🎙️ RU STRONG PODCAST – EPISODE INTRO
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast.
Today’s episode is special because I’m joined by another Rutgers Scarlet Knight who truly embodies what it means to be RU Strong.
My guest is John Poznanski, a standout wrestler from Colonia, New Jersey, whose journey is defined by discipline, resilience, and an unshakable mindset.
John put together one of the most impressive wrestling careers you’ll hear about:
• 164 high school wins
• 2020 New Jersey State Champion
• 40–0 senior season
• Three-time NCAA Qualifier
• Two-time Big Ten placer & Big Ten bronze medalist
• Freshman All-American at Rutgers
• Two-time Academic All-American
• Multiple-time Academic All–Big Ten honoree
But here’s what makes this episode powerful, John’s story goes far beyond wins and medals.
He competed at the highest level of college wrestling with vision in only one eye, after being born with Coats disease and losing his left eye at a young age. Instead of letting that define his limits, John turned it into a source of strength adapting, grinding, and proving what’s possible when mindset beats circumstance.
In this conversation, we talk about:
• Competing in the Big Ten, the toughest wrestling conference in the country
• The discipline behind weight cuts, training, and elite performance
• Balancing academics and athletics at Rutgers
• Identity after sports and navigating life once the final whistle blows
• What wrestling taught him about persistence, organization, and leadership
• Why athletes live two lives and how to win the second one
• And how John is now using his voice through his own podcast, Destination Talk, to inspire others on their journey
This episode is a must-listen for:
• College athletes
• Wrestlers and combat-sport competitors
• Parents and coaches
• Anyone navigating transition, adversity, or identity after sports
So, buckle up because this is a story about grit, purpose, and becoming more than the sport you play.
🎧 Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast with John Poznanski.
🎙️ RU STRONG PODCAST INTRODUCTION – MJ WRIGHT
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we sit down with athletes who embody resilience, discipline, and the mindset to win both on and off the field.
Today’s guest is a powerful example of what it means to bet on yourself.
MJ Wright is a New Jersey native out of Freehold, a product of Red Bank Catholic High School, and a standout wide receiver at Fordham University. A three-time All–Patriot League selection, 2023 team captain, and one of the most productive receivers in Fordham history, MJ finished his career ranked 6th all-time in both receiving yards and receptions all while earning Academic Honor Roll recognition and graduating with a business degree.
But MJ’s story goes far deeper than stats.
In this episode, MJ opens up about being a late bloomer, overcoming serious adversity early in his college career, including a life-threatening battle with rhabdomyolysis, and navigating the mental grind that comes with injuries, setbacks, and moments when the game is taken out of your hands. He shares how journaling, mindset discipline, faith, and family helped him protect his thoughts and rebuild confidence when everything felt uncertain.
We also dive into:
• What it truly feels like to play “in the zone”
• The unseen daily grind of a Division I student-athlete
• The power of brotherhood and shared suffering
• How structure, discipline, and adversity prepare athletes for life after sports
• Why belief, patience, and persistence matter more than early hype
Now, after earning an invite to the New York Giants Rookie Minicamp, MJ is taking the next step in his professional journey, signing with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League — continuing to chase the dream with the same hunger and humility that got him here.
This is a must-listen episode for:
✔️ College athletes
✔️ Late bloomers
✔️ Anyone facing setbacks
✔️ Anyone learning how to win the mental game
MJ Wright’s story is a reminder that growth isn’t always linear, success is earned in silence, and the strongest athletes are built through adversity.
Let’s get into it. 💪
This is RU Strong.
🎙️ RU Strong Podcast | Episode Spotlight
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we sit down with Steve McGuiggan, a former Division I standout, culture builder, and co-founder of one of the most impactful human performance organizations in the country.
Steve’s journey is a masterclass in grit, self-belief, and responsibility.
From becoming one of the most decorated players in UIC baseball history, to facing the reality of life when the game ends, Steve opens up about the moments that shaped him most—not just on the field, but as a man, leader, and mentor.
In this conversation, we dive deep into:
• What it really takes to build sustainable confidence in athletes
• Why culture and character matter more than talent alone
• The responsibility that comes with opportunity academics, family, and life after sports
• How failure, humility, and support systems became the foundation for building MASH
• Why being present, not projecting the future, is the key to long-term success
Steve shares powerful stories about his parents’ belief in him, the lessons learned from not reaching the big leagues, and how those experiences now fuel his mission to help young athletes grow into resilient, grounded adults.
