Athlete Insights

What does it take to build a career in college athletics and eventually work for the Big Ten Conference?In this episode of the Athlete Insights Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Menard, Assistant Director of Digital & Social Media for the Big Ten Conference, to discuss her incredible journey through the sports industry.Jordan shares how she got her start in the Sport Management program and Athletics Communications Department at Central Michigan University, gained valuable experience as an Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant at the University of Indianapolis, worked at the NCAA, and ultimately landed her current role helping lead the Big Ten's digital and social media strategy.Whether you're a sport management student, aspiring athletic communications professional, or someone looking to break into the sports industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights.In this episode, we discuss: - Jordan's journey from Central Michigan to the Big Ten - What it's like managing digital and social media for one of the nation's premier conferences - How internships and graduate assistantships can accelerate your career - Her experience working at the NCAA - Tips for landing your first job in college athletics - Advice for students pursuing careers in sport management, communications, and digital mediaIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share with someone interested in working in sports! Athlete Insights Podcast brings you conversations with coaches, athletes, and sports industry professionals to help you learn from the people shaping the future of sports.

What does it take to build a winning football program? More importantly, what does it take to develop young men into leaders?In this episode, I sit down with Coach JR Conkright, Head Football Coach of the Loveland HS Red Wolves (CO), to discuss his remarkable journey from the United States Air Force to leading one of Colorado's respected high school football programs.Coach Conkright shares how his football background, military service, and coaching experiences have shaped the leadership philosophy he brings to his team every day.One message stood above the rest:"Be relentless in everything you do."Whether it's in the classroom, the film room, the weight room, or under the Friday night lights, Coach Conkright believes relentless effort and accountability are the foundation of long-term success.In this episode, we discuss:Coach Conkright's football journeyHow the Air Force shaped his leadership philosophyWhy success starts in the classroomThe importance of film study and preparationBuilding discipline in the weight roomCreating a culture of accountabilityWhat he looks for in student-athletesAdvice for aspiring coaches and young football playersThis conversation is about much more than football—it's about leadership, discipline, service, and pursuing excellence in every aspect of life.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more interviews with coaches, athletes, executives, and leaders from across the sports industry.

In this episode of the Athlete Insights Podcast, I sit down with Ayden Vanwinkle, senior football player at Coffee County High School in Manchester, Tennessee, to discuss his journey through high school football and the lessons he's learned along the way.Ayden reflects on his high school career, the importance of film study, leadership, preparation, and what it takes to continue improving as an athlete. We also discuss NIL opportunities at the collegiate level, the recruiting process, and advice for younger players looking to maximize their potential.Topics discussed:🏈 Reflecting on a high school football career🏈 Why film study is critical for player development🏈 Leadership and being a great teammate🏈 Thoughts on NIL and the future of college athletics🏈 Advice for younger football players🏈 Life lessons learned through sportsWhether you're a player, coach, parent, or football fan, this episode provides valuable insight into the mindset and habits that contribute to success on and off the field.

In this episode of the Athlete Insights Podcast, I sit down with Mike Famiglietti, Special Teams Coordinator at Minot State University, to discuss his journey through the world of college football.From his playing days as a long snapper at Western Michigan University and Western Illinois University to leading special teams at the collegiate level, Coach Famiglietti shares the experiences, lessons, and challenges that shaped his coaching career.In this episode, we discuss: - Coach Famiglietti's path from player to coordinator - What it takes to succeed in college football coaching - Leadership, culture, and player development - Recruiting and relationship-building in today's game - Advice for aspiring coaches and sport management students - The future of college footballWhether you're an athlete, coach, student, or football fan, this conversation provides valuable insight into the profession and the people who help build successful programs behind the scenes.Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in sports, athletics, coaching, and sport business.

In this episode of Athlete Insights, I sit down with Alicia Barnachea, Game Presentation/Operations and Community Relations Manager for the Cincinnati Cyclones, to talk about her journey from Ball State University to building a career in professional sports.Alicia shares her experiences breaking into the sport industry, lessons learned along the way, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes in professional hockey. We also reflect on our time at Ball State, the importance of networking, gaining hands-on experience, and advice for students and young professionals looking to work in sports.In this episode, we discuss:Alicia’s path from Ball State to the Cincinnati CyclonesWhat game presentation & sport operations look like behind the scenesCommunity relations and fan engagement in professional sportsBreaking into the competitive sport industryCareer advice for aspiring women in sport Lessons learned from the journey so far + more! Like & Subscribe to Athlete Insights for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sport industry professionals sharing their journeys and insights!

In this episode of Athlete Insights, we sit down with Jacob White, Assistant Linebackers Coach at Northwestern University, to discuss his journey from his early days in football to playing at Ball State University and building his career in college coaching.Coach White shares insights on leadership, player development, recruiting in today’s college football landscape, and how NIL and the transfer portal have completely changed the game for coaches and student-athletes.We also dive into what separates great linebackers, the importance of team culture, and advice for young people looking to break into football coaching and operations.If you're interested in college football, coaching, NIL, recruiting, or leadership in sports—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders across the sports industry.