Siefer's Scoop Podcast

This week, Andrew Plumley '11 appears on Siefer's Scoop. A native of Burlington, Vt., Plumley was a two-sport varsity athlete while at Middlebury, playing football and basketball. As a student, Plumley studied Philosophy and helped create the famous MIDD KID song and music video. Since graduating, Plumley has worked in the diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion field. He's currently the Senior Director of Equity and Culture at the American Alliance of Museums and also works with the NESCAC and MiddCORE. On this episode, Plumley discusses the biggest takeaways from his four years at Middlebury, what he enjoys about his current career, and how exactly the MIDD KID song and music video came about.

On the first Siefer's Scoop episode of the spring semester, Steve Hauschka '07 appears on the podcast. Originally a JV soccer player at Middlebury, Hauschka joined the football team his sophomore year and immediately became a sensation. After graduating, Hauschka played his graduate season at North Carolina State before embarking on a 13-year NFL career. On this episode, Hauschka discusses his four years at Middlebury, his path to the NFL, and what it was like to play in––and win––a Super Bowl in 2014. He also offers his pick for Super Bowl LVI between the Bengals and Rams.

On the final episode of the fall semester, Kent Hughes '92 joins the Siefer's Scoop podcast. A 2020 Middlebury Athletics Hall of Fame selection, Hughes played four years of hockey at the college, ​​setting modern-day program records for assists (140) and points (194) in a career. After playing a year of professional hockey in Sweden, Hughes studied law and soon became a National Hockey League (NHL) agent; today, he has over 25 years of experience representing professional athletes. On this episode of Siefer's Scoop, Hughes discusses his time as a student-athlete at Middlebury, his time playing professional hockey, and why he cherishes his career as an NHL agent.

This week, Roy Heffernan '78 joins the Siefer's Scoop podcast. A stellar athlete on both the football and men's lacrosse teams at Middlebury, Heffernan was inducted into the Middlebury Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. After graduating from Middlebury, Heffernan joined the Life is Good company, where he operated as the Chief Operating Optimist and helped guide the company to incredible success. Currently, Heffernan is an Owner-Partner at Life is Good and makes trips up to Middlebury when he finds the time. On this episode, Heffernan discusses his accomplishments as a student-athlete at Middlebury, his time with Life is Good, and the lessons he's learned from both experiences. He also explains why Middlebury has and continues to play such an instrumental role in his life.

This week, Cat Harrison '19 joins the Siefer's Scoop podcast. A four-year center on the women's basketball team at Middlebury, Harrison was a two-time captain and ranks second in program history in blocked shots (105) and fourth in rebounds (746). After graduating, Harrison worked at a leadership development firm in Washington D.C. for two years, but this summer, she returned to Middlebury as an assistant coach of the women's basketball team. On this episode, Harrison discusses her time as a student-athlete at Middlebury, why she decided to return as an assistant coach, and what Panther fans can expect from the team this season.

On this episode of the Siefer's Scoop podcast, Blaise hosts Jack Kramer '10.5, a four-year quarterback on the football team at Middlebury. Kramer received a BA in German and Economics from the College in 2011, and, after graduating, co-founded a digestible economics newsletter, called MarketSnacks. In 2018, MarketSnacks was acquired by Robinhood, a prominent American financial services company. Currently, Jack co-hosts the Snacks Daily podcast and is the Managing Editor of News at Robinhood. On this episode, Kramer discusses his favorite experiences and lessons learned at Middlebury, how he grew MarketSnacks, and how he's currently enjoying his role at Robinhood. Extra: Kramer also offers some insightful advice to current Middlebury students!

On the first Siefer's Scoop episode of the 2021-22 academic year, Blaise hosts Colby Morris, a former Middlebury College baseball pitcher who's now chasing Major League Baseball. The 2018 NESCAC Pitcher of the Year, Morris was a four-year player on the Middlebury varsity baseball team. Since graduating from Middlebury in 2019, Morris has played for several independent and minor league baseball teams; currently, he's pitching for the Brooklyn Cyclones, a High-A affiliate of the New York Mets. On this episode, Morris discusses his time at Middlebury, how it prepared him for professional baseball, and what his goals are with the sport. He also recalls his favorite class at Middlebury, his go-to restaurant in the area, and his favorite dorm on campus.

