UVA and NOVA Legends Podcasts®

In this episode, I sit down with the 2026 Yorktown Patriots following an undefeated regular season, with everything still ahead of them as the postseason begins — including the possibility of a return to the state semifinals, where last year’s run ended against Deep Run.I’m joined by senior co-captains Elyse Markowski (Emory), Claire Scott (Belmont), Elena Schultz (Virginia Wesleyan), and Jessie Talotta (Virginia Tech) — four accomplished players with thoughtful perspectives on leadership, team culture, and what it has meant to represent Yorktown soccer.We discuss the coaches and influences that shaped their journeys, the challenge of balancing club and high school soccer, and the emotions surrounding these final weeks together as teammates. It’s a fun and insightful conversation filled with laughter, strong chemistry, and genuine reflection from a special senior class.

On the eve of the Oakton–Madison showdown, I’m joined by Oakton midfielder Ella Dennis and Madison’s Shelby Smith to discuss one of Northern Virginia soccer’s premier rivalries and the proud traditions behind both programs. We talk about the coaches, teammates, and influences that shaped their soccer journeys, their goals as the postseason approaches, and their plans for college and beyond. A thoughtful and engaging conversation with two impressive young women representing two outstanding soccer communities.

On this episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I’m joined by three of Northern Virginia’s top high school soccer coaches: Bo Amato (Langley), Sean Patrick Burke (Woodson), and John Millward (Lewis).We break down the top teams across each district and look ahead to the postseason—highlighting the players and matchups to watch as the regular season winds down. The conversation also tackles the controversial new cumulative yellow card rule and how coaches are managing their squads during this critical stretch of the season.As always, it’s a mix of insight, perspective, and a few laughs with three coaches who know the game as well as anyone in the area.

On today’s episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I’m joined by newly appointed Bishop Ireton head coach Chris Wright to discuss his new opportunity and his remarkable basketball journey.Coach Wright grew up in Bowie before starring at St. John’s and Georgetown, where he played under John Thompson III and helped lead the Hoyas at the highest level of college basketball. He then went on to a professional career that took him across Europe, the Middle East, and South America.We talk about the lessons he learned along the way—from elite coaches and from competing against and studying players like Allen Iverson, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant. Coach Wright is a thoughtful, insightful voice on the game, and this conversation goes well beyond basketball into mindset, growth, and leadership.It’s a fascinating and enjoyable hour—and it’s clear Bishop Ireton is in very good hands.

On this episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I joined by Oakton High School standout Sophie Toole, one of the area's most impressive multi-sport athletes.Sophie just led the Cougars' basketball team to the state semis, earning Northern Region and Northern District Player of the Year honors along the way. Now, she’s headed to play Division I softball at Lafayette College—but not before making the difficult decision to choose softball over basketball.We dive into:• Her journey as a three-sport star at Oakton• The decision to pursue D1 softball• Growing up in a highly athletic family• The coaches and mentors who shaped her path, including Oakton legend Fred Priester• Her experience as MVP of the inaugural Fairfax County girls high school football league, leading her team to a championship appearanceSophie’s story is about talent, discipline, and making tough choices at the right time. She’s the kind of athlete that makes sports so compelling.Photo by David Custer Media

On today’s episode, I sit down with Billy Davis, a standout three-sport athlete from Mount Vernon who went on to star at Clemson and reach the NFL.Billy shares stories from his journey — growing up in Northern Virginia, playing for legendary coaches Bruce Patrick and Don McCool, winning a national championship at Clemson, and what it felt like to step onto an NFL field. We talk about the moments that shaped him, the people who influenced him, and the lessons that carried him from local fields to the national stage.It’s a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation with someone who has seen the game at every level — and still has the stories to prove it.

On this episode of the NOVA Legends Podcast, I sit down with two of Northern Virginia’s most accomplished high school soccer coaches — Langley’s Bo Amato and Woodson’s Sean Patrick Burke — to break down the 2026 season.We start with updates on new rules and how they may impact the game this year, then dive into each program’s outlook and what to expect from their teams. From there, we zoom out to the bigger picture — how much early-season results really matter, which teams are positioned to contend, and the players across the region who could define the year.As always, the conversation is thoughtful, honest, and grounded in real experience from two coaches who have been there and won at the highest level.If you care about Northern Virginia high school soccer, this is one you won’t want to miss.