This episode is a must-listen for:
• Current and former athletes
• Coaches and parents
• Entrepreneurs and leaders
• Anyone navigating transition, identity, and purpose after sport
If you believe that success is built through culture, accountability, and service to others, this conversation will hit home.
🎧 Listen now and get ready to rethink what it means to truly be “RU Strong.”
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we go beyond the highlights and into the moments that truly shape an athlete’s life.
In this episode, host Jeff Durr sits down with Brandon Hance, a former Big Ten starting quarterback whose journey is filled with pressure, perspective, and powerful self-reflection.
Brandon opens up about:
• Graduating high school, a year early to chase his dream
• Starting as a young quarterback at Purdue in the heart of the Big Ten
• Carrying the weight of leadership while quietly battling homesickness, culture shock, and instability
• Learning under Drew Brees and what it meant to prepare at an elite level
• Navigating injury, transferring to USC, and redefining identity beyond football
This is a raw and honest conversation about what athletes don’t talk about enough the internal battles, the loneliness, the pressure to lead while struggling inside, and the lessons that only come with time and hindsight.
Brandon also shares how football prepared him for life after the game, transitioning into entrepreneurship, building companies, and eventually owning and operating a real estate investment and development business proving that the mindset built through sport can carry forward long after the final snap.
If you’re a current athlete, former athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a reminder that strength isn’t just physical it’s emotional, mental, and learned through experience.
🎧 This episode defines what it means to be RU Strong
RU STRONG PODCAST | NEW EPISODE
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with an exceptional leader who truly understands the connection between physical performance, mental resilience, and elite leadership: Jamey Mroz.
Jamey’s journey is powerful and unconventional. From playing linebacker at Springfield College, to earning degrees in kinesiology, exercise science, and sports psychology, he went on to coach and work at the highest levels of sport including the NFL with the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns, as well as elite academic institutions like Vanderbilt, Harvard, and Boston College
What makes this conversation special isn’t just Jamey’s resume, it’s how he thinks.
We dive deep into:
• The mental side of performance that athletes and leaders don’t talk about enough
• Why focus beats motivation and how vision drives every decision
• The powerful relationship between physical capacity and mental capacity
• How leaders build confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness
• Why great leaders must learn to lead themselves first
• Translating lessons from the gridiron to the boardroom
Jamey explains why success isn’t about avoiding adversity, it’s about mental agility, learning how to respond, and bouncing back faster when things don’t go your way. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, executive, or parent, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, competition, and personal growth.
This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to perform at a higher level, mentally, physically, and professionally.
💪 RU STRONG. ALWAYS.
🎙️ RU Strong Podcast – Featuring Dom Clegg
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with Dom Clegg, a former college football player turned elite mental performance and leadership coach, whose journey is built on resilience, mindset shifts, and relentless growth.
Dom played college football at Ohio Dominican University, where he began his career as a walk-on, earned a scholarship, and ultimately helped lead his team to a conference championship after navigating setbacks, self-doubt, and adversity. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear and that mindset often matters more than talent.
After his playing career, Dom transitioned into coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, including stops at Wheeling University and Kent State, and contributed to a state championship program as a performance coach. Today, he is the founder of A1pha Pack, where he works one-on-one with athletes, teams, and organizations on mentalperformance, leadership development, discipline, and identity beyond sport.
If you’ve ever struggled with confidence, transition, or finding your next purpose after sports this episode is for you.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we highlight leaders who embody resilience, excellence, and service through sport.
Today’s guest is someone whose journey in swimming is nothing short of extraordinary, Katie Robinson.
Katie’s story begins as an elite student-athlete at the University of Texas, one of the premier powerhouses in college swimming. As a Longhorn, she was an 11-time All-American, three-time Big 12 Champion, team captain, and helped lead Texas to four consecutive Top-10 NCAA finishes.She earned First Team ESPN The Magazine All-District honors, was an Academic All-American, and accomplished all of this while majoring in kinesiology, one of the most demanding academic paths in college athletics. Her excellence was further recognized with the VF Doc Newhouse Endowed Presidential Scholarship, the highest honor in Texas women’s athletics.
Following her competitive career, she built an elite coaching résumé that spans some of the most respected programs in the country. She contributed to six ACC team championships at the University of Virginia, helped elevate Rutgersto one of its strongest conference finishes, and as Head Coach at Tulane, she shattered every school swimming record. She later made history at Northwestern as just the second woman in Power Five history to oversee both men’s andwomen’s programs, leading the team to the highest national ranking in school history.
