No Playbook: Real Recruiting Stories

Caylan Arnold Elliott joins the show to talk all things softball—from her local roots to her global playing career.A Maryville High School standout, Caylan went on to play at Tennessee before finishing her college career at Florida State. She shares what that journey looked like, including the transition between programs and what she learned along the way.We also dive into her professional career, where she played internationally in places like Italy and the Netherlands, and how those experiences shaped her perspective on the game and life beyond it.Now back in the States, Caylan is helping grow the game in a big way—working in administration with the Florida Vibe and coaching locally. We also talk about the excitement surrounding a new Knoxville softball team coming to town and what that means for the future of the sport in East Tennessee.Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with a softball fan! Also follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod.#floridavibe #knoxvillesoftball #floridastate #vols #tennesseesoftball #maryville #maryvillehighschool #prosoftball 

In this episode, I talk with Kai Tsakiris, a dynamic new addition to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers soccer roster.Kai shares her journey from being a standout youth player and ECNL Player of the Year with Slammers FC to competing at the highest level with the Florida Gators soccer. She opens up about her freshman season at Florida, what led her to enter the transfer portal, and why Tennessee felt like the right next step.We also dive into the work that happens beyond game day, from training habits that elevate her performance to adjusting to life in Knoxville. Plus, Kai gives fans a glimpse of what to expect from the Lady Vols this season, shares a personal story you probably haven’t heard before, and reflects on one unforgettable sports memory.If you’re a soccer fan, a recruit, or just love real stories from athletes navigating their journey, check it out!#tennesseesoccer #ladyvols #kaitsakiris #ecnl #slammersfc #knoxville #floridasoccer #gatorssoccer #transferportal #recruitingFull video episodes are available on YouTube. 

Jadyn Dehart is a high school football recruit from Hardin Valley Academy in Knoxville. He spent his first year of high school at Alcoa and then two seasons with William Blount. He talks about transferring to Hardin Valley as a senior and how that could affect his recruiting process. He recently decommitted from Georgia Southern and is now weighing other fantastic options. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. #alcoa #hardinvalley #knoxville #williamblount #blountcounty #footballrecruiting #recruiting #tssaa #nebraskafootball

Erika Waycaster is the head volleyball coach at Pellissippi State Community College and she joins the show to talk about recruiting, training, and her experience as the school's first head coach. She shares tips for young athletes hoping to play volleyball at the next level, including red flags coaches look for. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #pellissippistate #juco #volleyball #knoxville

Maggie Krause joins the podcast to talk about her recent commitment to the Tennessee Lady Vols. She talks about her softball experience living in Brazil, Indiana, her recruitment process, and she shares an amazing unforgettable sports memory. Be sure to follow the show on show on social media @noplaybookpod #ladyvols #tennesseesoftball #sec #vols #brazilindiana

Zack Gibson is the Head Football Coach at South Doyle High School. He joins the show to talk about the hiring process that landed him his first ever head coaching opportunity. He also talks about what fans and players can expect in this new era of Cherokees football. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #southdoyle #southdoylefootball #tssaa #knoxville #powellpanthers

Jacolby Cooper is a standout football player from Alcoa who recently committed to the Vols. Listen as he talks about his decision to pass on scholarships to sign with Tennessee as a PWO. In this interview, he talks about his athletic training, his recruiting experience, and the famous Alcoa/Maryville rivalry. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #alcoa #vols #tennesseevols #tennesseefootball #sec #tssaa

Kenny Cobble is the new head football coach at Maryville High School. He joins the show to talk about what fans and players can expect in this new era of Rebels football. He also shares something that very few people know about him along with an unforgettable sports memory. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #maryvilletn #maryville #maryvillerebels #tssaa #alcoa #highschoolfootball

Blake Howard recently committed to Tennessee out of the transfer portal. He joins the show to talk about why he decided to sign with the Vols, his overall recruiting experience, and he shares an unforgettable sports memory. Check out full video episodes on YouTube. Please follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #vols #tennesseefootball #tennessee #sec #transferportal #longsnapper 

