The Monarchists

Old Dominion is 8-2, but after a difficult night at Georgia Southern, Tennant McVea says this group has reached an important point in the season. The target is on their back. Aaron sits down one-on-one with Tennant to break down what went wrong in Statesboro, why ODU didn't look like itself, and how the Monarchs avoid letting two conference losses erase everything they built through the first 10 matches. The conversation goes beyond one result. Tennant explains why success can create entitlement, how discipline away from the field eventually shows up on it, and why character becomes even more important when things stop going your way. Also on the show: ● Why Georgia Southern was able to disrupt ODU ● Handling momentum swings, VAR and adversity ● Why performance still matters more than chasing points ● The growing connection between ODU Soccer and its alumni ● Tennant McVea's Word of the Day: “Scundered” ● Why Kentucky's record is extremely misleading ● How grass, turf and even pitch dimensions change a match ● An early look at West Virginia's return to Norfolk ODU has already shown what it can do when everything is rolling. Now we find out how it responds. 👑 In the Lion's Den with Tennant McVea 🌐 odumonarchists.com Buy your ODU Soccer gear at: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/SoccerODU1 Subscribe to The Monarchists for more Old Dominion athletics coverage, interviews and podcasts. #ODUSoccer #ODU #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #SunBelt Chapters 0:00 In the Lion's Den 0:06 "We Were Second to Everything" 1:30 What Georgia Southern Did to ODU 2:45 ODU Didn't Look Like Itself 3:45 What Changed in the Second Half? 5:00 VAR, Momentum & Emotional Swings 7:30 Sometimes It's Just Not Your Night 8:10 8-2 Overall, 0-2 in the Sun Belt 9:30 The Target Is Now on ODU's Back 10:20 Performance Over Points 11:20 Avoiding Recency Bias 12:15 The Little Details Matter 14:00 ODU Soccer's Alumni Connection 18:00 Tim Hopkinson & the ODU Legacy 19:45 ODU Soccer Gear 20:30 Word of the Day: "Scundered" 22:20 Kentucky Is Better Than Its Record 24:10 What Kentucky Showed Against UCF 25:45 How Different Playing Surfaces Matter 27:20 Soccer Fields Aren't All the Same Size?! 29:20 ODU Is 8-2 — Keep Perspective 30:45 Finally Getting a Full Training Week 32:20 Early Look at West Virginia 34:00 Why West Virginia at ODU Will Be Special 35:00 Can We Get the Band Back? 35:25 Tennant's Message to Monarch Nation

3d ago·36 min

Old Dominion is 1-3. After a 46-20 loss to JMU — the Monarchs’ fifth straight loss to the Dukes — the question isn’t about preseason expectations anymore. It’s simple: **Now what?** Jonathan Plisco and Jarod Brown join Aaron and Mike to break down a frustrating night against JMU and, more importantly, where ODU goes from here. There was at least one major reason for optimism. Freshman quarterback Ryan Huff threw for 261 yards in his first career start and looked extremely comfortable when given a clean pocket. TJ Johnson topped 100 receiving yards, Leon Haughton made another big play in the passing game, and Nathaniel Eichner continues to look like a serious weapon. But the problems are getting harder to ignore. Nine sacks. Thirteen penalties. Continued struggles running the football. Missed assignments. Turnovers. And another game where self-inflicted mistakes made an already difficult matchup even harder. We get into: • What Ryan Huff showed in his first start • Whether ODU needs to lean much harder into the passing game • How the Monarchs clean up the penalties, protection issues and execution problems • Why leadership inside the locker room becomes critical at 1-3 Then we turn the page to Georgia State. The Panthers are 3-1 and playing with confidence, but ODU has won six of seven in the series and three straight. For the Monarchs, the difference between leaving Atlanta 2-3 and falling to 1-4 feels enormous. This may be the biggest game of the season simply because ODU badly needs something positive to build on. Can the Monarchs get right in Atlanta? Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. Georgia State score prediction below. 👑 Go Monarchs. This episode is sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm. For your insurance and financial needs, call 757-264-6267 or visit brandonjohnsonagency.com . #ODUFootball #OldDominion #GeorgiaState #SunBeltFootball #CollegeFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Jonathan Plisco & Jarod Brown Join the Show 01:00 Five Straight Losses to JMU 02:00 What Went Wrong? 03:00 Ryan Huff’s Impressive First Start 05:00 Nine Sacks & ODU’s Protection Problems 06:00 Nathaniel Eichner Continues to Deliver 09:00 TJ Johnson, Leon Haughton & Passing Game Positives 10:00 Is the Play Calling Evolving? 11:00 Why Can’t ODU Run the Football? 13:00 18 Sacks Through Four Games 16:00 ODU Starts Fighting Back 17:00 The Illegal Substitution Backbreaker 22:00 What Happened to the Defense? 25:00 How Does ODU Fix the Penalties? 29:00 Shaq Leaks Steps Up 31:00 Can ODU Become a Good Football Team? 34:00 Fixing the Little Things 37:00 Is 1-3 Really a Surprise? 38:00 It’s HOW ODU Got to 1-3 39:00 Should ODU Just Air It Out? 40:00 Leadership Has to Take Over 48:00 ODU’s Fumbling Problem 50:00 Georgia State Preview Begins 51:00 The Difference Between 2-3 and 1-4 53:00 Is Georgia State a Must-Win? 55:00 Breaking Down the Panthers 59:00 Georgia State Players to Watch 1:01:00 Confidence vs. Confidence 1:03:00 Is Georgia State the Get-Right Game? 1:05:00 Justice Checks In 1:07:00 ODU vs Georgia State Predictions 1:11:00 More Nathaniel Eichner Love 1:16:00 ODU Hall of Fame Weekend 1:18:00 Final Thoughts

