Cougar Sports Show

In this special episode of the Cougar Sports Show, new host Mara Nelson sits down with founding host Abby Whittington for an exit interview packed with stories, laughs, and reflection. From Abby’s decision to attend USF to how the podcast first got started, the conversation covers everything that made her time behind the mic so memorable. Abby shares her thoughts on the future of the show, what she’d change if she could, and even takes on a fun trivia challenge to test her Cougar Sports Show knowledge. She also opens up about her journey as a USF soccer player, her favorite memories on the field, and the mental side of college athletics. Tune in for advice for future hosts, final reflections, and a heartfelt farewell to an incredible voice in Cougar sports.00:00 - Introduction00:35 - Why USF?01:25 - How did the podcast begin?06:23 - Future plans07:12 - What would you change about the podcast?08:08 - How well does Abby know the Cougar Sports Show?11:02 - Sponsor message11:36 - Soccer experience13:07 - Favorite on the field memory14:15 - Mental battle of college athletics17:11 - Women’s soccer in the NSIC20:41 - Advice for future hosts?21:32 - Final thoughts and thank yous from Abby22:47 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Kevin Grebin, head tennis coach at USF, for an in-depth look at the season so far. We start with a recap of the team’s preseason trip to Florida and how early matchups against high-level opponents helped elevate the level of play. Coach Grebin reflects on the conference season to date, spotlighting key wins and tough battles on the court. We also dive into standout players and preview some of the big matches on the horizon. Coach shares his approach to fostering a competitive yet supportive team environment and attributes the positive culture to the girls on the team. We wrap up with thoughts on this year’s team dynamics and coaching philosophy. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at USF tennis!00:00 - Introduction00:28 - Team trip to Florida/preseason games02:08 - Conference season so far04:27 - Standout players and matches09:29 - Sponsor message10:02 - Upcoming matches12:12 - Creating a competitive and support environment15:07 - Closing thoughts on this years team and philosophy 17:02 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Interim Head Softball Coach Madie Brink, along with athletes Taryn Wagner, Meghan Jochimsen, and Morgan Linstad. After a brief introduction of our guests, we dive into their season so far and the team's journey. Madie shares her path to becoming head coach, and we discuss the team's performance in the conference season, including insights into recent games against Minot and Mary. The team’s recent trip to Florida and the experiences gained from it are also highlighted. Taryn reflects on her final season at USF and the impact of being part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Meghan talks about her role in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and highlights some of the initiatives the group is working on. The episode wraps up with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and thoughts on the upcoming conference tournament. Tune in for an in-depth look at USF Softball!00:00 - Introduction03:11 - Madie’s journey to head softball coach06:46 - Sponsor message07:20 - Conference season so far 10:11 - Team trip to Florida 11:10 - Conference games against Minot/Mary 14:44 - Leaders on the team 17:50 - Future mindset 21:10 - Conference tournament 22:55 - Taryn’s thoughts on it being her last season 24:03 - Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)25:29 - Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)27:42 - Advice for current or aspiring college softball athletes 34:00 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we chat with USF soccer players Alivia Tindall (Liv) and Mara Nelson (Nelly). Liv has been an integral part of the show from the start, working behind the scenes alongside our host, Abby, since its launch in 2023. With Abby set to graduate, she will be passing the reins of the podcast to Liv and Nelly, with Nelly stepping into the role of host and Liv continuing her behind-the-scenes support. We kick things off by getting to know Liv and Nelly, then dive into the exciting future of the podcast and their plans for expanding it. In the second half of the episode, we discuss the recent coaching change in the soccer program, exploring Nelly and Liv’s perspectives on Joe DeMay taking over as head coach. Tune in for an exciting look at the future of the Cougar Sports Show!00:00 - Introduction01:01 - Background info on Mara and Liv 05:04 - Shoutout Mara Nelson Photography 05:30 - Why the podcast?07:08 - Future of the podcast08:55 - Sponsor message 09:29 - Coaching change in the soccer program 11:18 - Culture on the team14:33 - Additions to the coaching staff17:58 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with the Joe DeMay, who joined USF women's soccer in January 2025 as the 3rd head coach in program history. First, DeMay discusses his journey into coaching, his vision for building a new program, and the core values he’s instilling in the team. DeMay then outlines his plans for change and his goals for the fall season. We also get an update on the program's upcoming competitive spring schedule, followed by a discussion on leadership and positional depth. DeMay reflects on his favorite part of coaching at USF so far, as well as the most challenging aspects. We finish up by announcing the new assistant coach chosen by DeMay. Tune in to hear about the new era for USF women’s soccer!00:00 - Introduction00:34 - DeMay's background and journey to USF05:49 - Building a new