Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams.

Miles Parker’s journey from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to East Carolina University football is what “trust the process” actually looks like in real life.This isn’t a highlight reel — it’s the work behind it.In this episode of Home Grown, Miles breaks down what it takes to earn your way at the Division I level, from late recruiting exposure to grinding on the scout team and building trust inside a college football program.If you’re a high school athlete, parent, or coach trying to understand college football recruiting, player development, and mindset, this is a must-watch. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• The reality of college football recruiting (and why it starts earlier than you think)• How being a multi-sport athlete long-term development• Why the weight room became a turning point in his career• What it’s really like going from high school star to “back at the bottom” in college• How Miles turned scout team into an opportunity — and earned “scout team champion”• The challenge of switching positions (defense ➡️ tight end)• The importance of special teams in earning playing time• Lessons from competing in bowl games and high-pressure moments• Why staying connected to your hometown still matters From Local to D1From packed Friday night lights in Cardinal Stadium in Jacksonville, NC, to Saturdays at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Miles Parker’s story is about consistency, patience, and doing the work when nobody is watching. Who This Episode Is For:✔️ High school football players✔️ Multi-sport athletes✔️ Parents navigating recruiting✔️ Coaches building development programs✔️ Anyone chasing the next level Call to Action👉 Subscribe for more local athlete stories and high school sports coverage👉 Share this with an athlete who needs to hear it👉 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest lesson you took from Miles’ story?

What If Your Biggest Advantage Is Starting LateShe didn’t grow up in a volleyball town. She didn’t start early. And she didn’t take the easy path.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., we sit down with Lovina Teel, a Jacksonville High School ('24) athlete who found volleyball in eighth grade—and turned a late start into a Division I opportunity.Now, after a breakout junior college career, Lovina has officially signed to play Division I volleyball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.Her journey is built on adaptability, resilience, and doing the work when no one’s watching.We dive into:🏐 Starting volleyball late and catching up fast🏐 Training through COVID and staying consistent🏐 Switching positions and becoming a complete hitter🏐 The difference between high school and club volleyball🏐 Junior college success at Richard Bland & St. Johns River🏐 Visualization, film study, and mental toughness🏐 Competing at nationals and handling pressure🏐 Why JUCO volleyball is underrated🏐 Signing Division I and what comes nextLovina’s story proves: It’s not when you start. It’s how you respond.Presented by Humphrey Heating & Air Conditioning👉 Subscribe for more Home Grown stories👉 Share with a player chasing the next level👉 Comment: What’s one habit that changed your game?

Small Battles. Big ResultsA lot of athletes talk about “the grind.” Anthony Cooper can point to the exact reps that changed his life.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams, we sit down with Jacksonville, North Carolina native Anthony Cooper, a midfielder who built his game from the ground up—starting lacrosse in eighth grade, expanding his skillset at Northside High School, and earning his way to play college lacrosse at Coker University.His story is about more than highlights—it’s about the small battles most people overlook.We dive into:🥍 Starting lacrosse late and catching up through work🥍 How ground balls and takeaways build real impact🥍 The mindset shift from sophomore to junior year🥍 Using football to bring physicality and confidence🥍 Leading a growing program at Northside High School🥍 Staying motivated when wins aren’t coming🥍 College recruiting strategies that actually work🥍 Why highlight film (especially the first minute) matters most🥍 Using platforms like FieldLevel and social media to get noticed🥍 Choosing Coker University and what success looks like nowAnthony’s message is clear: Progress isn’t hype—it’s reps, stacked daily.👉 Subscribe for more Home Grown stories👉 Share with a player chasing the next level👉 Comment: What’s one small habit that could change your season?

What Happens When Your Roots Call You Back | Tymir Brown | Home GrownSometimes the biggest plays don’t start on the field—they start with where you come from.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams, we sit down with Jacksonville, North Carolina standout Tymir Brown to break down the journey behind a game-changing moment—a 45-yard interception return touchdown built on film study, preparation, and trusting what he saw.But this story goes deeper than one play.Tymir takes us from backyard battles in Onslow County, growing up with two older brothers, to Friday nights at Jacksonville High School, and into the world of Division I football.We dive into:🏈 Growing up in Jacksonville and learning toughness through family🏈 The culture and lessons from Jacksonville High football🏈 Recruiting during COVID and choosing UNC🏈 Handling role changes at the college level🏈 Entering the transfer portal and finding the right fit🏈 Why returning to East Carolina University reignited his edge🏈 How consistent reps build confidence and rhythm🏈 Breaking down the pick-six through film and preparationTymir’s story is about identity, resilience, and what happens when you reconnect with your roots.👉 Subscribe for more Home Grown stories👉 Share with a Jacksonville or ECU fan