6d ago·1h 19m

The undefeated streak is over. What happened next may tell us even more about this ODU team. George Maire and David “Chapo” Chapman join Aaron and Mike to talk about the battle with now-#1 South Carolina, bouncing back after falling behind William & Mary, and why this group believes it has the mentality to handle adversity. We also get to know George and Chapo away from the pitch — from Liverpool and Nottingham to British food, Scouse accents, locker-room personalities and another round of rapid-fire questions. Then Tennant McVea joins the show to break down what ODU learned from its first loss, the incredible atmosphere against South Carolina, the gritty comeback over William & Mary and how player ownership has helped change the culture inside the program. Plus, we preview Sunday’s Sun Belt road test at Georgia Southern and learn another Tennant McVea Phrase of the Day: “On a sixpence.” The Monarchs are 8-1. Now it’s time to take that mentality on the road. 👑 In the Lion’s Den with Tennant McVea 🌐 odumonarchists.com Get all of your Old Dominion Soccer Team Apparel at: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/SoccerODU1 Subscribe to The Monarchists for more Old Dominion athletics coverage, interviews and podcasts. #ODUSoccer #ODU #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #SunBelt Chapters 0:00 In the Lion's Den 0:20 George Maire & David Chapman Join Us 1:00 Liverpool, Nottingham & the Scouse Accent 2:40 What ODU Learned From Its First Loss 4:00 Chapo's Journey to College Soccer 5:00 A 6'4" Center Back Who Scores Goals 6:00 George Maire's Role in the Midfield 6:45 Why Arriving in the Spring Mattered 7:15 Building an International Locker Room 8:15 Responding After Falling Behind William & Mary 9:30 The Growing ODU Soccer Crowd 11:00 Who Has the Strongest Accent? 12:30 Why George & Chapo Chose ODU 14:00 Adjusting to Life in America 15:00 British Food We Need to Try 17:00 British Phrases Americans Don't Understand 18:20 The Story Behind "Chapo" 19:00 Locker Room Rapid Fire 22:00 Best Finisher on the Team 23:15 Who DON'T You Want Beside You on the Bus? 24:30 Georgia Southern Preview 25:30 What They Love About America 29:00 Tennant McVea Joins the Show 29:20 Lessons From #1 South Carolina 31:15 The Disallowed Goal & VAR 33:30 An Incredible Night at The Den 38:45 Bouncing Back Against William & Mary 41:15 ODU Has More Backbone 42:45 How the Culture Changed 45:45 Staying in the National Rankings 48:20 Reconnecting ODU Soccer's Legacy 52:20 Scouting Georgia Southern 54:00 Phrase of the Day: "On a Sixpence" 55:30 Life on the Road in the Sun Belt 58:30 Tennant's 20th Win 1:01:00 Perfect Football Weather 1:03:00 How a Wet Pitch Changes the Game 1:05:00 Hard Ground vs. Soft Ground Boots 1:07:00 Nike, Adidas & British Pronunciation 1:08:40 Tennant's Message to Monarch Nation 1:10:00 Supporting ODU Soccer

Sep 25·1h 11m

CB, Gary and Coach Finny talk about new ODU AD Tim House, stadium construction updates and new uniform combos. Catcher Macaddin Dye joins to give us the inside scoop on how the Monarchs' pitching staff is looking so far and his experience playing for the Pilots this summer.

