Best Study Amp Play Usa Podcasts (2025)

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EP#59: The World of East Coast Ivy League Water Polo with Brown University's Recruiting Coordinator Petar Momcilovic 49:00

25d ago49:00

49:00

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 1…

1
EP#58: NPL Does Not Automatically Mean NCAA D1 with Indian Hills Men's Soccer Coach Zac Newton 44:09

4M ago44:09

44:09

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 int…

1
EP#57: Take Division Out of It with Junior College Softball Coach Erin Sharpe at Northeast CC in Nebraska 28:17

4M ago28:17

28:17

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…

1
EP#56: Junior College Tennis Beyond the Stereotypes with Jones College Coach Brooks Buffington 54:02

5M ago54:02

54:02

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…

1
EP#55: The Customer vs The Explorer: College Recruitment with Cloud County Community College Track/XC Coach Drew Mahin 1:08:38

7M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

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 …

1
EP#54: Fuelling student-athletes for performance both at home and College with Sports Dietitian Lyss Koenan. 48:07

8M ago48:07

48:07

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 n…

1
EP#53: Unpacking Junior College Basketball with Dodge City Community College Women's Basketball Coach Landon Steele 58:54

9M ago58:54

58:54

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 a…

1
EP#52: From Golf Recruit To Recruiting Mentor: Introducing Our New Team Member, Jarrod Mann 17:25

11M ago17:25

17:25

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…

1
EP#51: Bridging High School and US Pathways: The Geelong College’s Approach To Connecting Sport & Academics 36:50

11M ago36:50

36:50

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 …

1
EP#50 More than just running with NCAA Division 1 Women's Track/XC Coaches at St Mary's College of California 1:00:55

1y ago1:00:55

1:00:55

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…

1
EP#49 Mastering the Game: Navigating College Sports Eligibility for International Student-Athletes 49:22

1y ago49:22

49:22

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 misst…

1
EP#48: Introducing our newest team member Conor - Returned College Rugby player 18:16

1y ago18:16

18:16

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!By Study & Play USA

1
EP#47: Preparing Athletically for the Rigours of College Sport with Stewart Briggs, former US College Strength & Conditioning Guru and Founder of Acceleration Australia 48:28

1+ y ago48:28

48:28

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 …

1
EP#46: Maximise Your Summer! 14:03

1+ y ago14:03

14:03

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 …

1
EP#45: Supporting Student-athletes Beyond College With Industry Leading Recruitment Agency Robert Walters 23:38

1+ y ago23:38

23:38

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.…

1
EP#43: Undergrad in the USA and Post Grad in the UK - Our Partnership with Play Overseas 56:55

2y ago56:55

56:55

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 net…

1
EP#42: Set yourself up for life through US College Rugby with UCLA Rugby Coach Harry Bennett 51:01

2y ago51:01

51:01

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.

1
EP#41: The Danger of Letting Other's Opinions Get in the Way of Your Dreams with WA Softballer Mackayla Denney 57:36

2y ago57:36

57:36

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…

1
EP#40: Key Tips: How attitude and mindset impact the US College Recruiting Process 33:33

2y ago33:33

33:33

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 v…

1
EP#39: NAIA Women’s Soccer Player Katie Jones: The Support Network For Student-athletes at US College 36:38

2y ago36:38

36:38

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 r…

1
EP#38: A deeper insight into US College admissions with founder of Internationally Educated and former US admissions officer Debbie Shively 43:52

2+ y ago43:52

43:52

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 applicati…

1
EP#37: Reflections from my first Semester at College with Water Polo player Izzy Lumley 44:10

2+ y ago44:10

44:10

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 lis…

1
EP#36: What Coaches Look for During Recruitment with NCAA D3 Women's Soccer Coach at Piedmont University, Timmy McCormack 51:51

2+ y ago51:51

51:51

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 Divis…

1
EP#35: Water Polo Player Philippa Piper on her journey from Brisbane to a National Championship 56:46

2+ y ago56:46

56:46

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.…

1
EP#34: My First Year Of US College: With Decathlete Jackson Willis 26:59

3y ago26:59

26:59

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!

