Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow

In this episode, Bella Perkins, a recent Orange Arrow alum, shares her journey through sports, identity, and growth. From battling early injuries to playing in a national championship televised on ESPN and earning Gatorade State High School Player of the Year, Bella's path has been shaped by determination. She opens up about the college recruiting process, why she first chose USC, and how transferring to Pitt turned out to be a smooth transition — aside from leaving the California weather behind. Bella also reflects on her time as an OA intern, from sending her first work email to speaking during a meeting with the Steelers, and shares how the experience helped her grow professionally and personally. Most of all, she reminds us that while being an athlete shapes who you are, it’s only part of the story.

In this episode of Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow, Shawn Robinson shares the realities of building a nonprofit from the ground up. From the challenges of growth and sustainability to the complexities of relationships and support, he reflects on lessons learned, the weight of leadership, and the unwavering mission to serve.

On this episode of Inside the Play Call, Shawn is joined by Tommy — a runner, golfer, hunter, and recent Orange Arrow intern — who takes us through his unique journey on and off the track. A Pittsburgh native, Tommy shares how the pandemic disrupted his senior year of high school and shaped his path forward. From picking up golf during COVID to navigating college decisions after a lost application, Tommy’s story is not one to miss. He opens up about starting at community college, making the leap to Pitt, and the grind of life as a student-athlete — early flights, long days, little sleep, and everything in-between. He also reflects on his time as an OA intern and what he’s carrying forward from his experience.

In this episode, Dr. Rosie Cheng shares how growing up in a sports-filled household sparked a lifelong connection to athletics. After high school sports injuries introduced her to athletic training, she found her calling at the intersection of sports and healthcare. From rotations with Pitt Football to leadership roles in higher ed, Rosie’s journey includes advocating for student-athlete wellness and addressing tough topics like eating disorders in athletics. Her doctoral research explored the barriers Division III athletes face when accessing mental health resources, highlighting time constraints, lack of awareness, and the self-imposed stigma many still navigate. Tune in to hear more!

Dr. Rich Milner is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development. In this role, he is not only a teacher, but also a researcher and leader in the fields of urban education and teacher education. Tune in to hear more about his journey to Vanderbilt, his time at Pitt - where he served as the director of the Center for Urban Education - and how he ended up rejoining the faculty at Vanderbilt in 2018.

Hank Poteat is the cornerbacks coach for the Iowa State Cyclones. In this role, he not only coaches but also mentors and develops his players to be more than just an athlete. Tune in to hear about his 10-year NFL career, which included a Super Bowl win, and the unique opportunity he had to play in the final game at two iconic Pittsburgh stadiums.

"We did it, ya'll, we did it." TEN for Orange Arrow was a great success! Tune in as Shawn reflects on our 10-year celebration event and everyone who made it possible.

Join Shawn and this week’s guest, Aimee Watters! Watters discusses her early beginning in sports, working her way up to playing soccer at Pitt while pursuing a degree in marketing and, later, an MBA. They also discuss her first job with Heinz and her eventual transition to DICK’S Sporting Goods, where she has played an integral role in the company’s growth, including through one of her favorite projects, the Sports Matter Spring Giving Tour.

Alexander Dexter - aka Dexter - is a professional soccer player who has played for Loudoun United and Charleston Battery. Tune in to hear more about his childhood as a military kid who lived everywhere from a goat farm in Georgia to Germany, and how he came to attend Pitt, where he was a standout soccer student-athlete and OA volunteer.

In this episode, Acklin shares his journey from growing up in South Oakland to leading one of the NHL’s most iconic franchises, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and trust on and off the ice. He also discusses the value of consistently showing up and the leadership qualities that unite people in sports and beyond.

RJ Thompson is the driving force behind Orange Arrow’s “cool factor.” By day, he serves as the Manager of Digital Strategy in the Health Sciences at Pitt and teaches at Pitt, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Point Park University, and West Virginia University. A longtime supporter, RJ is the creative mind behind the evolution of the OA brand and various OA projects, including launching this podcast. Tune in to hear how Captain America inspired his career in graphic design, and stay to discover how he listens to stories to capture the spirit of OA in his designs.

