Prep Period: A Ventura County high school sports podcast
On the Ventura County Star’s first all-sports podcast, “Prep Period,” you can join the Star’s experienced group of reporters for a weekly and lively discussion of everything on and off the field in the 805. Hit that subscribe button now and prepare for Prep Period, hosted by Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino from the @vcspreps team.
Rivalry week in the West County
In this week's episode of Prep Period, two awesome guests join the show. First, Newbury Park quarterback Aiden Tasci talks playing through a broken bone in his non-throwing hand, as well as a blowout victory in the Conejo Valley rivalry game against Thousand Oaks. Next, Oxnard High softball ace Destinee Herrera discusses her decision to commit to UCLA last week. Then, Joe and Dom look ahead to rivalry week in the West County, including the San Buenaventura game, the South Oxnard Classic and the Black and Blue rivalry game. Enjoy the show!
Ventura County gets another Bruin?
In this week's episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley take a look at the 10 local football teams that are still undefeated and predict who can go the distance for a 10-0 regular season campaign. The pair also talked Oxnard softball star Destinee Herrera and her commitment to UCLA this week, as well as an exciting Week Two in prep football headlined by Oxnard's comeback win over Hueneme in the return of the Centennial Cup game and Agoura's first win over Thousand Oaks in 21 years. Oaks Christian volleyball coach Julie Bennett joins...
Talking big-time gridiron performances
In this week's episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley discuss an exciting Week One in local football, including a rematch of the CIF-Southern Section Division 12 title game between Grace and Santa Paula and a big-time win for Moorpark over Camarillo. Simi Valley's star running back Sal Villa joins the show to talk about his state-leading 486 yards over the last two games, and Del Sol head coach James Nelson chats with Joe and Dom about his program's second varsity win in school history. We hope you enjoy it all. Don't forget to...
Friday night lights make their return
In this week's episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino break down an exciting Week Zero in local football. The pair bring on Camarillo High head coach Nate Anderson after his team got a 17-16 come-from-behind victory over Santa Barbara. Then, Joe and Dom chat with Santa Clara High head coach David Cortez, whose Saints snapped a 20-game losing streak in 11-man football dating back to 2017 before previewing Week One games. Enjoy the show, and don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a comment!
Prep Period is back in session!
Welcome back to class! Prep Period is back in session.
Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino return with the second season of their weekly all-sports podcast. In today's episode, the pair are talking football.
Joe runs down all the movement within the five local football leagues this offseason, then they break down the recently published preseason top-65 football player rankings. Second period includes a draft of unranked players for a watch list, then Pacifica High head coach Mike Moon joins the show in third period to discuss the Tritons' upcoming season. F...
The Spring All-County episode
In this week's episode of the Prep Period podcast, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk through all of The Star's Player of the Year selections for spring sports, interviewing a pair in Moorpark track and field star Davis Benson and Royal baseball ace Dusty Dunwoody. Give a listen!
Spring sports reach an exciting conclusion
In this week's episode of Prep Period, two Ventura County distance runners come on the show to talk about their incredible performances this outdoor track season. Recent Ventura High grad Aelo Curtis discusses her surprise victory in the mile at the Brooks PR Invitational in the No. 3 performance all-time in Ventura County history — four minutes, 39.11 seconds. Moorpark College star and Newbury Park alumni Maya Natarajan won a state title in both cross county and track and field this year. The sophomore talked about her mindset and approach to racing in the final segment of the show. Joe and Dominic al...
Winning time for Oxnard softball, Calabasas sprinter Malia Rainey
In today's episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley talk through a marathon CIF-Southern Section championship Saturday in Orange County that ended with Oxnard taking home a Division 4 softball title. They also discuss the CIF-State Track and Field Championships in Clovis where Calabasas sprinter Malia Rainey won a 100-meter dash title and Moorpark senior long jumper finished runner-up. Don't forget to subscribe to the show, leave a comment with your thoughts and like the episode if you enjoyed it!
Champions join the show!
