 2025 golf season was packed with history and headlines. 

In a wide-ranging episode we discuss golf media, Irish women’s golf, Lauren Walsh , rising stars in the game, and that masters win by Rory. We also dig into the Ryder Cup, will Luke Donald continue as captain and who will over next. Please note the conversation was recorded prior to the departure of Brooks Kepka from Liv. We discuss Liv’s pending merger with the PGA and Tom McKibbon. 

It’s an honest, insightful chat that looks at where the game is right now — and where it might be heading next. 

Check out Jonny’s podcast and socials here 

https://linktr.ee/bogeymenpod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 

Shane Lowry 2019 The Open RTE Sport radio documentary https://on.soundcloud.com/mN6HCt4aKV3DRG2Cdd

Are you new to the game of golf or a beginner looking to invest in suitable and affordable golf shoes? Check out a new Irish start up sole in one. A dynamic and durable accessory that turns any runner or trainer into a suitable golfing shoe. Check them out here https://soleinone1.com/ 

As a listener of the sideline live podcast unlock your exclusive offer for The Sporting Club Ireland where sport and business meet. 

A community built on connections, bringing together decision makers, entrepreneurs, and sports personalities across Ireland. Upcoming events in 2026 include Johnny Sexton, Peter O’Mahony and Nina Carberry with more to be announced. 

Receive a discount via this link https://thesportingclub.co/register/dublin-individual-membership-pay-monthly-sideline-live/

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: 

https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠  

On episode 201 I am delighted to be joined by Adam Harrington. 

Adam is an NBA shooting coach and player development specialist, widely regarded as one of the leading shooting minds in the game. 

Adam was a High School All-American. Following high school he played at NC State and would later transfer to Auburn University. While he went undrafted he would sign a summer league contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and later a contract with the Dallas Mavericks. His career would span for over a decade in the NBA and across Europe. Adam has played across every level int he game from the NBA, G league, Collage, professionally around the world and winning titles he has done it all. 

Harrington following a stint selling medical devices would later transition into coaching and player development. He has worked extensively with top NBA players including Kevin Durant , Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson. Sabrina Ionescu, Ella Delle Donne, Fred Vanvleet, Ben Sheppard, Narasha Cloud to name a few. 

He has also held shooting and development roles with NBA franchises including the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Working with players to refine mechanics, consistency, and build confidence. Adam also spent the inagural season season of Unrivalled, the Women's 3x3 League, as Head Coach for Team Phantom BC. 

Known for blending technical detail and with game-realistic training, Adam’s approach focuses on footwork and balance in your shot. We broke down the details as much as we could on audio from your finger placement, to footwork, balance and drills. We also discussed his career, life as a coach, the reality of working in the NBA, his professional career and more. 

Adam is a fountain of knowledge and a gentleman. I was very fortunate to pick his brain for an hour in his training facility in New Jersey. A special thanks to Kieran Quinn for connecting us both. 

So tune in from one of the best shooting coaches in the world for his insights, and secrets to finding success with his clients, and life as one of the most sought-after shooting coaches in the game.

As a listener of the sideline live podcast unlock your exclusive offer for The Sporting Club Ireland where sport and business meet.  A community built on connections, bringing together decision makers, entrepreneurs, and sports personalities across Ireland. Upcoming events in 2026 include Johnny Sexton, Peter O’Mahony and Nina Carberry with more to be announced. 

Receive a discount via this link https://thesportingclub.co/register/dublin-individual-membership-pay-monthly-sideline-live/

Find Adam here https://www.instagram.com/adampharrington/

Follow the clubhouse https://www.instagram.com/nj_clubhouse/

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Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 200 I am delighted to be joined by UCONN Husky Gandy Malou-Mamel. 

Gandy and I first spoke a few years ago when she made history becoming the first ever Irish player to sign for the UCONN Huskies. Check out episode 120 for that first chat. 

