In this episode of Under the Wing, we take you courtside for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with my brother and former JUCO teammate, Derico "Rico" Sanders. From his humble beginnings in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to chasing his dreams on the east side of the state, Rico's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of relationships.

We dive deep into the raw, unfiltered reality of JUCO life—navigating limited resources, overcoming personal and academic challenges, and forging bonds that last a lifetime. Rico shares his candid reflections on the struggles he faced, from academic hurdles to a lack of access to key resources, and how those experiences shaped him into the man he is today.

But it’s not all grit and grind—this episode is full of humor, heartfelt memories, and the unforgettable moments we shared as teammates and brothers. Whether you're an athlete, a sports fan, or someone chasing dreams of your own, Rico’s story will inspire you to embrace the grind and push through life’s challenges.

In this episode of Under the Wing, I reconnect with a friend and former Delta College student-athlete, Alex Ramirez, for an authentic deep dive into the JUCO experience.

From our early days as childhood friends to reuniting in college, Alex shares her unique journey as a dual-sport athlete, tips regarding transitioning between schools, and the pivotal moments that shaped her both on and off the court.

But this episode goes deeper than sports. Alex opens up about overcoming adversity, including the loss of her father while at Delta, and how the unwavering support of her teammates and the tight-knit JUCO community helped her persevere. She also breaks down why JUCO is more than just a stepping stone—it’s a launchpad for personal development and lifelong relationships.

Tap in and hear firsthand why the JUCO grind builds not just better athletes, but better people.

In this episode of Under the Wing, host Andrew Wingard reflects on his transformative experience as a JUCO student-athlete at Delta College. From overcoming academic and athletic challenges to developing confidence, resilience, and a "Pioneer Mindset," Andrew shares how his time at JUCO shaped him as a student, athlete, and individual.

Discover the unique aspects of the JUCO world, the power of community support, and the lessons that extend far beyond the court or field. Andrew addresses a few common misconceptions about junior college athletics, celebrates the mentors and peers who made a difference in his journey, and offers insights into embracing the process.

Whether you're a current or former athlete, a sports enthusiast, or someone looking for a easy listen, this episode is for you. Plus, learn about the exciting season ahead as Andrew dives into conversations with fellow JUCO alumni, athletes, and changemakers.

Brought to you by Northbound Outfitters—your destination for adventure gear in Grayling, Michigan.

Join us as Suerethia Henderson discusses the gaps in financial education for young adults. She shares insights into the misconceptions that often hold people back and offers advice on how to start the financial journey if you are a novice.

Talking about money can be tough, especially with family. In this episode, Suerethia shares her approach to discussing finances with loved ones and provides tips on how to handle these conversations with care and confidence.

Suerethia also explains her vision for creating Wealth Network 360. Hear how she measures success and what drives her mission to empower the next generation.

In this powerful episode, Harry Psaros shares the pivotal moment that changed his approach to fatherhood after his son Gus was diagnosed with autism.

Harry Psaros offers heartfelt advice for fathers just starting the autism journey. He reflects on his own experience, offering insights into how dads can lead with love, empathy, positivity, and resilience, both in their family life and their professional work.

Damon has an impressive record, taking the Pioneers to 5 out of the last 6 NJCAA Division III national championship games.

In this episode, we dive into:

I'm thrilled to sit down with Kayla Baase, a true all-star from the Great Lakes Bay Region.

We'll dive into Kayla's journey as she balances her academic achievements and her success on the volleyball court.

On this episode, I sit down with Delta College Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jason Brown.

During the show we discuss:

I hope you enjoy!

Guess what?!?!

We are back for the much-anticipated part two.

Part one was too good, and I got carried away and lost in Brenda’s journey. It was too good to stop and switch gears in the moment. We had to run it back!

Brenda currently serves as the Director of Inclusive Excellence and Diversity Officer of Athletics at Southern Methodist University.

On this episode, I chat with Brenda about her experience at the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four and the incredible work she is doing in the DEI space. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

You can connect with Brenda via LinkedIn or your favorite media platform.

Brenda’s LinkedIn Profile

On this episode of Under the Wing, I sit down with Brenda Scott from Southern Methodist University.

*Author

*Higher Education Leader

*DEI Director/Coordinator

*Coach

*Mentor

There wasn't enough time to cover all my questions in one episode. This will be part one of two. BUCKLE UP!!! 

In part one, we had an opportunity to chat about:

Part two we dive into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. This conversation fed me. I hope you get something from Brenda's journey as well. 

Listen now on Anchor or your favorite media platform.