More Than the Jersey

In episode twelve, I was the special guest as I discussed how I have been coping with life after sports. I talked about how I started playing volleyball, my high school experience that prepared me for Piedmont University and how life has been after hanging up the jersey. I am planning to graduate in the spring with a double major in Psychology and Sports Communications. In the fall, I finished playing my last season on the Piedmont women's volleyball team. 

In episode eleven, I sat down with mass communications professor Dr. Dale Van Cantfort to discuss how he has coped with life after sports. We spoke about how he played basketball at Stetson University, how he got recruited and advice he would give his college self. DVC graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor of business administration degree in 1974 and graduated from University of Georgia with his doctorate's degree in mass communications in 2001.  

In episode ten, I sat down with assistant women's basketball coach Christian Buckmire to discuss how he has coped with life after sports. We spoke about how he played basketball in high school, how he feels a need to prove himself as a college coach and what is next for his journey after sports. He is currently in his third season as assistant women's basketball coach. Christian Buck graduated from Piedmont University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2017. 

In episode nine, I sat down with Assistant Athletic Director Timmy McCormack to discuss how he has coped with life after sports. We spoke about how he played soccer at Huntingdon College, how he stopped playing his sport due to an injury and advice he has for athletes starting their journey of life outside of sports. He is currently in his eighth season as Head Women's Soccer Coach. Timmy McCormack graduated from Huntingdon College with a bachelor of arts in history in 2008 and graduated from Piedmont University with his master's degree in teaching in 2010.  

In episode eight, I sat down with Athletic Director Jim Peeples to discuss how he has coped with life after sports. We spoke about how he played both football and baseball in college, how he makes decisions as an athletic director for Piedmont athletics and advice he has for athletes starting their journey of life outside of sports. Jim Peeples graduated from Westminster College with his bachelor's in telecommunications in 1988 and graduated from Slippery Rock University with his master's degree in athletic administration in 1991.  

In episode seven, I sat down with senior Haylee Dornan to discuss how she has been coping with life after sports due to an injury. We spoke about how she started playing her sport, her experience at Piedmont University and how life has been after hanging up the jersey. Haylee is planning to graduate in the spring with a double major in History and Sociology. In the fall, Haylee finished playing her last season on the Piedmont women's soccer team. 

In episode six, I sat down with former tennis player Silas Sandles to discuss how life has been since he graduated from Piedmont University with a degree in sports communications. We spoke about his biggest influences, his last memory playing tennis and how he has been adjusting to post-grad life. Silas is a volunteer coach for the women's tennis team at Piedmont University while also working at undergrad admissions.

In episode five, I sat down with former soccer player Chloe Spradlin to discuss how life has been since she graduated from Piedmont University in December 2024. We spoke about her favorite memories from competing, her biggest influences and how she has been adjusting to post-grad life. Chloe graduated with a double major in mass and sports communications where she is now using those skills with the Atlanta United Football Club. 

In episode four, I sat down with former tennis player Leo Galarza, to discuss how he has adjusted to life after sports. We spoke about how he got into tennis, his experience at Piedmont University and how life has been after he graduated. After college, Leo was a graduate assistant at Emmanuel University for the tennis team. This year, Leo finds his way back to Piedmont University where he is currently helping out with the men's tennis team. 

In episode three, I sat down with senior Bryn White to discuss how she has been coping with life after sports. We spoke about how she started playing her sport, her experience at Piedmont University and how life has been after hanging up the jersey. Bryn is planning to graduate in the spring with a double major in Psychology and Political Science. In the fall, Bryn finished playing her last season on the Piedmont women's volleyball team. 

On today's episode of More Than the Jersey, I sat down with senior Hadden Carswell, who tells the story about an incident that impacted his life and athletic career. We spoke about how he got into sports, his biggest struggles since the accident and the transition into life after sports. 

On today's episode of More Than the Jersey, I sat down with senior Jessica Sconyers who just finished her last season of Piedmont University volleyball. We spoke about how she got into the sport, her biggest influences and the transition into life after sports.