What Do You Owe The Place That Built You? | Payton Jensen | Home GrownYour home doesn’t disappear when you leave—it travels with you.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams, we sit down with Payton Jensen, a Swansboro standout whose journey from local fields to Shenandoah University softball was built on travel ball, family, and the kind of mindset that holds up under pressure.From early mornings and tournament weekends to long car rides that quietly build family bonds, Payton shares how travel ball shaped her confidence, discipline, and love for the game.We dive into:🥎 Growing up in Swansboro and finding softball through travel ball🥎 Handling pressure without getting lost in stats🥎 Training for game-speed moments and building softball IQ🥎 Using speed with smart aggression on the bases🥎 Becoming a reliable defender through footwork and awareness🥎 Learning to lead and speak up as a teammate🥎 Navigating recruiting and coaching changes🥎 Why Shenandoah felt like the right fitPayton’s story is about more than softball—it’s about identity, growth, and carrying your hometown with you wherever you go.Her advice:Slow down. Soak it in. Keep the fun alive.👉 Subscribe for more Home Grown stories👉 Share with a teammate or parent👉 Comment: What do you owe the place that built you?#HomeGrown #PaytonJensen #Softball #SwansboroNC #CollegeSoftball #TravelBal

One Dropped Pass Doesn’t Define You | Tristan Shapiro | Home GrownA dropped pass can haunt you for years — or rebuild you from the inside out.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., Jacksonville native Tristan Shapiro shares the moment a potential game-winning touchdown slipped through his hands — and how his teammates responded with the kind of brotherhood that changes a player’s mindset forever.That story opens the door to a deeper conversation about Jacksonville Cardinals football, resilience, and the community that shapes athletes long after the lights go out.Tristan takes us through his journey from childhood football to Jacksonville High School, and now to Barton College, where he continues his football career while studying exercise science.We talk about:🏈 Growing up around football and family influence🏈 The culture and discipline of Jacksonville Cardinals football🏈 Playing wide receiver alongside his brother Shane🏈 The dropped touchdown that became a turning point🏈 Brotherhood and support from teammates🏈 Transitioning to Barton College football🏈 Using faith to stay grounded and control emotions🏈 Studying exercise science and pursuing strength & conditioning🏈 Mentoring younger athletes in JacksonvilleFor Tristan, success isn’t just about touchdowns. It’s about resilience, faith, and giving back to the community that helped raise you.👉 Subscribe for more Home Grown stories👉 Share with a teammate who needs this message👉 Comment: What mistake helped shape who you became?#homegrown  #TristanShapiro #JacksonvilleNC #CollegeFootball #BartonCollegeFootball

Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable | Nate Mahouchick | Home GrownThe jump from high school star to college athlete isn’t smooth—it’s fast, physical, and sometimes painful.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., Methodist University midfielder Nate Mahouchick shares the journey from growing up on the sidelines of Jacksonville High School watching his dad coach to earning minutes at the next level.Nate opens up about the moment the college game hit him—literally—during his first preseason session, the quick pass that finally settled his nerves in a live match, and the daily consistency it takes to earn trust from coaches and teammates.Then came the toughest test: an ACL tear on the final practice of the season.Nate walks through the rehab grind, the mental discipline of staying engaged when you can’t play, and how film study, team culture, and small wins kept him moving forward. Along the way, he reflects on his pride in seeing other Onslow County players on the Methodist roster and on how international teammates helped deepen his understanding of the game.We also dive into:⚽ Growing up around Jacksonville High soccer⚽ Being the coach’s son and the pressure that comes with it⚽ The speed and physicality of the college game⚽ Recovering from an ACL injury⚽ Leadership through consistency⚽ Turning recovery into a career path in athletic trainingNate’s message for young athletes is simple but powerful: Be comfortable being uncomfortable.If you’re chasing the next level—or fighting your way back from a setback—this conversation will hit home.👉 Subscribe for more Home Grown stories👉 Share with a teammate chasing a comeback👉 Comment: What’s the hardest moment that made you grow?#HomeGrown #CollegeSoccer #ACLRecovery #AthleteMindset #NateMahalchik #MethodistSoccer #JacksonvilleNC