On the eve of the Division III National Championship, I sit down with Marcus Kahn, head basketball coach of Mary Washington Eagles, as they prepare for their showdown with Emory Eagles.Coach Kahn shares a thoughtful and detailed look at the current state of the college game before taking us inside this year’s Mary Washington team—how it has evolved from last season, the defining moments of their tournament run, and the players who have driven their success.We close with a deep dive into Emory—what they do well, where the matchup will be decided, and what a national title would mean for the program and for Coach Kahn himself.This episode is part of the NOVA Legends Podcast, where we spotlight the players, coaches, and stories that define Northern Virginia sports.

Today I’m joined by an outstanding panel of Northern Virginia high school basketball coaches — David Houston (West Potomac), Sherman Rivers (Patriot), Carlos Poindexter (Hayfield), Doug Craig (Woodson), and Mike Desmond (South Lakes) — to wrap up the 2025 Northern Virginia high school basketball season.We break down a hypothetical All–Northern Virginia team, discuss the structure of the VHSL postseason and areas where the system could improve, preview the upcoming VHSL Class 6A State Final between Landstown and Westfield—two of the top teams in Virginia all season, and take an early look ahead to the 2026–27 season and players to watch across Northern Virginia.Always great catching up with this panel of respected coaches and talking VHSL basketball, Northern Virginia high school hoops, and the future of the game in our region.

Today I’m joined by Chris Jollay of NOVAhoops to preview the 2026 regional basketball tournaments across Northern Virginia. We break down which teams are best positioned to reach the state playoffs, revisit the moments that got them here, and highlight the players and coaches who could shape this pivotal week.Contents:00:00 Intro06:15 Class 6C — Occoquan Region Boys24:15 Class 6D — Northern Region Boys36:57 Class 6B Boys52:07 Class 5C Boys59:08 Class 4 Boys1:07:03 Class 4 Girls1:16:50 Class 5 Girls1:21:28 Class 6D — Northern Region Girls1:27:40 Class 6C — Occoquan Region Girls1:31:44 Class 6B Girls

On today’s episode I’m joined by Spotswood High School head coach Chris Dodson, one of Virginia’s most accomplished basketball coaches and a six-time state champion. Coach Dodson reflects on his journey from growing up in Page County to attending Bridgewater College and ultimately building a powerhouse program at Spotswood in Rockingham County.We talk about the mentors and lessons that shaped his coaching philosophy, how coaching — and parenting — has evolved in the era of social media, and why each championship season has carried a different meaning. We also discuss his family’s coaching legacy, including his daughter Tayler Cook, who has captured a state title of her own.We close by previewing this year’s Spotswood team, which enters the postseason with just one loss and high expectations. A great conversation with a true Virginia high school coaching legend.

On this episode, I’m joined by five of Northern Virginia’s top basketball coaches for a wide-ranging, mid-to-late-season look at Loudoun County hoops, the kind of conversation that only happens once the games have accumulated enough truth to tell a story.Joining me are Ben Farquhar (Heritage), Jeff Hawes (Potomac Falls), Michael Newkirk (Tuscarora), Jacob Krogh (Broad Run), and Konstantine Papastergiou (Woodgrove). Together, we take stock of where their teams are now compared to where they thought they’d be, which players have emerged as the season has unfolded, and what really matters when you’re trying to make a deep postseason run rather than just survive February.From there, we walk district by district through Catoctin, Dulles, and Potomac, handicapping the strongest teams, the most impactful players, and the matchups that will shape the stretch run as the regular season winds down.We close with a coach’s-eye view of the late season: how preparation and messaging change when margins get thinner, how rhythm is affected by school closures and snow, and what separates teams that peak at the right time from those that don’t.Insightful, honest, and rooted in the day-to-day realities of the local game, this is another must-listen episode for anyone who follows Northern Virginia basketball closely—or wants to understand why this part of the state continues to produce such compelling high-school hoops.

