Everything Orange

With championship season underway, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Tennessee women’s golf standout Kyra Van Kan on this week’s Everything Orange podcast. Fresh off an All-SEC Second Team selection and a breakout sophomore season, Van Kan reflects on Tennessee’s historic SEC Championship run, the confidence this team has built, and the pressure moments that helped shape the Lady Vols throughout the year.The two also discuss the chemistry within the program, the competitive bond between teammates, and the leadership head coach Diana Cantú brings to the team. Looking ahead, Van Kan previews Tennessee’s NCAA Regional appearance and explains how the SEC title has prepared the Lady Vols for postseason play.Beyond golf, the sophomore opens up about her journey from South Africa to Rocky Top, adjusting to college golf in the United States, and what it means to wear the Power T while representing Tennessee on the national stage.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Tennessee softball standout Ella Dodge on the Everything Orange podcast as the Lady Vols continue their push through a strong SEC season and into the final stretch before postseason play.Dodge reflects on Tennessee’s historic year, including the program’s best-ever 26–0 start and early No. 1 ranking, and breaks down what it’s like competing in the SEC week in and week out. She discusses key series wins, lessons from close losses, and how those experiences have helped this team grow and stay locked in for what’s ahead.She also reflects on her own development from freshman to sophomore year, including her growth as an everyday impact bat, increased confidence in clutch moments, and adjustments against opposing pitchers, before closing on what makes Tennessee softball special and the culture that continues to define the program.

With baseball season in full swing, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Tennessee baseball’s Landon Mack on this week’s Everything Orange podcast. In his first year on Rocky Top, the sophomore pitcher has already started nine games and has notched a team-high 64 strikeouts. The two look at Mack’s go-to hype song, favorite athletes, and the stadium he one day dreams of pitching in. From there, they look at Tennessee’s 24-12 start and life in SEC play, reflecting on the adversity the team has faced and the resilience they’ve built. From tough losses to a statement sweep over a top-10 team on the road, he breaks down what’s clicking, the confidence this group is gaining, and the mindset heading into the second half of the season.Detwiler and Mack also dive into the pitching staff, highlighting a competitive group that always pushes each other. He discusses working alongside Cam Appenzeller, navigating role changes with roommate Tegan Kuhns, and learning from veteran Evan Blanco. Mack also shares his own approach on the mound and the trust he’s built with both his teammates and coaches.Beyond baseball, the sophomore reflects on his journey from New Jersey to Tennessee, his decision to focus on pitching, and why Knoxville became his dream destination. He also opens up about living with Type 1 diabetes, the discipline it’s instilled in him, and the impact of representing others facing similar challenges. Loving his time on Rock Top, Mack closes with what it means to wear the Power T and compete in the SEC.

This week on Everything Orange, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Tennessee Head Diving Coach Jane Figueiredo as she reflects on her first year leading the Vols diving program. Jane shares what it was like stepping onto Rocky Top after coaching at the highest levels internationally and collegiately, including guiding athletes to Olympic medals and world championships.She looks back on year one — featuring four NCAA top-8 finishes and three SEC top-3 podiums — and talks about what stood out to her about the team, the culture, and the potential at Tennessee. Jane also discusses adding Assistant Coach Mike Wright to the staff and how they’ve worked together to build consistency, confidence, and a winning mindset among the divers.From her journey coaching elite athletes like Tom Daley to what drew her to diving and ultimately to coaching, Jane gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, precision, and philosophy that define her approach. She closes by sharing what excites her most about the future of Tennessee diving and the legacy she hopes to build with her athletes.

With spring practice underway on Rocky Top, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Tennessee football’s Jourdan Thomas on this week’s Everything Orange podcast.Thomas, a 2026 Torchbearer Award recipient, reflects on the emotional moment when the surprise announcement unfolded in front of his teammates. From hearing his name called to experiencing a full-circle moment, he shares what the honor means to him and the perspective he’s gained along the way.They then look back on his journey over the past two years, entering the 2024 season as a defensive leader before a devastating injury ended his playing career. Thomas walks through that moment, the challenges of recovery, and how he embraced a new role as a student assistant coach, continuing to lead and impact the team from the sidelines while staying connected to his teammates.Beyond football, Thomas discusses the impact he’s made across campus through leadership, academics, and service. From his involvement in student-athlete organizations to giving back through the 1Tenn ministry, he explains how those experiences have shaped his growth and broadened his perspective beyond the game.Looking ahead, Thomas shares his excitement for graduation this spring and what’s next, along with a message for anyone facing adversity. He reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave and the purpose he’s found, a story that extends far beyond football.