No Warm-Ups. No Breakfast. No DoubtSome championships start with perfect preparation.This one didn’t.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., Jacksonville track standout Kaydence Daniels shares the chaotic morning that led to one of the biggest moments of her career.She missed breakfast.She missed warm-ups.And on her final attempt, she jumped 18 feet, 10½ inches to win the state championship.Now competing at North Carolina Central University, Kaydence reflects on the journey from AAU track meets and concrete runways to Division I competition.We dive into:🏃‍♀️ Switching from gymnastics to track🏃‍♀️ Winning races against older athletes as a freshman🏃‍♀️ Balancing school, AAU track, and a first job🏃‍♀️ Being coached by her Marine mom🏃‍♀️ The mental battle when progress stalls🏃‍♀️ The chaotic state championship meet that ended in gold🏃‍♀️ Competing against Division I athletes and hitting new PRsKaydence’s message to young athletes is simple:Run for time, not faces. Protect your mindset. Trust the process.If you love stories about resilience, discipline, and hometown pride, this one hits.#HomeGrown #KaydenceDaniels #TrackAndField #LongJump #NCCUTrack #JacksonvilleNC

It Only Works If You Do ItSmall-town gyms can build big-time purpose.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., we sit down with Jacksonville native Bo Koebbe, a standout from Living Water Christian School who turned hard lessons, strong mentorship, and relentless work into a path to Milligan University basketball.Bo shares how expectations shaped him early—growing up in a tight-knit school community where his family helped build the culture—and how basketball became the place where he proved himself through effort and leadership.We dive into:🏀 Growing up at Living Water Christian School🏀 The pressure of expectations and building your own identity🏀 The mentor who changed everything: Coach Trevor Hardin🏀 Learning the details of defense, accountability, and team culture🏀 Turning a painful championship loss into motivation🏀 Winning three state championships🏀 Coaching middle school players while still a varsity athlete🏀 The reality of the college basketball grind and redshirt year🏀 Why Bo’s future may lead to college coachingBo’s message is simple and powerful:“It only works if you do it.”If you’re an athlete chasing improvement, a coach building culture, or a parent raising competitors, this episode delivers real perspective.#HomeGrown #BoKoebbe #CollegeBasketball #MilliganBasketball #JacksonvilleNC

Next Play, Next Rep, Next LevelConsistency isn’t loud. It’s built.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., we sit down with Jacksonville native Shane Shapiro, a wide receiver at Guilford College, whose journey started with backyard battles and hand-me-down pads.Shane shares how growing up competing with his brother and learning the game from his dad helped shape the mindset that carried him from Jacksonville High School to college football.We break down:🏈 Backyard football battles that built his edge🏈 Playing alongside his brother and sharpening competitiveness🏈 The weight-room habits that changed his game🏈 Learning the receiver’s craft—beating cover two and reading leverage🏈 The breakout night: 14 catches, 210 yards & 2 touchdowns against Methodist 🏈 Balancing a demanding college schedule with football and academics🏈 Why his future may include coaching the next generationShane’s story shows how consistency, preparation, and patience turn opportunity into production.If you’re an athlete chasing the next level—or a coach looking for the habits that actually matter—this episode delivers.#HomeGrown #ShaneShapiro #CollegeFootball #GuilfordFootball #JacksonvilleNC

Confidence Is A Pitch You Learn To ThrowThe jersey tells you where an athlete plays.The name on the television screen tells you where they came from.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., Division I pitcher Peyton Eckert shares her journey from a hesitant young player in Swansboro, NC, to competing against some of the nation’s best hitters.A standout at Swansboro High School, Eckert dominated the circle with hundreds of strikeouts and earned the chance to pitch at the next level for the UNC Wilmington Seahawks softball program.But the path wasn’t smooth. In this conversation, Peyton opens up about:🥎 The recruiting grind and being told she wasn’t D1 material🥎 Taking a chance as a walk-on and earning trust inning by inning🥎 Facing powerhouse programs like Duke and Georgia🥎 Navigating a sophomore slump and rebuilding confidence🥎 The coaches and mentors who helped reset her mindset🥎 Coaching young pitchers and learning the game from a new perspectivePeyton’s story proves something every athlete eventually learns:confidence isn’t given—it’s built through the work.If you love softball stories rooted in resilience, recruiting reality, and hometown pride, this episode is for you.#HomeGrown #PeytonEckert #Softball #UNCWSoftball #CollegeSoftball #SwansboroNC