program08:65 - Implementing core values11:19 - Plans for change12:32 - Goals for the fall season14:04 - Spring season games17:40 - Leadership21:22 - Sponsor message21:55 - Positional depth25:50 - Favorite and most challenging parts28:10 - Assistant coach29:26 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with track and field head coach Eric Chilson, along with student-athletes Emily Swanson, Tyler Hiatt, and Kamry Lindsey. We start by exploring why each athlete chose to join USF before diving into a recap of the current indoor season, highlighting standout performances and national provisional marks. The conversation then shifts to the impressive national qualifiers from USF, followed by insights from the athletes on their past experiences at the national meet. All three share how they are mentally and physically preparing for upcoming competitions. We wrap up with valuable advice for aspiring college athletes. Tune in to this week's episode to get the inside scoop on the 2025 Indoor Track and Field season at USF!00:00 - Introduction00:34 - Athletes reason for choosing USF01:34 - Recapping this indoor season 02:40 - Standout performances/national provisional marks 05:19 - National qualifiers from USF06:43 - Sponsor message 07:17 - National meet12:13 - Mental training13:43 - Advice for aspiring college athletes 15:08 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with head baseball coach, Grand Hieb, as well as two players, Isaac Bonnor and Ben Serie, to discuss their experiences at USF. The conversation kicks off with an introduction and dives into Isaac and Ben’s journey at the university. We move on to discussing the team’s recent trip to Hawaii and recap their games last weekend in Pueblo, CO. After a brief sponsor message, the discussion shifts to the upcoming games in Denver, CO, scheduled for March 1-5. The coach and players highlight key players and leaders for the team this season, and talk about their goals for the remainder of the non-conference games. As they look ahead, they share their excitement and strategy for the upcoming conference games. Tune into this week's episode to hear about this year's USF baseball team!00:00 - Introduction00:39 - Isaac and Ben’s time at USF01:36 - Team trip to Hawaii 05:40 - Last weekends games in Pueblo, CO08:15 - Sponsor message08:47 - Games in Denver, CO (March 1-5)11:18 - Key players/leaders this year18:27 - Goals for the rest of the non-conference games20:11 - Looking forward into conference games 25:44 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with USF Swim Coach Ricky Perkins and Assistant Coach Elizabeth Spaans to discuss a variety of topics surrounding their program. Coach Perkins reflects on his first year at USF and shares insights into the team's progress and challenges. Coach Spaans talks about her journey transitioning from athlete to coach, while both coaches dive into last season's overall performance, recruiting strategies, and the exciting results from the NSIC Conference meet in Fargo, ND. They also highlight standout swimmers, senior performances, and ‘B’ cut times, before wrapping up with thoughts on qualifying for nationals. Tune in for an inside look at the USF swim team's journey and successes!00:00 - Introduction00:33 - Coach Perkins reflects on his first year at USF01:36 - Elizabeth’s transition from athlete to coach04:54 - Last season overall07:03 - Recruiting09:00 - Sponsor message09:33 - NSIC Conference meet in Fargo, ND11:54 - Qualifying for nationals12:56 - Standout performances at conference/senior swimmers16:00 - Swimmers who got a ‘B’ cut time18:28 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with head football coach Jim Glogowski, redshirt sophomore Cade Morse, and graduate student Conor Rice. We begin with a recap of National Signing Day (NSD), looking at the incoming recruiting class for the fall of 2025, followed by insights into the new redshirt rules. The group shares their expectations for team culture and offers advice to incoming players. The conversation then shifts to the role of veteran players, thoughts on the strength and conditioning program, and the team’s primary focus for this spring. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on USF football and what fans can look forward to in the future!00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Incoming recruiting class (fall of 2025)05:50 - New redshirt rules06:43 - Culture expectations07:44 - Advice for incoming players10:45 - Sponsor message11:20 - Veteran players14:07 - Thoughts on strength and conditioning program16:15 - Emphasis for this spring20:00 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Toby Bryant, head coach of the women’s wrestling team, to take an in-depth look at our USF women’s wrestling program. We start with a discussion about the key to success this season and the strong culture that drives the team. From there, we explore the process of establishing a new program and the promising future of women’s wrestling. We also reflect on the significant strides the program has made over the past year, and highlight some of the standout matches from the season so far. The conversation touches on the team's starting 10, their performance in competition, and how they are preparing for the rest of the season, including the upcoming regional tournament. Tune in for an insightful look at the growth, challenges, and success of USF women’s wrestling!00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Key to success this season/USF wrestling culture08:30 - Establishing a new program11:35 - Future of women’s wrestling15:22 - Sponsor message15:55 - What strides has the program made in the past year?20:09 - Standout matches from the year22:30 - Starting 