Best D1 Highlights Podcasts (2024)

1
Playing Baseball at Stanford, Developing Into a D1 Level Starting Pitcher, and Life as a College Baseball Star with Christian Lim 30:51

5h ago30:51

30:51

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews D1 college baseball player Christian Lim. Christian talks about growing up in Nashville, playing sports in his childhood, and his early baseball days (3:20). He shares about his training regimen (7:09), his college recruiting experience, and how he landed at Stanford to play college baseball (9:36). He g…

1
Mark and Kym Hilinski: Turning Tragedy into Hope 1:02:31

7d ago1:02:31

1:02:31

In this powerful episode of Athletes OnBalance, we explore the journey of Mark and Kym Hilinski, who turned their personal tragedy—the suicide of their son, Tyler—into a mission to prevent similar losses in the athletic community. Through their organization, Hilinski's Hope, they aim to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote awareness, …

1
Playing D1 College Hoops at Stanford, Life as a College Basketball Player, and Becoming a Basketball Hero with Ryan Agarwal 36:34

20d ago36:34

36:34

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Stanford men’s basketball player Ryan Agarwal. During this episode, Ryan talks about his family’s background (3:13) and his early basketball experiences (5:09). He shares about his high school basketball career at Coppell High School (10:05), his college recruiting experience, and how he decided to go to…

1
Pat Hobbs: Elevating Rutgers Athletes on and Off the Field 38:20

2M ago38:20

38:20

In this episode of Athletes on Balance, Walt Norley sits down with Pat Hobbs, Director of Athletics at Rutgers University, to discuss their comprehensive mental health care program for their student-athletes. Hobbs highlights the importance of a balanced approach that focuses on athletic performance, academic achievement, and personal growth, empha…

1
Winning the Wimbledon and US Open Doubles Titles, Life as a Pro Tennis Player, and an Incredible Tennis Journey with Vania King 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro tennis player Vania King. During this episode, Vania talks about her family's background, where she grew up, and how she got her start with tennis (2:40). She shares about her early tennis days, including playing in her first tournament and what her training regimen looked like (7:18). Vania g…

1
Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA, Dr. Brian Hainline, Discusses the Importance of Sleep, Mental Health, and Brain Health in Student Athletes 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

In this episode of Athletes OnBalance, Dr. Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA, explores the connections between brain health, physical, and mental health in student-athletes. Dr. Hainline discusses his initiatives to lead the development of effective concussion management protocols, the link between sleep and mental health disorders,…

1
The Journey to Becoming the 1st NCAA D1 Basketball Coach of Full Asian Heritage, Coaching UC Riverside’s Men’s Basketball Team, and Founding the Asian Coaches Association with Mike Magpayo 43:25

3M ago43:25

43:25

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Mike Magpayo, Head Coach of the UC Riverside men’s basketball team and Founder & President of the Asian Coaches Association. During the episode, Mike shares about his family’s background, where he grew up, and his experiences playing sports (3:07). He talks about his early basketball coaching experiences…

1
Life as a D1 Collegiate Swimmer, Becoming an All-American at UVA, and Swimming Career Highlights with Zach Fong 44:32

3M ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former D1 All-American swimmer Zach Fong. During the episode, Zach talks about his family’s background, where he grew up, playing sports in his childhood, and his early swimming days (2:01). He talks about his weekly training regimen in high school (9:26), his college recruiting experiences, and how he l…

1
Playing D1 College Football at Notre Dame, Becoming Notre Dame Football’s All-Time Leading Scorer, and a Legendary Kicking Career with Justin Yoon 1:06:48

4M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former D1 college football player Justin Yoon. During the episode, Justin talks about growing up in Korea and Tennessee as well as playing sports in his childhood (2:52), how he first got started playing football (8:06), and when he started pursuing football as his primary sport (12:34). He gives us an i…

1
Life as a Sports Agent, Launching Upper V Athlete Management, and Representing Women’s Pro Soccer Players with Lenny Lun 30:32