Lailah Green is an outstanding track & field athlete who joins the podcast to talk about her recruiting experience, her athletic training routine, and she shares something that very few people know about her. She also talks about why she chose to sign with Tennessee. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #vols #recruiting #tennesseetrackandfield #trackandfield 

Ayva Jordan (Tennessee Soccer) joins the podcast. Listen as she talks about her athletic training, her recruiting experience, and she explains why she chose to sign with the Lady Vols. Full video episodes of the podcast are available on YouTube. #vols #ladyvols #tennesseesoccer #ayvajordan #knoxville 

Addi Gamble is a basketball player from Clinton High School in East Tennessee. She joins the podcast to talk about her recent commitment to Carson Newman. She talks about her main deciding factors, her AAU experience, and she shares an unforgettable sports memory. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #carsonnewman #clintonhighschool #clintontn #aau #recruiting 

Avary Stockwell is a softball player from Green Hills High School in Tennessee. She joins the show to talk about her recent commitment to the University of Tennessee. She tells about her recruiting experience, her deciding factors that led her to choosing the Lady Vols, and she shares and unforgettable sports memory. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. #greenhillshighschool #tssaa #ladyvols #tennesseesoftball #vols 

Daniel Kinney is an outstanding kicker for the Kennesaw State Football team. He played his high school football at Bearden High School in Knoxville, TN. Listen as he talks about his recruiting experience, his athletic training, and what young athletes should know. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Please follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #kennesawstate #beardenhighschool #knoxville #recruiting

Dawson Sweetland joins the podcast to talk about the benefits of JUCO athletics. Out of high school, he decided to sign with Vol State, and he has loved his experience. Listen as Dawson talks about his JUCO decision and his high school experience in Alcoa. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the podcast on social media @noplaybookpod. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. #tssaa #volstate #juco #alcoa 

Catherine Bowie won the TSSAA State Championship as a freshman golfer, so she joins the show to talk about that experience. She talks about her athletic training off the golf course, and her expectations for recruiting. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @NoPlaybookPodcast  #memphis #hutchisonschool #tssaa #golfrecruiting

Kennedy Ball is a standout soccer player from Chattanooga, who plays for the University of Arkansas. She joins the podcast to talk about her recruiting experience from GPS (FC Alliance), her athletic training, and she shares something that very few people know about her. Be sure to follow the show on TikTok @noplaybookpodcast. #arkansassoccer #fcalliance #ecnl #tssaa #chattanoogagps #chattanooga #arkansas

JB Moore joins the podcast to talk about his baseball recruiting and training. We talk about travel ball as well as a new high school season that will be starting up soon. JB is now playing for Knoxville West High School after spending time with Knoxville Catholic. Full video episodes of the show are available on YouTube. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision, with locations in Sevier County and Maryville. Be sure to follow the podcast on social media @noplaybookpod. #knoxvillewest #knoxcatholic #tssaa #travelbaseball #etsu

Jeff Faris is the Head Football Coach at Austin Peay State University. He joins the podcast to talk about what coaches are looking for in their recruiting efforts. We also talk about his football background, personal passions, and eastern NC BBQ. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Please follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #austinpeay #knoxville #knoxvillecatholic #austinpeayfootball #recruiting

Braylon Harmon joins the show to talk about his experience as a walk-on with the Vols. He had several offers out of high school, but decided to bet on himself and walk-on at Tennessee. Now, in his second season, he's getting the opportunity to contribute to the special teams and receiving units. As a product of Knoxville Catholic High School, he's loving his decision. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision.Full video episodes are available on YouTube. #vols #knoxville #knoxcatholic #tssaa #sec #walkon #tennesseefootball

Nya Burns joins the podcast (for the second time) to talk about her recruiting experience and why she chose to sign with UAB. She also talks about a topic that many athletes often overlook, which is the importance of mental health in sports. Nya is currently a senior at Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville. Full video episodes are available at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=YliygNVZeLcs-Wmp. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. 

