Explore every episode of the podcast In The Huddle

Coach George Eglesfield from NCAA D1 California State University at Bakersfield shares his journey from international student-athlete to recruiting coordinator and assistant coach, providing valuable insights for swimmers considering the US college route. His personal experience swimming at the University of Wyoming combined with his current coaching perspective offers a comprehensive view of collegiate swimming opportunities.

In this episode, Coach George shares the things the would focus on if he was a high school aged international swimming recruit, as well as tips he has for athletes getting ready to start their swimming journey this upcoming August. The infamous online platform Swim Cloud is also discussed, where Coach George emphasises the value in utilising this website when a swimmer is starting out their US college recruitment journey.

Claire asks Coach George her favourite question about red flags and green flags in college recruiting, and also delves into the prevalent priority she sees with Australian swimmers: wanting a warm climate college in Florida or California. Coach George provides his insight as to why climate considerations should be secondary to swimming program quality, academics, and scholarship opportunities.

The episode ends with Coach George discussing how the modern college swimming world is increasingly intense - times from 10 years ago would not be competitive today.

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Today’s episode explores the intricate world of Ivy League water polo recruitment, featuring insights from Coach Petar Momcilovic of Brown University. Listeners will get to hear Coach Momcilovic discuss the much talked about Junior Olympics, the importance of researching these universities before meeting with a coach. We dissect the infamous June 15th date in college recruiting and what Brown is looking for in a highlight reel. Claire and Coach Momcilovic also chat about the evolving landscape of East Coast vs West Coast Water Polo, a common  question we get at events like AYC! Coach Momcilovic also discusses Claire's favourite line: "the earlier you start the better" 

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Prepare yourself for an eye-opening journey through the world of collegiate soccer with our special guest, Coach Zach Newton from Indian Hills Community College. Hailing from Australia, Coach Newton's path from player to coach is nothing short of inspiring. He shares his unique experiences navigating the U.S. college pathway, providing insights into the high academic standards and significant role of GPAs at junior colleges. Through his narrative, you'll discover the balance needed between athletic and academic commitments and how they are crucial to securing scholarships and paving the way for a prosperous future in soccer.

Unlock the secrets of junior college softball recruitment with our expert guest, Coach Erin Sharpe from Northeast Community College in Nebraska. Gain insights into what truly matters in the eyes of a college coach: it's not just about stats but the fundamentals and batting techniques that make a standout recruit. Coach Sharpe discusses her thoughts on highlight reels and what grabs her eye in these videos. 

Navigate the dynamic world of college softball transfers as we delve into the intricacies of finding the right cultural fit for athletes moving from junior colleges to four-year institutions. Coach Sharpe shares strategies to evaluate compatibility with a team’s culture and addresses common questions from international athletes about the transfer process. Learn how the transfer portal operates across NCAA divisions and discover why JUCO offers more than just a stepping stone but a launchpad for athletic dreams. Coach Sharpe details how she assists her athletes with the transfer process and the lengths she will go to assist her players in this transfer. This episode is packed with practical advice and expert perspectives to guide both athletes and their families in making informed decisions about their college softball journey.

Continuing with our junior college podcast series, Chris Bates sits down with Coach Brooks Buffington, the newly crowned 2024 National Women's Junior College Coach of the Year at Jones College in Mississippi, to uncover the truth behind the often misunderstood junior college sporting landscape. As he shares his insights, particularly for Australian students unfamiliar with the U.S. system, we promise you'll gain another great perspective on the unique opportunities junior colleges can offer both academically and athletically.

Coach Buffington takes us on a journey through the world of junior college tennis, debunking myths and highlighting the supportive environment these institutions can provide. Contrary to the dramatised portrayals in shows like "Last Chance U," junior colleges can serve as nurturing spaces for personal growth and academic success, featuring smaller class sizes and a more intimate learning experience. We explore the financial and competitive advantages for international student-athletes, showcasing success stories from Argentina and Australia that demonstrate how junior colleges can be a wonderful fit.

Throughout their conversation, Chris and Coach Buffington also dive into the rewarding yet challenging dynamics of coaching multicultural teams and building a family-like atmosphere that integrates players from diverse backgrounds.

