No Playbook: Real Recruiting Stories

Liv Stott (Xavier Soccer)

Liv Stott joins the podcast for the second time. Her first appearance focused on her recruiting journey coming out of high school. Now, after gaining experience playing high-level college soccer, Liv returns to talk about her recent experience in the transfer portal. In this episode, she shares why she decided to leave University of Tennessee and continue her career at Xavier University. Full video episodes are available on YouTube.  #KnoxvilleTN #Bearden #XavierSoccer #XavierUniversity #LadyVols #FCAlliance #865Alliance

Caylan Arnold Elliott (Pro Softball)

Caylan Arnold Elliott joins the show to talk all things softball—from her local roots to her global playing career. A Maryville High School standout, Caylan went on to play at Tennessee before finishing her college career at Florida State. She shares what that journey looked like, including the transition between programs and what she learned along the way. We also dive into her professional career, where she played internationally in places like Italy and the Netherlands, and how those experiences shaped her perspective on the game and life beyond it. Now back in the States, Caylan is helping grow the game in a big way—working in administration with the Florida Vibe and coaching locally. We also talk about the excitement surrounding a new Knoxville softball team coming to town and what that means for the future of the sport in East Tennessee. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with a softball fan! Also follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod. #floridavibe #knoxvillesoftball #floridastate #vols #tennesseesoftball #maryville #maryvillehighschool #prosoftball

Kai Tsakiris (Tennessee Soccer)

In this episode, I talk with Kai Tsakiris, a dynamic new addition to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers soccer roster. Kai shares her journey from being a standout youth player and ECNL Player of the Year with Slammers FC to competing at the highest level with the Florida Gators soccer. She opens up about her freshman season at Florida, what led her to enter the transfer portal, and why Tennessee felt like the right next step. We also dive into the work that happens beyond game day, from training habits that elevate her performance to adjusting to life in Knoxville. Plus, Kai gives fans a glimpse of what to expect from the Lady Vols this season, shares a personal story you probably haven’t heard before, and reflects on one unforgettable sports memory. If you’re a soccer fan, a recruit, or just love real stories from athletes navigating their journey, check it out! #tennesseesoccer #ladyvols #kaitsakiris #ecnl #slammersfc #knoxville #floridasoccer #gatorssoccer #transferportal #recruiting Full video episodes are available on YouTube.

Jadyn Dehart (Hardin Valley Football)

Jadyn Dehart is a high school football recruit from Hardin Valley Academy in Knoxville. He spent his first year of high school at Alcoa and then two seasons with William Blount. He talks about transferring to Hardin Valley as a senior and how that could affect his recruiting process. He recently decommitted from Georgia Southern and is now weighing other fantastic options.  Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod.  Full video episodes are available on YouTube.  #alcoa #hardinvalley #knoxville #williamblount #blountcounty #footballrecruiting #recruiting #tssaa #nebraskafootball

Erika Waycaster (Pellissippi State Volleyball)

Erika Waycaster is the head volleyball coach at Pellissippi State Community College and she joins the show to talk about recruiting, training, and her experience as the school's first head coach.  She shares tips for young athletes hoping to play volleyball at the next level, including red flags coaches look for.  Full video episodes are available on YouTube.  Be sure to follow the show on social media @noplaybookpod.  #pellissippistate #juco #volleyball #knoxville