Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories

We’re proud to share the official trailer for the first 10 episodes of Champions Corner. A huge thank you to our incredible guests — from graduating student-athletes, coaches, and former professional players to professionals in medicine, finance, manufacturing, and beyond. Each brought unique insights and stories, all rooted in the values sports teach us.Champions Corner is more than a podcast. It’s a reminder that sports are our foundation — but the discipline, consistency, service, faith, and resilience we develop on the court become our competitive advantage in life after the game.This is only the beginning, and we’re just getting started. Let’s keep serving others and educating those around us.🎙 Current & former student-athletes: tap into the community.📢Follow us on all Socials:💬 Drop a comment or reach out to us — Who should be on the podcast next?🌐 Learn more and join the movement: www.thechampionscorner.org🔔 Follow for new spotlight stories episodes biweekly, and conversations that inspire purpose beyond the game.

Champions Corner Ep. 10 – Curtis Cobb III | From 46-Point Nights to Life After BasketballIn this episode of Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, host John Adams sits down with Curtis Cobb III, a former Division I standout and professional basketball player from Fall River, Massachusetts. Curtis reflects on his journey through Fall River, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Fairfield, UMass, and Wagner—highlighting lessons in consistency, faith, injury recovery, and mental growth.After college, Curtis went on to play professionally in Portugal and Vietnam, but unexpected injuries forced him to reevaluate what success meant beyond the court. We talk about the grind, the blessings of the game, the role of faith, and how he’s now pouring back into his community through mentorship.Don’t forget to follow the channel for more spotlight stories!!Timestamps:(0:00) – Trailer(3:41) – Introduction(4:53) – Wilbraham & Monson Academy: Foundational Years(9:27) – Fairfield University: Transition into College, Mentors, Consistency, Work Ethic(16:41) - 46-Point Game vs. Manhattan(21:28) – Transferring to UMass & Redshirting Season(29:43) – Wagner & 5th Year Growth - Leadership, Career Highs(32:46) - Reflection on all 3 Colleges & Collegiate Career(35:51) - First Generation College Student & Covid Times Delaying his Professional Career(40:25) - Covid Times Continued & Elite Group that Pushed each other during Unknown Times(43:56) – Going Pro in Portugal. The Call, Embracing the Culture, Exceeding at the Professional Level(47:55) - Lessons from Injuries, Embracing Setbacks, Faith being Challenged, Perspective Conversations(54:58) – Vietnam 3v3 & TBT Tournament, Basketball brought him All Around the World58:36 - Reflecting on What the Game Gave to Him, Blessings (1:00:44) – Season-Ending Injury & The Pivot, Life After the Game, Hanging up the Shoes1:02:34 - Transition Talk Further, Golf & Mentoring, Giving Back(1:08:27) – Faith Conversation1:14:44 - Fall River Roots & Reflection on what the City has Given to Him(1:18:33) – Final Question & Closing Remarks

Episode 9: Champion's Corner Spotlight Story with Aireus RaspberryIn this episode of Champion's Corner: Spotlight Stories, I’m joined by Cranston’s own Aireus Raspberry — a former teammate of mine, a standout at Johnson & Wales University, and a true Ocean State hooper. Aireus made the powerful decision to stay home and represent Rhode Island with pride, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the court.We dive into his journey from growing up in Cranston and sharpening his skills in Providence, to his unforgettable 32-point game against URI, and the countless summer workouts that fueled his rise. We talk through the highs, the lows, and the mental grind of college basketball — plus the tougher transition into life after graduation.Aireus opens up about losing love for the game at times, rediscovering purpose, the power of discipline, and why serving others is the next chapter he’s chasing. This conversation is about more than basketball — it's about perseverance, growth, and moving forward with heart once the final buzzer sounds.Timestamps:(0:00) – Trailer(1:36) – Introduction(3:18) – Choosing JWU and staying close to home(6:30) – How