Today I'm joined by longtime friend, fellow UVA alum, and writer Maggie Light, whose debut novel Polar Opposites is a smart, warm, and unexpectedly deep young-adult rom-com set against the realities of modern adolescence and climate anxiety.A 2001 graduate of the University of Virginia and now an Assistant Professor at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, Maggie’s path has been anything but linear — from early success in eDiscovery sales, to an American Idol audition, to acting in LA, to sobriety, graduate school, teaching, and finally, publishing her first novel.In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Maggie and I discuss:• Her journey from sales to storytelling• The leap from Washington, DC to Los Angeles• American Idol, acting dreams, and creative reinvention• Sobriety and how honesty reshaped her life and work• Writing Polar Opposites — a YA rom-com with climate at its core• Why Gen Z's may be wiser than we give them credit for• Teaching writing, following genre rules (and breaking them)• Self-publishing, rejection, and redefining success• Selling your own work — and why it’s harder than selling anything else• Whether Polar Opposites could become a movie 👀What emerges is a candid, thoughtful meditation on creativity, failure, ambition, climate storytelling, and what it means to build a life that actually fits.

In my third conversation with ESPN Investigative Reporter TJ Quinn, we start with the latest wave of gambling scandals and the question at the center of modern sports:Can you trust what you’re watching?TJ connects today’s moment to the Black Sox scandal, explains why prop bets are especially risky, and why concerns about sports betting and integrity aren’t going away anytime soon.We then turn to college sports — the NIL and transfer-portal Wild West, coaching buyouts, and whether the NCAA has a real future at all. TJ argues that the idea of “pure” college sports was always partly a myth, and that player compensation, however messy, was inevitable.From there, we zoom out to sports media and journalism:the clip-driven ecosystem, the incentives that reward controversy over nuance, and what that means for how sports are covered.We close with baseball — why the pitch clock worked, what’s coming with automated balls and strikes, and why Shohei Ohtani already belongs in the greatest-ever conversation.If you care about sports integrity, the business behind the games, and the future of sports journalism, this one’s for you.

Today we catch up on the Northern Virginia boys basketball scene with Chris Jollay of NOVAhoops. We break down the hottest players and teams as the postseason approaches and take a closer look at which programs are positioned to make deep runs and contend for postseason honors.Contents00:00 Heritage v Broad Run08:00 6D Liberty District14:22 6D Concorde District22:20 6C Patriot District29:30 6C National District35:20 6B Cedar Run District40:50 6B Cardinal District47.55 5D Potomac District54:00 4C Dulles District1:00:45 4C Catoctin District1:05:23 Other schools including private and the Commonwealth District

On today’s episode, I’m joined by a panel of top Northern Virginia high school basketball coaches for a wide-ranging conversation on the NOVA hoops landscape. We break down the top teams and players in the area, look ahead to the stretch run of the season, and tackle several hot-button issues impacting the local game.Topics include:Unrealistic expectations placed on players by parentsThe impact of the recent snowstorm on schedules and postseason preparationWhether the 2025–26 season represents a “down year” for Northern Virginia basketball — and what that really meansJoining me for the discussion:Doug Craig — WoodsonSherman Rivers — PatriotDavid Houston — West PotomacMike Desmond — South LakesCarlos Poindexter — HayfieldInsightful, candid, and grounded in decades of coaching experience, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where NOVA basketball is right now — and where it’s headed next.

Today I’m joined by first-year UVA students Titus Powars (McLean HS), Andrew Kennedy (W-L), and John Poplawski (Oakton) to talk about their transition from Northern Virginia soccer standouts to club players and students at the University of Virginia.We discuss the academic and soccer adjustments they’ve faced in their first few months on Grounds, the lessons they’ve learned early on, and how life has changed since leaving high school. We wrap up by looking back at last season, sharing their perspectives on the top players and coaches in NOVA soccer.Always great catching up with these talented players—and some seriously funny guys.

Today on NOVA Legends, we close out 2025 with two of the most plugged-in local voices in Northern Virginia sports — and then we go big with bold predictions for 2026.Joining me:Ramine DashCo-host of All Hitches, the podcast covering Class 6 football across Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria — and now expanding into Prince William County.Chris JollayFounder of NOVA Hoops, the indispensable basketball hub for schedules, polls, recruiting info, and nonstop coverage across the region.We talk about the changing landscape of high school sports — including the rise of The St. James and other academies — and whether transfers and new VHSL rules are helping competition… or complicating it.Then we roll into our Year-End Awards and finish with 2026 predictions you’ll want to bookmark.In this episode:• Are transfers & academies impacting public-school sports?• Will tougher VHSL transfer rules actually be enforced uniformly?• The moments, upsets, atmospheres, and “unsung heroes” of 2025• Program builders and players who defined the year• Bold predictions for 2026 (teams, coaches, breakout players)If you follow NOVA football or basketball, this one is for you.Find Chris Jollay at novahoops.comFind Ramine Dash at All Hitches Podcast, whereever you get your podcasts.