In this week's episode of Prep Period, local champions from multiple sports join the show to talk winning CIF-Southern Section and CIF-State championships. Newbury Park swimmer Megan Wang won the state 100-yard backstroke title while Chase Macleod led Oaks Christian boys lacrosse to a CIF-Southern Section victory. Also, Joe Curley discusses the rule behind last week's Rio Mesa baseball forfeit. Don't miss this one!
Volleyball, track and lacrosse section champions crowned
Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino take listeners through championship season for spring sports in Ventura County. The pair talk through Foothill Tech boys volleyball and Oaks Christian boys lacrosse winning CIF-Southern Section titles, Newbury Park's Megan Wang winning state in the 100 backstroke, baseball and softball section playoffs, and more. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe to the show!
Playoff pairings for bat sports released, CIF title hunts heat up
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino dive deep into the CIF-Southern Section playoff brackets for baseball and softball, with a total of 33 local teams advancing to the postseason. Baseball coaches Mike Minjares and Jacob Regalado of St. Bonaventure and Rio Mesa join the show, as do softball coaches Cheyenne Coyle and Heather Spohr of Oaks Christian and Thousand Oaks, to talk about their team's run to the playoffs. Be sure to like the episode leave a comment and SUBSCRIBE!
They are talking about HOW MANY sports?
Episode 35 of Prep Period has it all — and we mean all. Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino start off by recapping league championship track and field performances from across the county, as well as swimming. Then they jump to a softball and baseball check in, including an interview with Rio Mesa softball coach Daniel Lerma and pitcher Analia Lopez. The pair also discussed Oak Park's CIF-Southern Section beach volleyball title, Royal girls lacrosse's undefeated season and more. Don't forget to like today's episode and subscribe to the show!
County track and field champions crowned
In Episode 34 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley talk through the news of the week, including exciting freshman performances at the Ventura County Track and Field Championships, playoffs for lacrosse and boys volleyball kicking off, league title races in the softball and baseball and a surprise appearance at the Ventura County Track and Field Championships.
Don't forget to like and subscribe to the show if you enjoyed, and leave a comment with your thoughts!
Spring sports reach a crescendo
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk through incredible local performances at the Mt. Sac Invitational and interview Moorpark High senior Dean Guzman who cleared seven feet to win the high jump and become the No. 5 local performer, all-time. The pair also discussed Cal Lutheran men's volleyball's third NCAA Division III Final Four appearance in a row, local baseball and softball league races heating up and locals making a splash in college baseball and lacrosse. Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a comment with your thoughts on the...
All the W's for local athletes this week
In this week's episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley talk through an exciting week in local sports, headlined by new of former Camarillo High phenom Gabriela Jaquez being selected No. 5 in Monday night's WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. The pair also discuss a record-setting Arcadia Invitational for local track and field athletes, the Ventura County Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game, baseball league championship races heating up and the seven inductees to the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2026. Please enjoy the show, and don't forget to...
Gabriela Jaquez wins a national championship!
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino discuss the biggest news in local sports this week — UCLA women's basketball and Camarillo High grad Gabriela Jaquez winning an NCAA title in a blowout victory over South Carolina. Then, the pair go through The Star's first round of baseball and softball rankings and Curley talks former local baseball players in the minor leagues.
Spring has sprung in Ventura County sports
In this episode of Prep Period, a little technical difficulties with their microphones won't stop Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino from taking you through the transition from winter to spring sports in the county and all the exciting prep, college and pro news you need to know as a local sports fan. The pair talk Gabriela Jaquez and the UCLA women's basketball team cruising into the Sweet Sixteen, Star Player of the Year picks in soccer and wrestling, a new Ventura County record in the boys 100-meter dash and all the local pro baseball...
Wrapping up winter sports and checking in with NCAA stars
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley wrap up the final local sports stories of the winter season, including Westlake girls soccer's loss in the state final, Oaks Christian boys basketball forfeiting the Marmonte League title and Player of the Year picks in girls basketball, boys basketball and girls water polo.
The pair also discuss NCAA Indoor Championships, where former Ventura County Star and Gatorade Runners of the Year Colin Sahlman of Newbury Park and Sadie Engelhardt of Ventura turned heads with big races.
Give Episode 29...