Eli Williams is a standout basketball player at Heritage High School in Blount County, TN. He joins the podcast to talk about his recruiting experience, his athletic training, and we discuss Mexican restaurants in the Maryville area. Watch full episodes of the podcast on YouTube. #tssaa 

Sarah Kate Rath (Tennessee Soccer) joins the podcast to talk about her experience in the portal, as a transfer from Cincinnati. She talks about her overall recruiting experience, her soccer training, and she shares an unforgettable sports memory.Full video episodes are available on YouTube. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod.  #vols #tennesseesoccer #sec #secsoccer #tennesseevols 

Elliott Drapeau is the QB for McCallie in Chattanooga. He joins the show to talk about his journey to McCallie from Canada, his recruiting experience, and he shares something that very few people know about him (note: it REALLY surprised me). Full video interviews are available: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=wTYSN-IbN021FpBc Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. #mccallie #chattanooga #tssaa #highschoolfootball #recruiting

Paige Dauer (Full Disclosure Productions) joins the podcast to talk about her experience covering Tennessee athletics. She brings a unique perspective to the show as she's able to share interesting stories from inside the Vols' program. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. Full video episodes are available on YouTube. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. #vols #tennesseevols 

Cate Schnell is a volleyball player at the University of Tennessee and she joins the podcast to talk about her recruiting experience, her athletic training, and she shares an unforgettable sports memory. Watch full video episodes of the show at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=IJMhg1rD5XtYs5MjThis episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Please follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #Vols #TennesseeVolleyball #CateSchnell #SEC 

Guest: Gabriel Osenda (Tennessee Football Commit)Gabriel Osenda is a football player from Baylor School in Chattanooga, who recently committed to the University of Tennessee. He talks about what it's like being a boarding school student in Tennessee all the way from his home in Canada. We also discuss his recent commitment to the Vols, and his love for anime. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. See full video episodes on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=wNjkllSIqsybMDRo. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #Vols #Chattanooga #BaylorSchool #Tennesseefootball #gabrielosenda 

Kennedy Price is a fantastic soccer player for the Tennessee Vols, and she joins the podcast to talk about the Vols' 2025 season, her recruiting experience, and she shares something that very few people know about her. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. Full video episodes are available here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=BO7ntjKMeQXyF3Ki#vols #ladyvols #secsoccer #tennesseesoccer #knoxville #tennesseevols

Nic Moore joins the podcast to talk about his recruiting experience and his first ever fall camp as a college athlete. He also talks about which players fans should be especially excited to see this season. Full video episodes can be seen here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=BIBCWMsifnayHAvlFollow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. #tennesseefootball #vols #sec #tssaa #tennessee 

Jacob Crow plays football for Alcoa High School and he just recently committed to Texas Tech. He joins the podcast to talk about his recruiting experience, his football training, and we talk about the famous Maryville/Alcoa rivalry. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Full video episodes are available on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=087Iy_ziKcoXUh0q. Be sure to follow the podcast on social media @noplaybookpod. 

Mariana Diaz Lopez is the head soccer coach for PSCC, and she joins the show to talk about the benefits of JUCO. She has been a part of the program from its inception at Pellissippi State, so she talks about the challenges and big wins she's enjoyed since taking the job. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Watch full video episodes here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=DjyR4qWsAmWxLm4_Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #pellissippistate #juco #jucosoccer #tssaa #knoxville #pscc 

Jamyan Theodore is a lockdown CB prospect from Baylor School in Chattanooga, and he recently committed to play football at the University of Tennessee. Listen as he talks about his recruiting process, his athletic training, and he shares what Vols fans can expect from him once he gets to Knoxville. Watch full video episodes at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=FOHAe7eCymhZ7HlyThis episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision with locations in Maryville and Sevier County. 

