For the Love of Sport

2025 is here! Celebrate by listening to one of our favorite episodes featuring our partners at Diamond Allegiance this past year.

Dive in with hosts Simon and Marie as they chat with  Sandy Ogg and Erik Bakich from Diamond Allegiance, an organization dedicated to enhancing the travel baseball experience for families, teams, and coaches. Erik shares insights from his experience as Clemson's head baseball coach, while Sandy delves into the origins and future goals of Diamond Allegiance. The conversation also explores their journeys in youth sports, their approach to engaging clubs with extensive family memberships, and their upcoming b...

Welcome back, dear listener. Just in time for the holidays, revisit this classic episode featuring some of our favorite guests—the Savannah Bananas.

So, let's get Bananas! The latest episode of For The Love of Sport features special guests Kyle Luigs and Tyler Gillum from the Savannah Bananas. Luigs, the starting pitcher for the team, and Gillum, Head Coach and a two-time winner of the CPL Coach of the Year award, discuss their own journeys in youth sports and how they have brought their passion to the Savannah Bananas organization.

The Savannah Bananas are known fo...

In this final episode of the season, For The Love of Sport Podcast hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Gordon MacLelland, founder of UK-based Working With Parents in Sport (WWPIS). Gordon shares invaluable insights on fostering better relationships between parents, coaches, and young athletes.

As a thought leader and advocate for parent involvement in sports, Gordon emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect. We explore practical strategies for reducing conflicts, managing expectations, and ensuring that parents play a supportive, positive role in their child’s sports journey.

Whether you’re a co...

Welcome back, dear listener!  

We have a special treat pulled from the archives that was recorded live at the 2023 AVCA convention. Hosts Simon and Marie welcome Clarence Hughes and Stephen Munson from the USA Volleyball Show. Dive in as they discuss their youth sports backgrounds, lessons learned, and volleyball's explosive growth, with record-breaking attendance and rising professional leagues. Learn about the mission of USA Volleyball’s podcast—connecting listeners with the people and stories behind the sport and highlighting how volleyball inspires teamwork, resilience, and community.

This episode is filled with insight, humor, and camaraderie, cover...

Welcome back, dear listeners!

This week, we’re bringing you a special post-show episode of For the Love of Sport recorded after our interview with USA Rugby Coach and Paralympian Joe Delagrave. This special episode takes you behind the scenes of our inspiring conversation with Joe, giving you a closer look at the moments that didn’t make it into the main show.

Join hosts Simon and Marie as they share everything that happened off-mic, from the hilarious bits that went wrong to the powerful moments that left a lasting impact. Plus, get the story behi...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joe Delagrave, the esteemed Team USA Wheelchair Rugby Coach. Joe opens up about his journey from a decorated wheelchair rugby athlete to a guiding figure for Team USA, emphasizing the values of resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. Through his story, listeners will uncover how wheelchair rugby isn’t just about the sport itself—it’s a powerful platform for empowering athletes and building community. Joe shares insights on coaching a national team, teaching life skills, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply a fan of...

In this encore episode of For the Love of Sport, Marie and Simon are joined by Darrell 'D.K.' Taylor, the self-proclaimed 'Youth Sports Guy' and 'Engineer of Engaging Experiences.' As the director of BNA Sports, D.K. is dedicated to developing youth athletes and providing them with pro-like experiences. With a background in player development for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, D.K. brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation.

In this episode, D.K. shares his insights into promoting inclusion in football, creating opportunities for young girls, and...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Khalid Cannon, President and Chief Program Officer of Put Me In!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to sports for children of incarcerated parents. Khalid shares his personal journey, from playing professional rugby for the Austin Gilgronis to leading a national nonprofit. He discusses the transformative power of sports and how his organization fosters hope, structure, and a sense of belonging for children facing significant life challenges. Tune in to learn more about Khalid's innovative approaches to expanding sports access and empowering the next generation of athletes.

Key Takeaways...