On the final episode of the academic year, Blaise welcomes Brett Perlmutter '24, a member of men's swim and dive, on the Siefer's Scoop podcast. Perlmutter, a New York native, spent his freshman year at Middlebury in 2019-2020, though he's currently taking a gap year. To begin the episode, we chat about Perlmutter's gap year, discussing his jobs and what he's learned. Next, Perlmutter explains how he landed at Middlebury, why he loves the school and how he manages the demands of a student-athlete lifestyle. The episode closes with an assortment of rapid-fire questions for Perlmutter, who reveals his favorite dining hall, his favorite activities at Middlebury and more.

This week, Siefer's Scoop welcomes rower and editor-in-chief of The Campus, Bochu Ding '21. The podcast opens with a check-in on Ding's senior year. What's his final semester at Middlebury been like? What are his plans for next year? Next, the dialogue transitions to the crew team at Middlebury. How does the team operate? What are Ding's favorite aspects of the team? Also the editor-in-chief of The Campus, Ding reflects on his four-year career with the newspaper and how he's enjoying his current role. How has he navigated The Campus through this unprecedented time? What lessons has he learned? Finally, we end with rapid-fire questions, where Ding reveals his go-to study spot, his favorite academic building, and one thing he wishes he did more at Middlebury.

This week, Blaise welcomes podcast fan and women's hockey player Ellie Barney '21.5 on the Siefer's Scoop podcast. The episode begins with a chat about podcasting, from Barney's favorite podcasts to that one Middlebury alumna who is working for a nationally acclaimed podcast. We pivot to a discussion on Barney's history with hockey, from her brother's influence to her high school team. Barney then recalls how Middlebury first popped up on her radar, and how a sandwich at Shafer's might've just been the difference on an otherwise unenthusiastic tour of Middlebury. Finally, Barney recounts her favorite memories in the Panther jersey, from the best atmosphere she's witnessed to her favorite goal. She also weighs in on the Proc vs Ross debate and other Middlebury-centered questions.

For the second straight week, Blaise welcomes two varsity captains on the Siefer's Scoop podcast. This time, it's Jordan Bessalel '21 and John Mikus '21, co-captains for the men's golf team. Bessalel and Mikus begin the episode by recalling their early golfing experience, from their influences to how they cracked into the competitive sphere. Then, they reflect on what intrigued them about Middlebury and how they landed at the school. With three seasons under their belts, the co-captains discuss their past three years, and touch on Bessalel's NESCAC co-rookie of the year honor. Finally, we preview the upcoming spring season and the home meet on May 8.

On this week's edition of the Siefer's Scoop podcast, Blaise welcomes Jack Farrell ('21) and Tommy Eastman ('21)–captains on the men's basketball team–to the podcast. Jack and Tommy, both All-NESCAC players, reflect on their on-court careers at Middlebury. They explain why the NCAA D-III Tournament is so special and what their experience was like playing on D-III basketball's highest stage. They also discuss the basketball team's culture and dynamics, shedding light on how the team operates off the court. Finally, they comment on how COVID-19 has impacted their senior years, how they felt the college handled the situation, and what they have planned going forward. Bonus: Jack and Tommy offer their opinions on the NCAA D-I Men's Basketball Tournament.

For the first episode in Siefer's Scoop podcast history, Blaise has a co-host! A sophomore Feb at Middlebury, Sam Lipin joins the podcast to help Blaise host Lucy Ambach '23, the first women's volleyball player to appear on Siefer's Scoop. Blaise and Sam begin the episode by asking Lucy when she began to play volleyball, and if her height had anything to do with it. Next, they chat with Lucy about Middlebury. What made the school stand out? Was it always her first choice? What are some of her favorite memories with the team? Finally, Lucy is asked about her goals for the program, and she's also prompted to create a 30-second program pitch for prospective Middlebury volleyball players.

This week, Blaise welcomes Hans Pessl '22.5, a member of the men's nordic team, on the podcast. A native of Bozeman, Montana, Hans grew up with a pair of skis on his feet. He describes how he first got into racing, how he honed his talent, and how his skills ultimately qualified him for a coaching job with the Argentinian nordic team. Hans also explains Winter Carnival week from an athlete's perspective, his favorite memories on the Middlebury team, and his goals for the program.

On the second edition of the Siefer's Scoop podcast this spring, Blaise is joined by Beau Root '23, a member of the men's baseball team. The Connecticut native talks about his roots in baseball, his ties to the MLB, and how he progressed in the sport. He also discusses the college recruitment process, highlighting why he chose Middlebury and what his experience has been like so far. The episode concludes with Beau explaining his optimism and aspirations for the team.