Today, I’m joined by Ganon Baker — Hampton Roads legend, former college standout, and one of the most respected player-development coaches in the world.If you follow basketball at any level — youth, high school, college, or pro — you’ve felt Ganon Baker’s influence, whether you realized it or not.Ganon’s journey begins in Hampton, Virginia, where growing up in the 757 shaped his toughness, perspective, and competitive edge. From winning a Virginia state championship at Hampton High School, to playing college basketball at Duquesne and UNC Wilmington, Ganon carved out a career defined by grit, adaptability, and relentless learning.But his biggest impact came after his playing days.Ganon became a pioneer in modern player development — working with elite athletes around the globe, including NBA players, WNBA stars, and future pros, and eventually becoming a trusted coach within Nike’s Skill Academies, including time alongside Kobe Bryant.In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss: What made 757 basketball culture so uniquely tough Being the underdog — and why adversity became his advantage How an early injury led him to become ambidextrous, changing his career The evolution (and flaws) of today’s transfer portal and training culture Why so many athletes stop improving — and how elite performers avoid it What separates real coaches from “Instagram trainers” Faith, leadership, and the mindset behind long-term success Lessons from working with Kobe, KD, Ray Allen, and other greatsThis episode isn’t just about basketball.It’s about winning habits, accountability, purpose, and building a life — not just a résumé.

Maya Bundick joins the NOVA Legends Podcast after an excellent showcase performance at The St. James: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals. The Woodgrove junior guard has been doing it for a while—she helped the Wolverines win a state championship as a freshman, led them back to the state tournament last season, and is now stepping into a bigger leadership role.We talk about her growth from a supporting role to a playmaker and go-to scorer, learning how to balance pass-first instincts with being more aggressive, and how training with Dustin Hellenga is helping her become a more complete scorer. Maya also discusses other mentors who have shaped her game, Woodgrove’s schedule and big matchups ahead, and what she’s looking for in a college program as recruiting begins to take shape.Maya is the kind of player who impacts winning in every column—and the best part is she’s just getting started.

The 2025 NOVA Legends Year-End Awards are here—our third annual celebration of the athletes, coaches, and media members who defined another unforgettable year in Northern Virginia sports.This episode honors standout performers across football, basketball (boys and girls), soccer (boys and girls), coaching excellence, media coverage, sportsmanship, Athlete of the Year, and Legend of the Year.All nominees are winners. Selections were based on a mix of community votes, on-field impact, leadership, and first-hand observation throughout the year.The show also features live reactions from standout soccer star Lilli Lubic, who reflects on her journey from high school success to college soccer and beyond.This episode is about more than trophies—it’s about culture, community, growth, and gratitude.If you love Northern Virginia sports and the people who make it special, this one’s for you.

Today I’m joined by Strasburg head football coach Tripp Lamb, who just led the Rams to the first football state championship in school history.Coach Lamb and I talk about why it took such a storied program so long to break through, and what the title means to Strasburg and the Shenandoah County community. We cover his playing career at Staunton River High School and Bridgewater College, followed by his long tenure as an assistant at Strasburg before taking over as head coach in 2024.We then dive into the historic 2025 season—the defining moments, the players who made the difference, and how belief, culture, and execution finally brought a championship home.If you love Virginia high school football, program-building stories, and the impact of sports on small communities, this episode is a must-watch.

This morning I’m joined by Matthew Hatfield of Virginia Preps to break down the 2025–26 high school basketball season. We start with Petersburg High, its new coach Ty White, and how the program is handling a national schedule. From there, we run through all 12 VHSL classifications (six boys and six girls), revisiting last year’s Final Fours before identifying this season’s top contenders and standout players. As always, Matthew’s depth of knowledge is unmatched, and it was a pleasure catching up with him.