Built, Not Hyped: A Fifteen-Year-Old’s Leap Into IMG BasketballLeaving home at fifteen isn’t normal. Neither is chasing elite basketball development at one of the most competitive prep academies in the country.In this episode of Home Grown: Real Athletes. Real Stories. Big Dreams., Jacksonville native Jordan Goss shares what it really takes to level up at IMG Academy.Jordan opens up about the moment he realized the opportunity was real, the difficult decision to leave home, and the discipline required to compete daily against older, stronger players.We dive into:🏀 Growing up in Jacksonville and discovering basketball🏀 Mentorship from trainer Jay Lawson🏀 Military-family discipline and accountability🏀 The IMG camp and evaluation process🏀 The reality of elite prep basketball structure🏀 Practicing and competing against 17–18-year-old players🏀 The mindset shift from being “the guy” to becoming a high-IQ team-first guard🏀 The habits that translate at the next levelAt IMG, the routine is relentless—weights, practice, classes, film, open gym, and study time. Jordan shares how this structure is shaping not just his game, but his mindset and future goals.For young athletes chasing development at the highest level, his story offers a real look at the sacrifices and discipline required.#HomeGrown #JordanGoss #IMGBasketball #JacksonvilleNC #BasketballDevelopment

One eagle putt can win a tournament. It can’t build a career.In this episode of Home Grown, Western Carolina golfer Tyler Jones strips the game down to what actually matters. Before the wins came early mornings, redshirt frustration, and a choice to keep working when progress wasn’t guaranteed. Raised around his grandparents' driving range in the Half Moon community of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Tyler learned early that talent opens doors—but discipline keeps them open.He talks honestly about getting humbled in college, resetting his confidence through faith, and why transferring to Western Carolina changed everything. From mountain golf adjustments to pressure-packed finishes, Tyler explains how he trusts his preparation when nerves hit and why one bad swing doesn’t get to decide the day.This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a blueprint for staying grounded, staying hungry, and finding your edge when no one’s clapping.

Kate Wilson didn’t just join a program—she helped build one.From launching Croatan High School’s girls lacrosse team to becoming the first player in school history to sign a Division I scholarship, Kate’s path is rooted in leadership, resilience, and doing the work when no blueprint exists. In this episode of Home Grown, she breaks down how teaching teammates sharpened her own game, why culture matters more than stats, and how a state championship was won long before the opening draw.We dive into the reality of Division I life at Liberty—position changes, scout-team battles, and 5:45 a.m. practices—along with the academic grind that led her to graduate magna cum laude in just two years. Now pursuing graduate studies and a career in sports operations, Kate reflects on identity, balance, and redefining success beyond the scoreboard.This is a story about lifting others up, earning every step, and carrying your roots wherever the game takes you.Follow Kate's journey on Instagram @akw.820

Amaire Caines didn’t wait for a moment—he worked until one showed up.From Swansboro to the next level, Amaire’s journey is built on early mornings, bruising reps, and a mindset that refuses shortcuts. In this episode of Home Grown, he opens up about the pressure of carrying hometown expectations, balancing academics with football, and the quiet grind that happens long before anyone’s watching. We talk adversity, accountability, and the moments that test whether you really love the work.This isn’t a highlight reel—it’s the truth behind the helmet.Follow Amaire's journey on Instagram #amarecaines1

MacKenzie Morrow’s path from Jacksonville High School to the U.S. Naval Academy proves that hometown roots can launch national dreams.In this episode of Home Grown, the JHS soccer standout reflects on growing up in a community that shaped her work ethic, leadership, and love for the game. MacKenzie shares what it took to balance high-level academics with elite soccer, navigate the recruiting process, and earn the opportunity to compete at one of the most demanding institutions in the country. From early mornings to big moments, her story is about discipline, pride, and carrying Jacksonville with her wherever she goes.Follow MacKenzie's journey on Instagram @mackkmorrow