This podcast episode dives deep into one of our most frequently requested topics: Junior College, also known as JUCO or NJCAA.  

Coach Drew Mahin from Cloud County describes the recruitment process in a way for everybody to understand: are you approaching this as a customer or an explorer? Coach Mahin talks about rejection directing you to your next path, success stories of his athletes post Junior College, the amazing cultural diversity on his track/xc team, life in small town Kansas and how Junior College coaches assist their athletes to find their right fit after 2 years. 

This episode is a great conversation starter for families and athletes from any country to reflect on their approach to the US college recruitment process.

How do you balance athletics and academics while ensuring proper nutrition?

In this episode, Director Alexia Bates sits down with Sports Dietician Lyss Koenan to discuss nutritional choices for high school and college aged athletes. Alexia dives into questions for Lyss including new surroundings at college meaning unfamiliar American food and the new responsibilities college athletes have to make healthy choices. Lyss also touches on the importance of preparing food the night before for busy high school athletes and not overlooking a solid esky to bring to high school each day to set these athletes up for success.

Lyss also details the process of fuelling your body the day before, the day of and recovery after playing sport, as well as the importance of sleep in an athlete's performance. This episode also covers things for parents to consider when helping kids pack lunches. Lyss busts common myths around nutrition and covers topics like sports drinks not necessarily being suitable for young athletes. Wherever you are in the world, this is a great listen for high school/college aged athletes and parents!

In this episode, Claire sits down with Junior College Division 1 Women's Basketball coach Landon Steele, from Dodge City Community College. They discuss a wide range of topics from what Coach Steele looks for in a recruit, why he enjoys recruiting Aussies and the challenges of basketball recruiting on both the men's and womens' side. Coach Steele also debunks myths about Junior College, speaking about why someone would choose a junior college over an NCAA school, how JUCO prepares you for the next step in your sport, tips for any Australia basketballer looking to come to America and his excitement as the women's game grows in popularity across the globe. 

What if you could navigate the challenges of being a student-athlete in a foreign country while chasing your dreams of professional sports? Meet Jarrod Mann, our newest team member and recruiting mentor at Study and Play USA! 

Jarrod takes us through his incredible journey from the junior golf courses of Australia to earning a scholarship at Eastern Arizona Community College. He shares his trials and triumphs, from managing homesickness to forming lifelong bonds with his teammates. Hear how he balanced his expectations and leveraged his college experience to gear up for a promising professional golf career in Europe.

Jarrod’s passion for mentoring the next generation of student-athletes shines through as he discusses his desire to help them achieve a balance between sports and academics. Listen as he talks about his admiration for Tiger Woods, his favourite American sports team—the LA Lakers, and his dream of playing at Augusta National. 

Recounting his best golfing day at Quintero in Arizona, Jarrod's enthusiasm is infectious. Don't miss this episode full of insights, personal stories, and valuable advice for any aspiring student-athlete. Get ready to be inspired by Jarrod's journey and his commitment to guiding others toward their dreams.

Ever wondered how student-athletes juggle academic excellence with top-tier sports performance? Join us in this inspiring episode where we sit down with Nathan Brown, the Director of Sport and Performance Pathways, and Adrian Blades, the Head of Career Development at Geelong College. Nathan shares his intriguing journey from professional sports to nurturing young talent, while Adrian discusses his shift from university admissions to forging meaningful student relationships. Together, they offer a unique glimpse into their collaborative efforts to help students thrive both on the field and in the classroom, preparing them for opportunities at US universities.

Discover the power of a united support network as we explore the critical role of parents, teachers, advisors, and coaches in student-athletes' success. Learn how this comprehensive team approach shapes students' confidence and direction, making the process as rewarding as the goal itself. Through compelling stories, we illustrate how belief and clarity can transform a student's journey, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned and working towards common objectives. This episode promises valuable insights into how a supportive environment can elevate student-athletes to new heights.

Lastly, be inspired by the story of Mimi Balan, a former Geelong College school captain whose leadership and passion have left an indelible mark on the US College Pathway program. We reflect on her contributions and the broader impact of mentorship and community engagement in fostering opportunities for future students. By emphasising the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and having a strong support network, we underscore how these elements provide parents and students with the clarity needed to achieve their goals. Special thanks to Adrian and Nathan for sharing their expertise and dedication to empowering student-athletes.