This week on Everything Orange, Sarah Detwiler sits down with senior tennis standout Leyla Britez Risso for a look into her journey through Rocky Top. Leyla reflects on stepping into her senior season and how fast her time at Tennessee has gone, from looking up to upperclassmen to now leading the team alongside her longtime doubles partner, Cat.She dives into this year’s squad, what makes the group special, and what it is like competing in the stacked SEC as the Lady Vols push through a tough stretch of the season. Leyla also opens up about her personal success, an undefeated start and top 20 national ranking, and what has been clicking for her on the court.From her growth over the past four years to the impact of Coach Ojeda and the program’s culture, Leyla reflects on what it means to wear the Tennessee jersey. From Paraguay to Knoxville, her story is all about leadership, consistency, and leaving her mark.

With spring football now only days away, Sarah Detwiler sits down with redshirt sophomore tight end and rising Tennessee Football star Ethan Davis. The Atlanta native enters his fourth season on Rocky Top in 2026, coming off a stellar close to the 2025 campaign. Despite fighting through injury, Davis made four starts last season and showcased his unique skillset when he logged five catches for 72 yards and a touchdown in a road win at Florida.Davis breaks down the film from his top performances last season, setting the stage for his 2026 ambitions and a closer look at the tight end room as a whole. He also discusses the addition of new strength coach Derek Owings and how that has impacted the Vols’ offseason work to this point. Beyond the football field, Davis discusses his family, his days growing up in Georgia and how his early experiences as a basketball player (AAU teammates with Tennessee Basketball’s Cade Phillips!) led to his current path in football. An excellent primer for both spring football and March Madness — Ethan Davis has it all covered!

This week on Everything Orange, Sarah Detwiler is joined by freshman standout Ismaila Sawaneh as the Vols track and field program kicks off 2026. Ismaila shares what it felt like to compete in his first collegiate meets, including a winning debut at the Bob Pollock Invitational, and how joining such a stacked pole vault group has pushed him to new heights.He looks back on his journey from growing up in Normandy, France, to competing at the European U23 level, and shares how those experiences shaped his mindset heading into his first year at Tennessee. Ismaila also talks about his transition to life in Knoxville, the support from Coach Kyle Ellis, and the excitement of contributing to a historic Vols pole vault group.From his international background to what it means to wear the orange and white, Ismaila gives fans insight into the team’s competitive mindset and what to expect from a Vols squad aiming for excellence in 2026.

This week on Everything Orange, Sarah Detwiler is joined by sophomore diving standout Bennett Greene following a thrilling SEC Championships in Knoxville. Bennett relives his clutch 1-meter performance, where a near-perfect final dive secured a 400.8 score and a gold medal by just one tenth of a point in front of a roaring home crowd.He also reflects on the team’s overall success, with the Tennessee men finishing third and the women second, and what it meant to podium in all three of his events, adding silver on 3-meter and bronze on platform. Bennett shares how his U.S. Winter Nationals title earlier this season helped build the confidence that carried him through SECs.From growing up in Knoxville to now winning championships in the same pool he trained in as a kid, Bennett talks about the impact of his coaches, the growth he’s made in his sophomore season, and his mindset as he prepares for NCAA Championships.