Get an inside look at the making of OASIS! In this episode, hear from several of our dynamic day one speakers, including Lousaka Polite and Doug Whaley, plus the can't-miss keynote conversation between OA Founder Shawn Robinson and legendary coach Jim Tressel.

Franco Harris was the epitome of what it meant to be more than an athlete. We are forever grateful for everything that he and his family have done for Orange Arrow and the community at large. The sports and greater community lost an icon when we heard of his passing. Orange Arrow will continue to do good work as part of his inimitable legacy.

Tune in as Shawn sits down with Monica McNeil, an academic counselor and learning specialist with Pitt Football! Listen to learn why Monica tells everyone that she’s “Not really from anywhere,” and how she made a gut decision to attend the University of Pittsburgh, even after moving in at Alabama. Monica also details her career-ending injury and how she relied on her community for support during her recovery. They finish by discussing how she became involved with Orange Arrow.

OA Vault: God's Plan (Episode 1) by Orange Arrow Players Association

Go Inside the Play Call with Shawn and Hope Utilities CEO Morgan O’Brien! The Outstanding CEOs Career Achievement winner, and former CEO of Duquesne Light & Peoples Natural Gas, O’Brien discusses the importance of hard work, from coming in early to staying late and everything in-between, including volunteering to take on more projects and always being willing to do what it takes to help the company succeed. He also explains the importance of leading by example and never losing touch with who you are, and the power of building relationships not just within your company, but also with the people you serve. They close out the episode by discussing the bonds created through golf and the importance of empowering people to help others, both on and off the field.

We're going back into the OA Vault to revisit our episode with Mike Pichette, Ohio native, standout swimmer, and Pitt grad. Listen as he talks about growing up a swimmer, his injury, finding structure through Orange Arrow, and how he prepared for life after graduation.

Join our host, Shawn Robinson, as he sits down with former Pitt football players and OA interns, Alex Kessman and Therran Coleman, to discuss everything from college recruitment to video games and finding balance as a student-athlete. These leaders also talk about learning how to deal with past failures both on and off the field, and how to turn criticism into motivation for success.

Today we’re talking about the news — OA news! Hear updates on our summer programming in McKeesport, how an event at Howard University led to an unexpected reconnection, our upcoming Training Table event, and key lessons in leadership and building winning cultures. Join our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Ze2yv

Dr. Rich Milner is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development. In this role, he is not only a teacher, but also a researcher and leader in the fields of urban education and teacher education. Tune in to hear more about his journey to Vanderbilt, his time at Pitt - where he served as the director of the Center for Urban Education - and how he ended up rejoining the faculty at Vanderbilt in 2018.

Matthew Goncalves is a former Pitt football athlete and Orange Arrow intern now playing professionally with the Indianapolis Colts. Tune in to hear about his experiences at Pitt and how he balanced his sport and extracurriculars. As always, stick around to the end to hear his advice for young student-athletes and why he supports the work of Orange Arrow.

Go Inside the Play Call with Shawn and one of the longest tenured members of the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, E.J. Borghetti! A Pitt man through and through, Borghetti has been at Pitt for nearly 30 years. Tune in as he discusses his own start in sports and how he always strived to both play and one day work at Pitt. He also reminisces on some of the most memorable players to come through the football program and provides advice to young athletes for pursuing a career after sports.

Today, Shawn sits down with DJ Moyer, a student-athlete and former OA intern, who shares his journey through college sports and academics. A first-generation college student, DJ opens up about balancing life as a student-athlete, offering tips for staying ahead of schoolwork and shedding light on the transfer portal experience. Our first football intern to manage his internship during the season, DJ also discusses his time with Orange Arrow, from the benefits he received from mentoring youth to his favorite activities to do with the kids.

