In this episode of the Rec Room Podcast, host Bryan Rector interviews Katie Shanahan, a collegiate field hockey player and entrepreneur. They discuss Katie's experiences at AthleteCon, her journey in navigating the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape, and her aspirations for the future. Katie shares insights on building her training business, KS Elite, and her thoughts on the growth of field hockey in America. The conversation also touches on her post-college plans and her coaching philosophy, culminating in a rapid-fire segment that reveals more about her personal interests and values.

• Katie Shanahan is a team captain and entrepreneur.
• She has gained 18 NIL deals through strategic networking.
• AthleteCon provided valuable insights into athlete marketing.
• The learning curve for NIL was steep but rewarding.
• Quality content matters more than follower count.
• Katie aims for a big brand deal like Gatorade.
• She has successfully built KS Elite Training with 75 athletes.
• Field hockey's growth in America relies on better facilities.
• Katie is considering a career in coaching after college.
• She values the support of her family and coaching staff.

In this episode of The Rec Room, host Bryan Rector interviews Brooke Biermann, a recent graduate and accomplished golfer from Michigan State University. They discuss Brooke's journey in golf, balancing academics and athletics, the culture of the women's golf team, and the challenges she faced throughout her college career. Brooke shares her aspirations for the future, including her plans to transition to professional golf and her experiences at the US Women's Open. The conversation also touches on advice for aspiring golfers and the importance of self-reflection and growth in both sports and life.

Takeaways - The journey in golf has been a crazy whirlwind for Brooke. - Balancing academics and athletics can be overwhelming. - Golf can be related to life in many ways. - Brooke wants to test herself at the highest level of golf. - Improving short game is crucial for success in golf. - Playing against the best helps in personal growth. - Support from family is vital for athletes. - Self-reflection is important after significant events. - Brooke aims for growth in her upcoming professional journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Ground Rules

04:48 Brooke Biermann's Journey in Golf

09:49 Balancing Academics and Athletics

14:46 Team Dynamics and Leadership in Golf

19:56 Overcoming Challenges and Self-Reflection

23:03 Overcoming Doubts in Sports 24:47 Reflecting on College Experiences

26:57 Future Plans and Amateur Status

28:35 Comparing College and Professional Golf

31:03 Testing Oneself at the Professional Level

32:35 Mental Preparation for Professional Golf

34:37 Valuable Advice from a Mentor

37:14 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

41:01 Advice for Aspiring Golfers

43:37 Acknowledging Support Systems

45:07 Goals for the Future

On Episode 36 of The Rec Room, we sit down with Anna Stevenson Hall — Louisville volleyball legend, pro athlete in the LOVB, and a passionate follower of Jesus — for a powerful and personal conversation that goes far beyond the court. From her early realization that volleyball was her calling, to navigating life as a Christian athlete at the top of her game, Anna opens up about the intersections of faith, competition, identity, and motherhood. We dive deep into the growth of women’s sports in America, the future of volleyball, and what it means to represent Christ in the locker room and on the world stage. She shares heartfelt reflections on: The hardest personal questions she’s faced How she’s preparing for motherhood while staying game-ready What she’ll carry forward (and change) from her faith upbringing Her dream volleyball destination The mentors who shaped her, like Coach Dan Meske And… what she’d put on a billboard in her hometown for the world to see This episode is a must-watch for athletes, believers, and anyone chasing purpose with everything they’ve got. Hit play, and let Anna’s story challenge and inspire you. 🎙️ Subscribe for more deep dives and unfiltered conversations on The Rec Room. #AnnaStevensonHall #LOVB #Volleyball #WomensSports #FaithInSports #TheRecRoomPodcast #BryanRector #ChristianAthlete #MotherhoodAndSports #LouisvilleVB #AthleteTestimony

In this episode of The Rec Room, we sit down with volleyball standout and rising broadcaster Ruby Kayser as she shares her inspiring journey—from growing up in Canby, Oregon, to playing at Colorado State, her love for the Rams, and ending her beach career at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi. Ruby opens up about her evolution as a player, how her coaching style was shaped by her mentors, and how she found her voice in the world of sports broadcasting. Plus, we dive into the current state of international volleyball and the global momentum behind the sport. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just someone who loves a good story—you’ll want to hear this one. 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with athletes, entertainers, and game changers. 📱 Follow us on Instagram @FreakingRecRoom #RecRoomPodcast #RubyKayser #VolleyballLife #SportsBroadcasting #WomenInSports #AthleteStories #InternationalVolleyball #CSUVolleyball #CorpusChristiVolleyball #FromCanbyWithLove #FreakingRecRoom

Dive into the world of Big Ten Gymnastics social media with Abby Larson, the driving force behind its expansion! Abby shares her favorite moments covering gymnastics, why she believes women's sports deserve more spotlight, and her strategies to grow and elevate the platform even further. Whether you're a sports fan, content creator, or passionate about women’s athletics, this episode offers inspiring insights and real talk on making an impact. Tune in!

In this episode of The Rec Room, we’re joined by Dan Meske, Head Coach of Louisville Volleyball, to break down what’s behind the program’s incredible rise and sustained success on the national stage. Dan shares insight into the core values and culture that drive excellence at Louisville, the leadership mindset he brings as a coach, and his perspective on what it takes to lead a top-tier team. We also dive into what he looks for in the character and chemistry of his players—and why those intangibles matter just as much as talent. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fan of high-performance teams, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on culture, leadership, and competing at the highest level. 🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations every week 👍 Like, comment, and share to support the show! #LouisvilleVolleyball #DanMeske #CollegeVolleyball #TeamCulture #Leadership #TheRecRoom #VolleyballExcellence

In this inspiring episode of The Rec Room, we sit down with Carter Cutting, standout athlete from BYU Track and Field, to talk about more than just sports. Carter opens up about his personal journey of faith, how it’s shaped his identity, and the role it plays in his development as an athlete and a person. We dive into the unique culture at BYU, where athletics, academics, and spirituality intersect in powerful ways. Carter shares what makes the BYU environment special, how faith influences team dynamics, and why the school continues to see so much success in collegiate athletics. If you’re an athlete, student, or someone navigating the balance between performance and purpose, this episode will hit home. Don’t miss Carter’s wisdom, authenticity, and the story behind his growth on and off the track. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations every week 👍 Like, comment, and share to support the show! #BYU #TrackAndField #Faith #AthleteLife #CollegeSports #TheRecRoom #CarterCutting

In this episode of The Rec Room, we sit down with Belmont University track athlete and rising content creator Sabrina Oostburg! Sabrina opens up about her journey blending athletics and media, how she found her voice online, and what it's like navigating the evolving world of sports content as a student-athlete. We also dive into her love for Nashville, the city's culture, and how the local vibe fuels her creativity. From balancing track and media to her thoughts on the future of sports storytelling, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with athletes, creators, and game-changers in sports and culture.