Today’s episode features Kyle Weindel, Associate Club Director at Sunshine Volleyball Club, a volleyball powerhouse in Southern California. Founded in 1998, Sunshine Volleyball Club has cultivated a culture of excellence, earning over 150 bids to Junior Nationals and producing numerous collegiate athletes. Kyle shares his journey in the volleyball world, his coaching philosophy, and how Sunshine Volleyball balances elite athleticism with holistic development. Dive into the strategic growth of Sunshine Volleyball and learn how Kyle and his team foster academic and athletic excellence, maintaining their reputation as one of the top volleyball clubs in the nation.

Key Takeaways an...

Join us in an inspiring conversation with Brenda Hilton, the founder of Officially Human, an organization dedicated to restoring respect and dignity to game officials at all levels of sport. Brenda, who has over 22 years of experience in collegiate officiating, shares her insights on the vital role that referees and umpires play in sports events and the growing need to address the mistreatment of these professionals.

This episode explores how the decline in respect for officials impacts youth sports and the broader sports community. Brenda reflects on her career journey, her lessons, and how Officially Human strives...

In this lively episode of "For The Love of Sport," hosts Simon MacKenzie and Marie Fitzgerald chat with Dr. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Dr. Floyd shares how NASP has transformed archery into an inclusive and accessible sport for millions of students across the U.S.

Since 2002, NASP has introduced archery to over 21 million students, with 1.3 million participating last year alone. Dr. Floyd discusses how the program is making a big impact by building self-esteem, promoting teamwork, and even offering scholarships. With 1,346 new schools joining just this year, NASP is...

Just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, we are revisiting one of our favorite interviews. Simon and Marie are going for gold in this episode of "For The Love of Sport."  They sit down with Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production. With a career of over three decades, Molly has played a crucial role in bringing iconic sports moments to our screens. 

Hear Molly's journey from a researcher for NBC's Olympics coverage to becoming the first female executive producer for a national sports network. Beyond her professional achievements, Molly also opens up ab...

In this episode of "For The Love of Sport," hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Doug Bracken, Vice President of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). Doug shares his journey with the ECNL, detailing his involvement and experiences that have shaped his role in one of the most influential organizations in American youth soccer. They discuss the ECNL's initial focus on girls' youth soccer and its expansion to include boys, emphasizing the importance of providing pathways to collegiate and professional careers for young athletes. 

Doug highlights the recent launch of the ECNL app, which includes a l...

Simon and Marie are live from the AVCA with another episode of "For The Love of Sport!" In this episode, they are joined by Demarcus Lewis from the Lexington High Risers, who shares his journey as a sports conditioning coach from basketball and football to volleyball. Demarcus delves into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of strong nutrition in athletic performance. He discusses some of the training techniques he uses to condition athletes across various sports and his role in youth sport administration. 

The group also talks about the impact of enabling coaches within Demarcus's club and h...

Join us for another Sideline Short episode of "For The Love of Sport." In this episode, Simon and Marie sit down with Michelle Goodall, Region Director at USA Volleyball, to discuss her dedication to the sport and her extensive experience as an administrator, coach, and player. Michelle shares her insights on the importance of youth sports and how USA Volleyball is working to grow the sport at all levels. 

Simon and Marie delve into the ways organizations like USA Volleyball are empowering youth through sports and encouraging increased participation for both girls and boys. Michelle's passion and c...

Welcome back to another episode of "For The Love of Sport!" Hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Sandy Ogg and Erik Bakich from Diamond Allegiance, an organization dedicated to enhancing the travel baseball experience for families, teams, and coaches. Erik shares insights from his experience as Clemson's head baseball coach, while Sandy delves into the origins and future goals of Diamond Allegiance. The conversation also explores their personal journeys in youth sports, their approach to engaging clubs with extensive family memberships, and their upcoming business summit designed to enact impactful changes. Sandy And Erik also introduce The Curve...