Her impact continued at Stanford University, where she helped guide the program to a 2025 NCAA National Runner-Up finish, a 2024 Top 5 NCAA finish, produced three NCAA individual champions, and coached 34 NCAA All-Americans, all while Stanford maintained its distinction as the only program to never finish outside the NCAA Top 10
On the global stage, Katie has coached with Team USA, contributing to performances that included 21 world records and 39 total medals, 18 gold, 13 silvers, and 8 bronze, at international championships.
Beyond the accolades, what truly defines Katie Robinson is her commitment to developing the whole athlete, blending elite performance, mental toughness, trust, culture, and leadership. From navigating the evolving recruiting landscape, NIL, and the transfer portal, to mentoring athletesthrough pressure, identity, and growth, Katie’s perspective offers invaluable insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders alike.
We’re honored to welcome college swimming coach, Olympic-level leader, and transformational mentor, Katie Robinson to the RU Strong Podcast.
Today on the RU Strong Podcast, I’m honored to welcome one of the most respected leaders in college baseball, Rick Heller, Head Baseball Coach at the University of Iowa.
Coach Heller’s career is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and culture-driven leadership. He began his coaching journey at Upper Iowa University, where he built a winning program from the ground up, then continued that success at Northern Iowa and Indiana State, winning a Missouri ValleyConference regular-season championship for the first time in school history.
Since taking over at Iowa in 2014, Coach Heller has transformed the Hawkeyes into a consistent Big Ten contender, capturing the program’s first-ever Big Ten Championship in 2017, earning seven straight postseasonappearances, multiple NCAA Regional berths, and developing many MLB Draft picks along the way. His career has now produced nearly 1,100 wins, a testament tolongevity, leadership, and relentless standards.
But what truly separates Coach Heller isn’t just the wins, it’s his culture-first, process-driven approach, his commitment to player development on and off the field, and his beliefthat real success is built in the hours no one is watching. From navigating the challenges of coaching in the North, to adapting to NIL, the transfer portal, and today’s evolving college landscape, Coach Heller offers a powerful perspectiveon leadership, accountability, and doing things the right way.
This conversation goes far beyond baseball.It’s about earning trust, building programs the right way, and developing young men for life after the game.
Coach Rick Heller, welcome to the RU Strong Podcast.
Today on the RU Strong Podcast, we’re bringing you an incredible story of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering belief. Our guest is someone whose journey from Middlesex, New Jersey to the bright lights of Division I football is nothing short of inspiring.
Jordan Campbell isn’t just a standout defensive end at Rice University; he’s the definition of resilience. Coming out ofMiddlesex High School with a 3.9 GPA, Jordan dominated both in the classroom and on the field. But when he tore hisACL before his senior season, during a camp, no less, it derailed recruiting and forced him to rethink everything he thought was ahead of him. Instead of quitting, Jordan chose the toughest route: JUCO.At Nassau Community College, he hit the ground running, all gas, no brakes, becoming an Academic All-American with a 3.8 GPA while proving to every coach in the country that hewas physically and mentally built for the next level. That discipline and grit earned him a scholarship to Rice University, where he continued balancing high-level football with high academic standards, posting a 3.4 GPA at one of the most demanding institutions in the country.
His journey didn’t get easier, more injuries, setbacks, and the pressure of big-time D1 football but Jordan kept showing up. He kept working. He kept believing that he belonged.
Today, Jordan is a leader, a role model, and a testament to the power of sacrifice, family support, and mental toughness. His mantra? “All gas, no brakes.” And his why?
To make his family proud and turn every setback into strength.
Get ready for an honest, powerful conversation aboutadversity, mindset, injuries, JUCO life, family, academics, pressure, and what it really takes to climb your way from a torn ACL to the Division I stage wearing number 0 and making it mean something.
Please welcome … Jordan Campbell.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. Today, we’re joined by an exceptional coach and leader shaping some of the most disciplined student-athletes in the nation, Coach Jimmy Criscione of the United States Naval Academy.
Jimmy is a summa cum laude graduate of Monmouth University, a former team captain, and a three-time MAAC All-Academic selection. Before that, he competed at powerhouse Bergen Catholic, where his passion for sport and leadership first took shape.