Madison head coach Justin Counts joins NOVA Legends to break down a memorable 2025 season — a sixth straight Northern Region title, a brutal playoff path, and another classic battle with state power Oscar Smith.We talk about balancing roster turnover with sustained success, the early-season turning point (South Lakes), the growth of QB Andrew Rowan and RB Matthew Weiler, how Madison tightened up in the secondary late in the year, the Westfield regional final and the Oscar Smith rematch, what Counts learned as a coach, and what’s next (offseason plan + young talent coming, including Will Smoot).If you follow Northern Virginia football and love program-building stories, this one’s for you.

Two years ago, North Stafford went 0–10. This Saturday, they’re playing for a state championship. On today’s NOVA Legends Podcast, I sit down with head coach Marquez Hall to talk about:His journey from Tuskegee, Alabama to Tennessee State, the CFL, and finally North StaffordThe influence of HBCU football and Omega Psi Phi on his life and coachingHow he rebuilt North Stafford “brick by brick” from 1–9 and 0–10 to 11–3Keeping kids bought in when losing, and turning them into a player-led teamThe defensive masterpiece vs West SpringfieldHow his Wolverines match up with Oscar Smith and his keys to victoryCoach Hall also shares what a state title would mean to his players, the school, Stafford County, and to him personally after so many doubters.If you love Virginia high school football, culture, and program-building, this is a must-watch.

Virginia high school football season comes down to one final Saturday—and we’ve got the state’s best analyst to break it all down.Matthew Hatfield (VirginiaPreps.com, On3) joins NOVA Legends Podcast to recap an insane state semifinal weekend packed with one-score thrillers, and to preview all six VHSL state championship games.We cover:Why there were so many one-score semifinal games and what it says about parity in Virginia HS footballHow out-of-state scheduling (Gonzaga, McNamara, Grimsley, etc.) is sharpening top programsA deep dive on all six title games:Class 6: Oscar Smith vs North Stafford – can North Stafford’s athletes push the Tigers to the limit?Class 5: Maury vs Highland Springs – revenge, history, and whether Maury is on a different level right nowClass 4: Varina vs Loudoun County – Varina’s firepower vs County’s one-score magicClass 3: Lake Taylor vs Kettle Run – maybe the best matchup of the weekend?Class 2: Glenvar vs Strasburg – Brody Dawyat vs Strasburg’s ground-and-poundClass 1: Rappahannock vs Rye Cove – balance vs brutality in the trenchesThe coaching jobs that impressed most this postseason (including Madison’s Justin Counts)The eternal question: go for two or play for overtime?If you love Virginia high school football—from the 757 to NOVA to the far southwest—this is your full state finals primer.

Four of Northern Virginia’s top girls high school coaches sit down for a powerful 2025–26 season conversation on NOVA Legends Podcast. Coach Dianne Lewis (Edison), Kirsten Stone (Madison), Amanda Baker (Langley), and Le Towe (WT Woodson) discuss balancing parenting and coaching, the longevity of women coaches, the impact of private schools and transfer rules, sending their players to college, and what to expect from their teams and districts this season. If you enjoy NOVA girls hoops, culture, and the people shaping it, this panel is a must-watch.

2025-26 NOVA high school girls hoops are here! 🏀On this episode of NOVA Legends Podcast, I sit down with NOVAhoops’ Chris Jolly to break down the Northern Virginia girls basketball landscape: early-season surprises, Osbourne Park vs. Paul VI, Gainesville’s rise, Concord and Patriot District battles, Loudoun contenders, and the balance of public vs. private powers.If we missed your team or favorite player, check out Chris’s in-depth coverage and rankings at Nova Hoops for the full picture of this season’s storylines.

West Springfield head coach Anthony Parker joins the show after the Spartans beat rival Lake Braddock for the regional title and punched their ticket to the state semifinals. We talk about West Springfield’s first regional crown since 1980, Parker’s coaching journey from Ballou and North Carolina A&T to Fairfax County, the impact of his two sons on staff, and how this team reinvented itself into a tough, run-first group. We finish by previewing a huge state semifinal showdown with North Stafford and what it will take for the Spartans to keep their dream season alive.