Providence and Cranston shaped him(8:06) – Prep school experiences & maturing as a player(10:00) – College career: life lessons from basketball(14:30) – Welcome to college moment & the importance of competition/enemy(16:43) – Summers in Providence: the grind and growth(19:57) – Summer jobs & maturity on and off the court(23:34) – Struggles in college and the mental game(27:06) – Leadership, discipline, and maturity(29:47) - Maturing as an athlete & the power of discipline(31:05) - D3 spotlight needed(33:37) – Life after graduation: the reality check(41:07) – Possibly exploring professional basketball; (44:02) - Finding new passions and planning for the future(45:26) – Closing reflections: perspective, purpose, and giving back(47:24) - Coaching/Training Aspirations(49:13) - Final Question(51:01) - Conclusion & final words

In Episode 8 of Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, we welcome our very first guest who didn’t come from the world of college hoops—but whose impact in sports and in life speaks volumes.Coach Russell Hubbs, Associate Director of Strength & Conditioning at The Citadel, joins the show to talk about his journey from Division I football player to one of the most respected and high-energy strength coaches in the game.Russ shares how his experience as a cadet-athlete at The Citadel shaped his discipline, the identity shift that came with stepping off the field, and how he climbed the coaching ladder through hard work and genuine passion. We also dive into the mindset it takes to lead athletes every day, how to build culture and buy-in, and what it really means to be a Champion—both inside and outside of sport.This episode is full of wisdom, authenticity, and the kind of advice young athletes, professionals, and leaders everywhere can take to heart.Timestamps(0:00) Trailer (1:35) Introducing Coach Russ (2:27) Why The Citadel? (4:42) What were some of the biggest adjustments stepping into the challenges as a cadet and division 1 football player? (5:47) Lifelong Relationships Formed (6:55) Boarding School vs The Citadel Lifestyle (7:45) A Couple Stories from Russ while at The Citadel (9:28) Russ's Football Journey - 2 SoCon Championships and More (11:05) Highlight of his 2015-2016 Football Team (12:13) Qualities in a Championship Team (13:51) His Biggest Takeaways from Div. 1 College Football(16:50) Importance of Being Genuine, Social Media, & How Smart Athletes are these Days (19:26) Becoming an Intern, Change in Identity from Athlete to S&C Coach, & Diving into the Strength & Conditioning World (22:21) Russ's First Team he was Assigned: Riflery (23:12) Life's Struggles and Being Unemployed (24:08) Beginning his First Full-Time S&C Position (25:24) Importance of Starting Small & Building Relationships from the Ground Up (25:40) Reflection on the Transition away from Collegiate Football & the Grind it Took (27:13) Citadel S&C Culture, Always Being Energetic, Positive, and Ready to Go (30:46) Mindset, Motivation, & Importance of Energy (33:19) Biggest Philosophies as a Coach (34:17) Mental Side of Strength & Conditioning, Highlighting Coaches & Mentors, Motivational Speeches (37:15) Coaching Staff Conversation about Internal vs. External Talent, Building a Tight Culture (41:16) Handling Adversity & How to Handle It, First Story (44:26) Russ's Second Adversity Story, Importance of Staying Busy and Marching Forward, Showing True Character (48:25) Work Ethic Conversation (49:45) Faith & Reflection(50:57) Top 3 Pieces of Advice for Athletes Transitioning into their Careers(52:42) Final Question & Concluding Remarks

Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories – Episode 7 | James JollyIn Episode 7 of Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, we sit down with James Jolly, a former collegiate basketball player whose journey from London to the U.S. is a testament to discipline, resilience, and self-growth. James shares why he pursued basketball and academics in America, the challenges of moving away from home at 15, and the lessons he learned at The Taft School and Salve Regina University.We dive into the highs and lows of his college career, from freshman-year struggles to becoming a two-year team captain. James discusses falling in love with the weight room, playing through injuries, and developing a tough-minded defensive identity. He also reveals