Mixed Doubles: A Women's Sports Podcast

Championing Change: A Conversation with MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills

In this episode of the Mixed Doubles podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-robinson-0bb02b201/]and Josh Smythe-Macaulay [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-smythe-macaulay/] sat down with Sonja Stills [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-stills-265500126/], Commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Stills, the first woman to hold this position in MEAC's history, discusses her career journey, facing imposter syndrome, and her commitment to elevating HBCU athletics. The episode covers the importance of strategic partnerships, the impact of the changing landscape of college athletics, NIL implications, and the significance of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Stills’ vibrant energy and dedication are palpable as she shares inspiring stories about leading with intention and making a difference in the world of college sports. Hang around after to episode for The Debrief ™ where Maggie and Josh break down the episode and catch up on life. 00:48 Introducing Sonja Stills: A Trailblazer in Sports 01:44 Sonja's Journey at the MEAC 05:05 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 12:07 Responsibilities of a Commissioner 14:58 The MEAC's Rich History and Achievements 20:02 Strategic and Long-Range Planning 23:55 Expanding the MEAC: Criteria and Considerations 27:10 Building Strategic Partnerships 33:23 Exciting New Coaches in the MEAC 35:21 Investing in Student Athletes and Community 35:42 Excitement for Upcoming Media Day 36:49 Innovative Changes in the MEC 41:36 Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in Athletics 44:20 Navigating NIL and Budget Constraints 54:25 Reflecting on Leadership and Legacy 56:53 The Debrief ™ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Unrivaled Excellence: A Chat with Ivy League Commissioner Robin Harris

In this episode of the Mixed Doubles podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe-Macaulay sit down with Robin Harris, the executive director of the Ivy League. With backgrounds as former Division I Ivy League student-athletes and employees in professional sports, Maggie and Josh explore Robin's career, impact, and vision for the Ivy League. The conversation delves into the unique characteristics and values of the Ivy League, including the focus on balancing academics with athletics, health and safety initiatives, and the implications of recent developments such as NIL and the House vs. NCAA settlement. The episode also highlights the Ivy League's media rights deal with ESPN and the ongoing commitment to providing a holistic student-athlete experience. Robin shares her insights on the evolution of the league, her career journey, and the broader landscape of college athletics. The episode closes with reflections from Maggie and Josh on their personal experiences as Ivy League athletes. 02:42 Robin Harris' Career Journey 10:13 Balancing Academics and Athletics in the Ivy League 15:20 Football in the Ivy League and FCS Playoffs 21:38 NIL and the Ivy League's Stance 28:36 Media Rights and Future of Ivy League Broadcasting 35:08 Columbia Football and Ivy League Success 36:47 Ivy League's Commitment to Social Issues 38:06 Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic 40:06 Core Values of the Ivy League 41:31 The Unrivaled Ivy League Experience 46:58 The Debrief 55:29 Upcoming Episode Teaser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

NCAA v. House Biggest Losers & Updates Arounds the Leagues

In this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay bring you all the updates from around women's sports, from college athletics to professional leagues. The conversation opens with the impact of the recent House vs NCAA lawsuit on mid-major women's sports teams. They delve into the growth of women-specific sports bars, the ongoing dramatic expansion in women's hockey, and the inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, backed by the MLB. They also discuss broadcasting issues at the French Open and wrap up with highlights from the start of the WNBA season and its most valuable teams. 02:42 Big Plays and Big Players 02:57 The Impact of NCAA Lawsuit on College Sports 07:08 Introducing Charlie Baker and NCAA Changes 09:39 Spotlight on Jenny Nguyen and The Sports Bra Expansion 13:19 PWHL Season Recap and Expansion Drama 17:37 Texas Tech's Million Dollar Pitcher and College Softball 21:00 Launch of Athletes Unlimited Softball League 23:14 Challenges in Sports Broadcasting 25:16 Women's Tennis at Roland Garros: A Scheduling Controversy 30:00 Coco Gauff's Historic Win and Post-Match Drama 34:34 WNBA Season Highlights and Player Updates 39:02 Valuation of Women's Sports Teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Crafting a Winning Culture: Insights from Boston Fleet GM Danielle Marmer

In this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay interview Danielle Marmer, General Manager of the Boston Fleet in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). They delve into Danielle's inspiring journey from her youth in Massachusetts and Vermont, where she fell in love with hockey, to her impactful collegiate career at Quinnipiac University, and her transition into coaching and player development. She shares her experiences as the first woman to hold an on-ice role for the Boston Bruins and discusses the challenges and achievements in her role as GM of the Boston Fleet. Danielle highlights the importance of building a strong team culture, the excitement of the PWHL's expansion, and her vision for the league's future. 01:18 Danielle's Early Life and Introduction to Hockey 02:23 Growing Up in Vermont and Developing a Passion for Hockey 10:04 Transition to Competitive Hockey and Boarding School 11:11 College Hockey Journey at Quinnipiac 15:36 Struggles and Growth in College Hockey 20:34 Pursuing a Career in Coaching and Player Development 29:05 Overcoming Early Career Challenges 30:20 Joining the Bruins' Mentorship Program 32:40 Transition to Player Development 37:45 Becoming a GM in the PWHL 47:04 Building a Winning Culture 52:14 Future of the PWHL and Expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Empowering Female Coaches with Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCoach

In this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie and Josh interview Vanessa Fuchs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessafuchs22/], the CEO of WeCoach [https://wecoachsports.org/], a non-profit dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round professional growth & leadership development programs. Vanessa discusses her career journey from being a former dual-sport athlete at Florida State University (FSU) to becoming the first woman to lead the FSU Athletic Department. The conversation then delves into the changing landscape of college athletics, the importance of female leadership in sports, and Vanessa's impactful experiences throughout her career. Vanessa emphasizes the critical need for professional development and support for women in coaching, addressing challenges such as underrepresentation and retention. 00:27 Introducing Vanessa Fuchs: CEO of We Coach 01:37 Vanessa's Journey as a Dual Sport Athlete 05:11 Lessons from College Athletics 08:32 Navigating Career Paths in Sports Administration 12:30 Returning to FSU: Leading the Athletics Department 18:00 Advice for Aspiring Athletic Directors 21:38 Funny Stories from FSU Athletics 22:07 The FSU Logo Redesign Controversy 23:35 A Generous Donation of Palm Trees 26:30 The Future of College Athletics 31:59 The Mission of WeCoach 35:29 Challenges and Initiatives for Women Coaches 41:46 Future Goals and Success Metrics for WeCoach 43:06 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Check out WeCoach on all platforms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecoachsports/ [https://www.instagram.com/wecoachsports/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wecoach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wecoach/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]