But today, Jimmy’s impact is felt in Annapolis, where he’s now in his third season as Assistant Coach for Navy Men’s Golf. At the Naval Academy, he works daily with midshipmen who balance military training, elite academics, and Division I athletics, a level of structure, intensity, and accountability unlike anywhere else in college sports.
From navigating their packed military schedules,
to preparing them for the pressure of the Army–Navy rivalry,
to helping future officers become mentally strong, technically sound, and physically ready.
Jimmy plays a pivotal role in developing young men who will not just compete but serve our nation.
With certifications as a PGA Class A Professional, TPI Coach, and Golf Digest Fitness Trainer, Jimmy brings a complete,holistic approach to coaching, reflecting his core philosophy of “Developing Champions in Life.”
It’s an honor to have Coach Jimmy Criscione on the show. Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today we’re spotlighting a young man whose journey through athletics, adversity, leadership, and personal growth is nothing short of inspiring.
Our guest, Antonio Boone, is someone who not only competed as a college athlete but chose to devote his professional life to helping other student-athletes thrive in ways he never knew how to while he was in their shoes.
Antonio’s path began in Virginia, where he grew up before heading to Richard Bland College to run track and earn his associate’s degree. From there, he continued his career at Virginia Wesleyan University, becoming a captainon the track team while earning his bachelor’s degree, a role that revealed his natural leadership and passion for supporting others
He later earned his master’s degree in Sport Management from Georgia Southern University, before stepping into the coaching world, serving as a high school track coach, a club assistant coach at Old Dominion University, and eventually a track recruiting coordinator at Bryant & Stratton College. Hethen returned to Richard Bland as both a track coach and Residential Life Coordinator, impacting students on and off the track.
Today, Antonio serves at Johns Hopkins University as the Director of Life Design for Student-Athletes, where he guides athletes through the most pivotal transition of their lives, the journey from sport to what comes next. His mission is deeply personal; he once struggled to navigate that sametransition, and now he’s become the very resource he wishes he had as a student-athlete himself
Antonio’s story is filled with meaningful lessons, overcoming injury, learning discipline, discovering his “why,” balancing academics, work, and athletics, and ultimately finding purpose in helping others succeed. Most importantly, his heart for mentorship shines through every chapter of hisjourney.
Antonio, welcome to the RU Strong Podcast. We’re excited to share your story and the impact you’re making on athletes everywhere.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is a true embodiment of grit, discipline, and heart both on and off the mat.
Nick Gravina is a four-time NCAA National Qualifier, a two-time Big Ten placer, a Round of 12 finisher, and the first five-time All-Academic Big Ten honoree in Rutgers wrestling history. With 77 career wins, Nick carved out one of the most respected careers in the Rutgers wrestling room and competed against the very best in the country. After graduating, Nick continued giving back to the sport by coaching at New Jersey City University and Columbia University. During that time, he launched his own mental performance coaching practice, helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and emotional control. That work evolved into Paragon Parenting, a family-development company Nick co-founded to help parents and children buildstronger communication, resilience, and support systems.
Today, we’ll dive into his journey, from overcoming academic challenges, battling through significant injuries, and wrestling on the biggest stage to discovering his faith, finding identity beyond sport, becoming a new father, and dedicating his life to helping families grow stronger.
It is my honor to welcome to the RU Strong Podcast Nick Gravina
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr.
Today’s guest is a true legend of the gridiron, a former University of Maine Black Bear who turned his small-town determination into a nine-year NFL career. From Wareham High School in Massachusetts to Orono, Maine, Stephen Cooper’s journey is a story of grit, leadership, and resilience.
During his time with the Black Bears from 1998 to 2002, Cooper dominated the field, earning titles such as Atlantic 10Co-Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist, and eventually becoming a proud memberof the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame. His college career stats say it all: 374 tackles, 57 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, and 7 interceptions, a defensive captain and force to be reckoned with.
After college, Cooper went undrafted but refused to let that define him. Signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers, he spent nine incredible seasons with one team, a rare feat in today’s NFL. He became a team captain, led the Chargers in tackles in 2007 and 2008, and appeared in 92 regular season games, finishing with 503 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 8 interceptions.
In today’s episode, Stephen opens up about his journey, from his early days in Cape Cod and the challenges of the NavalAcademy, to his rise at Maine and transition to the NFL. He shares how leadership, brotherhood, and second chances shaped not just his career, but his life after football.
This is a story about perseverance, accountability, and betting on yourself when no one else will.