This week on Everything Orange, Sarah Detwiler is joined by sophomore standout Emma Clarke as the Lady Vols open the 2026 season. Emma shares what it felt like to be back in competition and the tone this team set to start the year. Fresh off a 5-0 weekend in Clearwater, including a statement top-five win over Oregon, Emma breaks down the team’s fast start and the confidence fueling this group early on.She looks back on her freshman season, from embracing multiple roles on the field to helping Tennessee make a semifinal run at the 2025 Women’s College World Series, and shares how those experiences shaped her mindset heading into year two. Emma also talks about her offseason focus, the expectations set by her coaches, and the growth she’s seen in herself since arriving on Rocky Top.From her multi-sport background to what it means to wear the orange, white, and Summit Blue, Emma gives fans insight into this year’s team mindset and what to expect from a Lady Vol squad hungry for more.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Vol Baseball’s Reese Chapman, with the outfielder returning to Rocky Top for his senior season. Reese reflects on growing up a baseball kid in Parker, Colorado, coming from a sports-driven and loving family, and what shaped him into the player and leader he is today. He opens up about the decision to come back to Tennessee, being the program’s lone four-year Vol and leading a team fighting for another postseason run. Reese also dives into his breakout junior season, his mindset shift, and the excitement surrounding a new staff and new season. Sarah and Reese also look into what lies ahead in his final season, the preparation for Year One of the Elander era, and what wearing the Power T means to him.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Gui Caribe, a true force in the pool and one of the most accomplished swimmers in Tennessee history. With two national championships, 17 SEC medals, and 19 All-America honors, Gui reflects on how far he’s come and what it’s like to see all of his achievements.Gui shares his journey from growing up in Brazil, both in Salvador and São Paulo, to eventually making the leap across the world to Rocky Top. He talks about adjusting to life in the U.S., finding his place on the team, and the moments that helped him know Tennessee was his next home.Sarah and Gui also dive into his record-breaking junior season, the influence of Coach Matt Kredich and VFL Jordan Crooks, qualifying for the Paris Olympics, and what motivates him heading into his final postseason as a Volunteer.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee men’s basketball senior and Greenville, Tennessee native. Ja’Kobi reflects on growing up just down the road from Knoxville, the family foundation that shaped him, and how competing with his siblings helped fuel his love for the game.He opens up about his journey as a multi-sport athlete, winning back-to-back state championships, and the lessons he gained at both Belmont and Maryland that prepared him for the next level. Ja’Kobi shares how those experiences helped mold him into the player and leader he is today.Now wearing the Power T, Ja’Kobi discusses what it means to play for the home team, his relationship with Coach Rick Barnes, and embracing the responsibility of leading Tennessee through the grind of SEC play.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Mia and Mya Pauldo, Tennessee freshmen and the first twins to appear on Everything Orange. The Lady Vol guards talk about growing up in Paterson, New Jersey, what it’s like having a built-in best friend, and how being twins gives them an edge on and off the court.Mia and Mya reflect on their journey to Tennessee, the moment they knew Rocky Top was home, and the transition to the speed, physicality, and intensity of college basketball.They also discuss early SEC success, lessons learned through adversity, and the family support that continues to shape their growth as they look ahead to the rest of conference play as Lady Vols.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Bishop Boswell, one of the breakout stories of Tennessee Basketball. Bishop talks about finding joy in the game, stepping into a major role this season, and what the Vols learned from both a statement win over No. 5 Houston and a tough stretch of losses.He breaks down his Players Era Tournament breakout, where he didn’t miss a shot and earned high praise from Houston’s Kelvin Sampson, and reflects on how that night shifted his confidence and showcased the player he’s becoming.Bishop also opens up about his year-one to year-two growth, the challenge Coach Barnes laid out for him, and the impact of his upbringing with his mom—sharing how her support shaped his mentality and the player Vol Nation sees today.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Lady Vol standout Hayden Kubik, who was recently selected third overall by the San Diego Mojo in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft. She recaps Tennessee’s 19–6 regular season, the team’s growth through the SEC Tournament, and the mindset heading into the NCAA Tournament.Hayden reflects on the moment she was drafted, how she shared the news with her teammates, and what Tennessee’s track record of producing pros says about the program. She also breaks down her breakout season leading the Lady Vols in major offensive categories.Kubik looks back on her transfer to Rocky Top, what the Lady Vol jersey means to her, and the emotions of entering her final postseason as she hopes to leave a lasting impact on the program.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down Tennessee Football wide receiver Braylon Staley, a breakout star for one of the nation’s top offensive units.Staley opens up about his upbringing, his always-positive personality, and the family support that shaped him long before he stepped onto the field at Neyland Stadium. He reflects on why Knoxville felt like home despite having over 25 Division I offers, and how his long-term dream of becoming a coach continues to inspire him. He also dives into his development under Coach Pope, embracing the “chip on the shoulder” mentality, and the rise of Tennessee’s starting receiver trio.As the Vols enter a critical stretch of the season, Staley recaps Tennessee’s journey from Week 1 to now. He discusses how the team has evolved, the mindset heading into rivalry matchups, and the importance of closing the regular season strong in front of a home crowd. He also gives an inside look at the team’s mentality heading into The Swamp.

