To The Mountaintop

In this episode of the "To The Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg and Jean-Evna Lusca, a student at Patrick Henry High School, interview Paul Vaden, a professional world boxing champion and San Diego native, who shared his journey from childhood dreams to becoming a world champion. Inspired by Muhammad Ali, Vaden began boxing at eight and trained at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. He emphasize...

In this episode of the "To The Mountaintop" podcast, host Drew Schlosberg and Deandre Little, a student from Mount McGill High School, interview Jerica Williams, a former basketball player at UCLA and San Diego State, to discuss her journey and experiences. Jerica was joined by her son, Jeriah, a high school student.  She emphasizes the importance of empathy in coaching and leadership, sharing her...

In this episode of the "To the Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg alongside co-host Kimberly Lodge, a junior at Patrick Henry High School, interview Tina Mickelson-Topacio, a professional golfer and teaching pro. Tina shares her experiences growing up in San Diego, her passion for golf, and her transition from gymnastics to golf. She discusses the importance of confidence, empathy, and the valu...

In this episode of "To the Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg and Nyema Curtis, a current Lincoln High student, interview Dominic McGuire, a former Lincoln High School, college athlete, and NBA player.  Dominic shares his journey from southeast San Diego to playing basketball at UC Berkeley and Fresno State, and his professional career in the NBA. He emphasizes the importance of education, time...

In this episode of the "To the Mountaintop" podcast, host Drew Schlosberg and two graduating seniors from Sweetwater High School, Alexis and Aliyah Wheat interview Gail Devers, a five-time Olympian and San Diego native. Gail shares her journey from reluctant runner to Olympic champion, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of setting goals. She recounts her famous fall at the 1992 Olympics a...

In this episode of the "To the Mountaintop" podcast, host Drew Schlosberg and student Raul Avila Lopez from Poway High School, interview Jud Buechler, a San Diego native and former NBA player, who discusses his journey from Poway High School to the University of Arizona and his professional basketball career. He recounts his transition from Torrey Pines to Poway High School, influenced by his fath...

JASMINE WALKER Interviewed by Darlene Castro Jasmine’s journey took her from homelessness to success on the basketball court. Jasmine is the epitome of strength, grit, resilience and the power of purpose, faith and focus. Her journey, inspirational to many, received a national spotlight on ESPN’s E:60 program. Jasmine’s journey took her from homelessness to success on the hardcourts of basketball....

WALTER REDONDO Interviewed by Noah Zamora As a professional tennis player, Walter reached a career high ranking of 226 in the world. Walter is the fifth of nine children born into a Filipino American family from San Diego. Growing up he was a leading player on the junior circuit, ranked top in the country for the 16s, ahead of his peer John McEnroe. On the professional tour he reached a career hig...

MARITA REDONDO Interviewed by Melania Attar Marita is an American former tennis player and San Diego native who was active during the 1970s and early 1980s. Marita enjoyed success at the US Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, reaching a ranking of 14th in the world at one point in her career. In 1973, at age 17, she played on the Wightman Cup, an annual women’s team tennis competition between the...

COCO GOODSON Interviewed by Eva Grunburg After playing several years of professional soccer, Coco volunteered for the U.S. Army and is currently a 2nd Lieutenant in the fabled 82nd Airborne Division. Born in Ramona, California, Coco attended Cathedral Catholic High School where she was a four-year letter winner and was named to the All-CIF First Team. She was a member of the CIF San Diego Section...

TONY GWYNN JR. Interviewed by Konor & Cole Chinn Tony is a former professional Major League Baseball outfielder and a broadcaster for the Padres’ radio and television network. Tony Gwynn Jr. is a former professional baseball outfielder having played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Philadelphia Phillies. The son of Baseball Ha...

ROLF BENIRSCHKE Interviewed by Jess Newell As the third most accurate placekicker in NFL history at the time of his retirement, Rolf Benirschke had an illustrious 10-year career with the San Diego Chargers. Rolf received numerous honors during his career including NFL Man of the Year; The Breibart Award, Comeback Player of the Year; Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Most Courageous Athlete;...