Tune in to another Sideline Short episode of "For The Love of Sport" as hosts Simon and Marie explore the world of volleyball, focusing on League One Volleyball, also known as LOVB (pronounced love). Joined by guest Courtney Thompson, Coach Development at LOVB, listeners gain insights into this community-driven approach to professional volleyball. 

Courtney, a former standout player at the University of Washington and Olympic Silver medalist, brings her wealth of experience and coaching expertise to the conversation. She discusses her youth sports experience and a few of the things that led to her success as a p...

Welcome back to another episode of "For The Love of Sport." In this exciting part two of our discussion with Portland Community Football Club (PCFC), hosts Simon and Marie are joined by PCFC's remarkable coaching program manager, JD Penilton. 

Dive into JD's journey through youth sports and discover what drew him to the inspiring mission of PCFC. JD shares invaluable insights into the diverse programs offered by PCFC, shining a light on the organization's unwavering commitment to empowering families in soccer, regardless of financial constraints or personal identity.

So thank you, dear listener, for pressing p...

Welcome back to a very special two-part episode of "For The Love of Sport." Hosts Simon and Marie chat with Kaig Lightner, the mind behind Portland Community Football Club (PCFC). Founded in 2012 to remove barriers to competitive athletic training and create a supportive environment for all youth, PCFC stands out as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment.

Kaig shares insights into the programs offered by PCFC, highlighting their efforts to help families flourish in soccer despite financial constraints. Hear about the innovative approaches adopted by PCFC to create a safe and brave space for youth, fostering skills...

'For the Love of Sport' podcast hosts Simon and Marie are spotlighting another amazing organization for our mini-series, 'Sideline Shorts.'  The Podcast team sits down with the founder of the Girl Power Flag Football League, Phil Squatrito, also known as “Coach Squats." Phil, a father of three daughters, shares his mission to instill confidence and provide opportunities for young girls through flag football. 

Girl Power Flag aims to create a positive and encouraging environment for girls to learn and compete while building character and self-esteem. They discuss topics including player development, the league's partnership with the NFL...

In this inspiring episode of "For The Love of Sport," hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Danette Leighton, CEO of the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF). Danette's illustrious career in sports marketing and leadership roles, including her tenure with the Pac-12 Conference and Maloof Sports & Entertainment, has uniquely positioned her to lead WSF in its mission to empower women and girls through sports.

The discussion covers a range of topics, from Danette's personal youth sports experiences to the transformative power of sports for young girls. Danette provides insights into WSF's initiatives, including funding and advocacy strategies, and...

It's a new ball game in this episode of "For The Love of Sport." Join hosts Simon and Marie for the debut episode of their Sideline Shorts Series, where they shine a spotlight on youth sports organizations across the country. Up first is this dynamic husband-wife duo sharing their love of sport with Integrity Volleyball.

Founders Rafael Lopez & Isabel Domenech join Simon and Marie at the AVCA Convention to discuss their belief in the importance of a positive learning environment, character development, and respect as the foundation for success. They delve into their mission of teaching valuable...

Simon and Marie are going for gold in this episode of "For The Love of Sport."  Just in time for Girls and Women in Sports Day, and the 2024 Paris Games 6-month countdown, they interview Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production. With a career of over three decades, Molly has played a crucial role in bringing iconic sports moments to our screens. 

Hear Molly's journey from a researcher for NBC's Olympics coverage to becoming the first female executive producer for a national sports network. Beyond her professional achievements, Molly also opens up about her ex...

Welcome back to a new season of "For The Love of Sport!" Hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Kirsten Jones, a former Division I volleyball player, Nike executive turned motivational speaker, and Peak Performance Coach, for a crazy season three debut episode. Kirsten shares insights on parenting for the "long game," emphasizing the importance of supporting your athlete and nurturing their love for the game from an early age. 

The conversation delves into navigating the challenges of youth sports, the impact of coaching on a child's passion, and maintaining a growth mindset. Kirsten also discusses her j...