how he transitioned from basketball to academics and professional development, excelling in accounting and internships while applying the same discipline that fueled his success on the court.James breaks down his self-improvement journey, the habits that shaped his mindset, and how Champions Corner has helped him grow. As he prepares for life after basketball, he shares advice for athletes transitioning into their careers and how sports shape success beyond the game.This episode is packed with wisdom, real-life experiences, and practical takeaways for anyone striving to grow—whether in sports, business, or life.Timestamps(0:00) Trailer(2:15) Introduction(3:05) Highlighting Jolly’s Journey from the UK to the USA: His Cousin, Soccer & Rugby, Bully Ball, & More(7:33) Moving Away from Home at 15, Growing Up, Boarding School(11:35) The Taft School, Moving to America, Salve Regina Reaching Out, Visit, Commitment, & Sports Crafting Our Young Lives(14:45) Beginning Life at Salve (Newport, RI)(17:00) Freshman Year Basketball, Struggles, Luck, and the Best Team He’s Played On(20:10) Transition to Sophomore Year, Falling in Love with the Weight Room, (22:30) Injury, Setbacks, Toughness and Playing through Injury(23:48) People Pleasing, Mental & Physical Toughness, Emotionless(26:13) Maturing on the Court, Bully Ball, Rugby & Defense Similarity, Taking Matchups Personally(30:15) Upperclassmen at Salve, 2-Year Team Captain, Leadership Evolution, Mental Side of Basketball, Being his Biggest Enemy(37:30) Junior Year Falling in Love with the Weight Room, The Self-Improvement Journey, Anchor of the Team, Be the Strongest & Most Physical Guy on the Court, Crafting his Identity, Sculpting Yourself & Creating Processes, Champions Corner Talk(45:30) Academics & School, Darkest Point at Salve, Choosing his Major, Changing Perception on Grades (49:16) Internships throughout College, Leadership, Growth(54:11) Correlation of Athletics to the Real World(55:00) What 3 Pieces of Advice would you Give for Balancing Habits You’ve Learned on the Court that You Now Apply in the Workforce(55:43) Advice #1: The Importance of Networking(57:19) Advice #2: Leave Your Ego at the Door, Ask Questions, Learn(58:26) Advice #3: Hard Work & Never Give Up(58:35) Jolly’s Self-Growth Journey, Joining Champions Corner, His Self-Improvement Evolution, Balance & Burnout, Improving & Challenging his Brain Daily, Accounting, Finding Enough Time in the Day(1:08:20) Description of the Growing Champion Corner Group & Network: Podcast, Private Call, Public Call, & Beyond(1:11:33) Sum Up Personal Growth Journey into 3 Key Habits(1:14:31) Weightlifting Callus, Adding to His Identity, High Self-Standards, Growth(1:15:53) What Jolly is Going Through Now: Concluding his Basketball Career & Transition into the Workforce(1:20:05) My Personal Situation with the Job Search & Transition to the Business World(1:22:05) Advice to those that Have Not Gone Through the Transition from Current Athlete to Former Athlete(1:23:35) Jolly’s Job Search & His Unique Situation/Dilemma (1:28:35) Jolly’s Personal Journey Summary & His Final Words(1:30:45) Final Question(1:32:16) Conclusion

In this episode of The Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, we sit down with Miles Lester, a former collegiate point guard turned coach, whose journey through the game is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days at Rice University to competing in the ACC at Wake Forest, Miles embraced every challenge, mastering his role as a teammate, leader, and student of the game. His perseverance and commitment led him to earn a scholarship in his final year, contributing to the biggest turnaround in ACC history.After hanging up his jersey, Miles transitioned seamlessly into coaching, starting as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Houston. Under the legendary Kelvin Sampson, he was immersed in a culture of excellence, learning the intricacies of player development, video coordination, and what it takes to build a championship program. His experiences, from working in the NBA Summer League to sitting in on coaches' meetings, provided him with a wealth of knowledge that he now brings to Drury University as an Assistant Coach.Throughout this episode, Miles shares the invaluable lessons he’s learned—from leadership as a point guard to the work ethic required at the highest levels of the game. He opens up about the unique culture at Houston, the transition from player to coach, and how coaching is more than just a job—it’s a calling to serve others and make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, basketball insights, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.Timestamps(0:00) Trailer(2:12) Introduction(4:03) What Led You to Rice University?