Westlake girls soccer preps for state title match
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino chat with Westlake High girls soccer players Cierra Spencer and Sydney Wise as well as head coach Frank Marino about their pioneering season that has brought them to the first-ever CIF-State soccer championship game. The pair also discuss NFL'ers from the area signing new contracts and local baseball players making waves at the college and professional level. Don't forget to like, subscribe and comment wherever you are listening to this podcast!
It's all about state playoffs in Episode 27 of Prep Period
In Episode 25 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino interview four coaches from across the county ahead of quarterfinal and semifinal matchups in basketball and soccer. Ventura girls basketball coach Ann Larson (14:56) previews her team's trip back to the Division 1 quarterfinals for the second year in a row, St. Bonaventure's Wolfgang Wood talks confounding expectations ahead of D6 quarterfinal in boys basketball (31:00), Channel Islands boys soccer head coach Chava Orozco (48:44) introduces us to his talented young team and Oaks Christian girls soccer coach Sebastian Alvarado (59:03) discusses a wild round of Open Division pool...
It's crunch time in an exciting postseason for winter sports!
Thank you for joining us for another packed episode of Prep Period! Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino chat with Oaks Christian girls water polo coach Jack Kocur about the Lions winning their second-straight Open Division championship in an 11-8 win over Mater Dei, and discuss Del Sol girls soccer reaching a CIF-Southern Section championship in its first season of varsity sports. The pair also break down a heartbreaking playoff round for local girls basketball teams and all the area wrestlers to qualify for the state tournament. Make sure you like the show, leave a...
Four coaches join the show for a postseason special!
In Episode 25 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino interview four coaches from across the county ahead of quarterfinal and semifinal matchups in basketball and soccer.
Ventura girls basketball coach Ann Larson (14:56) previews her team's trip back to the Division 1 quarterfinals for the second year in a row, St. Bonaventure's Wolfgang Wood talks confounding expectations ahead of D6 quarterfinal in boys basketball (31:00), Channel Islands boys soccer head coach Chava Orozco (48:44) introduces us to his talented young team and Oaks Christian girls soccer coach Sebastian Alvarado (59:03) discusses a wild round of Open...
First-round playoff action is on deck
In the 24th episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino break down all the first-round playoff pairings for basketball and soccer, with Curley taking us in depth on some controversy surrounding the current playoff system and at-large bids.
Also joining the show to talk through the upcoming postseason are Thousand Oaks girls basketball head coach Ashley Ontiveros to talk through an exciting first-round matchup with St. Bonaventure in the Division 1 playoffs, and Del Sol boys soccer coach Adrian Garcia who talks problems with the at-large playoff qualification system.
...
Winter playoffs have arrived!
Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino bring you through the finales of all the local league races and which teams qualified for the playoffs in basketball and soccer in this week's episode. The pair check in with Camarillo High boys basketball coach Brendan Garrett after a pivotal win over Oak Park to avoid a play-in game with Simi Valley and clinch a CIF-Southern Section playoff berth in the Coastal Canyon League, then chat with Pacifica High girls wresting coach Joe Rodriguez on the Tritons' deep run in the CIF-SS duals. Don't forget to like the...
Playoff hunt, league title races heat up
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk exciting league championship races in both basketball and soccer for girls and boys, as well as the hunt for playoff spots. St. Bonaventure girls basketball coach Dee Pinkard makes an appearance for an interview on the Seraphs' remarkable 19-2 run in his first season as head coach. Then, the pair talk local news including locals playing in NFL conference championship games, a settlement between the family of former Newbury Park soccer star Katie Meyer and Stanford University in their wrongful death suit...
Marmonte League Madness
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley talk a wild first half of boys basketball and girls soccer action in the Marmonte League, interview Westlake girls soccer head coach Frank Marino, break down The Star's girls basketball top 40 player rankings and look to the NFL to single out local players competing in the conference championships.
It's winter sports rankings galore in Episode 20!
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Dominic Massimino and Joe Curley talk local basketball news, including both program and national records and noteworthy transfers, as well as breaking down player and team rankings for both basketball and soccer.
