UVA and NOVA Legends Podcasts®

South Lakes track and cross country standout Caroline Elliott has already cemented her legacy as one of the most decorated runners of her generation, and she’s now closing in on the legendary Alan Webb’s school record of 17 event records. Caroline joins me to reflect on her incredible list of achievements, including 14 state titles, four national relay championships, and four Washington Post All-M...

Jockey and nurse Skyler Spanabel joins me to discuss her fascinating dual life—balancing two demanding careers as both a general practice nurse and a professional jockey competing at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. We talk about how she manages to thrive in two completely different worlds, and the joy she finds in each. Skyler shares her thoughts on some of the major issues facing horse racin...

Today on the Sunday Morning Conversation, I’m joined by Woodson Head Coach Doug Craig to reflect on the Cavaliers’ remarkable 2024–25 season—one that saw them come just a half away from a state championship. We also look ahead to this year’s squad and explore everything that shapes Northern Virginia basketball. Coach Craig shares updates on last year’s standout seniors and where they’ve landed in...

Broad Run forward Ryan Brzezanski made an immediate impact in his first year at the Ashburn school, helping lead the Spartans to their first district title in years and to within one game of the state tournament. Ryan joins me to talk about his goals for the 2025–26 season, what he’s looking for in a college program, and the experiences that shaped him into the outstanding all-around player he is...

South County head coach Mike Robinson joins me on the Sunday Morning Conversation to reflect on his remarkable basketball journey and to break down this year’s Stallions. A Peoria, Illinois native from a true basketball family, Robinson averaged more than 30 points per game in high school before committing to legendary coach Gene Keady at Purdue, where he was a steady double-figure scorer througho...

I sat down with Langley Coach Amanda Baker to reflect on the Saxons’ 2024–25 season, culminating in a Northern Region championship. We discuss the surge of women’s professional sports and how that momentum influences her players and coaching style. Coach Baker also highlights some of the area’s top programs, including Osbourn Park—led by her former high school coach, Chrissy Kelley—and St. James A...

Today I caught up with American University forward Greg Jones to reflect on his outstanding sophomore season and to look ahead at the '25-6 Eagles. We discussed what led to his major leap in year two and the key lessons gained from that growth. We then turned our attention to this year's team and how Coach Simpkins plans to integrate a number of young players into the rotation. Greg shared...

Today I caught up with South Lakes Head Coach Mike Desmond to talk about what has been a busy and eventful offseason and to preview both his Seahawks team and the Northern Virginia basketball scene. Coach Des had been linked to the open Battlefield job earlier this summer and has also been dealing with some health challenges, which he updates us on during our conversation. We also explore the deve...

I'm joined today by Hayfield head coach Carlos Poindexter for an in-depth look at the evolving NOVA hoops landscape. We reflect on some of the area’s top high school talent from recent years and discuss whether those players have landed at the college level that matches their potential. We also explore the rising trend of transfers to private schools, the various private school pathways availa...

In the early years of Robinson High School, a pair of twins led the Rams to instant success—culminating in a district championship during their senior year in 1974, only the second varsity team in the school’s history. At the same time, their father, Jack Caulfield, was playing a key role in one of the most pivotal chapters of American history. As a security and political operative for the Nixon A...

Today, I’m joined by Patriot Basketball Coach Sherman Rivers for his always honest and insightful take on the Northern Virginia sports scene. With his son now the starting quarterback at Patriot High School—as just a freshman—we discuss what it’s like spending his basketball “off-season” in the role of football parent and youth coach, especially as he’s also leading his youngest son’s Anklebiter t...

Today, we explore the Loudoun County high school basketball scene with some of the area's top coaches:Ben Farquhar, HeritageJeff Hawes, Potomac FallsJacob Krogh, Broad RunMichael Newkirk, TuscaroraKonstantine Papastergiou, WoodgroveThese coaches share their basketball backgrounds and reflect on the recent success of their programs. We also discuss the broader landscape of high school basketbal...

Today I'm joined by Virginia Prep's Matthew Hatfield for a preview of the 2025 Virginia high school football season! Contents:00:00 Intro; Virginia Preps to ON3; Coach Young to Smithfield HS hoops; Gary Hall to Martinsville HS hoops06:15 Off season controversy: Hayfield/St James, Fairfax, Maury/Oscar Smith drama16:02 Opening week previews: Oscar Smith at Gonzaga; Stone Bridge at Madison28:50 Class...