This time we catch up on campus and discuss her journey since then. How she has settled in, life on campus, being a husky, making her debut and more! We also discuss her journey from being spotted by accident on a video, developing her skills, coming to the US, and being a role model. 

Gandy is an excellent basketball player but an even better person. She is the ultimate role model and is paving the way for Irish basketball on the world stage. I can't wait to see what she does on and off the court. A true trailblazer, this is Gandy Malou-Mamel. 

This is Spotlight Her — where we celebrate the athletes, the journey, and the game.

The Spotlight Her series is a collaboration with Basketball Ireland  supported by sport ireland   

Follow Gandy here

https://www.instagram.com/gandymamel/

Follow UCONN https://www.instagram.com/uconnwbb/ 

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Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

On episode 199 I am delighted to be joined by Grace Prenter, freshman at the University of Texas. 

One of the most exciting young talents to emerge from the island of Ireland Grace is grew up playing in south Dublin. She took to many sports including basketball at Meteors, Gaelic football in Kilmacud Crokes and athletics with Dundrum South Dublin athletics club. 

However basketball took over as she honed her craft not only with her club but during extra sessions with her family whenever they could find an open gym. Despite an early set back she progressed through the Irish underage system. From winning the AICCs in 2022, to multiple national cup wins, super league at 16, and representing her country across multiple age groups at the FIBA European Championships. 

In 2023 she become a key figure in Irish international squads with two of her teams finishing in the top 6 at the U18 and U20 levels in 2023 and 2025.  

She dreamed of playing college basketball in the US and planned a prep year after completing her leaving cert last summer. However a call from the University of Texas changed her path. She would soon commit to Coach Vic and the longhorns following a visit to campus where she began in late August.  

We recorded this episode on campus in Austin at the Kevin Durant Basketball center. We sat overlooking the Austin skyline from the team film room discussing her path to the states, life in Texas and being a longhorn. We also uncover the setbacks, and opportunities she has embraced along the way. 

Since recording this episode in person Grace won the Players Era thanksgiving tournament in Las Vegas. The longhorns beat both UCLA and South Carolina to claim the trophy and have since been ranked 2nd in the country. 

Grace is the first ever Irish player to be part of the Texas program. Her path was built on determination, self belief and hard work. But also thanks to the support and strength of those around her including family and friends. Her work rate has outshot her evident talent as continues to maximise all of her opportunities. It’s safe to say the future is bright for young Prenter. 

This is Spotlight Her — where we celebrate the athletes, the journey, and the game.

The Spotlight Her series is a collaboration with Basketball Ireland  supported by sport ireland   

Follow Grace here

https://www.instagram.com/graceprenterr/

Follow Texas Women's Basketball

https://www.instagram.com/texaswbb/

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels: 

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Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 198 I am delighted to be joined by Host on Sirius XM NBA Radio and contributor Brian Geltzeiler. Brian also works in finance full time and developed his media career from setting up his own blog, Hoopscritic. He would share articles online tagging those he mentioned on X and grew his following and name as an NBA contributor.

He has worked as a contributor across multiple platforms including NBA Tv and currently hosts his own show on Sirius XM NBA Radio alongside Sam Mitchell.

We discuss his career in media, his journey to date including opportunities and setbacks, the evolution of player driven media, NBA Europe, expansion and more. We also briefly discuss the current 25-26 NBA season, the impact of NIL in college basketball on the NBA, including his current top picks for MVP, ROTY, East & West finals.

Find Brian here

https://x.com/BGeltzNBA

https://www.instagram.com/bgeltz/

As a listener of the sideline live podcast unlock your exclusive offer for The Sporting Club Ireland where sport and business meet.  A community built on connections, bringing together decision makers, entrepreneurs, and sports personalities across Ireland. Upcoming events in 2026 include Johnny Sexton, Peter O’Mahony and Nina Carberry with more to be announced. 