Pitt offensive lineman Ryan Baer shares his journey from Eastlake, OH, to college football, including a unique COVID-era recruiting process and why he ultimately chose Pitt. He reflects on finding a sense of home in Pittsburgh, interning with Orange Arrow, and why success beyond the field matters.

We’re continuing our inside look at the making of OASIS! In this episode, hear from several of our dynamic day one speakers, including Lousaka Polite and Doug Whaley, plus the can't-miss keynote conversation between OA Founder Shawn Robinson and legendary coach Jim Tressel.

In this episode of Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow, host Shawn Robinson shares highlights from OASIS, the Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports.

Revisit the first episode of Inside the Play Call! This episode will take you on a journey of the development of Orange Arrow through the eyes of our founder, Shawn Robinson, starting with a city that draws 10,000 people for each high school football game to understanding why an NFL dream was not realized.

In this episode, host Shawn Robinson reflects on the power of relationships and how many dynamic OASIS speakers joined the lineup through meaningful connections. From shared values to mutual respect, Shawn shares stories that prove the best plays are drawn from genuine relationships. Tune in to hear how the dots connect behind the scenes of Orange Arrow. #TakeAim

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Tune in for a firsthand look at the making of OASIS! Don’t miss out — register today at orangearrow.org/oasis

Shawn sits down with Chris Curd, a Youngstown native, former Pitt student-athlete, and president of the Pittsburgh Flag Football League. They dive into a lively debate of "Off the Wall" vs. "Thriller," discuss the impact of NIL in college sports, and explore the growing presence of girls in flag football. Chris also shares personal insights on the vital role his spouse plays in his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with engaging stories and reflections on sports, music, and life!

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Join us at OASIS in June: orangearrow.org/oasis

In this episode, Dr. Rosie Cheng — Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Wellness and Belonging and NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee at Carnegie Mellon — shares how growing up in a sports-filled household sparked a lifelong connection to athletics. After high school sports injuries introduced her to athletic training, she found her calling at the intersection of sports and healthcare. From rotations with Pitt Football — where she first met Shawn — to leadership roles in higher ed, Rosie’s journey includes advocating for student-athlete wellness and addressing tough topics like eating disorders in athletics. Her recent doctoral research explored the barriers Division III athletes face when accessing mental health resources, highlighting time constraints, lack of awareness, and the self-imposed stigma many still navigate. As both a planning committee member and speaker for OASIS, Dr. Cheng is helping bridge gaps across education and athletics, in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Join Shawn and Keye Thompson, a former linebacker at Pitt! After a transfer from Ohio University, Thompson delves into how he became involved with Orange Arrow and shares some of his favorite memories. They also discuss the impact of relationships, both among family and professionally.

In this episode, Bella Perkins, a recent Orange Arrow alum, shares her journey through sports, identity, and growth. From battling early injuries to playing in a national championship televised on ESPN and earning Gatorade State High School Player of the Year, Bella's path has been shaped by determination. She opens up about the college recruiting process, why she first chose USC, and how transferring to Pitt turned out to be a smooth transition — aside from leaving the California weather behind. Bella also reflects on her time as an OA intern, from sending her first work email to speaking during a meeting with the Steelers, and shares how the experience helped her grow professionally and personally. Most of all, she reminds us that while being an athlete shapes who you are, it’s only part of the story.

On this episode of Inside the Play Call, Shawn is joined by Tommy — a runner, golfer, hunter, and recent Orange Arrow intern — who takes us through his unique journey on and off the track. A Pittsburgh native, Tommy shares how the pandemic disrupted his senior year of high school and shaped his path forward. From picking up golf during COVID to navigating college decisions after a lost application, Tommy’s story is not one to miss. He opens up about starting at community college, making the leap to Pitt, and the grind of life as a student-athlete — early flights, long days, little sleep, and everything in-between. He also reflects on his time as an OA intern and what he’s carrying forward from his experience.