Wrap up the year with a bow and join hosts Simon and Marie in a jolly journey through the past year of "For The Love of Sport." In this festive holiday episode, our dynamic duo is joined by the show's producers, Joe Brezonik and Kelsey Erwin, for a holiday celebration. 

Joe and Kelsey flip the script, turning the tables on Simon and Marie with a flurry of fun questions that'll answer all your burning questions about the show. Unwrap the origins of the podcast, savor cherished memories, and enjoy a sporty spin on a holiday-themed "this or t...

Take a deep dive into the newest installment of the "For The Love of Sport" podcast as hosts Simon and Marie are joined by the legendary swimmer Rowdy Gaines. As a three-time Olympic gold medalist, Rowdy's name is synonymous with excellence in swimming. Beyond his stellar athletic achievements, Rowdy has seamlessly transitioned into the role of a celebrated sports broadcaster, captivating audiences worldwide with his infectious enthusiasm and insightful storytelling. 

The conversation delves into Rowdy's youth sports experiences, his early encounters with swimming, and the enduring lessons that have shaped his remarkable journey. From Olympic glory to h...

Hut hut hike! Welcome back to another episode of "For The Love of Sport," where our hosts Simon and Marie welcome Damon Phillips, the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Head of Diversity and Inclusion at NBC Sports Group. Damon, a former Stanford football player, is a prominent leader in sports and media, driving key initiatives, boosting NBC Sports audience engagement, and advocating for diversity and inclusion.

Damon shares insights on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in youth sports, reflecting on his experiences. He delves into his previous role with USA Football, emphasizing coaching certifications...

Who says cooler weather has to stop golf? In this episode of "For The Love of Sport," hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Chief Development Officer Jeff Clark and National Events Manager Rachel Miller from the awesome organization Youth on Course. The conversation starts with a deep dive into their experiences with youth sports and how these formative moments led them to be part of Youth on Course's mission.

Listen in to learn all about an organization dedicated to providing young golfers affordable access to the sport. Jeff and Rachel shed light on the organization's origins...

Get ready for a captivating episode as For the Love of Sport podcast hosts Simon and Marie welcome Gary Charles, the CEO of Advancement of Blacks in Sports (ABIS), to  For The Love of Sport. Gary's life journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering young athletes and promoting inclusivity and equity in the sports world.

This episode dives deep into Gary's diverse background, from his days on Wall Street to founding grassroots basketball programs that played a pivotal role in the careers of several NBA players. Today, Gary leads ABIS, an organization dedicated to e...

Welcome back, dear listener! In this episode, Simon and Marie sit with special guests Matt Wixon and Steven Doherty from Frisco ISD. They share their profound love for sports and their respective journeys in youth sports. Hear valuable insights as Matt and Steve discuss essential tips for parents looking to select sports programs for their children and share their secret ingredients for crafting lasting and meaningful sports memories.

Simon and Marie also explore how Frisco ISD is revolutionizing the world of youth sports. They learn about the innovative steps taken by Frisco ISD, which involves broadcasting their...

For the Love of Sport is revisiting the gridiron this week in an encore episode with legendary Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway   Learn about Chad's journey from youth sports to his time at Iowa in the Big Ten, and then the NFL.  Chad also dives into his life now in retirement, impacting youth sports in Minnesota and across the country.

Chad talks about trading in his football cleats for basketball shoes in his new role as the President of Wayzata’s Girls Basketball Association and guiding his daughters through youth sports and life in general as they get o...

Ever wondered how a professional athlete transforms into a financial guru while creating a legacy beyond sports? Join podcast hosts Simon and Marie as they unravel Amobi Okugo's incredible journey with "A Frugal Athlete" on "For The Love of Sport." Hear Amobi's secrets of success in sports and business, and get inspired!

In this episode, Amobi shares anecdotes from his soccer journey, reflects on the influence of youth coaches, and discusses the legacy he aspires to leave for future generations. Gain insights into the genesis of "A Frugal Athlete" and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Join...

