Chi State Pod

Episode 56 of the Chi State Pod features Janiah Newell, a senior guard on the Chicago State women's basketball team. Newell joined Chicago State last season after transferring from Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois. Newell, a two-time Illinois State Champion out of Schlarman Academy, feels she's raised her game, physically and mentally, for her senior season. On the Chi State Pod, Newell dives into… What she learned from her up-and-down junior season
 How she has battled through adversity
 Why she's majoring in Criminal Justice Much more
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 55 of the Chi State Pod features Marco Seyfert, a the starting goalkeeper for Chicago State men's soccer. Born and raised in Daxweiler, Germany, a small town of 800 people, Seyfert boldly moved from his hometown to Colorado Springs, Colorado five years ago to start his college career at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He then joined Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas for a season before joining Chicago State last year. On the Chi State Pod, Seyfert dives into… His upbringing in Germany
 His goalkeeping inspirations
 Why he left his home country to play in America Much more, including the food from home he misses most
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 54 of the Chi State Pod features Fred Sims Jr., Chicago State men's basketball's fifth all-time leading scorer who is fresh off an NBA Summer League stint with the Philadelphia 76ers. After playing in Austria and winning a championship, Sims Jr. was signed by the 76ers and appeared in three Summer League games, including a five-minute appearance on July 15 vs. Denver in which he scored six points on 2-of-2 shooting from three. On the Chi State Pod, Sims Jr. dives into… What his Summer League experience taught him
 How he's honed his unique mindset
 Why he FaceTimed with Floyd Mayweather Much more
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 53 of the Chi State Pod brings on third-year Head Volleyball Coach Tony Trifonov. Trifonov, who enters his 25th season as a collegiate volleyball coach, previews his loaded squad, which last season won 17 games in the most successful season in the program's Division I history. On the Chi State Pod, Trifonov dives into: What to expect from AVCA All-American Yanlis Feliz in 2022, and why she's even better now
 His incoming class of freshman and transfers
 The Cougars' unique 2022 schedule Much more
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 52 of the Chi State Pod features Aulani Fernandez and Norris Howze, head coaches for Chicago State women's and men's soccer. Both Fernandez and Howze are in their first seasons as Division I head coaches and will lead their respective programs, whose seasons start later this month. Fernandez comes from Valparaiso University, where she served as an assistant coach last season, and Howze was an assistant at Chicago State last season before transitioning into the head role. On the Chi State Pod, the duo delves into… The excitement of starting their first seasons as head coaches
 Their respective “Cougars to watch”
 Their soccer inspirations Much more, including the matches each of them have circled on their calendars
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 51 of the Chi State Pod features Jaclyn Inclan, graduate student setter for the Chicago State volleyball team. A native of Tuscon, Arizona, Inclan started her college volleyball career at her hometown school, the University of Arizona, where she walked onto the beach volleyball team. From there, she transferred to the University of New Mexico and competed for two seasons as a Lobo. Inclan then made the grueling decision to leave home and transfer almost 2,000 miles away to Chicago State. In her first season as a Cougar in 2021, Inclan starred as a setter, helping guide the Cougars to their most wins in Division I program history. Now, Inclan is gearing up for her sixth and final collegiate season, while finishing her degree in Occupational Therapy. On the Chi State Pod, Inclan dives into… Why she made the excruciating decision to leave home, and how fulfilled she's been since
 How she challenges herself to improve her craft
 Why helping those with special needs is near and dear to her Much more The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 50 of the Chi State Pod features Patrick Pires, a rising sophomore for Chicago State men's soccer. Pires was born and raised on a small farm on the African island nation of Cape Verde before moving to Pawtucket, Rhode Island at age seven. In Rhode Island, Pires developed into a Division I-caliber soccer player, and he kicked off his Chicago State career in the fall with over 1,000 minutes as a freshman. On the Chi State Pod, Pires delves into… His farm and soccer-filled childhood in Cape Verde
 How he so easily adjusted to life in Rhode Island
 His ambitious soccer hopes and dreams Much more
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 49 of the Chi State Pod brings on Alexa Seiler, Chicago State women's soccer goalkeeper. Seiler grew up in a small town near Karlsruhe, Germany and had never even left Europe before coming to Chicago to join CSU. In her freshman season, Seiler started 16 matches in goal and logged a 1-0 shutout on October 16 vs. Abilene Christian, earning the Cougars' first WAC win in program history. On the Chi State Pod, Seiler breaks down… Why she made the excruciating decision to leave home for America How she's re-tooling her identity in college
