The Uncommon Experience

Episode 5 - "Navigating The Uncommon: How to talk to coaches"

“On this episode of The Uncommon Experience, we have three freshman, Alexis Suptela, Kaleigh Shafer and Maya Tyburowski, in the midst of their first collegiate season. Listen to their most recent recruiting journeys, what was daunting to them as pre-season approached, and how they’re doing now that they’re finally on campus and on the field. This season is all about growth, and this episode covers lots of it. We hope you’ll come along for the ride on episode 5 of The Uncommon Experience”

Ep. 4 - Beyond Soccer

“This week on the Uncommon Experience Podcast, I’m joined by rising senior Addy Joiner as she discusses how her experience compared to the dream she had as a young player who wanted to play at Valparaiso one day. She explains what makes her home so special - like the location of the city and the national park. Addy also shares how she navigates getting involved outside of athletics and how she grows academically. Hear how Valpo has prepared Addy for her future aspirations and her goals for her final season in a Valpo uniform now. Make sure to leave us a review and follow us on social media - we want to know what YOU want to hear on The Uncommon Experience Podcast!”

Ep. 3 - What coaches look for?

Welcome to episode 3 of The Uncommon Experience Podcast! This week we have Anna Cup who recently completed her first year as a Valparaiso student-athlete. Anna shares her journey with us about how she developed as both a student and an athlete this semester - sharing just how different college athletics can feel.  But there was also before Anna was a first year, back when she was a recruit just like you. Listen to she and Coach discuss the all consuming question: what are coaches looking for in players and how will they use me? Find out that and so much more on this episode of The Uncommon Experience.

Episode 2 - Balancing Academics and Athletics

Welcome back to The Uncommon Experience Podcast! The college experience is not one size fits all, which is why this week we have both Chase Ray and Lindsay DuSatko who share their own unique academic journey as college athletes. At Valpo we believe that you’re a STUDENT- athlete first and foremost, so it’s important to know how to balance your academics with your sports world. And of course - a big part of college is social life - can you balance all three while maintaining academic and athletic success? Find out that and so much more (like what Coach Marovich doesn’t know - and maybe wishes he never did) on episode two of The Uncommon Experience.

The Uncommon Experience

During my 16 years as Head Coach at Valparaiso University, I have noticed trends from recruits and their families as they sit across from me in my office. As a high school student you’re worried about asking the right questions that will help you make an informed decision about your future. As a coach our jobs are to reassure those worries and answer your questions. Which is where The Uncommon Experience comes into play: hear from real life student-athletes from our program here at Valpo, not just about what makes US special, but advice for you on your recruiting journey. We’re here to help, so welcome to the team! On this first episode I’m joined by Aubrey Ramey a recent graduate of our program who transferred to our team in the Spring of 2023. You’ll hear Aubrey talk about her initial nervousness about coming in as a late transfer as well as the reasoning behind her transition to Valpo. We’ll discuss the importance of culture and atmosphere when you’re looking to commit to a program and a little bit about our own culture here at Valpo. And don’t forget about the “student” part of student-athlete. A lot of incoming players want to know: just how hard is it to balance success both on and OFF the field? Find out that and more on this episode of The Uncommon Experience.