So, sit back, get ready to be inspired as Jeff Durr goes one-on-one with Stephen Cooper, former University of Maine Hall of Famer and San Diego Chargers captain, right here on the RU Strong Podcast.
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where grit meets greatness and athletes share their journey of resilience on and off the field.
Today’s guest is someone whose story embodies Tiger Styletoughness and Scarlet Knight pride. A two-time NCAA All-American, five-time NCAA qualifier, and Southern Scuffle Champion, he’s also a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, proving that excellence doesn’t stop on themat. A proud member of the 100-Win Club with 107 career victories, and the 2024 Tiger Style Most Outstanding Wrestler, he’s one of the most decorated heavyweights to ever wear the black and gold of Missouri wrestling.
Now calling Belmar, New Jersey home, Zach is training with the Scarlet Knight Wrestling Club at Rutgers University, embracing a new chapter surrounded by the beach, good food, and great competition. His journey from KansasCity to Columbia to Rutgers has been built on hard work, family, and faith, lessons learned from his longtime coach Brian Smith, his brother, and his own battle through injuries and adversity.
Tune in to hear how Zach Elam continues to live Tiger Style, now carrying that same championship mindset into his next phase with the Scarlet Knight Wrestling Club and beyond.
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is someone who truly embodies leadership,resilience, and transformation. Bill Burke, former Michigan State University quarterback, peak performance coach, and host of Outside the Arena.
During his time in East Lansing, Bill led the Spartans to a 10-2 record, a Citrus Bowl victory, and earned his place in program history with over 5,400 passing yards and 46 career touchdowns. He once held the single game passing record of 400 yards, set against none other than Michigan and a young Tom Brady on the opposing sideline.
Bill was part of Nick Saban’s first recruiting class at Michigan State, where he learned firsthand what it meant to perform under pressure and embrace adversity. That journey, from battling on Big Ten fields to stepping into the business world, became the foundation for his life’s mission, helping othersreach their peak performance, mentally, physically, and professionally.
In this powerful conversation, Bill opens up about: His recruiting process and the lessons learned from playing under Nick Saban. What it takes to embrace discomfort and perform when everything’s on the line. How to carry a “next-play mentality” into business, leadership, and life.The importance of team culture, mental toughness, and thetransformation that happens off the field.
From shocking the world by upsetting #1-ranked Ohio State, to learning how to lead through adversity, Bill’s story is one ofgrit, gratitude, and growth.
So, whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or leader striving for your own breakthrough moments, get ready for an inspiring playbook on how to stay strong, stay focused, and keep moving forward.
This is the RU Strong Podcast and today’s guest, Bill Burke.
Welcome back to another powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we celebrate the stories of athletes who refuse to quit when life gets tough.
Today, I’m fired up to introduce a guest whose story defines resilience, discipline, and redemption, Mike Vanbrill, one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever wear the Rutgers “R.”
A South Jersey native from Clearview High School, Mike was a high school All-American, finishing with an incredible 37–1 record his senior year and a state runner-up finish. At Rutgers, he became a three-time NCAA qualifier, Big Ten bronze medalist, four-time Academic All-Big Ten, and two-time Academic All-American, proving excellence on the mat and in the classroom.
But what makes Mike’s story truly remarkable isn’t just the stats. It’s his journey. From grueling training camps thattested his limits, to the heartbreak of seeing his first NCAA Tournament canceled by COVID, to walking away from wrestling and rediscovering himself in nature, even setting a world record cliff dive over 100 feet. Mike’s story is about finding balance, purpose, and faith in the process.
Today, Mike is the Creative Director at Click Funnels, working alongside entrepreneur Russell Brunson, while still helpinglead his family’s thriving Van Brill Pools & Spas business in South Jersey. His path from a wrestling mat to the business world is a lesson in hard work, reinvention, and stayinggrounded no matter how high you climb.
So, get ready because this conversation dives deep into perseverance, mindset, family, and the power of believing in yourself even when life throws you off balance.
Here’s my conversation with Mike Vanbrill.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes and coaches who defineperseverance, purpose, and the power of mindset.
Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Coach Jason Sousa, founder of The Athletic Precision Group, a transformational coaching company helping athletes rewire their minds for success beyond the game. Jason is a certified mental performance coach, a three-time collegiate All-American, and was a first-round USL draft pick by the Rochester Rhinos. Hisjourney also includes leading Le Moyne College to its first-ever Final Four appearance and earning a master’s degree in sports education.