The 2025–26 high school basketball season is here — and we’re tipping things off Loudoun-style. I’m joined by three of the best in the area to break down what to expect on Opening Night and beyond:🏀 Ben Farquhar — Heritage🏀 Jeff Hawes — Potomac Falls🏀 Jacob Krogh — Broad RunWe hit many of the topics fans care about:• How tryouts, practices, and scrimmages shaped their rosters• Players and teams to watch across the region• The private-school talent drain — real issue or overblown?• Monday/Thursday scheduling — love it or lose it?• Is the true point guard still the heartbeat of a winning team?Smart hoops talk, real insight, and a ton of excitement for the season ahead.

On one of the biggest days of the year for Northern Virginia basketball, NOVA Hoops founder Chris Jolly joins the NOVA Legends Podcast to break down the 2025–26 boys season. We go district by district — Concorde, Liberty, National, Patriot, Cedar Run, Cardinal, Dulles, Potomac, and more — talk transfers, academies vs public schools, rising programs in Loudoun and Prince William, and why teams like Westfield, Patriot, Broad Run, Heritage, Potomac, Hanley, and others could all be playing deep into March.If you love NOVA high school hoops, this is your preseason roadmap.Please visit NOVAhoops.com

Today I’m joined by four of the top public-school coaches in Northern Virginia:Carlos Poindexter (Hayfield)Doug Craig (WT Woodson)Sherman Rivers (Patriot)David Houston (West Potomac)We break down:• How last year’s NOVA grads are performing in college• Honesty with recruiters and helping players find the right fit• Early impressions from tryouts and scrimmages• Whether December wins matter or if everything is about Feb–March• Loudoun vs Fairfax vs Prince William this season• Public school talent vs private/academy pipelines• Westfield, Yorktown, Potomac Falls, Tuscarora, Heritage, Riverside, South County and more• Why football brings the scandals and basketball stays steadyIt’s a fast, insightful, funny look at what makes NOVA hoops special and why these programs keep producing players who succeed at the next level.Subscribe to NOVA Legends for more conversations with the coaches, players, and programs that define Northern Virginia basketball

Lake Braddock head coach Mike Dougherty joins me to break down one of the wildest Northern Virginia football seasons in recent memory.We start with this year’s off-field headlines — the Fairfax eligibility case and the Battlefield chain-crew “radio scandal” — and what they’re like from a coach’s perspective. Then Coach Dougherty walks us through Lake Braddock’s playoff run: rematches with South County and West Springfield, life as a road team, in-game adjustments, special teams philosophy, and why he thinks this year’s Bruins are different from the last two.We close by scouting West Springfield, talking about “needing a few Jack Lamberts” on defense, and getting a Steelers fan’s brutally honest over/under on Mike Tomlin’s season.If you love NOVA high school football, scheme talk, and real coach honesty, this is great dialogue.

In this special episode of NOVA Legends, I sit down for my first-ever listener Q&A, answering questions submitted by fans across the NOVA Legends Facebook and Instagram communities.From the glory days of 1970s high school basketball to today’s rising stars, I share stories that connect generations — revisiting iconic games, legendary athletes, and the lessons learned from coaches who built programs and shaped lives.Topics include:🏃‍♀️ Meghan McCarthy and what makes a true champion🏀 The greatest games in Northern Virginia sports history🏈 Madison’s 2024 state final classic vs. Oscar Smith⚽ Yorktown vs. South Lakes, 2021 — one of the wildest soccer nights ever👩‍🏫 Lessons from mentors like my Aunt Manuelita and coaching greatsI also talk candidly about podcasting itself — the people I've learned from, the ones who inspired me, and the joy of celebrating Northern Virginia sports through storytelling.Subscribe for weekly conversations with the players, coaches, and legends who built Northern Virginia’s sports legacy.

Today I’m joined by Jill Patterson, who just added another remarkable chapter to her story by winning the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in Australia — her biggest victory yet.What makes it so special is that this was a year when she wasn’t training or racing at the same intensity as she had in the past. And yet, when the moment came, she found a way to win.Jill takes us inside the race — the tactics, the pacing, the split-second decisions that allowed her to pull off a perfectly timed sprint to the line. We talk about what that moment meant to her, how she stayed composed in maybe the biggest race of her life, and what she’s learned about balancing competition, coaching, and the broader world of cycling.It’s a great conversation with one of Gran Fondo's most thoughtful and accomplished riders.