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Lady Vol forward Janiah Barker for her first in-depth conversation since joining Tennessee Basketball.Barker reflects on her journey from playing at Texas A&M and UCLA to finding her home at Rocky Top. She shares what drew her to Tennessee, the connection she’s built with Coach Kim Caldwell, and how she’s adjusting to the fast-paced, defense-first style of the Lady Vols. She also opens up about her upbringing, early basketball memories, and the influences that shaped her both on and off the court.As Barker begins her first season in Knoxville, she discusses her unique style of play, the excitement of practicing and competing alongside a talented roster, and what makes this team special. She also shares her goals 

This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with newly named Tennessee Baseball head coach Josh Elander for his first in-depth conversation since taking over the program.Elander reflects on a whirlwind few weeks for him and his family, the moment it all became real, and the overwhelming support from fans, alumni, and players across Vol Nation. He discusses the addition of associate head coach Chuck Jeroloman, the importance of continuity on his staff, and what he has learned from years alongside Tony Vitello.As the Elander Era begins on Rocky Top, the new head coach shares his vision for Tennessee Baseball’s future, what drives him every day, and the legacy he hopes to build on and off the field.

This week, Sarah Detwiler chats with junior forward Cade Phillips as Tennessee basketball gears up for the 2025 season.Phillips reflects on a fast offseason, lessons from back-to-back Elite Eight runs, and stepping into a leadership role as the most tenured Vol on the roster. He talks about the team’s chemistry with five new freshmen and three transfers, the challenge of opening against Duke, and what Coach Barnes’ lifetime contract means to the program.With the season fast approaching, Phillips and the Volunteers are focused on building momentum and chasing another deep postseason run.

This week, Sarah Detwiler chats with Ally Brown — Tennessee’s senior defender and in-state star — to reflect on an unforgettable season for the Lady Vols.From upsetting the nation’s No. 1 team to climbing into the top five and posting one of the best defensive records in program history, Ally shares what’s made this year so special. She talks about the team’s chemistry, leadership, and focus as Tennessee pushes toward a championship finish and postseason play.A Tennessee native through and through, Ally also reflects on what it means to represent her home state and close out her Lady Vol career on such a high note.

This week, Sarah Detwiler chats with Colton Hood — Tennessee’s playmaking cornerback — as he reflects on the Volunteers’ first bye week of the season and assesses both his own performance and the team’s progress.Coming off a thrilling 41-34 overtime win at Mississippi State, Hood jump-started the team with a 23-yard pick-six, while Tennessee’s defense racked up five sacks, eleven tackles for loss, and two touchdowns. Since his debut against Syracuse, Hood has emerged as a cornerstone of the secondary, earning SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors and making big plays in every game.With key matchups ahead against Arkansas, Alabama, and Kentucky, Hood and the Volunteers are focused on building momentum and continuing their electric start to SEC play.

This week, Sarah Detwiler chats with Chelsea Sutton — Tennessee’s all-in-one hitter and blocker — is powering the Lady Vols through an electric start to SEC play.After opening conference action with sweeps over Georgia and South Carolina, Tennessee has climbed to No. 20 in the country with an 11-1 record and record-breaking crowds at the Food City Center. Sutton has been dominant on both sides of the net, hitting .488 (third in the NCAA, first in the SEC) while leading the team with 53 blocks.With the SEC Conference Tournament returning this November in Savannah, GA, Chelsea and the Lady Vols are ready to make a big impact on and off the court.