(7:15) Lessons as a Freshman Point Guard(14:00) Advice to 19-year-old Miles Lester(15:00) Transferring to Wake Forest as a Preferred Walk On(17:50) Mindset Going into WF(21:35) Biggest Turnaround in ACC History (25:08) Received Scholarship for His Last Year at Wake(27:04) Off-Court Activities & Jobs(29:25) Job Search After Graduation, NBA Coaching/Front Office Dreams, Accepting Position at Houston for Volunteer Role Specializing in Video & Player Development (40:15) GA at Houston for his Second Season(41:20) Coaches Meetings, Coach Sampson Stories, Houston's Culture(49:55) Work Ethic, Houston's Culture & Standards(52:25) Becoming an Assistant Coach at Drury University(59:38) Advice to Young Professionals Starting Career After Sports, Find Your Passion(1:03:10) Final Question & Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of Champions Corner: Spotlight Story Podcast, we sit down with David Brown, a former collegiate basketball standout, coach, and successful business professional. From growing up in Lowell, MA, overcoming challenges, and excelling at WPI basketball, to transitioning into a thriving career in medical sales, David’s journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and embracing your role in any arena.Basketball & Leadership – How sports shaped his discipline, mindset, and success.Academics & Career Growth – The power of education in unlocking opportunities.From Athletics to Business – Lessons from sports that fueled his corporate success.Mental Resilience – Overcoming self-doubt, discipline, and personal growth.Fatherhood & Legacy – The values that guide him in family, work, and life.Advice for Young Athletes & Professionals – How to stand out, stay disciplined, and succeed.Coach Brown's story is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and real-life lessons for athletes, professionals, and anyone looking to level up in life. Tune in now! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, X, & YouTube.| Follow us on Social Media! |Instagram: ⁠@TheChampions_Corner⁠YouTube: Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories PodcastWebsite: ⁠www.Summit_of_Self.com⁠X: ⁠@Summit_of_Self⁠| Timestamps |(0:00) Podcast Teaser(2:37) Introduction(3:49) Why He Chose WPI / Making it Out of Lowell, MA / Coach Bartley's Recruitment / A Decision of 4 Years to Help with the Next 40 Years(6:30) The Power of Academics & The Importance of Thinking About the End Goal (8:00) The Playbook for Success & Basketball Setting You Up for Your Future(9:50) Talking Hoops: Playing a Role, Finding Joy, & Loving the Game(13:00) Man vs. Self / Confidence / Mental Side of the Game(16:00) Winning Culture / Winning vs. Losing and the Trajectory of Your Life / Winning in Life Through the Process(18:20) Advice to HS Athletes(21:05) The Importance of Culture / Player-Led Programs(25:05) Some Highlights & Memories of His Career(28:57) Hanging Up the Shoes / The Ball Stops Bouncing / Transitioning to his Business Career at Nordson MEDICAL(32:45) D. Brown's Mentor Relationship(35:55) Biggest Challenges Starting Out His Business Career and Graduating(39:20) Learning to Listen(40:12) Feeling Lost & Learning the Art of Timing in the Workforce / Setting Goals and Vision / Stone Cutter Approach / Investing Work Early so Second Half of Career is Successful(44:35) 3 Pieces of Advice to Young Professionals(49:05) Coaching Career / Serving Others / The Community of Basketball(55:10) The WPI Basketball Community / Having a "Brotherhood" & Winning Culture / Takes a Village to Grow a Man / Work Ethic(58:47) Fatherhood / Role Models / Mentors / Coaches / Children(1:03:10) Career Change: Nordson MEDICAL to Spectrum Plastics / Loyalty / A Family Decision (1:09:03) Concluding Thoughts(1:10:22) Final Question