Today, I caught up with Coach Tim Lenzo, who was recently promoted to Girls Academy Director at Alexandria Soccer. We discussed his vision for this ambitious and well-resourced club, which has access to a deep pool of talented players. Our conversation covered the unique challenges of developing programs specifically for girls, and how coaching girls can differ from coaching boys. We also explored...

Ron Shelburne grew up in Southwest Virginia, the son of a farmer, and brought a strong work ethic to everything he did. He made a name for himself as a standout post player at Pulaski County High School, then went on to have a Hall of Fame career at Radford University, playing for legendary coaches Joe Davis and Oliver Purnell. In our conversation, Ron talks about what has made Pulaski so successf...

Today, I’m joined by my occasional co-host Anna Prillaman as we catch up on her busy life and hear her reflections after stepping away from school athletics administration for the past year. Anna made her name as a standout point guard at Midlothian High School, earning Player of the Year honors while leading the Trojans to a state championship. She went on to start all four years at UVA under leg...

Jeremy Haymore joins me to talk about his remarkable new book, The Bandana Express, which explores high school football in Appalachia around 1980. With deep roots in Giles County—his father grew up there—Jeremy was immersed in the fierce football tradition of Giles High School and its cross-county rival, Narrows. Giles rose to prominence under the leadership of a gifted young coach, Steve Ragsdale...

Today I'm joined by four standout players from the formative years of Lake Braddock Secondary School football:Ron Heinz (’76) – Offensive Lineman, Virginia TechRobert Hughes (’78) – Running Back, James Madison UniversityBob Klaren (’77) – Linebacker, University of Richmond & UT MartinKarl "Catman" Morris (’76) – Linebacker, Shepherd UniversityWe explore what it was like to attend...

Today, I’m offering my early thoughts on the emerging recruiting controversy at Fairfax High School, which may include allegations of payments made to players. Fox News reports that several Fairfax coaches have been placed on administrative leave by the County as an investigation begins. I’ll also aim to put this situation into broader context, reflecting on the increasingly competitive nature of...

Westfield has been one of the most dominant high school soccer programs in Northern Virginia over the past two seasons. Despite their success, the team fell short of reaching the state playoffs both years, losing in heartbreaking penalty shootouts. Today, I'm joined by forward and rising junior Ethan O’Connor; defender Kevin O’Connor, who is headed to Creighton; senior midfielder Joel Geraban;...

Today, I’m joined by Coach LJ Kilby to reflect on his remarkable basketball journey. Coach Kilby faced adversity early in life, losing his father in a tragic accident when he was just two years old. Raised by a determined mother in Stones Dairy, Virginia—near Bassett and Martinsville—he and his brother grew up with strong values and a deep love for the game. In the backyard of their home, Coach Ki...

Today, I’m joined by Virginia Tech midfielder Samantha DeGuzman to reflect on the Hokies’ incredible 2024 season, which saw them reach the Elite Eight, and to preview what’s ahead for this year’s squad. We dive into Samantha’s personal journey through collegiate soccer and where she stands in her pursuit of a professional career. We also catch up on her roots at Colgan High School—where she earned...

Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with trail and ultra runner John Andersen to dive into the world of extreme endurance running. We explored the background of the sport and what draws athletes to such grueling events. John shared insights into the keys to success in ultra races, including how runners manage the intense physical and nutritional challenges they face. He also opened up about h...

Today I’m joined by new Martinsville High School coach Gary Hall, who is set to begin his 31st season coaching high school basketball this winter. We discuss his recent move to the historic town of Martinsville, Virginia, where his daughter and her husband run the thriving local coffee shop, Ground Floor. Martinsville High School holds a proud legacy with 15 state basketball championships—more tha...

Today, I’m joined by Billy Fields, a 1978 graduate of Osbourn Park High School, who etched his name into Virginia basketball history as one of the state’s all-time scoring legends. During his senior season, he averaged an astonishing 40.7 points per game, and Billy is still the all-time leading scorer in Prince William County history. Billy's athletic roots run deep. His father, Wilmer Fields,...