JP Peace is an outstanding football player at Knoxville West High School, and he recently committed to the University of Tennessee. To call JP a Tennessee legacy would be a bit of an understatement. His father is Vols legend, Robert Peace, and his grandfather is former head coach and Athletics Director, Phillip Fulmer. He joins the podcast to talk ab, out his recruiting experience, his football training routine, and he shares an unforgettable sports memory. You can watch full video episodes on my YouTube channel, with past guests including Tony Vitello, Joshua Dobbs, George McIntyre, etc. 

Guest: Lucas Nordin (UAB Soccer)Lucas Nordin joins the show to talk about soccer recruiting, training, and the transfer portal. He grew up playing for FC Alliance and Bearden High School before committing to ETSU's soccer program. After a few years there, he has decided to transfer to UAB. Check out full video episodes of the No Playbook Podcast on YouTube, and follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. 

Tyler Myatt has an historically great season with Walter's State this past season, and he's now proudly committed to the Tennessee Vols. He joins the podcast to talk about his recruiting experience, his appreciation for JUCO baseball, and he shares something that very few people know about him. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. Watch full video episodes here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=IHzqHfaOr7krOnNf

Guest: Thomas Manu (Alcoa Football)Thomas Manu joins the show to talk about the responsibilities that come along with being Alcoa High School's new starting QB. He talks about his training, his teammates, and the fierce rivalry with Maryville. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Please follow the podcast on social media @noplaybookpod. Find full video episodes here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=-spfhf6GaQsCS2LZ#alcoa #maryville #tssaa

One Knox SC is the USL1 club in Knoxville, TN. Before this season, the team didn't have an official song, or anthem. Ben Bannister set out to write a perfect song for the team, its fans, and the whole community...and he did just that! With the help of Erick Baker and a few of "The Scruffs," they were all able to put together an unforgettable piece. Listen as Ben and Erick join the podcast to talk about the creation of the song, behind-the-scenes stories, and they share an unforgettable sports memory. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Song Credit: "There is Only One" - Written by Ben Bannister and performed by Erick Baker. Follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod and watch full interviews on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=4-YlKabogELCmVIu. #Oneknoxsc #oneknox #erickbaker #knoxville #usl1 #sportsanthems

Guest: Jayla Blue (Tennessee Soccer)Jayla Blue joins the podcast to talk about her recruiting experience, her training routine, and she shares something that very few people know about her. I also recently interviewed her sister Nyla, so be sure to go back and check out that episode, if you haven't heard it yet. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. 

Guest: Allison Hansford (Liberty Soccer)Allison Hansford is an outstanding soccer play from Athens, TN. She joins the podcast to talk about her recruiting experience, the benefits of playing for FC Alliance, and she shares something that very few people know about her. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision.You can see full video episodes of the show on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=sHG8Cln0Ic3nkI-IAlso be sure to follow on social @noplaybookpod. 

Guest: Will Jones (Maryville High School Football)Will Jones joins the podcast to talk share his incredible experience as Maryville High School's QB. He got significant playing time as a 9th grader, which in Maryville, means he was playing while not even a student at MHS. He had to get a hardship driver's license just to be able to make it to practice as 9th graders attend the junior high school in Maryville. Will made it work and then some. He's a player that goes above and beyond to give his team an advantage, and we get to learn all about what makes him tick in this interview. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the podcast on social media @noplaybookpod and you can watch full episodes on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=pXw8TLghZ0EiTLJ_. 