The Siefer's Scoop podcast is back for the spring 2021 semester! In the first episode of the term, Jordyn Johnson '23, a member of women's softball, joins the podcast. The Hoover, Alabama native discusses her introduction to softball, how she progressed as a player, and her experience walking onto the team at Middlebury. She also describes the team dynamics and some of the squad's unique rituals. The episode concludes with some rapid-fire questions, which elicited some surprising answers!

Delanie Goniwiecha ‘23 joins the podcast this week, marking the first hockey player to appear on the Siefer's Scoop podcast. A sophomore on the women's hockey team from Rochester Hills, Michigan, Delanie recorded five goals and 2 assists as a first-year on the team. While her sophomore season was axed due to the pandemic, Delanie still remains optimistic about what's to come. She speaks about her roots with hockey, her college recruitment process, the dynamics on the women's hockey team, and everything in-between on this jam-packed episode!

Nate Moll ‘22 joins the Siefer's Scoop podcast this week, the first guest to appear in 2021. A junior on the men's squash team from Birmingham, Michigan, Nate begins our conversation by explaining why he picked up the sport and how he progressed to the college ranks. Who were some of his early influences? During his college search, why did Middlebury stand out? Next, we discuss the squash team in general, and Nate sheds light on some of his favorite moments in the Middlebury uniform. Finally, we look forward to the spring semester as Nate describes how he is preparing for his return to Vermont.

Alex Stimpson ‘23, a member of the men's squash team, joins the Siefer's Scoop podcast this week. A sophomore at Middlebury, Alex discusses the COVID-19 guidelines that the squash team has faced this semester. How are practices structured? What's it like wearing a mask while playing squash? Alex then dives into an overview of the squash team, detailing the team culture and dynamics. How tight-knit is the team? What are some favorite team bonding activities? Finally, he touches on his roots with the sport, including an examination of his early influences and how his affinity with squash has grown over his life.

In this episode of the Siefer's Scoop podcast, I explore the political activism exhibited by Middlebury student-athletes this semester. I interview a host of athletes and coaches to learn about how our sports teams are fulfilling their civic duty, from ensuring voting registration to calling representatives to demand justice for Breonna Taylor. The podcast features Brinlea La Barge, a member of women's tennis; Beatrice Donavan, a member of women's soccer; Charles Roselle, a member of men's football and lacrosse; Courtney Gantt, a member of women's swim and dive; Bob Rueppel, head coach of the men's and women's swimming programs; and Erin Quinn, Middlebury athletic director.

Amanda Frank ‘23, a member of the women's tennis team, joins the Siefer's Scoop podcast this week. A sophomore at Middlebury, Amanda talks about the restrictions the tennis team is navigating through this semester. What do practices look like? What's it like wearing a mask while playing tennis? Amanda also gives her outlook on the tennis team in general. What's the team culture like? What does the team add to her college experience? Finally, we chat about her youth career and how she ended up at Middlebury. Bonus: Amanda goes in-depth about her interview with Venus Williams this past spring. What was the 7-time grand slam winner like face-to-face? What did she say about Middlebury?

Eli Drachman '24 joins the Siefer Scoop podcast for the fifth episode of the year. A first-year on the men's swim and dive team, Eli chats about what it's been like to be a first-year at Middlebury during a pandemic. How has he navigated the social landscape? What is his favorite part about the school? Eli also discusses the guidelines surrounding swim practice and his experience in the pool thus far. He also offers his outlook on the 2020-2021 season, which includes the potential of virtual meets. We wrap up the episode by talking about Eli's beginnings with swim, his experience competing for his club team, and why he chose Middlebury.

Lizzie Kenter ‘23, a member of the women's golf squad, joins the podcast this week. We begin with a discussion on how the pandemic has affected golf. What has changed about golf practice? What's the outlook on the spring season? We also discuss her first year on the team in 2019. What are her thoughts on the Ralph Myhre course? What's her favorite memory with the team? Finally, we explore her early years with golf. How'd she first get into the sport? What did her progression look like? How'd the college recruiting process go for her?