Receive a discount via this link ⁠https://thesportingclub.co/register/dublin-individual-membership-pay-monthly-sideline-live/ ⁠

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/thesidelinelive⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thesidelinelive/⁠⁠⁠ 

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 197 I am delighted to be joined by Oklahoma Sooners forward Emma Tolan.

Emma rejoins the podcast following her first interview on episode 175 following her announcement to join the Sooners on scholarship. She is one of the many Irish girls putting Irish basketball on the world map and one of two Irish players in the SEC this season. If you haven't listened to that episode go back and learn about her basketball journey which is key context for this episode... From the Virginia Show center with give or take a max capacity of 600, to the Lloyd Noble Center with over 10,000 people.  “Going from the wee show center in Virginia out to that big of a stadium is a bit mad to think about”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KQd3FdaGJmMEcsKPgXNjq?si=TadoVbEISHyHX6uJ2ebOEg

While in this episode we catch up on her life since June, how she has settled in Norman Oklahoma, the style of basketball, life as a college athlete in the SEC and more.

Since recording this interview Emma has gone to feature in multiple games averaging 13.8 minutes in her first year of college basketball. She is an outstanding player and role model for all Irish basketball players.

Follow Emma here:

https://www.instagram.com/emma_tolan1/

Follow Oklahoma Women's Basketball

https://www.instagram.com/ou_wbball/

Follow her ESPN profile here to keep up with her stats https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5311586/emma-tolan

This is Spotlight Her — where we celebrate the athletes, the journey, and the game.

The Spotlight Her series is a collaboration with Basketball Ireland  supported by sport ireland   

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/thesidelinelive⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thesidelinelive/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 196 I am joined by St. Leo Guard and Irish international Amy Duggan. 

Amy is originally from Cobh in Cork where she grew up playing basketball and camogie locally. She dreamed of playing college basketball in the states and following in fellow cork woman Edel Thornton’s footsteps. 

Amy developed her skills in the gym with extra individual practice sessions outside of her club team in Cobh.  

Her work paid off as she experienced success domestically and earning her spot on international squads.

Opportunities to pursue basketball in the United States began however right before she signed with St.Leo she tore her ACL in 6th year. 

However this didn’t detour Duggan she attacked the rehabilitation process and was named to the U20 Irish squad which marked her first game back since her injury. 

She spent one year at Junior college and this season began at St.Leo despite a coaching change. 

Amy’s story is a lesson in resilience and drive as she overcame so may obstacles to achieve her dream of playing college basketball. 

This is Spotlight Her — where we celebrate the athletes, the journey, and the game.

The Spotlight Her series is a collaboration with Basketball Ireland  supported by sport ireland   

Follow Amy here https://www.instagram.com/amydugg08/

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/thesidelinelive⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thesidelinelive/⁠⁠⁠ 

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

On episode 195 I am delighted to be joined by Caldwell University guard Lucy Coogan.

An underage star in Ireland Lucy worked on her game for close to 10,000 hours across sports halls in Kilkenny to get a chance at playing college basketball in the United States. However it nearly didn't happen. She would spend hours emailing coaches from her sitting room in Kilkenny and working on her game. Former Irish international and mentor Kieran Quinn put Lucy in touch with a division 2 coach at Caldwell University coach Christie Conforti where Lucy accepted a scholarship. Since then she has flourished as starting her senior season she's already in the record books at Caldwell, recorded over 1,000 points, regarded as one of the top players in her conference where she ranked top 5 in scoring and rebounds last season, she awarded conference honours and had division 1 interest. However she has remained loyal to the coach and program who gave her a chance when nobody else did.

Her basketball journey is a lesson in resilience, hard work, and never giving up on your dream.

This is Spotlight Her — where we celebrate the athletes, the journey, and the game.

The Spotlight Her series is a collaboration with Basketball Ireland  supported by sport ireland   

Follow Lucy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lucycoogan08/

Athletic profile https://caldwellathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/lucy-coogan/6336

Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels: 

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⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thesidelinelive/⁠⁠⁠ 

Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