Vol Hoops VFL and current Charlotte Hornet - is one of the most decorated players in Tennessee basketball history. From back-to-back SEC Player of the Year honors to a unanimous First-Team All-American nod, Williams was the leader of one of the most memorable eras of Tennessee Basketball.Now, as an NBA veteran and community leader, Grant returns to Rocky Top to reflect on his journey, share his stories, and talk about what it means to always be a VFL. We dive into Williams' time at Tennessee and how it shaped him, along with a glimpse into life in Charlotte, and why it’s so important to him to stay connected to Tennessee Athletics.

Shae O’Rourke — Tennessee’s playmaker up top — has fought through injuries and setbacks to find her moment on Rocky Top. From her New York roots to an ACL tear at Texas A&M and another surgery this past spring, the road hasn’t been easy. But every step has shaped the player she is today. In her debut, she scored both goals in the Vols’ upset over No. 1 North Carolina, setting the tone for a Tennessee team now ranked No. 1 for the first time in program history.

Arion Carter — Tennessee’s sophomore linebacker — wasted no time reminding Vol Nation why he’s one of the most dynamic defenders in college football.From Smyrna, Tennessee, to leading the Vols with nine tackles in the season-opening win over Syracuse, Carter’s rise has been fueled by toughness, leadership, and pride in representing his home state.We dive into the confidence this team gained from Week 1, the balance of veteran presence and young talent on defense, and what drives Carter as both a playmaker and leader heading into the 2024 season.

Joey Aguilar — Tennessee’s QB1 — has taken an untraditional road to Rocky Top, marked by grit, sacrifice, and perseverance.From Antioch, California, through the JUCO grind and a stop at Appalachian State, his journey has been anything but easy — but each step shaped the leader he is today.We dive into the challenges, the gratitude, and the mindset that brought Joey to Knoxville and what it means to be at the helm of the Vols’ offense.

Alex Pidgeon — captain of Tennessee Rowing — joins this episode of the Everything Orange podcast.The Montreal native shares her journey from competitive swimming to rowing, starting on an erg at 16 before ever stepping into a boat — and how she went from resisting the sport to leading the Lady Vols through a historic third-place finish at the NCAA Championships.Now in her senior season, Alex reflects on her transition from Canada to the SEC, what it means to wear the Orange and White, and how she’s helped shape a winning team culture under head coach Kim Cupini.With the first-ever SEC Rowing Championship now in the books and NCAA Championships on deck, Alex talks leadership, legacy, and how the team is staying focused through the final push of the 2025 season.

Shunsuke Mitsui stands as one of the most distinguished players in Tennessee men’s tennis history, embodying resilience, consistency, and unwavering determination on Rocky Top. Born and raised in Shizuoka, Japan, Shunsuke took a leap of faith that brought him over 6,500 miles from home to Knoxville. Over four unforgettable years, he’s racked up over 100 wins in both singles and doubles, earned First Team All-SEC honors every season, and helped lead the Vols to national prominence.We dive into his journey from junior Grand Slams to college tennis, the culture shock of moving to America, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and the epic comeback win against Duke to send Tennessee to the NCAA Super Regionals .

Dave Parrington — the most decorated diving coach in SEC history, a former Olympian, and the driving force behind Tennessee’s decades-long diving success — is officially retiring.After 35 years on Rocky Top, Dave is closing the chapter on a legendary coaching career that includes 9 NCAA champions, 47 SEC titles, 16 SEC Coach of the Year honors, and more than 300 divers mentored under his leadership. We look back on his incredible journey from Zimbabwe to the international stage, explore the legacy he built at Tennessee, and reflect on the moments, relationships, and philosophies that shaped his unmatched career.From Olympic memories to heartfelt thank-yous, this conversation is a true celebration of a coach who made Rocky Top home.

He’s an NCAA champion, an Olympic finalist, a world champion, a world-record holder, and the fastest swimmer in NCAA history. But for this week, Jordan Crooks is also our guest on the Everything Orange podcast!Holding every major sprinting record in Tennessee history and having already made a global name for himself, Jordan concluded his collegiate career this last winter as one of the most decorated swimmers to ever set foot on Rocky Top. We look at Jordan’s incredible four-year progression since his arrival from the Cayman Islands and examine the incredible legacy he leaves behind as he moves into the next stage of what has already been a remarkable swimming career.