Today I’m joined by Matthew McKeag, who has coached at several top programs across Virginia, including Robinson, Varina, and Glen Allen. We talk about his new basketball consulting initiative and revisit his journey as a versatile, all-around wing at Chantilly High School and Hampden-Sydney College. Matthew reflects on the big wins, tough losses, and lessons learned along the way, while offering great insight into the differences between coaching in Northern Virginia and the Richmond area. Now serving as Human Capital Manager at Eagle Construction, his passion for the game remains as strong as ever. It was a real joy catching up with Matt — the son of my own high school coach, Bob McKeag.

Today I’m joined by Byron Thweatt, a two-year captain and standout linebacker at the University of Virginia who went on to a brief NFL career before embarking on a long and distinguished coaching journey. Byron followed his hero James Farrior from Matoaca High School to UVA, where he started all four years under legendary coach George Welsh. During his time in Charlottesville, he played in three bowl games alongside future NFL stars such as Aaron Brooks, Thomas Jones, and Patrick Kearney.After playing for elite NFL coaches Tony Dungy and Jeff Fisher, Byron transitioned into coaching, spending more than 13 years as a college assistant and as head coach at Virginia State University, his hometown college in the CIAA. Today, Byron has successfully shifted gears into a career in pharmaceutical sales with Novo Nordisk in Northern Virginia. He’s enjoying more time with his wife and three daughters, and we discuss that transition from the grind of football to life beyond the game.It was a real pleasure catching up with Byron!

Today I’m joined by Madison head coach Justin Counts, fresh off a huge win over Concorde rival South Lakes that puts the Warhawks right back in the playoff picture. We talk about how the 2025 Warhawks have evolved after losing so many key players from last year’s team that came up just short in the state final. Coach Counts walks us through a tough 4–4 start, where every game has been a battle—quite a contrast to last season, when Madison cruised through the regular schedule. We also look ahead to the remaining Concorde matchups and discuss the keys to making another deep postseason run.

Today I’m joined by Yorktown head coach Joe Keimig, who enters his third season leading the Patriots’ varsity program. We talk about what he’s learned at a school known for its high expectations and strong community support, and the great backing he’s received within the building. We also look back on a successful 20-win campaign in 2024–25, and take an in-depth look at the 2025–26 Patriots, led by standout point guard Jake Coulam. Coach Keimig brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to Yorktown, and it’s always a pleasure catching up with him.

Forest Boyce joins me fresh off another iconic victory — this time aboard Henry Walters’ Barbadian Runner in the 2025 Maryland Million Classic, one of the premier events on the Maryland racing calendar. Forest is among the most accomplished female riders in racing history, with over 1,000 wins and more than $40 million in career purses. We catch up on the evolving Maryland racing scene — from the closing of Laurel Park to the impact of HISA on jockeys — and talk about how her approach to riding has changed over time. Of course, we also dive into her thrilling ride aboard local sensation Barbadian Runner. It’s always a pleasure catching up with Forest!

West Potomac basketball coach David Houston returns to reflect on a memorable 2024-25 season that ended in controversy, share his experiences balancing life as both a coach and a sports dad, and preview his team and the Northern Virginia basketball scene for 2025-26. We discuss the increasing movement of players between public and private schools, his own family’s decisions about where his children should play, and what continues to inspire his coaching after 25 years on the sidelines. We wrap up with a look at the players and teams expected to make an impact in the upcoming season.

Good Counsel Coach Mike Mastrantuano joins me to talk about his move to the Montgomery County WCAC powerhouse. We discuss the transition from coaching elite club teams to high school, the expectations of today’s players and parents, and some of the recent shifts in the soccer landscape. Coach Mastro also breaks down this year’s Good Counsel squad, which is off to a terrific start, and shares his thoughts on the U.S. National Team. I always learn something new when I catch up with Coach Mastro—it was great to reconnect!

Kallie Hovatter ranks among the greatest players in Valley history — a four-time All-State selection at Stonewall Jackson (Quicksburg) who twice led the Generals to the state playoffs. After an injury-plagued collegiate career at St. Joe’s and Elon, she went on to play professionally for 13 years in Australia. Kallie joins me to share her remarkable journey and the keys to becoming one of Virginia's most prolific scorers. We also discuss legendary NBA referee George Toliver, who coached her in AAU and helped her gain the exposure that was hard to find in small-town Shenandoah County. Now thriving in her career at Apple, we catch up with Kallie while she’s home visiting from her home base in Toronto, Canada.