Resilience. Perseverance. Faith. These are the qualities that define Isiah Gaiter’s journey from small-town Meriden, Connecticut, to playing professional basketball overseas. In this episode of Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, we sit down with Isiah to talk about the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that have shaped his career.From earning one full-ride scholarship through relentless work to attend Assumption University to transferring to South Alabama and proving himself at the Division I level, Isiah’s story is one of unwavering determination. He shares the lessons learned from mistakes, the importance of faith in his journey, and how he remained patient—waiting nearly 10 months before landing his first professional contract in Ireland.We discuss what it takes to be a successful point guard, the mindset required to keep pushing forward, and the gratitude that comes with living out your dreams. Isiah’s journey is a testament to trusting the process, staying ready, and never taking the game—or life—for granted.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on hard work paying off, the highs and lows of chasing a dream, and the importance of faith in every step. You won’t want to miss this one!📍 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, X, and Spotify!Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: ⁠@TheChampions_Corner⁠Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Champions Corner: Spotlight StoriesWebsite: ⁠www.Summit_of_Self.com⁠X: ⁠@Summit_of_Self⁠| Timestamps | (0:00) Introduction(1:14) Committing to Assumption University (NCAA NE-10 Division II)(3:35) Advice to Aspiring Collegiate Student-Athletes(4:20) Reminiscing About His 4 Years at Assumption: Mistakes, Lessons, Maturity, and more(9:15) Qualities Needed In Successful Point Guards(14:14) The Importance of Team Dynamics & Holding Others Accountable (16:09) The Importance of Faith Conversation(19:39) Covid Year Conversation(21:24) Entering the Transfer Portal and The Story Behind Choosing South Alabama University(26:23) Thoughts on the NE-10 vs. The Sunbelt Conference(27:47) Thoughts on Playing Division 1 Basketball, Team Culture & Locker Room Convo, Being Grateful and Living Out Dreams(34:00) Final Game at South Alabama and Isiah's Unique Journey Toward Playing Professional Basketball(41:45) Adjusting to Living in Ireland(45:30) The Importance of Environment and Closing Thoughts on Isiah's Journey(48:16) Final Question(49:38) Final Words & Conclusion

In this episode of Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, we sit down with Quentin Millora-Brown, a Washington, D.C. native whose basketball journey has taken him from collegiate courts in the U.S. to professional basketball in the Philippines. Quentin’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and relentless personal growth, making him a perfect guest for this podcast. We dive into Quentin’s early days at Rice University, where he transitioned to the demands of college basketball, and his high school years at Bishop O’Connell in the competitive WCAC. He shares insights on recovery and contrast therapy, as well as the challenges of transferring to Vanderbilt University, sitting out a year, and navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quentin reflects on his growth mindset, discussing long-term vs. short-term thinking, how "Name, Image, and Likeness" (NIL) has changed opportunities for collegiate athletes, and the importance of investing and making money work for you. He also highlights the adjustments required when moving from mid-major basketball to SEC play at Vanderbilt and shares what it takes to master a specific role on a team. We explore his leadership journey during his time at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and his focus on consistency, efficiency, positive energy, and instilling confidence in teammates. Quentin also emphasizes the importance of developing strong habits and falling in love with the process. The conversation wraps up with Quentin’s experiences playing professional basketball in the Philippines, his connection to his family there, and how he’s preparing for the next chapter in his career overseas. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone striving for self-growth, Quentin’s story is packed with valuable insights, lessons, and inspiration. Tune in for an engaging conversation that will leave you motivated to embrace your own journey of growth. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram: ⁠@TheChampions_Corner⁠ YouTube: ⁠@TheChampions_Corner⁠ Website: ⁠www.Summit_of_Self.com⁠ X: ⁠@Summit_of_Self⁠ Timestamps (0:00) Introduction (1:13) Why Rice University & Transition to College (4:33) WCAC, High School: Bishop O'Connell High School (6:10) Recovery & Contrast Therapy (9:07) Transferring to Vanderbilt, Sitting Out a Year, COVID (14:54) NIL Conversation, Long Term vs. Short Term, Money Should Work for You, Power of Investing (24:20) Low Major Basketball to SEC Play, Importance of Mastering a Role (29:45) The Citadel & Coach Conroy (35:08) Leadership & Growth at The Citadel (41:23) Consistency & Efficiency, Importance of Positive Energy, Off-Court Habits, Instilling Confidence in Teammates (45:45) Summers at Vanderbilt & Falling in Love with the Process Rather than Results (47:30) Attending University of the Philippines (UP) & Preparing to Play Professional Basketball in Asia, Family in the Philippines (59:21) Final Question (1:00:20) Conclusion

In our second episode of Champions Corner: Spotlight Stories, we shine the spotlight on Matthew Moyer—a former ESPN Top 100 recruit and Division I athlete whose journey exemplifies resilience, discipline, maturity, and growth. Ranked 74th nationally in 2014, Matt committed to Syracuse University, where he became a key contributor to the 2017-2018 team that reached the Sweet 16. After a redshirt year and pivotal moments with the Orange, Matt transferred to Vanderbilt University to further his academic and athletic goals, finishing his collegiate career at George Washington University. Beyond college basketball, Matt's story took him overseas, where he played professionally in New Zealand and Germany. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence both on and off the court. In this episode, Matt shares invaluable insights into his life and career. We discuss the importance of staying level-headed as an athlete and dive into Syracuse’s midnight meeting that served as a turning point during their Sweet 16 run. Matt reflects on the reality of living in a "microwave society," where patience and earning success are often undervalued, and shares his life motto that drives him to keep pushing forward. He opens up about the significance of experiencing lonely chapters in life and how solitude can foster personal growth. Additionally, Matt recounts his experiences living abroad, adjusting to new cultures, and thriving in professional basketball leagues. Finally, he shares his perspective on what it truly takes to be a champion, offering lessons that resonate far beyond sports. Join us for this inspiring conversation with Matthew Moyer as we explore his journey, the crossroads he faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Perfect for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and anyone striving to achieve greatness in their own life. | Follow Champions Corner on all Socials! | Instagram: @TheChampions_Corner YouTube: @TheChampions_Corner Website: www.Summit_of_Self.com X: @Summit_of_Self.com

Our first Spotlight Story at Champions Corner features Andrew Lufkin, an individual whose journey from collegiate basketball to professional success is nothing short of inspiring. During his basketball career, Andrew helped lead his team to an impressive 70-12 overall record and a Division III Elite 8 appearance, earning personal recognition with the Unsung Hero Award for his invaluable contributions on and off the court. Post-basketball, Andrew transitioned seamlessly into the business world, completing a training program at Cognex and moving to San Francisco to begin a career as a technical salesman. His story highlights the importance of teamwork, leadership, and competition—lessons cultivated on the court that continue to drive his professional growth. This feature dives into Andrew’s reflections on time management, the power of building habits, and why real-world experience is the ultimate teacher. He shares wisdom on networking, standing out in your industry, and overcoming the fear of failure. Above all, Andrew’s journey is a testament to how athletics can prepare you for life’s challenges and opportunities, providing a foundation for success both personally and professionally. Follow Champions Corner on Social Media! Instagram: @TheChampions_Corner YouTube: @TheChampions_Corner Link: www.Summit_of_Self.com X: @Summit_of_Self