Prepare to be propelled into the dynamic world of college athletics as we sit down with Marty Kinsey and Mark Kaiser from St. Mary's College of California. Discover the enduring bond between Australian athletes and St. Mary's sports programs, a journey that started on the basketball court and has since sprinted across the track and beyond. From the festive celebration of Australia Day to the strong sense of belonging these athletes find on campus, we explore the cultural exchange that's become a hallmark of St. Mary's community.

Unlock the secrets to standing out in the competitive arena of student-athlete recruiting with our insightful guests. We'll share top-notch tips and tricks for making that unforgettable impression on college coaches, coupled with the vital importance of authenticity and informed questions during recruitment conversations. And we go further, dissecting the potential red flags that may signal an overemphasis on performance over well-being, underscoring the significance of a supportive and holistic team culture.

But all work and no play isn't the ethos at St. Mary's, as Marty and Mark recount the entertaining and unifying activities that bind the teams together. Imagine shared pancake breakfasts, cultural potlucks, and even karaoke nights! 

We wrap up with a guide to navigating the intricate NCAA communication rules for recruitment and a peek at the exciting prospects . So, gear up for a wealth of knowledge, spirited stories, and a glimpse into the future of St. Mary's College's athletic and international alliances.

Embark on a journey into the heart of the college sports world as Chris and Alexia Bates from Study and Play USA join us to dissect the academic eligibility maze for international student-athletes. This episode is not merely a conversation; it's a treasure map that guides you through the perplexing terrain of NCAA requirements, where a single misstep can cost you the game. We're peeling back the layers of maintaining GPAs, understanding different educational systems, and why early planning isn't just advisable – it's critical.

Together with the Bates, we celebrate a success story that serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative impact of expertly navigating the curriculum landscape. This episode is less about the hurdles and more about the support systems in place, the people dedicated to translating and advocating for students' academic achievements. As the Bates emphasize, the interplay between academics and athletics is intricate, and knowing the eligibility rules specific to your sport is as vital as the air you breathe.

In the finale of our enlightening discussion, we tip our hats to the unsung heroes of admissions. These experts work relentlessly, often behind the scenes, to re-evaluate grades, wrestle with the nuances of GPA conversions, and advocate for the correct representation of academic records, ultimately enhancing scholarship opportunities. Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent, or just someone fascinated by the complexities of international university admissions, this episode is your playbook to navigating the competitive landscape and scoring your academic and athletic goals.

Study and Play USA has a new staff member, recently returned from his 4 year college experience at Iona University, playing rugby! In this episode, Conor chats with Alexia about his journey using Study and Play as a high school student to now working with us!

This is a must listen for ALL budding student-athletes. Tune in and gain a WEALTH of knowledge from  an industry leading expert who understands the nuances of the US approach to strength, conditioning and general athletic training and how to best prepare your body to hit the ground running once you arrive on your college campus.

Links:
Study & Play USA
Acceleration Australia 

In this super short episode, Chris discusses the sometimes unknown life changing opportunities available to student – athletes to set themselves up for a successful sporting and post sporting career. Chris provides some tips for maximising your summer break whether preparing for college or already in college. A must listen for ALL student-athletes wherever you are in the process

In this episode Chris Bates chats with Robert Walters Associate Director Hamish Winterbourn, about that the characteristics that international student-athletes possess like resilience, time management, team work and discipline make them some of the most recruitable candidates across a wide range of industries.

In this episode, SPUSA Director Alexia sits down with the Director of Play Overseas, Harry Newton to announce their new partnership which will help US graduates obtain graduate opportunities in UK. Together, Harry & Alexia chat with an NCAA track athlete in the USA to see how her sporting interests led to her postgraduate studies in the UK on a netball scholarship.

Learn more here: 
https://www.playoverseas.co.uk/studyandplayusa/

In this episode, Study and Play Director Chris is joined by Australian born UCLA Rugby Coach Harry Bennett. They discuss the power of rugby as a connector and network tool for student-athletes.