1025:18 - Competition so far 27:50 - Preparing for the remainder of the season29:30 - Regional tournament30:41 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In today’s episode, we’re joined by USF men’s wrestling head coach, Matt Meuleners, along with athletes Grant Moraski and Jordon Oehme. We recap the dual matches against Drury and Ouachita Baptist, break down the team's starting 10 wrestlers, and explore the competitive landscape within the NSIC. We also highlight some standout performances this season and take a closer look at the strides being made in the program, focusing on how the coaching staff is driving growth. The conversation shifts to leadership dynamics, where we discuss how athletes are stepping up and instilling the mindset needed to keep pushing forward. To wrap up, we reflect on the team’s progress so far and look ahead to what’s next on the horizon. 00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Dual against Drury and Ouachita Baptist 03:00- Starting 10 wrestlers 04:17 - Sponsor message04:51 - Competition in the NSIC/standout matches 06:59 - Strides in the program 08:48 - Leadership dynamic 10:23 - Mindset moving forward12:22 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

Welcome to season 5 of the Cougar Sports Show! Kicking today's episode off we have some announcements regarding upcoming events at USF. Next we dive into the details of the USF women's basketball team’s recent trip to Puerto Rico, followed by specific insights about this season and the team's dynamic. We discuss standout players, including a special moment with Megan Fannin, who shares her journey through ACL surgery and how herself and others have stepped up in leadership. We’ll also preview the upcoming games against UMary and Northern on January 17th and 18th, followed by some thoughtful closing comments from Coach Trap. After a quick sponsor break from Culvers, we recap the men’s basketball team's big win over Minot, as well as spotlight some of the senior leaders. We talk about mindset and how the teams are preparing for the next challenges, as we round out the episode with a focus on conference play. Join us for all this and more in today’s episode with USF women’s and men’s basketball!00:00 - Introduction00:24 - USF events coming up!01:05 - WBB Puerto Rico trip06:09 - Specific insights about this season/team12:48 - Player shoutouts 15:54 - Megan Fannin on ACL surgery and leadership 20:48 - Looking into games against UMary and Northern (1/17 and 1/18)23:42 - Closing thoughts from Coach Trap25:52 - Sponsor message 26:30 - MBB win over Minot 28:55 - Senior leaders30:44 - Mindset 33:10 - Preparing for games against UMary and Northern (1/17 and 1/18)35:13 - Making Conference 36:23 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

Welcome to the final episode of the Cougar Sports Show for 2024! Today, we're joined by our Athletic Director, Jon Hart, who is reflecting on his first fall season in the role and sharing his vision for the upcoming year. We’ll dive into the exciting plans for next fall, explore how the Cougar Club has expanded for community engagement, and hear the latest on NIL opportunities for USF athletes. Plus, we'll get a sneak peek at the winter sports and events on the horizon. Stay tuned as we wrap up with some final thoughts and important announcements on the upcoming year! We will resume our weekly episodes at the beginning of January 2025, diving into USF's winter sports!00:00 - Introduction00:30 - First fall season as AD01:51 - Next fall03:35 - Cougar Club05:32 - Sponsor message 06:05 - NIL for USF student athletes 11:15 - Winter sports and events coming up 12:23 - Last words and announcements USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode redshirt freshman Andy Henson and Bubba Tann, along with Coach Jim Glogowski, recap the 2024 Cougar football season, diving into key moments and challenges. They begin with a look at the St. Thomas game, highlighting standout team leaders and then reflecting on the few losses they had this year. The conversation moves to the pivotal Mankato game and a deep dive into the team's culture, exploring how it evolved from last year, allowing the team to finish with a record of 8-3 this season. After discussing the disappointment of not making the playoffs, they tell us how they will use this as motivation for next season. Finally, we wrap up with a recap of the end-of-year banquet and the award winners. Tune in to hear all about the 2024 USF Football team!00:00 - Introduction00:33 - Andy & Bubba05:16 - St. Thomas game07:17 - Team leaders08:50 - Losses14:50 - Mankato game17:08 - Team culture21:20 - Culvers Ad21:53 - Culture continued22:40 - Not making playoffs27:53 - End of the year banquet/award winners36:30 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we kick things off with a deep dive into the 2024 Volleyball season, starting with a look at what stood out the most, followed by a tribute to the graduating seniors. We also reflect on the challenges from last season, including a tough midseason slump. Next we discuss individual records and standout players, wrapping up with a look ahead to the next season. After a sponsor message, we shift gears to Cross Country, where we review standout meets, highlight key impact runners, and share insights into race day routines and training preparation. We also cover individual records and all-conference honors, the excitement of regionals, and preparation for the upcoming indoor and outdoor track seasons. Tune into this week's episode to hear all about the 2024 USF Volleyball and XC teams!Volleyball00:36 - What stands out from the 2024 season?01:43 - Graduating seniors04:04 - Challenges from last season/midseason slump08:13- Conference tournament game against St. Cloud09:23 - Individual records and standouts13:36 - Looking forward into next season17:35 - Sponsor messageCross Country18:13 - Intro18:25 - Standout meets21:24 - Impact runners this year23:34 - Race day routine/training preparation28:10 - Individual records/all-conference recipients30:25 - Regionals34:37 - Preparing for indoor/outdoor track season38:51 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