In this episode, host Shawn Robinson chats with Sam Novelli, who first joined Orange Arrow as a middle schooler through the OA12 program. Now a college student, Sam reflects on his journey, sharing his "superpowers," fondest OA memories, and his passion for music and education. This heartfelt episode offers a glimpse into their relationship over the years and highlights the lasting impact Orange Arrow has had on Sam's life and growth.

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Tune in for a firsthand look at the making of OASIS!

Shawn dives into the behind-the-scenes journey of securing the opening keynote speaker for the Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports (OASIS). Don’t miss this inside look at bringing the vision of OASIS to life! Register to join us with Coach Jim Tressel this June at Pitt: oasis2025.eventbrite.com

In this episode of Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow, Shawn Robinson shares the realities of building a nonprofit from the ground up. From the challenges of growth and sustainability to the complexities of relationships and support, he reflects on lessons learned, the weight of leadership, and the unwavering mission to serve.

In this special episode, Shawn sits down with Dillon Javid, a high school senior, student-athlete, and OA alum. As the editor-in-chief of his school newspaper and a dedicated rower, Dillon has been making waves both on and off the water. He reflects on his journey with Orange Arrow, from the Summer Academy to unforgettable moments like meeting the legendary Franco Harris and networking at OASIS.

Matthew Goncalves is a former Pitt football athlete and Orange Arrow intern. Tune in to hear about his experiences at Pitt and how he balanced his sport and extracurriculars. As always, stick around to the end to hear his advice for young student-athletes and why he supports the work of Orange Arrow.

Todd Hill is a student-athlete, Duquesne graduate, and former OA intern. A native of Homestead, PA, Todd discusses how he got his start playing football — a sport that took him a while to warm up to — eventually leading him to be part of the first generation in his family to graduate from college. Now a graduate student-athlete at Slippery Rock University, tune in to hear more about his college football journey, in Pittsburgh and beyond, and some of his favorite, most impactful memories from his time as an OA coach.

In this mini pod episode, host Shawn Robinson takes listeners back to the origins of Training Table — how it all started and the impact it has made. Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive insider announcement about the upcoming Training Table Tour!

Join Shawn as he introduces OASIS — Orange Arrow’s groundbreaking event that brings people together to transform the sports community.

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Tune in for a firsthand look at the making of OASIS!

We're back! In this episode, host Shawn Robinson catches up with his former teammate, Tray Crayton. As they discuss sports, music, and faith, they uncover an even deeper connection — both were shaped by their early experiences growing up in the church. Tray, a former professional athlete and sports executive, shares his journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose through his faith, which led to his book, “Battled and Bruised,“ and his platform, Triumph with Trai. Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, purpose, and the lessons that go beyond the game.

We're going back into the OA Vault to revisit our episode with Mike Pichette, Ohio native, standout swimmer, and Pitt grad. Listen as he talks about growing up a swimmer, his injury, finding structure through Orange Arrow, and how he prepared for life after graduation.

Breonna Greene is a former OA intern and current student at Penn State where she serves as the PR Chair for the Black Caucus and is on the e-board of the Multicultural Resource Center. A native of Penn Hills, PA, Breonna discusses her upbringing and sports background and why her taste in music and TV make her an old soul. Tune in to hear how she got her start with OA last summer, including some of her favorite memories (notably, a Chick-fil-A sauce incident) and her advice for future OA interns.

Nathan Bossory grew up on an apple orchard outside of Ann Arbor, MI. Now working in finance, Bossory, a former Pitt student-athlete and OA coach, discusses his upbringing, including how sports became a bridge to learning and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Tune in to hear more about his entrepreneurial mindset and how he developed the attitude of “Get the job done." Stick around as he and Shawn recount some of the courageous conversations they’ve had about treating everyone with dignity, building trust, and making the greatest impact.

Listen in as Shawn recaps a previous speaking engagement at Tuskegee University, part of their career readiness program, College Transition: Student-Athlete Edition. Shawn and other OA team members speak with current student-athletes about the importance of utilizing your time because the time to plan for your future is today.