WA Softballer Mackayla Denney sits down with Talent Coordinator Claire to discuss her regrets and mindset shifts she had to make in her softball recruiting journey. Filled with "say it louder for the people in the back" moments, Mackayla is a positive & high energy treasure trove of wisdom. This no questions barred podcast dives into the Division 1 or bust mentality, the danger of allowing others opinions to dictate your dreams and much more. 

In this episode, Study and Play Director Alexia is joined by Talent Coordinators Chris and Claire to discuss common mindset barriers they have encountered over 20 years with student-athletes athletes and their families during the US recruiting Coach Communication phase. This is a must listen for all student-athletes across all sports, filled with valuable advice for all ages.

In this episode of ‘In The Huddle’ Director Alexia Bates and current soccer student-athlete Katie Jones discuss her journey from Australian high school student to Sophomore at NAIA women’s soccer program at SOKA College in California.  Together they dissect the differences between soccer in the USA and Australia, Katie’s key factors to finding her right fit, the importance of assistant coaches in your recruiting process as well as answering one of our most frequently asked questions What is the support network like for student-athletes?”.

In this episode, Director Alexia Bates takes you into the world of US College admissions with founder of Internationally Educated and former US admissions officer Debbie Shively. They discuss the differences between admissions here in Australia to the processes in the USA, what admissions officers are looking for and ensuring your college applications are authentically you.  It is worth a listen just to hear Debbie’s views on the challenges that international applicants can encounter and her top tips to overcome them and get your best outcome!

In this episode, our Director Alexia sits down with Freshman Water Polo player Izzy Lumley to reflect on her first semester in College in the US. They discuss how the recruiting process itself helped prepare Izzy for College, how she was able to find her right fit and advice for students navigating high school and the US College pathway.  A must listen for all prospective student-athletes and their families!

In this episode, Chris is joined by Talent Coordinator Claire Mulligan and USA South Coach of the Year 2021, NCAA Division 3 Women’s Soccer Coach Timmy McCormack. 

They discuss what coaches from all sports look for in a recruit, recruiting video tips, great questions for a recruit in any sport to ask a Coach as well as dispelling some critical Division 3 myths along the way. This is a podcast packed with valuable wisdom for athletes of any sports background, at any stage of their recruiting journey.  

Philippa Piper has just graduated from 4 years playing Water Polo at an NCAA D2 program.  

Alexia catches up with Pip to hear about her time in College from Conference Championships, the recruiting process, competing with the men’s team to be the best academically, working as a student athlete and her plans to stay a fifth year and study her Masters. 

She has had a heck of a journey and has made the most of every opportunity presented to her!  Be sure to join us to hear Pip recount her journey as a high school water polo player to an All American!

In this episode, Chris sits down with decathlete Jackson Willis who reflect on his first year as a student-athlete in North Dakota, all the way from Orange, in country New South Wales!

Claire is the latest Talent Coordinator to join the SPUSA team! Hear about her journey, her soccer career, and why she is so passionate about the US College pathway for Aussie Student-athletes!

Former outstanding Horton Park junior Lauren Mason has been head golf coach at one of the United States most respected universities. After being appointed assistant men's and women's golf coach at Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018, Lauren was named head coach in August 2019. 

Lauren is now the head coach of the women's golf program for SMU. 

Sean Fyfe is the Founder and Director of Performance Physio Fitness Health He is a leading Sports Physiotherapist, Masters Level Exercise Scientist, Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach and Tennis Australia High Performance Tennis Coach.  Sean has worked around the world in many different capacities including at the 2012 London Olympics, on the ATP world tour and as a Physiotherapist for London’s west End shows including the Lion King, Billy Elliott, Stomp, Rat Pack and Women in White .

Today’s Guest on In the Huddle comes to us from chilly Indiana.

James Hone started his college journey back in 2016 at Franklin College as a prized swimming recruit from Melbourne Australia. He has agreed to join us to reflect on his four - year experience and share his story of transition into the work force since his graduation.

In this episode, our Director Chris Bates sits down with two old friends; two old friends who shared a similar journey through their sport. Years on, they reflect on their junior journey, transitioning through the professional ranks and the college path. All these themes are seen on the pages on Chris’s book ‘Game Changer’ which is broken down in this episode. 