 Why she's a goalie Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 48 of the Chi State Pod brings on Jelani Hewitt, Chicago State men's basketball assistant coach. Hewitt is a basketball lifer and junkie. A South Florida native, starred as a sharpshooting guard at Georgia Southern University, where he scored over 1,800 points, earned Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and led the conference in scoring in 2013-14. From there, Hewitt's journey took him overseas for four professional seasons, including unique stops in Germany and Spain. After retiring in 2019, he then transitioned into coaching, joining Gerald Gillion's inaugural staff at Chicago State. On the Chi State Pod, Hewitt dives into… The extreme highs and lows of playing and living overseas for four years
 What he learned in college about turning a program around
 How his family has fulfilled him Much more, including a never-before-heard story from his time in Spain
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 47 of the Chi State Pod features Saige Thor, a junior on Chicago State women's soccer. Thor, an Ohio native, started her college career at North Park University, where played in 2019. Towards the end of her North Park tenure, Thor tore her ACL, which kickstarted a topsy-turvy 14-month rehab process detailed here in Thor's first-person account on GoCSUCougars.com. Thor returned to the pitch with Chicago State this fall, appearing in nine matches. But then this spring, in the Cougars' final exhibition match of the season, Thor tore her other ACL. The deja vü news devastated Thor, who has adapted a positive growth mindset and has primed herself for the “greatest comeback yet.” On the Chi State Pod, Thor goes into… The moment she learned of her second torn ACL
 Her nightmarish rehab process in 2020
 How she fell in love with her career goal of being a meteorologist Much more
 The Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 46 of the Chi State Pod features Jonnathan Fernandez, a senior on the Chicago State cross country team. Fernandez, who grew up in Chicago, has been the Cougars' most prolific long-distance runner this decade. In the fall, he ran the second-fastest 8K time in school history and earned a berth at the NCAA Division I Midwest Region Championships. He's also a computer science major with an eye on a career in cybersecurity. On the Chi State Pod, Fernandez breaks down… Why and how running became his passion
 What his life is like under DACA status
 His family's influence on him, and how he supports them Much more Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 45 of the Chi State Pod brings on Cam Jones, a freshman on Chicago State's men's golf team and the reigning WAC Men's Golfer of the Week. Jones earned a fourth-place finish at the Aggie Invitational at the end of March in Greensboro, North Carolina and has cemented himself as an integral member of the golf squad. Jones, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, is a lifelong golfer with a quench for fun — and for a pro career. On the Chi State Pod, Jones breaks down… His unique training for Division I golf
 The role golf plays in his family
 His future goals, which include professional golf Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 44 of the Chi State Pod is the second part of our 2021-22 Basketball In Review series, featuring Chicago State head men's basketball coach Gerald Gillion, who just finished his first season as a college basketball coach. Gillion led his Cougars to seven wins this season, the program's most since 2014-15. Along the way, CSU took down eventual WAC Champion and NCAA 12-seed New Mexico State. The Cougars also saw Brandon Betson earn All-WAC Second Team honors. On the Chi State Pod, Gillion breaks down… The most surprising aspects of his first season
 The growth and leadership Brandon Betson delivered
 The next step he envisions for Chicago State Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 43 of the Chi State Pod is the first of our 2021-22 Basketball In Review series, featuring Chicago State head women's basketball coach Tiffany Sardin. Now a third-year head coach, Sardin breaks down the season with Sam Brief. On the Chi State Pod, Sardin delves into… The growth she saw from her team, which won its most games since 2015-16
 All-conference freshman Aaliyah Collins' electric play and leadership
 Highlights, including her most hilarious moments Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 42 of the Chi State Pod features Tali Letoi, a former Chicago State women's golfer who now works at NBC Palm Springs as a Morning News Producer. Letoi has her sights set on a long career in sports television, focusing on golf. At Chicago State, Letoi guided the Cougars as one of the program's top golfers, even earning an appearance on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays in 2014 for a 160-yard eagle at the PGA Minority Championship. On the Chi State Pod, Letoi dives into… Why she came to Chicago State from San Diego
 Why she loves working in sports TV, and how CSU helped her