Sarah Schmitt — the Lady Vols' pole vault record-holder — joins us in this episode of the Everything Orange Podcast.The junior standout reflects on her journey from gymnastics to pole vault, her breakout 2023 season, and what it meant to break both the indoor (4.46m) and outdoor (4.38m) school records in the same year.With another SEC medal under her belt and a top-6 finish at NCAA Indoors, Sarah shares how she balances mental and physical toughness, the unique mindset it takes to clear big bars under pressure, and what it’s like to compete on a national stage.

Karlyn Pickens — the record-holder for the fastest softball pitch ever thrown — joins us in this episode of the Everything Orange Podcast.The Lady Vols star reflects on her historic 78.2 mph pitch, the support she’s received at Tennessee, and how her record has made an impact towards putting women's sports on the big stage.With the team now entering the home stretch of the regular season, Karlyn also breaks down Tennessee’s momentum-building wins over Oklahoma and Mississippi State, the team's mindset heading into their top-ranked showdown with Texas, and how the team embraces the grind of SEC play.

Fresh off his NCAA Tournament debut Chaz Lanier — new Tennessee record-holder for three-pointers made in a season — joins us in this episode of the Everything Orange Podcast. The Nashville native reflects on his record-setting performances in Tennessee’s wins over Wofford and UCLA and the team’s relentless mindset heading into the Sweet 16 against Kentucky.He shares insights on playing under Coach Rick Barnes, the team’s “It’s Not About Me” philosophy, and what it takes to keep pushing forward in March Madness. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation as the Vols continue their tournament run.

Lady Vol Tennis has surged into the top 10 of the national rankings, and the stellar play of Catherine Aulia has been big reason why.The junior from Australia joins the Everything Orange podcast, giving us a broad look at the success of Tennessee Women’s Tennis in 2025. Cat breaks down the schedule and gives us insight into the roster that’s been assembled by ninth-year head coach Alison Ojeda.The back half of SEC play and the NCAA postseason still looms in the Lady Vols’ upcoming schedule, but Cat’s insight makes it plain why Tennessee is well-equipped to continue making noise in 2025 and beyond.

It’s spring football time in Tennessee! Andre Turrentine joins the podcast this week to discuss spring ball, off-season work, and reflections on his previous seasons at Tennessee - highlighted by his diving endzone interception to keep Iowa from scoring in the 2024 Citrus Bowl.From the biggest offseason focuses to standout players in the DB room, we get insight into the team's progress in working with Coach Banks. Andre discusses his journey from Nashville to Knoxville, his pride in representing Tennessee, and the excitement for his upcoming redshirt senior season. 

Freshman McKenzie Siroky is an up-and-coming star for Lady Vols swimming — already etching her name amongst the top-10 times in program history for the 100 breast this season.But McKenzie’s stardom didn’t begin in the pool, but rather on the ice, where she was a hockey standout in her hometown of Livonia, Michigan. There she played varsity hockey on the boys high school team, eventually earning a scholarship opportunity at powerhouse Minnesota Duluth.In this episode of Everything Orange, McKenzie discusses her path back to the pool and how her unique journey has set her up for success at Tennessee and left her with Olympic-sized potential.

Baseball season is upon us! With Opening Day in sight, Nate Snead joins the podcast to recap his first year on the Tennessee Baseball team and how he's gearing up to kick off the 2025 season.Nate offers a glimpse into this new roster for the Vols, this year's team chemistry, and his role on the team as they head into the new campaign. He also reflects on last year’s unforgettable National Championship run - highlighting his performance closing out Game Two of the CWS Championship Series.

Under Karen Weekly's leadership, Tennessee Softball has become one of the nation's most consistent and successful programs. Karen's approach has not only empowered her athletes to thrive on the field, but her Lady Vols have also shone brightly through notable academic success and community involvement.Karen's journey to coaching was an unusual one, working as a lawyer and professor before stepping into the role of co-head coach alongside her husband and Hall-of-Famer Ralph Weekly.Over a 24-year tenure on Rocky Top, Karen has fortified the Lady Vols legacy by continuing to mentor and inspire those around her, much like Pat Summitt did for her upon Karen's arrival in Knoxville. 