Step into a world where sports and media converge with Bri Lewerke, a social media manager at Spotify and a prolific sports photographer. Join hosts Simon and Marie as they unravel the layers of Bri's journey, from her youth sports journey to her captivating work in sports photography. 

With a touch of camaraderie, this episode explores Bri's dynamic experiences, offering a glimpse into her passion for sports, branding, and media. Dive into thought-provoking discussions on utilizing social media for brand growth, navigating the world of youth sports, and seizing the power of captivating storytelling through photography. Prepare t...

Welcome back, Dear Listener! "For the Love of Sport," hosts Simon and Marie sit down with The Community Cultivator: Megan Scremin. Megan is the President and CEO of Special Olympics Colorado. Get inspired by learning how Megan and her team provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities opportunities to engage in year-round sports. She shares her passion for empowering athletes, promoting diversity, and fostering inclusivity within the sports community.

As the driving force behind Special Olympics Colorado, Megan has been instrumental in creating a transformative impact in the lives of athletes and their families. Through this candid...

Simon and Marie are joined by the Dedicated Developer: Lesle Gallimore. Lesle lives and breathes soccer, she formerly worked as the inaugural commissioner of the Girl's Academy and is the current General Manager of the OL Reign. With a wealth of experience in the soccer world, Lesle shares her insights and expertise on player development and coaching. 

As the inaugural commissioner of the girl's academy team, she sheds light on the importance of providing a developmental platform for young female soccer players. Lesle also delves into the tools and strategies that have made her a better coach, e...

In this episode of For the Love of Sport, Marie and Simon are joined by self-proclaimed youth sports guy and The Engineer of Engaging Experiences, Darrell DK Taylor. As the director of BNA Sports, DK focuses on developing youth athletes and providing them with impactful, pro-like sports experiences. 

With previous experience in player development for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, DK brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. The conversation delves into DK's work in youth sports, highlighting his efforts to promote inclusion in football and create opportunities for young girls to participate in t...

In this special Father's Day weekend episode of For the Love of Sport, hosts Simon and Marie are joined by father and son duo, Jeff and Harrison Burton, from the world of NASCAR. Jeff, a former professional stock-car racer, has transitioned into a successful career as an analyst for NBC Sports and Fox, while his son Harrison is currently the youngest NASCAR driver and a rising star in the sport.

During the episode, Jeff and Harrison discuss their journey into racing, the future of the sport, and the importance of prioritizing and implementing stronger safety measures. Their...

Welcome back, Dear Listener! 

We are closing out our series of live episodes from the United Soccer Coaches Convention and exploring the world of international youth soccer academy's with the President and Owner of the Liverpool Football Club International Academy Michigan, Andy Wagstaff.

Andy shines a light on how Liverpool Football Club expanded into America, creating a developmental program for youth athletes, the success of these player pathways, and more!

Andy's insights highlight the importance of life skills learned and how their coaches support the mental, physical, and emotional sides of sport. 

Tha...

Welcome back, Dear Listener! In this exciting episode of  For The Love of Sport, Simon and Marie sit down with Chief Soccer Officer: Skip Gilbert, the CEO of U.S. Youth Soccer and a retired professional soccer player. Skip brings his wealth of experience and passion for youth sports to the forefront as he discusses his role in advancing the world of soccer for young athletes.

Skip delves into his extensive involvement in youth sports and shares his unwavering dedication to ensuring that players' experiences remain paramount in the game. From his own journey as a professional a...

Let's get Bananas! The latest episode of For The Love of Sport features special guests Kyle Luigs and Tyler Gillum from the Savannah Bananas. Luigs, the starting pitcher for the team, and Gillum, Head Coach and a two-time winner of the CPL Coach of the Year award, discuss their own journeys in youth sports and how they have brought their passion to the Savannah Bananas organization.

The Savannah Bananas are known for their unconventional approach to baseball, prioritizing fun and excitement for both players and fans. Luigs and Gillum provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of...