This is a must listen episode for parents of junior athletes, not just in Chris’s sport of tennis, but for all sports to help navigate the world of junior and professional sport.

Chris sits down with parents of golfer Harry Phillips, into his second year in college in Illinois. Tune in to hear another great parent perspective!

In this episode, Chris sits down with Australian basketball royalty – Olympian and NBL championship coach Brian Kerle – to discuss where it all started, his coaching philosophy and why his passion for coaching is still as strong as ever today!

Brian Kerle has spent a lifetime playing basketball, as well as selecting and nurturing great talent.

Brian is still passionate about basketball and dedicated to helping young people thrive at the game, and he draws on his experience and skill set developed as a player, coach and business manager in order to foster excellence in players on and off the court as the Head Coach and Director of the Brian Kerle Basketball Academy.

In part 2, Rupert’s passion for people, his state and country and for being a good person comes to the fore in an emotion charged reflection of his career as a poet, in media. He reflects on the life changing experiences of performing live in front of some of the worlds’ best athletes, hoping to do their careers justice in verse. How he managed to nail his poem at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli to honour the ANZACS, one of whom was his beloved grandfather and the sheer honour of inspiring thousands at ground zero in New York in his famous ‘ A Firefighters Dream’ poem at the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. The podcast wraps up with some parting words of advice for all of our young student athletes. This is a must watch and listen!

Our next guest features across two episodes or more aptly ‘stanzas’.  Rupert McCall openly and at times emotionally shares his story growing up in a sports mad family, onto a brief career a solicitor and onto world fame as Australia’s modern day Banjo Paterson. In Stanza 1 (part 1) Rupert sits down with our director Chris Bates and produces some pockets of gold when discussing the silver linings of Covid, the life lessons of travel, the art of decision making and building resilience, all highly relevant for our budding student-athletes preparing for their US College opportunity.

In this episode, Chris sits down with budding professional golfer Jono Ledger, three years of out of college, based in the US to talk about his progress as a pro as well as share some learnings from his college years.

Mason Cox  is an American professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Playing as a ruckman and key forward, he first played Australian rules football in April 2014 before making his AFL debut two years later in April 2016. Cox had previously played basketball for Oklahoma State University in the Big 12 Conference and, standing at 211 cm (6 ft 11 in), is the tallest player to ever be measured at an AFL Draft Combine.

Chris sits done with Alex Opacic, former college and professional basketballer and founder of Australian based company Athlete2Business, to discuss employability and unique opportunities for US college student-athletes graduates.

Two ladies from Colorado Talking Rugby Opportunities: Our very own Colorado staff member Maria talks with Karen Fong Donoghue , one of our valued partners from Rugger’s Edge in the US. Listen as they discuss the state of the women’s and men’s game, opportunities for young Australians and why working with a reputable company is critical to finding the right fit college.

Chris sits down with passionate Australian baseball identity Aaron ‘Apples’ Applefield to talk the state of the game, the college pathway and much more..

Our founders Alexia & Chris provide an update on our current student-athletes heading back to college post COVID, what it means for recruiting and how it hasn’t changed the process or timeline for prospective college goers.

Chris sits down with 2nd Year college student Robbie Baker, whose football journey has taken him from Brisbane to Manchester City Academy onto US College. A great chat about resilience, open mindedness and positivity.

Ellen, Chris and Alexia sit down to dispel myths about the various divisions of competition in the US, sharing some of their own experiences as athletes within these divisions

Chris sits down with some Old Boys from his high school who have recently taken the college pathway, Hugh Johnston and Seth Macute.

Maria Hopes interviews Student-athlete Luisa Gauci, who continues to break barriers in the sport of baseball!

Addressing differences in the US & Australian tertiary systems eases pressure for Australian Year 12 students

Coach Wadley amassed over 600 wins at Division 1 level. Never short of an opinion on the state of the game, he sits down to reminisce with one of his former players, Study & Play USA's very own Chris Bates

Mimmi Balaam, former school captain of The Geelong College, is now rowing and studying for the University of Miami in Florida on a full scholarship.