Go check out Joe and Dom's stories mentioned in this episode on the VC Star website below! Livvie
Elsokary wreaks havoc in setting a national record: https://www.vcstar.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2026/01/08/westlakes-elsokary-wreaks-havoc-in-setting-a-national-record/88061502007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11----p119750c119750d00----v11xx10o11----d--42--b--42--&gca-ft=181...
Prep Period's Year in Review
Welcome back to Prep Period!
Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino are back from winter vacation for Episode 19 of Prep Period, kicking off the winter sports season.
The pair talk through The Star's year in sports, then recap all the news of the past few weeks including awards for local coaches, Star All-County selections and Ventura High girls basketball continuing to make history.
Enjoy the show, and don't forget to like, subscribe and comment!
CIF-State Football Championships recap
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk through season-ending losses for Pacifica and Ventura in the CIF-State Division 1A and 3AA State Championships for football. Then, the pair discuss the search for a new head football coach at Oaks Christian after the departure of Charlie Collins, the upcoming National Football Foundation All-Star games for tackle and flag football, and Ventura girls basketball nearing 1,000 wins in program history. Enjoy the show, and don't forget to like, subscribe and tell us in the comments what you thought!
Pacifica, Ventura football prepare for state championship battles
It's all about the CIF-State football championships in this week's episode of Prep Period, in which Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino get you ready for Pacifica's Division 2A championship against Central East of Fresno and Ventura's Division 3AA matchup with St. Ignatius of San Francisco. The pair also interviewed Pacifica coach Mike Moon and linebacker Deville Warner, as well as Ventura receiver Jack Cunningham ahead of the titanic week for football in the 805.
CIF ring season for three local football teams
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk through CIF-Southern Section football title wins for Pacifica, Ventura and Grace, then recap an exciting end to the fall season for Ventura College football and local cross country teams at the state meet. The pair also discuss upcoming state regional bowl games for football.
CIF-Southern Section football championship week is here!
In this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino discuss the four local teams playing for CIF-Southern Section football titles this week, including Pacifica, Ventura, Santa Paula and Grace, as well as last week's semifinal slate.
Curley recaps local college football games and Massimino brings us up to speed on CIF-SS cross country finals that took place last Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College.
Plus, former Nordhoff High coach Tony Henney, now at Dana Hills, joins the show to talk Palos Verdes who Pacifica will face in the D...
Fall postseason action hits full tilt
On Episode 13 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino discuss the first round of the CIF-Southern Section football playoffs, flag football and volleyball championships and interview Moorpark High football coach Christian Dearborn ahead of a rematch with Ventura in the Division 6 quarterfinals.
Football playoffs are here!
On Episode 12 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino welcome special guests Derry Eads, former sports editor at The Star, and legendary football coach George Contreras to discuss this year's football playoff pairings.
League football finale, plus volleyball, flag football playoff check in
On this episode of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino discuss an exciting penultimate week of the league football season, discuss flag football and volleyball playoffs and check out playoff projections for local football teams. Don't forget to subscribe!
Midseason top-100 football rankings and playoff lookahead
Prep Period enters double digits! In Episode 10, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino break down their midseason top-100 football rankings, discussing top risers and players who went from unranked to highly ranked from the preseason to now. They also talked Ventura County Cross Country Championships, Route 126 Rivalry news, and a look ahead to playoffs for volleyball and flag football.
League championship week for football? Plus XC news
In Episode 9 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk through what will be a pivotal week of games this with likely league title deciders in the Tri-County and Citrus Coast leagues. Also, hear about some of the top storylines in local cross country ahead of Saturday's Ventura County Championships.
Lots to learn from football league openers
In Episode 8 of Prep Period, Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino discuss the first week of league football action in the area, including big injury news and important matchups, as well as a local college recruitment update. Give a listen!
Welcome to league football!
On this week's episode of Prep Period, Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino look ahead to the first week of league football action and make some predictions on how local teams will fare. Give a listen!
Football, volleyball, cross country, oh my!
On Episode 6 of Prep Period. Ventura County Star reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino talk with Ventura High QB Derek Garcia, break down midseason volleyball rankings and discuss recent cross country results from the famed Woodbridge Classic.