 What being on SportsCenter was like Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 41 of the Chi State Pod features Bryce Johnson, a freshman guard on the Chicago State men's basketball team. Johnson came to Chicago State on a long path from Yakima, Washington to San Antonio to Orlando and finally, to the Windy City. He burst onto the scene, winning CSU's Midnight Madness dunk contest in October before turning into one of the Cougars' top scorers in November. But Johnson's season hit a snag when a fractured ankle sidelined him for all of December. He has since returned and is riding the wave of his first college season with Chicago State. On the Chi State Pod, Johnson dives into… What surprised him about adjusting to college basketball life
 How he struggled with his December injury
 How he perceives himself as a player Much more, including Johnson's preferred superpower
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 40 of the Chi State Pod brings on Aaliyah Collins, Chicago State's phenom women's basketball freshman guard. Collins has won five WAC Freshman of the Week honors in her first college season and leads the conference in steals per game while ranking third in points. A Snohomish, Washington native, Collins soon the 2021 Washington State Girls Basketball Player of the Year award and joined CSU for Tiffany Sardin's second season as head coach. A defensive maestro, Collins has taken the WAC by storm. On the Chi State Pod, Collins dives into… How she mentally adjusted to college basketball Why and how she plays such tenacious defense
 Her recruitment, which involved having no offers during her senior year Much more, including her insights on why cats rock
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 39 of the Chi State Pod features former Chicago State men's basketball player Glen Burns. A native of West Memphis, Arkansas, Burns played at Chicago State from 2016-18 and is now in the midst his fourth season playing professionally overseas. After initially playing in Georgia, he's with EN Baskets Schwelm of Basketball Bundesliga in Germany. With Baskets Schwelm, Burns is averaging nearly 18 points per game and feeling the best he has as a pro. At the same time, he's been keeping tabs on the recent successes of both Chicago State men's and women's basketball On the Chi State Pod, Burns dives into… Why his game is clicking right now
 How he battled through adversity at CSU to become a graduate and a professional
 His thoughts on this year's Cougars basketball teams Much more Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 38 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State head volleyball coach Tony Trifonov. Trifonov powered the Cougars to a program-record 17 Division I wins in 2021, earning him Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year recognition. Now having won a Coach of the Year award at each collegiate stop, the longtime volleyball veteran reflects on Chicago State's historic season, which featured Yanlis Feliz earning her way onto the AVCA's All-America list, a win over the Big Ten's Indiana and stopping Grand Canyon's 20-match home win streak. On the Chi State Pod, Trifonov delves into… How her perceives the 2021 season a few weeks later
 What makes Yanlis Feliz the prolific player she's become
 What he learned from his recent trip to the Volleyball Final Four Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 37 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State associate head men's and women's tennis coach Adey Osabuohien. Osabuohien joins head coach Jack Barton's staff on the heels of a phenomenal tennis career that began as a top-rated youth player out of Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. She played tennis collegiately at both Stony Brook in Long Island, New York and Northern Illinois University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services. Osabuohien appeared two NCAA tournaments in college. Osabuohien has played professional tennis since March 2018, and she was a bronze medal winner at the All-African Olympic Games in 2019. She is also a current member of the Billy Jean Cup team representing Nigeria. On the Chi State Pod, Osabuohien dives into… Her holistic coaching philosophy The value of her Nigerian heritage to her Her favorite moments as a tennis player Much more... Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 36 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State men's basketball player Brandon Betson Betson led the Cougars with 22 points in CSU's season-opening win over St. Thomas and joins after beginning his college career at San Bernardino Valley College and Daytona State College On the Chi State Pod, Betson dives into… The unique method he used to perfect his ballhandling His sneaker obsession
 What he's driven to accomplish at Chicago State Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 35 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State women's basketball newcomers Quentarra Mitchell and Nafatoumata Haidara. Mitchell, a captain from Nashville, joins Chicago State after a run at Walters State Community College. Haidara was born in Bamako, Mali and comes to CSU from Hutchinson Community College. On the Chi State Pod, the duo dives into… Hurdles they overcame along the path to Division I basketball Their families' impacts on their development What they're most looking forward to this season Much more Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 34 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State men's basketball player Noah Bigirumwami. Bigirumwami considers Southern California home but has lived in multiple countries and carries his family's Rwandan heritage near and dear to his heart. Back for his third season at Chicago State, the 6-foot-10 forward dissects his history and looks forward to his immediate (and far out) basketball future. On the Chi State Pod, Bigirumwami dives into… His basketball skillset, and how he hopes to grow during the 2021-22 season