4M ago30:32

30:32

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews sports agent Lenny Lun about his journey working in the sports world. During this episode, Lenny talks about his background (2:27) and his career path, including landing his first job in sports with the San Francisco 49ers and why he decided to start his own sports agency representing women’s professiona…

1
Leading Team Travel for the LA Dodgers, Working with Japanese Baseball Players, and Finding a Job in Sports with Scott Akasaki 42:16

5M ago42:16

42:16

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Scott Akasaki - the Director of Team Travel for the Los Angeles Dodgers - about his journey in sports. During this episode, Scott talks about the vibe and buzz around the Dodgers during spring training (2:55). He also shares about his family background, growing up in LA, and the role that sports played i…

1
Coach Mike Locksley on Personal Tragedy and Becoming a Mental Health Advocate 36:08

5M ago36:08

36:08

Mike Locksley, head football coach at the University of Maryland, joins this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Coach Locksley has been coaching for more than 30 years, including eight seasons as a full-time head coach. His coaching resume includes positions at major programs like the University of Alabama, University of Florida, and University of Illi…

1
Life as a D1 College Tennis Star at Vanderbilt, Playing Singles & Doubles, and an Amazing Tennis Journey with Anessa Lee 28:21

6M ago28:21

28:21

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Vanderbilt tennis player Anessa Lee. During this episode, Anessa talks about where she grew up, how she got her start with tennis, and playing tennis during her childhood (3:31). She also shares about her high school tennis playing days (8:51), her experience with college recruiting, and how she landed a…

1
Kaleigh Kurtz on Overcoming Abuse and Being Courageous 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

Kaleigh Kurtz, a defender for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League, joins this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Kaleigh has been a member of two NWSL championship teams, both in 2018 and 2019 with the Courage. Last season, she was nominated for NWSL Defender of the Year and named to the league’s Best XI Second Team. Incred…

1
Becoming the First Asian American Manager in Major League Baseball History, Playing & Coaching Pro Baseball, and the Oakland Ballers with Don Wakamatsu 35:16

6M ago35:16

35:16

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Don Wakamatsu, the first Asian American manager in Major League Baseball history. During the episode, Don shares about his family’s background, growing up in the Bay Area, and how he got started playing baseball (2:43). He talks about his college baseball experience at Arizona State (6:34), getting draft…

1
Becoming a Major League Soccer Star, Playing on the International Stage, and a Legendary Soccer Journey with Brian Ching 51:10

7M ago51:10

51:10

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro soccer player Brian Ching. During the episode, Brian talks about his soccer journey, including how he got started playing soccer, his youth soccer experiences, playing college soccer at Gonzaga, and getting drafted into Major League Soccer (3:05). He also discusses his training regimen, the ha…

1
Walt Norley on What Drives Him to Help Student Athletes 37:01

7M ago37:01

37:01

Walt Norley, OnBalance Founder and CEO, joins this episode of Athletes OnBalance as the guest with special host Dr. Ginger Gilmore, Director of Behavioral Medicine at the University of Alabama. Walt, a former student athlete who played quarterback at Ohio State University and the University of Georgia, is a tech entrepreneur with more than four dec…

1
Life as a Pro Baseball Player in the Minors, Playing College Baseball at the University of Houston, and Supporting Youth Baseball Development with Hyung Cho 47:34

9M ago47:34

47:34

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews entrepreneur and former pro baseball player Hyung Cho. During this episode, Hyung shares about his family’s background, his childhood experiences playing sports, and how he got started playing baseball (2:48). He talks about his youth baseball days, developing athletically (7:42), his experience as an As…

1
Julie Kliegman on Reporting About Mental Health in Sports 33:38

9M ago33:38

33:38

Julie Kliegman, copy chief at Sports Illustrated, joins this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Julie has been a leading voice in the sports media landscape whose coverage focuses on athletes and their mental health. Her work has appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Post, The Ringer and BuzzFeed. In March 2024, her new book title…