1
EP#33: How the Other Half Lives : A Chat with Study & Play USA Talent Coordinator Claire Mulligan on the key differences between being recruited in the USA and Australia 40:45

3y ago40:45

40:45

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!By Study & Play USA

1
EP#32: Lauren Mason: From Former Queensland Junior Golfer To Top Coach In US 1:00:51

3y ago1:00:51

1:00:51

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.…

1
EP#31: Preparing physically for college with leading physiotherapist Mr Sean Fyfe 52:55

3+ y ago52:55

52:55

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 A…

1
EP#30: The Journey Continues: Learn how swimming graduate James Hone used the US College pathway to gain a position at a world leading company 39:48

3+ y ago39:48

39:48

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.…

1
EP#29: ‘Game Changer’ – How Director Chris Bates’s USA college experience prompted him to write a book… with Dr Anthony Ross and Coach Luke Bourgeois 1:00:50

3+ y ago1:00:50

1:00:50

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 t…

1
EP#28: A Chat with the Phillip’s Family: a parent’s perspective on the golf recruiting process 49:18

3+ y ago49:18

49:18

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!

1
EP#27: The Art of Coaching & Giving Back with Brian Kerle: An Australian Basketball Icon 1:03:51

3+ y ago1:03:51

1:03:51

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. Bria…

1
EP#26: Find Your Passion Through Travel and Sport – advice for student-athletes with Rupert McCall, Internationally Renowned Australian Poet Part 2 43:18

4y ago43:18

43:18

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 …

1
EP#25: Find Your Passion Through Travel and Sport – advice for student-athletes with Rupert McCall, Internationally Renowned Australian Poet Part 1 41:55

4y ago41:55

41:55

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 poc…

1
EP#24: NCAA Div 2 graduate Jono Ledger: from improving his handicap to how college prepared him to pursue his golf dreams 55:07

4y ago55:07

55:07

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.

1
EP#23: Mason Cox: From College Basketball to the AFL 58:16

4+ y ago58:16

58:16

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 Oklah…

1
EP#22: Why Student- Athletes make the best employees with CEO of Athletes to Business and Former US College and Professional Basketball Player, Alex Opacic 40:07

4+ y ago40:07

40:07

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.

1
EP#21: Why Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the US with Founder of the Ruggers Edge and All-American player Karen Fong Donoghue 34:12

4+ y ago34:12

34:12

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 t…

1
EP#20: Aaron “Apples” Applefield – Australian Baseball Identity 34:11

4+ y ago34:11

34:11

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

1
EP#19: US College and COVID 18:34

4+ y ago18:34

18:34

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.By Study & Play USA

1
EP#18: Life in NCAA Division 2 Soccer with Robbie Baker 30:42

4+ y ago30:42

30:42

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.By Study & Play USA

1
EP#17: US College Divisions Explained 28:54

5y ago28:54

28:54

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 divisionsBy Study & Play USA

1
EP#16: Kerry Galhos: From East Timor to College and back 48:09

5y ago48:09

48:09

By Study & Play USA

1
EP#15: Two Nudgee High School Classmates, Two Different Sports, Two Different Colleges: Hugh Johnston and Seth Macute’s Unique College Perspectives 29:17

5y ago29:17

29:17

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

1
EP#14: Baseball perspective: Athlete Luisa Gauci on Changing the Sport for Women and Girls 32:39

5y ago32:39

32:39

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

1
EP#13: The Pressures of Year 12 15:14

5y ago15:14

15:14

Addressing differences in the US & Australian tertiary systems eases pressure for Australian Year 12 studentsBy Study & Play USA

1
EP#12: Reflections of a Successful Career with Coach James Wadley – Retired NCAA Division 1 Tennis Coach of 40 years 45:02

5y ago45:02

45:02

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 BatesBy Study & Play USA

1
EP#11: The USA College Rugby Experience from the Sunshine Coast to Arkansas State: Patrick Meagher 28:50

5y ago28:50

28:50

By Study & Play USA

1
EP#10: A Full Scholarship: Rowing for University of Miami with Geelong College School Captain Mimmi Balaam 48:46

5y ago48:46

48:46

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.By Study & Play USA

1
EP#9: Koby Jansen – NCAA D1 Tennis Graduate on how the US College pathway gave him more than just tennis 28:18

5y ago28:18

28:18

By Study & Play USA

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