 What his Rwandan heritage means to him
 How it feels to be back at CSU after nearly two years off from basketball Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 33 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State women's basketball assistant coaches Tiffany Conner, Diana Martinez and Nan Moore. Moore enters her second season with CSU, while Martinez and Conner are entering their first seasons under head coach Tiffany Sardin. On the Chi State Pod, the trio dives into… Their basketball backgrounds Early vibes from this year's Chicago State squad Aspects of this season they're most looking forward to Much more Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 32 of the Chi State Pod features former Chicago State women's soccer stars Bailey Holifield and Mariela Villalva. Holifield and Villalva (formerly Alba) each played on Chicago State from 2016-19 and are best friends still — Holifield is even the godmother of Villalva's child. While at Chicago State, Villalva earned two Academic All-WAC honors while serving as one of CSU's top offensive players. Holifield, also a two-time All-WAC Academic honoree, was one of the Cougars' stoutest defenders. On the Chi State Pod, the pair discusses… Getting used to post-college life, plus what they're up to now What playing for Coach Cristiano Costa is like Their relationship today Much more Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 31 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State women's soccer student-athlete Charne Van Der Walt. A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Van Der Walt moved to America in 2018 to attend Louisiana Tech University for one year before coming to Chicago State, where she's now a senior. On the Chi State Pod, Van Der Walt dives into… The decision to attend college on the other side of the world
 What New Zealand is like compared to how we perceive it
 Being in America amidst so much history Much more
 Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 30 of the Chi State Pod features Nakeyta Clair, graduate assistant coach for the Chicago State volleyball team. -- Even as her eyes scanned the life-changing words on the letter, Nakeyta Clair didn't quite trust them. “It was unbelievable for me,” Clair said. “I was shocked. It's hard for me to believe things until they're done. “I was like, ‘I know people are looking at me, but I haven't been offered any scholarships yet.'” At the time, Clair was a volleyball phenom at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Illinois and garnering interest from Division I colleges nationwide. After a few major offers had rolled in, it was Christmastime, and Santa came calling. “Ole Miss asked me to be their Christmas present,” Clair said. The star middle blocker acted decisively and moved to Oxford to join the SEC powerhouse Rebels, rapidly exploding onto the national scene. As a freshman, she earned All-SEC Freshman honors — even though she felt she wasn't even close to reaching her potential. “I felt like I barely made it,” Clair said. “I still dealt with confidence. I was mentally struggling, but I made the SEC team. That's what made me realize that I had to give myself more credit. I was still managing, and I didn't know how.” By her junior season, Clair was an All-American, just the second in Ole Miss history. “I became Nakeyta Clair,” she said. “I said, ‘I must be kind of good.' I became more confident.” For someone who didn't pick up volleyball until eighth grade, hurdling over confidence deficiencies had been a battle for years. “Talent wasn't what I struggled with,” Clair said. “It was me, believing in me. I dealt with that in high school. Sometimes, you don't believe and are like, ‘How did I get here?'” Once she believed, she scorched her SEC opponents. And when Clair left Oxford, Mississippi a year later, she had blazed new school career and single-season records for total blocks, block assists and block solos. Clair then relocated her volleyball career to Halmstad, Sweden, about 45 minutes from the border with Denmark. “The only way I could play volleyball again was overseas,” Clair said. “But I had to live there. … I knew it was an opportunity, and I never want to look back and be like, ‘I should have tried that.' So I took the opportunity.” But the move came with a major shift. “Sweden doesn't have a lot of diversity,” Clair said. “There is a lot of blondes and blue eyes — everywhere. That was kind of hard for me at first. I was like, ‘They have to know I'm here for a reason.' So I would go places, and they would be like, ‘What sport do you play?' “I never felt disrespected, but a lot of that has to do with being an athlete, because I would get that question a lot in the South, too. I didn't experience a lot of discrimination, but I blame that on athletics. It's another type of halo.” Clair remained in Sweden for only one year before returning stateside to join her old Ole Miss program as an assistant coach. She then returned to her hometown to join Chicago State's volleyball program as a graduate assistant manager while pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration.