1
Playing D1 College Hoops at UC-Irvine, Winning Championships, Skill Development, and Becoming a Basketball Star with Nikki Tom 26:13

9M ago26:13

26:13

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews UC-Irvine women’s basketball player Nikki Tom. During this episode, Nikki shares about her family’s background, where she grew up, and how she got her start playing basketball (3:45). She talks about how playing with older kids during her childhood helped her become a better player (4:42), her experience…

1
Dan Radakovich on Creating an Ecosystem of Support for Athletes 38:46

10M ago38:46

38:46

Dan Radakovich, Director of Athletics at the University of Miami — recognized as one of the most progressive and successful leaders in college athletics — joins this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Dan, who previously served as the Director of Athletics at Clemson and Georgia Tech, has had an incredible career building and advancing some of the lead…

1
Becoming a Pioneer in Women’s College Basketball, Playing & Coaching College Hoops, and Celebrating a Legendary Career With Colleen Matsuhara 39:30

10M ago39:30

39:30

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Colleen Matsuhara on her incredible basketball journey as a player and coach. During the episode, Colleen shares about her family’s background, where she grew up, and how got started playing basketball (2:59). She also talks about her basketball playing career, including playing collegiately at Sacrament…

1
Prospect Watch (October 2023 Edition): 12 Up & Coming Asian American Baseball, Basketball, and Football Players We’re Excited to Follow with Patrick Pratumrat 44:33

11M ago44:33

44:33

Host Justin Hong is joined by Patrick Pratumrat on the 2023 edition of “Prospect Watch,” which showcases and celebrates up-and-coming Asian American athletes. On this episode, they shine the spotlight on 12 electrifying, young baseball, basketball, and football players they’re excited about: college football quarterbacks Indiana Wijay (4:30) and No…

1
Dr. Katie O’Neal on Improving the Wellness of SEC Student Athletes 45:58

11M ago45:58

45:58

Dr. Katie O’Neal, Chief Medical Advisor for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), joins this episode of Athletes OnBalance. She holds several other positions, including Chief Medical Officer at a regional medical center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, associate professor at LSU and member of the SEC’s Medical Guidance Task Force. In this episode, Dr. O’Nea…

1
Playing & Coaching for the Pomona-Pitzer Women’s Basketball Team and a Lifelong Basketball Journey with Alaina Woo 38:14

11M ago38:14

38:14

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Alaina Woo, Head Coach of the Pomona-Pitzer women's basketball team, on her basketball journey as a player and coach. During the episode, Alaina talks about her family’s background, where she grew up, and how she got started playing basketball (3:35). She also shares about her high school basketball care…

1
Coaching UCLA Women’s Soccer Team, Winning a National Championship, and Making History with Margueritte Aozasa 43:57

12M ago43:57

43:57

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Margueritte Aozasa, Head Coach of the UCLA women's soccer team, about her playing and coaching career. During the episode, Margueritte shares about her family’s background, playing sports in her childhood, and how she got started playing soccer (3:40). She talks about her training regimen and her develop…

1
Cailin Bracken on Her Mental Health Journey as a Student Athlete 35:29

12M ago35:29

35:29

Cailin Bracken, a lacrosse player at Vanderbilt University, joins Walt on this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Cailin, who plays attack for the Commodores, is entering her senior year. As a college freshman, she made the decision to step away to address her mental health. After eventually returning to campus and to the sport she loves, she wrote a p…

1
Breaking Into the Sports Industry and Life as the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of San Francisco’s Men’s Basketball Team with Garrett Furubayashi 30:44

12M ago30:44

30:44

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Garrett Furubayashi, the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of San Francisco men’s basketball team, about his journey in sports. During the episode, Garrett talks about his family’s background, where he grew up, and his experience playing sports (2:23) as well as how he broke into the s…

1
A College Basketball Coaching Journey and Life as the Associate Head Coach for the Cal-State Fullerton Men’s Basketball Team with Anthony Santos 42:36