To kick off season four of the Cougar Sports Show, we have the 2024 football team captains Travis Yohnke, Garrett Hoffman, and Connor Aldrich talking about fall camp and the first game of the season. They explain what it means to have an “again, again, again” and “put the ball down” mindset. Later in the episode, we also get to hear from head coach Jim Glo on his thoughts about these beginning of the season moments. All of them touch on what improvements they would like to see from the team in their upcoming game against Northern on September 7th. To wrap up the episode, Coach Glo speaks on the importance of connection, culture, and leadership for the team. Tune into this week's episode to stay up to date with all things Cougar football. 00:00 - Introduction00:32 - Recapping fall camp 01:26 - Win against St. Thomas03:05 - Standout players/moments from St. Thomas game05:45 - Coach Glo’s thoughts07:24 - Upcoming game against Northern 9/711:22 - Coach Glo’s outlook 13:27 - Team leadership USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this week’s episode we sit down with head golf coach, Wade Merry, redshirt senior, Maggie Veenendall, and junior, Mason Weeks. These three give us the inside scoop on this past year and how the 2023-24 season went. We hear about the challenges and struggles they faced, as well as areas where they excelled. All of them talk about how excited they are to practice in the off season, and come back stronger next year. Wade shares what players stood out, as well as his hopes for next year. Tune into this week’s episode to get all the updates you need on the USF golf team. Stick around after the interview to hear assistant athletic director, Madie Brink, talk about announcements regarding cougar athletics!00:00 - Introduction00:29 - Overall thoughts on the year 04:20 - USF Invitational 05:43 - Challenges08:41 - Summer training10:09 - Things that went well this season12:04 - Standout athletes 14:23 - Next year 16:53 - Madie Brink shares cougar athletics announcements 20:11 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this week’s episode we sit down with Head Football Coach, Jim Glogowski, Defensive Coordinator, Spencer Capitani, Graduate student, Dylan Rudningan, and redshirt sophomore, Matt Goehring. These four give us the inside scoop on the fall 2023 season, sharing the challenges they faced as well as areas of success for the team with the next coaching staff. We hear about the bonds the guys have created and where the team culture is headed moving forward into next fall. They touch on the joint practice with MSUM, their intersquad scrimmage, standout players from spring ball, and the upcoming fall 2024 season. Tune into this week’s episode to get all the updates you need on the USF football team!00:00 - Introduction00:33 - Glo and Cap’s first season coaching at USF02:12 - How was this fall different from previous seasons?03:31 - What went well last fall?06:42 - Change in culture08:55 - 2024 spring season14:33 - Intersquad spring scrimmage16:06 - Standout players18:59 - Glo gives his outlook on athletics22:20 - Standout players continued26:55 - Upcoming 2024 fall season31:35 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this week’s episode, we hear from Eric Chilson who has recently taken over as head coach of the track and field program here at USF. Along with him, we have javelin thrower Olivia Buamberger and heptathlete Emily Swanson. Coach Chilsen shares the success that both Olivia and Emily have had in their events. They all touch on recent meets, past and upcoming National Championships, and their favorite part of being on the team. We hear about other standout athletes on the team and what the rest of this outdoor season will look like. Tune into this week's episode to hear more about the 2024 USF Track and Field team!00:00 - Introduction00:29 - Brian Clay Invitational02:52 - Eric Chilson talking about Olivia, Emily, and Tyler Hiatt03:35 - Addition of Assistant Coach, Carley Neumann06:46 - Standout athletes08:18 - Favorite part of being on the team08:44 - Eric Chilson taking over as head coach09:46 - What is special about the team10:07 - Red Raider Open Meet on 4/19-2010:53 - Conference/Nationals14:16 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall

In this week’s episode we get an update on our baseball team here at USF from head coach Grant Heib, along with players Brady Klehr and Noah Christenson. They share some of this year's strengths and weaknesses and go over what players have stood out recently. All of them stress the importance of having good pitching and the impact it has on the game. They also go over the teams that are most competitive in the NSIC and what we have to do in order to be top of the conference. Learn more about the USF baseball team by tuning into this week's episode!00:00 - Introduction00:31 - Game against Dakota Wesleyan 02:24 - Games against Bemidji (April 5th and 6th)05:01 - Strengths this season07:41 - What players have stepped up this year? (mentioned another player at 14:59)11:05 - Struggles this season13:04 - Standout teams in the NSIC15:40 - Information about the alumni day and senior day16:01 - Wrap-upUSF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcastShow notes written by Alivia Tindall