From his time as a professional soccer player to his mission today as a mindset coach, Jason has dedicated his life tohelping athletes develop the mental tools that separate good from great, teaching grit, confidence, focus, and resilience both in sport and in life.
In this episode, we discuss the mental side of performance, how athletes create their own ceilings, the transition out ofsport, and why true success starts with mastering the mind. Jason shares his philosophy on redefining identity, breaking limiting beliefs, and finding purpose after the final whistle.
If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent who wants to understand how mental conditioning drives long-term success, thisconversation is one you won’t want to miss.
Let’s get started, here’s Coach Jason Sousa on the RU Strong Podcast!!
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define perseverance, passion, and purpose.
Today, I’m fired up to welcome a young man whosejourney reflects courage, intelligence, and an unshakable belief in hard work, Jackson Proctor.
Jackson grew up in Kent, Washington, and made alife-changing decision to travel 3,000 miles across the country to play football at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in America, Dartmouth College. There, he became the starting quarterback under the late Coach Buddy Teevens, a man who not only revolutionized the game with his approach to safety and leadership but also coached me decades ago when I played at the University of Maine.
Jackson’s story is one of discipline, sacrifice, and growth. From adapting to life on the East Coast and managing therigorous demands of Ivy League academics, to becoming a team leader who helped his program capture multiple Ivy League Championships, Jackson has demonstratedthat true success requires balance in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to trust your gut, to make tough decisions at 18 years old, to overcomesetbacks like injuries and homesickness, and to embrace the “40-Year Plan” — the idea that what you do during four years of college sets the tone for the next forty years of your life.
Now preparing to take his next step at Northern Illinois University, Jackson Proctor continues to embody the values of hard work, leadership, and humility, qualities that make him not only a strong athlete, but a stronger human being.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define perseverance,purpose, and personal growth.
Today, I’m fired up to welcome a phenomenal guest whose journey takes us from the soccer fields of New Jersey to the front lines of athlete mental health and performance.
Mia Gardner-Zambarano grew up in New Jersey,where her love for sports and competition took root at an early age. A standout soccer player at West Essex High School,Mia went on to compete at the Division I level at Sacred Heart University, where she majored in psychology andbuilt lifelong friendships and memories as part of the Pioneer family.
Her college experience, however, wasn’t without adversity. A devastating knee injury tested her resilience and mental toughness, ultimately shaping the direction of her life beyond the game. That recovery journey sparked an interest in how the mind and body work together, and how athletes can use both to reach peak performance.
After earning her master’s degree from Boston University, Mia became a licensed clinical social worker,specializing in mental health and performance for elite athletes. She’s now the founder of Geared Up, an innovative online mental health and performance training platform designed specifically for college athletes. Through Geared Up, Mia is helping redefine what it means to be “mentally tough,” empowering athletes to understand, assess, and strengthen their mental game the same way they train their physical one.
In this episode, we dive into Mia’s journey, fromher playing days and her injury comeback, to her passion for helping athletes develop confidence, balance, and mental clarity both on and off the field.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation with a true game-changer in the world of athlete wellness, MiaGardner-Zambarano.
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes and coaches who define perseverance, passion, and purpose.
Today, I’m fired up to welcome one of college baseball’s most respected leaders, University of Michigan Head BaseballCoach Tracy Smith and his former standout player, now New York Mets first-round draft pick, Mitch Voit.
Coach Smith’s journey has been nothing short of legendary. With over 800 career victories, back-to-back Big Ten titles, and 90+ MLB draft picks to his name, he’s built powerhouse programs at Indiana,Arizona State, and now Michigan, all while mentoring some of the game’s biggest stars, from Kyle Schwarberto Spencer Torkelson.
Joining him is the young man who represents everything Michigan baseball stands for, Mitch Voit, a Midwest-bornathlete whose humility, leadership, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most complete players in college baseball. A former two-way star and Freshman All-American, Mitch’s rise from a small-town kid to a first-round MLBdraft pick is a story of commitment, growth, and staying true to his values.
In this episode, we’ll talk about the bond between coach and player, how it began with a recruiting miss at Arizona Stateand came full circle at Michigan and how trust, culture, and belief can transform not only a program but a person.
We’ll explore what separates good players from great ones, what “team-first” leadership looks like in today’s NIL era, and how mental toughness continues to define the next generation of athletes stepping into the national spotlight.
So, get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at the Michigan baseball culture, from the clubhouse to the big leagues with Coach Tracy Smith and Mitch Voit.