Gianna Palli '23, a member of the women's basketball squad, features on the podcast this week. In this episode, we ask Gianna about how the pandemic has affected the women's basketball season. What has the team been doing to stay in shape? What's the best-case scenario for this semester? What might the season look like? Also, we talk about her first year in the Panther uniform, which snapped after six games due to an injury. We discuss her decision to take a gap semester and save a year of eligibility. Finally, we end the episode by exploring her athletic upbringing, her college recruitment process, and the goals she has for her next four seasons with the Panthers.

Noah Whiting '22, a member of the men's cross country and track & field squads, joins the podcast this week. In this episode, we ask Noah about how the pandemic has affected the cross-country season. What's it like to wear a mask while running? Does the team have any upcoming intrasquad races? How do you keep your runs fresh and entertaining when you are quarantined to campus? Also, we chat about his first two years on the cross country and track & field squads, learning about his favorite aspects of the team and his fondest memories thus far. Finally, we cap off the episode by asking Noah about why he first began to run competitively and how he got recruited to Middlebury.

Cole Crider, a sophomore on the men's football and baseball squads, joins the podcast. In this episode, we chat about how the pandemic has affected Middlebury athletics, how Cole is keeping bonds strong with teammates, and why he ultimately decided to enroll at Middlebury this semester. We also discuss his detailed history with athletics before he attended Middlebury.

One of the greatest running groups to go through Concord-Carlisle HS, the self-proclaimed "Super Six" joins the podcast to speak about their legendary cohort. Hear about their early days, greatest races, and craziest memories, capped off with a litany of "most likely to" questions.

Alex Burt started nordic skiing at 2-years-old and hasn't looked back since. He's raced for top-level club teams, dominated the Dual County League, and earned regional and national recognition for his talents. He recently wrapped up a gap year in Sun Valley, where he prepared for a career with the D-1 nordic ski team at Colby College. Hear about his beginnings with nordic skiing, his many accomplishments, his college recruitment process, and the ins and outs of his PG year in Sun Valley in this episode.

To say Elizabeth Peebles is an accomplished soccer player is an understatement. A four-time state champion (twice w/ HS and twice w/ club), two-time HS captain, and All-New Jersey North selection, Elizabeth committed to D-3 powerhouse Middlebury College to continue her passion for The Beautiful Game. Covid-19 cut her first year at Middlebury short, but her optimism remains as she hopes to win a NESCAC title and an NCAA Championship with the Panthers. Hear all about her high school career, her recruitment process, and her aspirations in this flavorful episode.

Silas Gramaglia was a late bloomer in the swimming world. If you told him in tenth grade that he'd be swimming collegiately, he'd say you were crazy. But suddenly, he began rapidly shaving time off his personal bests, attracting attention from some of the top Division 3 colleges. Hear about his remarkable improvement curve, his biggest accomplishments, and how swimming complements his surfing and filmmaking passions. (Note: Apologies for audio quality in the first minute! It does improve though...)

Will Paterson has racked up numerous accolades throughout his illustrious soccer career, including a state championship in high school and a national semi-final appearance for FC Stars of MA. After captaining the varsity team his senior year, he's taken his talents to UMass Lowell where he plays Division 1 soccer for the River Hawks. Hear the story of how he went from struggling to make the in-town top team as a middle schooler to now inching towards a starting position on a nationally ranked Division 1 team.

Jake Hatch is a rising sophomore at Emerson College who plays baseball for the men's varsity team. A talented infielder who has devoted countless hours to studying the mechanics of the game, Jake constantly looks to gain a competitive edge over his opponents. In this episode, Jake discusses his obsession with baseball mechanics, his ups and downs with high school baseball, and how he got recruited to Emerson College. Furthermore, he touches on his future aspiration of being a sports journalist and reveals his role models and passions within the industry.

Matt Kleiman excels both inside and outside of the classroom. The 3:50 1500m runner is a state champion in the mile, a cross country state champion, and a top Division 3 runner. He also boasts an incredible academic portfolio, earning admission to the prestigious Johns Hopkins University where he studies math and physics. Learn about how he strikes a balance between these two worlds, how he finds joy in running, and more on this jam-packed episode.

Chris Ratliffe, who comes from a family of decorated runners, is a product of the process. Over the course of his high school career, he improved his 5k cross country time by 3 minutes and cut roughly 40 seconds off his mile time. Hear about his keys to success, the role his accomplished family has played in his career, and tips to his younger self.

One of the premier teenage runners in Massachusetts speaks about his unorthodox journey with running, including his roots with soccer, winning two state championships in high school, and one of the biggest decisions in his life.