South Lakes track and cross country standout Caroline Elliott has already cemented her legacy as one of the most decorated runners of her generation, and she’s now closing in on the legendary Alan Webb’s school record of 17 event records. Caroline joins me to reflect on her incredible list of achievements, including 14 state titles, four national relay championships, and four Washington Post All-Met selections, as she enters her senior year. We talk about the keys to her remarkable success, her goals for her final high school season, and her recent commitment to run for the University of Virginia, where she hopes to continue building on her extraordinary career.

Jockey and nurse Skyler Spanabel joins me to discuss her fascinating dual life—balancing two demanding careers as both a general practice nurse and a professional jockey competing at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. We talk about how she manages to thrive in two completely different worlds, and the joy she finds in each.Skyler shares her thoughts on some of the major issues facing horse racing today, including HISA and the growing concern over immigration raids at the track. She’s enjoyed success riding for Saffie Joseph Jr., one of the sport’s top young trainers, and offers her unique insight into what makes the talented Barbados native such a standout in the game.We wrap up by looking ahead to the upcoming winter racing season in South Florida—when the “snowbirds" and big-name riders arrive for the Gulfstream Championship Meet, while Skyler heads west to compete at Tampa Bay Downs.

Today on the Sunday Morning Conversation, I’m joined by Woodson Head Coach Doug Craig to reflect on the Cavaliers’ remarkable 2024–25 season—one that saw them come just a half away from a state championship. We also look ahead to this year’s squad and explore everything that shapes Northern Virginia basketball. Coach Craig shares updates on last year’s standout seniors and where they’ve landed in college, introduces the key players driving this year’s team, and weighs in on ongoing challenges like private school transfers and new off-season regulations for public programs. We wrap up by turning up the heat on his coaching peers, as Coach Craig names the teams and players he expects to shine this season.

Broad Run forward Ryan Brzezanski made an immediate impact in his first year at the Ashburn school, helping lead the Spartans to their first district title in years and to within one game of the state tournament. Ryan joins me to talk about his goals for the 2025–26 season, what he’s looking for in a college program, and the experiences that shaped him into the outstanding all-around player he is today. A great young man with a bright future ahead.

South County head coach Mike Robinson joins me on the Sunday Morning Conversation to reflect on his remarkable basketball journey and to break down this year’s Stallions. A Peoria, Illinois native from a true basketball family, Robinson averaged more than 30 points per game in high school before committing to legendary coach Gene Keady at Purdue, where he was a steady double-figure scorer throughout his career. Following a decade-long professional run in Europe, he returned to his wife's home to coach, starting on Tony Bentley’s staff at Wakefield before taking over at South County. Since then, he’s built a powerhouse—winning two state championships and sending numerous players on to the college ranks.We explore the biggest issues in today’s game: the challenges of youth basketball, dealing with parents, the shrinking number of Division I opportunities, the experience of coaching your own son, and the grind of competing in the rugged Patriot Conference. A great conversation with one of the area’s most successful coaches!

I sat down with Langley Coach Amanda Baker to reflect on the Saxons’ 2024–25 season, culminating in a Northern Region championship. We discuss the surge of women’s professional sports and how that momentum influences her players and coaching style. Coach Baker also highlights some of the area’s top programs, including Osbourn Park—led by her former high school coach, Chrissy Kelley—and St. James Academy, a new private school already making headlines this offseason. Known for trusting freshmen with big roles, she shares why young players have consistently stepped up for her at Langley. We wrap up with a look ahead to the 2025–26 Saxons and the players who could make the biggest impact.

Today I caught up with American University forward Greg Jones to reflect on his outstanding sophomore season and to look ahead at the '25-6 Eagles. We discussed what led to his major leap in year two and the key lessons gained from that growth.We then turned our attention to this year's team and how Coach Simpkins plans to integrate a number of young players into the rotation. Greg shared his thoughts on how the college game differs from high school basketball, and whether he still reflects on his prep playing days.We wrapped up by reminiscing about some of those massive high school moments and got his take on how this year's Hayfield team will perform under the terrific Coach Carlos Poindexter.