He’s a living legend amongst Tennessee Basketball fans. Known for his toughness, his consistency and a knack for making the big play, Zakai Zeigler is our guest on the Everything Orange podcast.Zakai’s journey from unheralded prospect as a freshman to SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior is well-documented, but in our wide-ranging conversation, Zakai reveals how his odds-defying ascension finds its footing in an unwavering faith, valuable relationships, and good old fashioned Southern hospitality.

In the midst of her first season on Rocky Top, transfer senior Samara Spencer joins the podcast this week to talk all things Lady Vols Basketball.Samara discusses the new, uptempo era of the Lady Vols under head coach Kim Caldwell, wacky postgame locker room awards, and her red-hot, nine three-pointer performance vs. North Carolina Central. We wouldn't let Samara go without a round of team superlatives and she happily gave us the inside scoop on the team's best dancer, chef, trash talker and more.

We’re kicking of 2025 with a bang, welcoming the new Voice of the Vols to the Everything Orange podcast!After 26 legendary seasons as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Tennessee Titans, Mike Keith announced in early January that he was returning home to Rocky Top as the new voice of Tennessee Football and Tennessee Men’s Basketball. The Nashville native and UT alum will make his official return to the booth in fall 2025.In this episode, Mike shares the way the Big Orange passion of his youth helped lay the foundation for his aspirations in sports broadcasting, while also noting how his relationships with John Ward and Bob Kesling through the Vol Network helped shape his decorated broadcasting career.

Tis the season! For the holidays, yes. But more importantly — the College Football Playoff! With the Vols set to open CFP play this weekend, we caught up with redshirt senior wideout Bru McCoy!In a conversation rich with Rocky Top reflections, Bru looks back on the 2024 regular season and previews the upcoming playoff tilt in Columbus. He also shares his Senior Day memories before reminiscing on his new Home Sweet Home in Knoxville, Tennessee. And just for good measure — we’ve baked in a little holiday cheer at the top.

Chancellor Donde Plowman joins us on the podcast this week!In five years at the helm of UTK, she has served as an advocate for student-athletes, supporting their pursuits on and off the field, and raising the standard across campus athletically and academically. Plowman discusses the recent surge of success for Tennessee Athletics and its impact on the entire Volunteer State, while also noting the personal mark that Tennessee student-athletes and coaches leave with its fans.Plowman's vision and leadership — alongside that of AD Danny White, whom she hired in 2021 — has set the stage for Tennessee to lead the way in college sports and establish Knoxville as America's College Sports City.

Winter is fast approaching, so we’re getting everyone up to speed on what’s been happening with Tennessee’s fall sports! Football and volleyball are on the cusp of postseason appearances and soccer and cross country just wrapped successful 2024 campaigns.Speaking of cross country, we’ll also catch up with first-year head coach Justin Duncan, who guided the Lady Vols to a 26th-place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.All this and more in our late-fall/early-winter update episode!

Tennessee Basketball’s all-time leading scorer Allan Houston joins the Everything Orange podcast this week!Houston’s unique legacy at Tennessee is twofold, having been coached in the orange and white by his trailblazing father, Wade Houston — who was the first Black head basketball coach in SEC history.In this episode, Allan reminisces on his father’s influence, his standout NBA career with the New York Knicks and his present-day work with the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation and The FISLL Project.

Vol Football safety Will Brooks is in the studio with us this week!The Birmingham, AL native gives insight on his experience going from a walk-on to the "Hardest White Boy on the Block." Brooks breaks down the Tennessee defense, his highlight-reel interceptions, and how he meets his goals.

Joining the podcast this week: Senior Lady Vols Basketball forward Sara Puckett!She shares her excitement about the new era under Kim Caldwell for Lady Vols Basketball, gives us an insight into the team chemistry, and shares what her ideal off day looks like. 

It’s that time of year — pumpkins, witches, candy corn … and the return of basketball season!Head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes makes his Everything Orange debut in this spooktacular Halloween episode! Strap in for a frightfully fun conversation that winds from roster construction and coaching mentors to his penchant for pulling pranks and a quest for the perfect hot dog.Rick or Treat! 

Tennessee Football VFL and 2x Super bowl champion Trey Smith joins the Everything Orange podcast this week!He touches on his setbacks and triumphs as a Vol, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his recent endeavor ⎯ starring in a Hallmark movie.