1y ago42:36

42:36

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews basketball coach Anthony Santos on his basketball coaching journey and experiences. During this episode, Anthony talks about his family’s background and how he got into basketball (3:25) as well as his basketball playing career (10:32). He details his career path with the Cal-State Fullerton men’s basket…

1
Coaching the UC-Irvine Women’s Basketball Team, Playing D1 Hoops at Long Beach State, and a Storied Basketball Journey with Tamara Inoue 45:28

1y ago45:28

45:28

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Tamara Inoue, the Head Coach of the UC-Irvine women's basketball team, on her basketball journey as a player and coach. During the episode, Coach Inoue talks about growing up in Hawaii and how she got her start playing basketball (3:10) as well as her high school career at Laguna Hills High School in Cal…

1
Jimmy Johns on His Redemption Story and Journey Ahead 38:50

1y ago38:50

38:50

Jimmy Johns, a former University of Alabama football player joins Walt on this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Jimmy, who was a star quarterback in high school in his home state of Mississippi, went on to play football at the University of Alabama. As a member of the Crimson Tide from 2005-07, he primarily played running back and later converted to …

1
Anchoring ESPN’S SportsCenter, Breaking Into Sports Media, and Becoming an Award-Winning Communications Expert with Cary Chow 45:46

1y ago45:46

45:46

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews award-winning communications expert and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Cary Chow about his journey and sports media career. During this episode, Cary talks about his family’s background, where he grew up, and why he wanted to pursue a career in media (2:24) as well as the importance of sports in his lif…

1
Walking On to the UConn Men's Basketball Team, Playing for a College Hoops Powerhouse, and Overcoming the Odds with Ace Watanasuparp 45:13

1y ago45:13

45:13

In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former D1 college basketball player Ace Watanasuparp about his journey and basketball career. During this episode, Ace talks about his family’s background, growing up in New York, and his early experiences playing basketball (3:16). He also discusses his high school career at the Bronx High School of Sci…

1
Playing Pro Basketball, Attending NBA Training Camp & Pro Workouts, and Breaking Stereotypes with Benji Kil 59:54

1y ago59:54

59:54

On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro basketball player Benji Kil about his athletic journey and basketball career. During this episode, Benji talks about his family’s background, growing up in Michigan, and playing a bunch of sports in his childhood (2:09), finding basketball when he was living in Los Angeles pursuing child actin…

1
Coach Nick Saban on Advocating for Athletic Mental Health Care 20:40

1y ago20:40

20:40

On episode 2, Walt is joined by Nick Saban, Head Coach for the University of Alabama Football Team. Coach Saban has won seven national championships, which is the most in college football history. Of those seven titles, he has won six at Alabama since he took the helm there in 2007 and eight SEC championships. He has coached four Heisman Trophy win…

1
Life as the QB1 at Cornell, Experiences as an Asian American Football Player, and Being a Leader & Role Model with Jameson Wang 36:03

1y ago36:03

36:03

On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews quarterback Jameson Wang about his athletic journey and football career. During the episode, Jameson talks about his background, playing sports in his childhood, and his early experiences playing football (3:20). He also shares his experiences playing high school football in LA (8:40), working with train…

1
Teaching Basketball, the Power of Relationships, and Lessons Learned from an Incredible Basketball Coaching Journey with Marshall Cho 1:07:32

1+ y ago1:07:32

1:07:32

On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews basketball coach Marshall Cho about his story and coaching journey. Marshall talks about his family background, immigrating from South Korea to Oregon as a child, and how he first fell in love with basketball (3:07), his playing career and breaking stereotypes as a 3-sport varsity athlete & team captain …

1
Playing Pro Basketball in Vietnam, Starting at Point Guard for Harvard, and Winning Championships at Every Level with Christian Juzang 46:50

1+ y ago46:50

46:50

On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Christian Juzang about his basketball career and journey. Christian talks about his backstory, growing up in LA, and the beginnings of his basketball journey (2:45), how coaches and trainers helped him with his basketball development (6:33), how he landed at Viewpoint School to play high school basketbal…

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