In this episode, I’m joined by members of the defending Virginia Class 5 state champion Lightridge Bolts: Dylan Conti (‘27, Midfielder), Pranabh Malla (‘27, CDM), Brayden Moyssiadis (‘26, CB), and Caden Perkins (‘27, CB).We reflect on Lightridge’s remarkable championship run, revisit key moments from both this season and last year’s title campaign, and discuss the challenge of trying to go back-to-back as state champions.The players also break down the growing rivalry with Riverside — including last year’s dramatic regional final upset that propelled the Bolts toward a state title — and preview another massive postseason showdown between the two Loudoun powers.We also discuss coach David Cesnik, balancing club and high school soccer commitments, the coaches and role models who have shaped their development, and the keys to returning to the state final once again.A really enjoyable conversation with a talented group of young men who carry themselves with the confidence, composure, and humility of champions.

On this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Davis, whose Yorktown High School Patriots completed an undefeated regular season and enter the postseason among the favorites to compete for a state title.We discuss how this year’s side compares stylistically and emotionally to some of her other outstanding teams, the chemistry and selflessness of the current group, and why positional versatility has become such an important part of Yorktown’s identity. Coach Davis also reflects on how parenthood has influenced her approach to coaching, the evolving relationship between high school and club soccer, and the challenge of balancing confidence, pressure, and togetherness during a playoff run.We close by discussing the unique emotional stakes of postseason soccer and what a third state championship under her leadership—and a fourth in program history—would mean to both her and the Yorktown community.Always a pleasure catching up with Coach Hannah.

In this episode, I’m joined by defending Virginia Class 5 state champion Independence Tigers as they prepare for a new challenge: moving up to Class 6 while attempting to repeat as state champions.Joining me are three-time state champion head coach Ann Vierkorn, Emily Marlovits (‘26, CM), Kendall Bronaugh (‘26, CB), Kimi Zoder (‘27, CM), Morgan Blelloch (‘28, Wing), and Addy Frazzetti (Jr., CM).We reflect on Independence’s magical championship run, discuss the pressures and expectations that come with defending a title, and explore how this year’s group differs from last season’s team. We also talk about life in the Cedar Run District, competing against Prince William County powers rather than Loudoun rivals, and the keys to making another deep postseason run at Virginia’s highest classification level.Coach Ann and the players were outstanding guests — a fun, thoughtful conversation and another great hour of Northern Virginia high school soccer.Thumbnail photo by Noor Hussain

This episode features Riverside’s senior leaders from the Class of 2026 — Reid Bancroft (UVA), Thomas Ryan (Auburn), Jake Stavrou (Virginia Tech), and Jake Winans (JMU).We revisit last year’s heartbreaking state semifinal loss, discuss how this year’s team has forged a new identity, and preview a massive showdown with defending state champion Lightridge. We also talk rivalries, culture, leadership, and what a state title would mean to Riverside.The players close by sharing why they chose UVA, Auburn, Virginia Tech, and JMU.One of the strongest programs in Northern Virginia soccer — and a great conversation from start to finish.

In this episode, I sit down with the 2026 Yorktown Patriots following an undefeated regular season, with everything still ahead of them as the postseason begins — including the possibility of a return to the state semifinals, where last year’s run ended against Deep Run.I’m joined by senior co-captains Elyse Markowski (Emory), Claire Scott (Belmont), Elena Schultz (Virginia Wesleyan), and Jessie Talotta (Virginia Tech) — four accomplished players with thoughtful perspectives on leadership, team culture, and what it has meant to represent Yorktown soccer.We discuss the coaches and influences that shaped their journeys, the challenge of balancing club and high school soccer, and the emotions surrounding these final weeks together as teammates. It’s a fun and insightful conversation filled with laughter, strong chemistry, and genuine reflection from a special senior class.

On the eve of the Oakton–Madison showdown, I’m joined by Oakton midfielder Ella Dennis and Madison’s Shelby Smith to discuss one of Northern Virginia soccer’s premier rivalries and the proud traditions behind both programs. We talk about the coaches, teammates, and influences that shaped their soccer journeys, their goals as the postseason approaches, and their plans for college and beyond. A thoughtful and engaging conversation with two impressive young women representing two outstanding soccer communities.

On this episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I’m joined by three of Northern Virginia’s top high school soccer coaches: Bo Amato (Langley), Sean Patrick Burke (Woodson), and John Millward (Lewis).We break down the top teams across each district and look ahead to the postseason—highlighting the players and matchups to watch as the regular season winds down. The conversation also tackles the controversial new cumulative yellow card rule and how coaches are managing their squads during this critical stretch of the season.As always, it’s a mix of insight, perspective, and a few laughs with three coaches who know the game as well as anyone in the area.

On today’s episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I’m joined by newly appointed Bishop Ireton head coach Chris Wright to discuss his new opportunity and his remarkable basketball journey.Coach Wright grew up in Bowie before starring at St. John’s and Georgetown, where he played under John Thompson III and helped lead the Hoyas at the highest level of college basketball. He then went on to a professional career that took him across Europe, the Middle East, and South America.We talk about the lessons he learned along the way—from elite coaches and from competing against and studying players like Allen Iverson, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant. Coach Wright is a thoughtful, insightful voice on the game, and this conversation goes well beyond basketball into mindset, growth, and leadership.It’s a fascinating and enjoyable hour—and it’s clear Bishop Ireton is in very good hands.

On this episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I joined by Oakton High School standout Sophie Toole, one of the area's most impressive multi-sport athletes.Sophie just led the Cougars' basketball team to the state semis, earning Northern Region and Northern District Player of the Year honors along the way. Now, she’s headed to play Division I softball at Lafayette College—but not before making the difficult decision to choose softball over basketball.We dive into:• Her journey as a three-sport star at Oakton• The decision to pursue D1 softball• Growing up in a highly athletic family• The coaches and mentors who shaped her path, including Oakton legend Fred Priester• Her experience as MVP of the inaugural Fairfax County girls high school football league, leading her team to a championship appearanceSophie’s story is about talent, discipline, and making tough choices at the right time. She’s the kind of athlete that makes sports so compelling.Photo by David Custer Media

On today’s episode, I sit down with Billy Davis, a standout three-sport athlete from Mount Vernon who went on to star at Clemson and reach the NFL.Billy shares stories from his journey — growing up in Northern Virginia, playing for legendary coaches Bruce Patrick and Don McCool, winning a national championship at Clemson, and what it felt like to step onto an NFL field. We talk about the moments that shaped him, the people who influenced him, and the lessons that carried him from local fields to the national stage.It’s a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation with someone who has seen the game at every level — and still has the stories to prove it.