Guest: Cameron Schneider (865 Alliance)It's another KNOXVILLE SOCCER SPOTLIGHT!! Cameron Scheider joins the show to talk about his experience as a professional soccer player, and how he got there. He's now back in Knoxville coaching for FC Alliance, and he will be playing this summer for 865 Alliance. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod and watch full video episodes at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=b_tw0t0wzt-RA-LK

Guest: Brennon Seigler (Tennessee Baseball)Brennon Seigler joins the podcast to talk about what it's like being a local Knoxville guy playing for the Vols. He talks about the team's training schedule, his recruiting experience, and of course - his many high school state championships at Farragut. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. You can watch full video episodes on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=5TG96RjA7Hkf5VmH 

Guest: Luciana Latino (Tennessee Soccer)It's another KNOXVILLE SOCCER SPOTLIGHT episode, this time featuring Lady Vols standout player, Luch Latino. She joins the show to talk about her recruiting experience, her soccer training, and what it was like transferring from Penn State. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod and watch full interviews on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=3NmcJflzOdBKUCxc

Guest: Clay Fultz (Webb Football)Clay Fultz is an outstanding Kicker for the Webb High School Football team. He joins the show to talk about his recruiting experience so far, as he's already gotten offers from several division 1 programs. He discusses the importance of staying focused before a big kick, his training routine, and his personal battle with epilepsy. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. To see full videos of each episode, follow the show on YouTube: UCr-pjn6Poggqtb15oPK0jbQ. 

Guest: Josh Gray (FC Alliance)Coach Josh Gray joins the show to kickoff the monthly soccer spotlight this show will feature for East Tennessee. We talk about the club options for kids and he helps explain the difference between the different amateur leagues. Whether it's 865 Alliance, One Knox SC, Chattanooga FC, or Chattanooga Red Wolves, we cover it in this interview. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod, and find full video episodes here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=7pWm3uF6bUyVj_qh. 

Guest: Gabriel Jones (Tennessee Vols Mascot, SMOKEY)As a lifelong Tennessee fan, I can honestly say this is one of the most fascinating interviews I've had on the show. Gabriel Jones, who once wore the iconic Smokey costume, joins us to give a behind-the-scenes look at life as the beloved Vols mascot. From game day dance routines to hectic schedules and unforgettable moments, Gabriel shares what it’s really like to bring Smokey to life.This episode is brought to you by Stinnett Collision.Be sure to follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @noplaybookpod. Check out the video episode here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=y2m5picvKSZ5ts67 

Guest: Taylor Wilson (South Doyle Soccer)South Doyle's soccer team earned the school its first ever state championship in 2024. Today's guest is one of the integral players from that team, Taylor Wilson. Taylor joins me to talk about that improbable championship run, his recruiting experience, and he shares something that very few people know about him. This interview is the first in what will become a regular Knoxville Soccer Spotlight episode on the podcast. At least once a month, I plan to feature outstanding soccer players and coaches from East TN, shining a light on not only their experience, but also some of the inside news from the area. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. Be sure to follow the show on social media, and you can find full video episodes on the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=aoOCj6YlQDR5Nkak - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!!

Guest: Ruby Hill (Atomic Rowing/Hardin Valley Academy)Ruby joins me as my second rower on the podcast to talk about her recent commitment to the University of Oklahoma. She explains a bit about the sport of rowing, and tells the story of how she found a passion for it in middle school. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision. See full YouTube videos of each episode of the podcast here: https://youtube.com/@noplaybookpodcast?si=Hu87CbM3Oe0nQ2k8Please check out the show on TikTok and Instagram @noplaybookpod. 

Guest: Bryson Daugherty (Lenoir City Football)Byson Daugherty joins the show to share his inspiring recruiting story. An ill-timed bout with pneumonia affected Bryson's football recruiting plans. Still, he remained focused and put in the work to earn an offer from Cason Newman. He talks about his recruiting experience, his extra training, and he shares something that very few people know about him. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision, with locations in Maryville and Sevier County. Be sure to follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @noplaybook pod. Video episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLrcD0T-qZc

Guest: Andie Marie Jones (Tennessee Cross-Country)On every episode, I ask the guests to share an unforgettable sports memory. Andie Marie Jones' story in this episode might be the best I've heard.Listen as she talks about her recruiting experience as an athlete from Maryville High School, her training routine, and she shares something that very few people know about her. This episode is sponsored by Stinnett Collision, with locations in Maryville and Sevier County. Be sure to follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @noplaybookpod.