Episode 29 of the Chi State Pod features incoming Chicago State men's basketball student-athlete Anthony Hamilton Jr. Hamilton Jr. joins Chicago State from Clemson University, where he was a track & field star, earning second-team All-ACC honors in the high jump as a freshman and placing fourth at the ACC Indoor Championships. Previously, he was a two-sport athlete (basketball and track & field) at the University of La Verne (La Verne, California). Hamilton Jr. is a social media star, known for his electrifying dunks and 52-inch vertical. He has been featured on ESPN, Overtime, Ballislife, Dunkademics, World Star, Slam and House of Highlights. Hamilton Jr. also works with Sports Illustrated as the company's face and personality on social media. On the pod, Hamilton Jr. dives into his winding path to Chicago State, details how he became a social media darling and explains his role at Sports Illustrated. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 28 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State head men's basketball coach Gerald Gillion. Hired on July 19, Gillion joins Chicago State from Samford University, where he served as an assistant coach. A South Florida native, Gillion also has spent time coaching at Team Breakdown, a top-10 ranked AAU team, the University of South Florida and Northeast High School. Now, Gillion comes to Chicago State, aiming to inject the program with a “hard hat, lunch pail” mentality. In his Chi State Pod debut, Gillion discusses: The style he hopes to bring to the Cougars The journey to his first college head coaching gig His basketball upbringing Much more Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 27 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State sophomore women's basketball point guard Ana Haklicka. A native of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Haklicka guided the Cougars' offense for much of the 2020-21 season as just a freshman debuting in America. Before her sophomore season, Haklicka represented her country at the FIBA under-20 European Challengers, where Haklicka battled with her longtime Croatian teammates. On the pod, Haklicka reflects on the grueling yet rewarding tournament, her mindset entering sophomore season and some key differences between Dubrovnik and Chicago. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 26 of the Chi State Pod features Assistant Sports Performance Coach Steve Philpott, Jr. At Chicago State, Philpott, Jr. prides himself on enabling student-athletes to perform to their highest mental and physical potential. He develops programs by evaluating current physical conditioning, tailoring strength programs for specific needs, demonstrating proper performance of exercises, monitoring progress, and assessing development through data. Prior to CSU, Philpott, Jr. has worked at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, McKendree University, Parisi Speed School and multiple high schools across the Chicagoland area. Philpott, Jr. also served as an active-duty Marine in the United States Marine Corps prior to college. On the podcast, Philpott, Jr. delves into his remarkable journey — from travels in the Marines to his exploits as a sports scientist. He also expounds on his training philosophy, which centers on the mental approach to performance. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 25 of the Chi State Pod features 11th year Chicago State head men's and women's tennis coach Jack Barton. Barton is the next subject of our “Catching Up With” series, in which we check in on Chicago State student-athletes and coaches during the summer. This past season, Barton's teams earned eight all-Western Athletic Conference honorees, with freshman Pedro Alvarez highlighting the All-WAC First Team. Before joining Chicago State, Barton was a four-year letterwinner and a starter for both singles and doubles on the men's tennis team at St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, N.C. On the podcast, Barton explains what his 11th offseason looks like, takes us inside his recruiting philosophy and describes honing the mental approach to tennis — both for him and his student-athletes. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 24 of the Chi State Pod brings on Chicago State women's soccer player Hailey Stacey. Stacey is the second subject of our “Catching Up With ____” series, in which we check in on Chicago State student-athletes who are plunging into all sorts of notable undertakings over the summer. Stacey is a junior from Victorville, California who is playing this summer for Chicago KICS, a football club in the United Women's Soccer league. A soccer diehard since she was five, Stacey is continuing to scratch her soccer itch during the “off” time. On the podcast, Stacey explains why she's playing more soccer during the summer. She also delves into how she landed at Chicago State, why she's a gritty player and expands on a hidden talent. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In the first-ever edition of “Chatting with Charles,” Chicago State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Elliott Charles bears all on the past, present and future of Chicago State athletics, answering your questions submitted via chicagostateathletics@gmail.com. If you'd like your question answered on the next installment, feel free to email us at any time. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 22 of the Chi State Pod features Chicago State women's tennis player Susie Andres. Andres is the first subject of our “Catching Up With ____” series, in which we check in on Chicago State student-athletes who are plunging into all sorts of notable undertakings over the summer. Andres is a rising senior from Spain interning with Fermilab remotely from her home in Madrid. Fermilab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that focuses on high-energy particle physics and is based near Batavia, Illinois. On the podcast, Andres delves into her unique internship and also gives us a window into her home life in Madrid. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 21 of the Chi State Pod features former Chicago State men’s basketball star Melvin Buckley. Buckley played for the Cougars between 1980 and 1985, starring on the 1984 squad that reached the NAIA Final Four. The following season, with Buckley on the roster, Chicago State made its NCAA Division I debut. On the podcast, Buckley breaks down his journey to and at Chicago State and dishes on his business exploits, which include starting Chicago’s first-ever Steak ’n Shake. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 20 of the Chi State Pod brings on Dr. Olanipekun Laosebikan, coach of Chicago State’s Quizbowl team and a CSU Assistant Professor of Advanced Studies in Education. For five years, Dr. O has guided the university’s trivia team, which competed in March in the annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge national tournament, which features historically and primarily black colleges and universities. Dr. O refers to the trivia team as Chicago State’s “best-kept secret,” and the squad features an eclectic mix: A music major, Jaylin Shelton, a physics major, Gabriel Brown (Physics) and Marshall Gibson, who majors in Communications, Media Arts and Theatre. Brandon Morgan serves as assistant coach. On the podcast, Dr. O: Explains why the trivia team is a hidden gem Takes you inside what a competition is like Quizzes Sam on some hard-hitting trivia questions Note: If you enjoy trivia and would like to compete as a part of the team, contact Dr. O at olaosebi@csu.edu with questions. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 19 of the Chi State Pod features Barbara Castellanos, a sophomore on the Chicago State women’s soccer team. Castellanos was born in Guadalajara, Mexico but moved to Chicago at age three. Castellanos actually picked up soccer surprisingly late, and in a unique manner, which she explains on the podcast. After setting the West Chicago Community High School goals record, with 29, Castellanos joined Chicago State, where she’s paced the Cougars in scoring each year she’s played. On the podcast, Castellanos describes her funky soccer start, recaps her sophomore season, tells us some babysitting horror stories and explains why she doesn’t like a certain food that you probably love. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 17 of the Chi State Pod features Kevin Bullington, Chicago State senior men’s golfer. A Frankfort, Illinois native, Bullington is a lifelong Chicago sports fan who takes a great deal of pride in his roots. On the podcast, Bullington explains how he transformed from a “bad” high school golfer more focused on baseball into a Division I golfer. He also discusses the influence of his brother, Brian Bullington, who golfed at Iowa and now stands in the professional ranks. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 17 of the Chi State Pod features Brenda Jepkoech, Chicago State senior runner. Jepkoech grew up in Eldoret, Kenya, moving to America for college in 2017. At first, she attended Union University in Jackson, Tennessee before transferring to Chicago State. On the podcast, Jepkoech discusses her eye-opening transition to America, including the concept of racism being completely new to her. She also delves into her running background, which started at an early age in the running hotbed of Kenya, where running is a way of life. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The 16th installment of the Chi State Pod features John Eskra, a 1985 Chicago State alum and Executive Sports Producer of FOX Chicago. Eskra attended Chicago State from 1982-85, majoring in Radio and Television Broadcasting. On 95th and King, Eskra cut his teeth in TV production, including working on the production crew during Chicago State men's basketball games. On the podcast, Eskra: Hearkens back to his Chicago State days, including his involvement with basketball broadcasts Details how he plunged into the television industry in Chicago Reflects on his time as Executive Sports Producer at FOX, including some of his favorite moments Tells us who his favorite football team is (hint: not the Bears) Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 15 of the Chi State Pod features Jacob Ross, Chicago State’s Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. Prior to joining Chicago State, Ross was a private client personal trainer who previously worked at EFT Sports Performance, catering to top professional athletes, including NFL Pro-Bowlers (such as Devin Hester), NBA All-Stars (like Luol Deng) and Olympic Medalists (Aja Evans). On the podcast, Ross breaks down how to train an NFL athlete, spills what you can learn from elite athletes and shares his vision for Chicago State student-athletes. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 14 of the Chi State Pod brings aboard Chicago State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Elliott Charles and Head Athletic Trainer Jose (Pepe) Alcantar. Charles and Alcantar reflect on the transcendent events of this week one year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to change our lives. On March 3, nine days before the mass cancellations swept the world, Chicago State made the difficult decision to cancel its men’s basketball trip to face Seattle U. At the time, Charles said, “Chicago State athletics views our decision as a reaffirmation of our commitment to the well-being, health and safety of our student athletes.” On the podcast, Charles and Alcantar transport us back to early March 2020 and discuss the excruciating process that led to the cancellation decision. They also delve into how life for Chicago State changed so drastically in the months to come and discuss the lessons learned from the pandemic. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 13 of the Chi State Pod features former Chicago State women’s basketball player and coach Loretta Soria. Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Soria trekked to Chicago, where she starred for the Cougars from 2000-04 and specialized as a sharpshooter. To this day, Soria holds Chicago State’s Division I single-season record for three-point percentage (46.1%). Soria returned to 95th and King as an Assistant Coach for the 2013-14 season and now lives in Northwest Indiana, where she is a teacher and coach. On the podcast, Soria dives into her Chicago State career, shift to coaching and some uncanny differences between life in Australia and life in the Windy City. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 12 of the Chi State Pod features ESPN journalist Scoop Jackson. Jackson is a Chicago native who has been with ESPN since 2005, contributing to ESPN.com and appearing regularly on TV and radio platforms. In 2013, Jackson penned “Courting a Peaceful Alternative” on ESPN.com, explaining the Nike/Jordan Chi-League happening summer at Whitney Young High School. The games served as a modern-day renaissance of the Schlitz Malt Liquor Summer Basketball League that took place at Chicago State University in the 1980s. Guests of the old league included Isiah Thomas, Mark Aguirre and even Michael Jordan. On the podcast, Jackson reminisces on both the 2013 and 1980s iterations of the league, painting the picture through the league’s impact, energy and highlights. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Chicago State alum and former swimming national champion Fred Evans joins the fifth episode of our Chi State Pod Black History Month Series. Evans is recognized as the first Black swimmer to win a collegiate swimming championship. As a Chicago State swimmer, Evans won the 100-yard breaststroke NCAA Division II national titles in 1975, 1976 and 1977, earning record-setting times each year. Upon graduating with a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Guidance and Counseling, Evans kickstarted a longstanding career as a swim coach in the Chicago area. He also served as an advisor to the Swimming Hall of Fame’s African-American Outreach Swim Program. Evans has also since been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. On the podcast, Evans reminisces on his transition to college life at Chicago State, hearkens back to his national titles and reflects on the meaning of becoming the first Black national swimming champion. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The fourth installment of our Chi State Pod Black History Month Series features Chicago State alum Taneka Mackey. Mackey has served as an LPGA Tour caddie since 2017, working with golfer Amy Olson. Today, she is the only Black woman caddie on tour. After becoming full-time with Olson, Mackey faced a health scare which led to a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She has since battled back and now remains symptom-free. On the podcast, Mackey and Olson reflect on their powerful bond, Mackey’s health journey and her inspiring outlook. Mackey's story was also recently featured in a gripping ESPN piece. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 9 of the Chi State Pod features head volleyball coach Tanio Trifonov. Trifonov is set to embark on his first season running CSU’s volleyball program. On the podcast, Trifonov highlights his key contributors, analyzes his team’s identity and compares the squad to a jungle beast. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Our Black History Month podcast series rolls on: Episode 8 of the Chi State Pod features former Chicago State tennis player Rohan Wattley. Rohan hails from just outside of London, played at Chicago State from 2014-18 and now lives back in the U.K., where he has launched a business producing a black history trivia card game, Noire Historia. Wattley explains his inspiration for the game, takes us through the launch process and even plays a round on the air. You can follow Noire Historia on Instagram @noirehistora and visit them online at www.noirehistoria.com. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 7 of the Chi State Pod features Titania Harris, former Chicago State women’s tennis star and coach. It is the next in our Black History Month podcast series. Harris played for the legendary undefeated 1991 Chicago State women’s tennis team and shares stories of the grit, tenacious attitude and perfection of that team. Harris also coached Chicago State tennis from 1996-2007, and she reflects on her tenure and on the athletes she guided. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode 6 of the Chi State Pod is the first of our Black History Month series. This edition features Aremu Mbande, program director of the Chicago State African-American Male Resource Center. Mbande is the leader of the committee charged with forming the University’s Black History Month Calendar. On the podcast, Mbande delves into the month’s key events at Chicago State and discusses why Black History Month is crucially important, especially amidst the current climate. For more information on CSU’s celebration of Black History Month, visit @csu_getinvolved on Instagram. Chi State Pod is hosted and produced by Sam Brief. Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.