The Mighty Oregon Podcast

143. Ryan Cooney - Embracing the Grind

Oregon infielder Ryan Cooney has become one of the Ducks’ most reliable and impactful players, but his rise is anything but typical for an in‑state kid who once flew under the recruiting radar. In this conversation, he opens up about growing up in a Duck household, falling in love with baseball later than most, and grinding his way from an overlooked local prospect to a cornerstone of Oregon’s lineup. He also reflects on the unique pride of helping elevate Oregon baseball’s reputation — proving that elite players can come from right here in the Northwest. This episode dives into the mindset, maturity, and work ethic behind one of the Ducks’ breakout juniors. This is the Mighty Oregon Podcast and this is Ducks infielder Ryan Cooney...Embracing the Grind. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

142. Lyndsey Grein - A Different Duck on the Diamond

Oregon pitcher Lyndsey Grein brings one of the most fascinating dualities in college softball — a soft‑spoken, bubbly, faith‑driven personality off the field and a fiery, unapologetically intense competitor the moment she steps into the circle. In this conversation, Grein opens up about growing up in a military family, the values that shaped her, and the relentless work ethic forged alongside her sister in basement pitching tunnels and late‑night training sessions. Lyndsey also shares how her faith helps her balance compassion with the fierce “33” persona that emerges on game day. And with stories of chirping hitters, calling her own pitches, and flipping the competitive switch the moment the jersey goes on, she reveals how that on‑field fire has become both her edge and her expression of love for her teammates. This episode dives into the heart, grit, and spiritual foundation behind one of the Ducks’ most animated and beloved leaders. This is the Mighty Oregon Podcast and this is Oregon softball’s Lyndsey Grein - A Different Duck on the Diamond See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

141. Sofia Bell - Leader of the Pack

Sofia Bell’s story blends hometown roots, academic drive, and on‑court grit into one of the most compelling journeys in Oregon women’s basketball. Growing up in a Ducks household, she fell in love with the game early and eventually emerged as a McDonald’s All‑American before stepping onto campus and earning a starting role from day one. Her evolution into a three‑and‑D cornerstone, a lockdown defender with a clutch shooting touch, is matched only by her growth as a vocal leader, helping a young roster as the savvy veteran presence.  This is the Mighty Oregon Podcast and this is Ducks guard Sofia Bell...Leader of the Pack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

140. Darya Kaboli-Nejad - Talking the Talk

Former Oregon softball standout Darya Kaboli‑Nejad brings one of the most compelling journeys you’ll hear in college athletics—a walk‑on from Omaha who talked her way onto a top‑ranked Ducks roster and earned a scholarship through sheer grit and belief in herself. At Oregon, she became known for her relentless work ethic, infectious energy, and the underdog mentality that shaped both her playing career and her life after softball. Darya is now a successful lawyer with a heart for helping others — proving that her tenacity extends far beyond the softball field. This is the Mighty Oregon Podcast and this is former Ducks softball player Darya Kaboli-Nejad - Talking the Talk See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

139. Malik Benson - Finding a Way

Malik Benson’s path to Eugene has been unique to say the least. Benson was an explosive athlete in high school that excelled on the football field as well as track and field but his grades kept him from attending a major university. Two years at Hutchinson Community College earned Benson a call from Nick Saban, fulfilling a childhood dream. A year with the Tide followed by a year at Florida State then led Benson to the Ducks, where he’s found his stride at just the right moment…hoping his play will help propel Oregon on a deep run in the College Football Playoff. This is the Mighty Oregon Podcast and this is Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson - Finding a Way See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].