In Episode 209 of Talkin' G-MAC, host Katie Gilhooly dives into championship season as she sits down with the 2024 Great Midwest Soccer Champions: University of Findlay men’s soccer head coach Andy Smyth and Ashland University women’s soccer head coach Cayleb Paulino. The episode celebrates a monumental weekend for both programs, reflecting on their journeys to the title.

Coach Smyth shared his thoughts on the Oilers' unforgettable 1-0 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan University in their first-ever G-MAC championship appearance. Findlay’s win capped off a season filled with grit and growth, finishing 11-3-5. Smyth highlighted the team’s resilience after splitting their regular-season matchups with KWC, calling the championship a testament to their commitment to peak when it mattered most. He also credited key moments from his squad that led to their historic season and expressed excitement for what lies ahead for Findlay soccer.

Coach Paulino reflected on the Ashland Eagles’ dominant 3-1 triumph over Northwood to secure the 2024 G-MAC Tournament title. After narrowly falling short in 2023, the Eagles made a resounding statement this year, adding the tournament trophy to their regular-season championship. Sitting at 17-1-2, Paulino discussed the mindset shift that propelled his team to an elite level and how players delivered under pressure, particularly in a highly anticipated rematch against Northwood. With the NCAA Division II postseason looming, the Eagles are focused on continuing their stellar run.

In this episode of Talkin' G-MAC, we sit down with Drew Cooper, head men's basketball coach at Kentucky Wesleyan. Coach Cooper dives into the high expectations for his squad after being picked to finish first in the preseason coaches' poll, a testament to the program's rich tradition and talent. He shares insights into the challenges of navigating a tough start to the season and how the team is rallying to find their rhythm.

From leadership on and off the court to strategic adjustments, Coach Cooper offers a candid look at what it takes to steer his team toward a championship mindset. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, preparation, and the drive to meet lofty goals in the always-competitive G-MAC.

The Talkin' G-MAC Podcast is excited to announce the release of its latest episode, number 207, featuring special guests from the 2024 G-MAC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships. This week, host Katie Gilhooly dives into exclusive interviews with Hillsdale College Head Coach R.P. White and standout Walsh University sophomore Alyssa Stoner. Together, they offer unique perspectives on their recent victories and share insights into what lies ahead as they prepare for regionals and, ultimately, a shot at nationals.

Coach White and his team claimed the men’s championship title in Michigan last Saturday, marking a standout season for Hillsdale College’s cross-country program. With his characteristic humility and dedication, White delves into his team’s growth over the season, the rigorous training regimens that led to their victory, and the atmosphere on championship day. Reflecting on the championship race, Coach White provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and moments that defined the race.

In the women’s category, Alyssa Stoner has continued to impress, emerging as a dominant force for Walsh University. On the podcast, Stoner recounts her experience and excitement over the victory and her journey as a sophomore to become a key player on a high-performing team. Stoner also discusses her mindset as she prepares for the regional meet, with an eye on the national competition and the personal and team goals she aims to achieve.

As the host, Gilhooly expertly guides listeners through each of these captivating interviews, providing an opportunity to experience the athletes' passion and commitment firsthand. With regional competitions just around the corner, this episode captures the excitement and dedication fueling these athletes as they work toward national aspirations.

In Episode 206 of Talkin' G-MAC, host Katie Gilhooly sits down with Hillsdale junior volleyball standout Adi Sysum. They dive into the excitement of the upcoming Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover, the legacy of success for Hillsdale volleyball, and what makes this year's Chargers team so special. Don't miss this inside look at one of the G-MAC's top programs!

In Episode 205, Katie sits down with Brenda Hilton, Founder and CEO of Officially Human whose mission is to restore respect to game officials and recognize them as authorities on the fields and courts.
The conversations comes at a perfect time as the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) celebrates Fall Officials Appreciation Week (Oct. 7-11). Hilton speaks to the missions and goals of Officially Human and what sparked her interest in starting this quest to elevate respect among officials at all levels.

Episode 204 features Ashland football's Dru Johnson. Johnson was recently named to the 2024 Allstate Good Works Team.
Katie chats with Johnson about his love for service as well as what drives and motivates him to be involved in the Ashland community. The two also talk about how his faith has been a driving force in his mission to serve others.

In this episode 203, Katie sits down with Te'Jamere Nash, standout offensive lineman from the University of Findlay.

Tay talks about the Oilers' impressive 3-0 start to the season and what it means to anchor the o-line at Findlay. Beyond football, he shares his passion for art and dreams of becoming a cartoonist. Tune in for a unique conversation that dives into both the grit of football and the creativity that fuels Te'Jamere's future ambitions.

On Episode 202 of Talkin' G-MAC, newly elected Great Midwest SAAC President Camryn Pickerill joins the pod.
Pickerill will lead the Conference SAAC group during the 2024-25 year. During this episode, Camryn and Katie talk about Pickerill's goal for the Great SAAC under her purview as well as her involvement in SAAC at Ohio Dominican.