Sep 22·1h 13m

Old Dominion had every opportunity to beat East Carolina. Instead, the Monarchs let one get away. ODU fell 20-17 to ECU, dropping to 1-2 after a frustrating second half filled with turnovers, penalties, missed opportunities and an offense still searching for consistency. Now comes JMU. The Dukes arrive in Norfolk at 3-0, winners of four straight against Old Dominion, and suddenly Saturday feels much bigger than just another game on the schedule. Aaron, Mike and Justice break down what went wrong against ECU, why the offense continues to struggle finding an identity and whether the offensive line can finally put together four consistent quarters. We also dig into Ricky Rahne’s revealing postgame comments about leadership, accountability and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. After back-to-back losses, how this locker room responds to adversity may become one of the defining stories of the season. There were positives, too. ODU’s defense once again played well enough to win. Mario Thompson, Jackson Forrest, Daevon Iles and the rest of the unit kept the Monarchs in the game while the offense struggled to capitalize. But JMU presents an entirely different challenge. The Dukes aren’t necessarily overwhelming opponents with star power — they’re 3-0 because they’re playing sound football, limiting mistakes and winning in the margins. That’s exactly where Old Dominion has struggled. So what has to change Saturday? • Protect the football • Find some rhythm offensively • Get more consistent play up front • Win on third down • Stop beating themselves Conference play starts now. ODU has lost four straight to JMU. The Monarchs are coming off back-to-back losses. And falling to 1-3 is a place nobody in Monarch Nation wants to contemplate. The talent is there. The defense is playing winning football. The offense has shown flashes. But flashes aren’t enough anymore. **How does Old Dominion respond?** Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. JMU prediction in the comments. 👑 Go Monarchs. #ODUFootball #JMUFootball #OldDominion #JamesMadison #CollegeFootball #SunBeltFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Tim House Makes His ODU Debut 02:45 ODU Soccer Deserves Its Flowers 06:00 The ECU Loss: Where Do We Start? 07:30 ODU’s Offense Owns This One 09:00 Offensive Line & Special Teams Problems 12:00 Devin Roche Provides a Spark 13:00 Is This Offense Still Searching for Its Identity? 16:00 Communication, Execution & Bad Decisions 20:00 Ricky Rahne’s Leadership Comments 23:00 How Serious Is the Buy-In Question? 25:00 ODU’s Defense Deserved Better 27:00 Did ODU Abandon the Pass? 28:00 ODU Gave This Game Away 30:00 Another Strong Defensive Performance 35:00 Nine Fumbles in Three Games 36:00 Why Does Quinn Keep Moving Left? 40:00 Fan Reaction: The Duke of Discipline 42:00 ODU Defenders Who Balled Out 46:00 Flush ECU — It’s JMU Week 47:00 Where JMU Can Be Beaten 49:00 What Makes JMU 3-0? 51:00 JMU Players to Watch 52:00 How Important Is This Game? 55:00 ODU Cannot Afford to Fall to 1-3 56:00 How Do the Monarchs Respond? 59:00 JMU’s Defensive Front 1:00:00 JMU’s Skill Players & Tight End Threat 1:02:00 Can ODU Establish the Run? 1:04:00 ODU Needs Balance 1:05:00 How Many Turnovers Can ODU Survive? 1:07:00 Win in the Margins 1:08:00 No Predictions — Just Play Better 1:10:00 What Happens If ODU Doesn’t Fix It? 1:12:00 Just Win the Damn Game

Sep 21·1h 13m

Old Dominion is 7-0, ranked #13 nationally, and preparing for its biggest test yet: #4 South Carolina under the lights in Norfolk. This week, Alessandro “Niño” Maldonado and Jacopo Caprile join Aaron and Mike first to take us inside the locker room, talk about ODU’s wins over UMBC and VCU, and share the journeys that brought them to Old Dominion. We get into Jacopo’s dangerous long throw, Niño’s time in Croatia and with Colorado Springs, representing Honduras, battling back from injuries, and plenty of locker-room rapid fire. Then Head Coach Tennant McVea joins the show to break down the VCU win, ODU’s rise in the national rankings and what makes Friday night’s matchup with South Carolina such an intriguing battle. Also in the episode: ⚽ Why ODU keeps finding ways to win 🎯 How Jacopo’s throw-in has become another attacking weapon 😂 Best dressed, worst music, toughest teammate to defend and more 📈 What national recognition means for the program 🗣️ Tennant McVea’s Phrase of the Day: “Put it in the mixer” 🔍 What South Carolina does well and where ODU can challenge them 🏆 Why opening Sun Belt play with three points matters Friday night is a big one. Pack The Den. 🌐 odumonarchists.com #ODUSoccer #ODU #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #SunBelt Chapters 0:00 In the Lion's Den 0:12 ODU Is 7-0 1:20 Inside the Locker Room 2:30 Breaking Down UMBC 3:40 Finding a Way at VCU 4:40 Jacopo's Long-Throw Weapon 8:00 How Niño Got His Nickname 8:40 Niño's Journey to ODU 10:40 Representing Honduras 11:40 Why Defenders Struggle With Niño 12:40 Jacopo's Journey From Italy 15:20 Why Jacopo Chose ODU 17:30 Growing Up With a Serie A Goalkeeper 19:10 Italian Defending vs. Tennant McVea 20:15 Battling Back From Injuries 23:25 Locker Room Rapid Fire 26:00 Best Trash Talker 27:20 Hardest Monarch to Defend 28:00 Best Finisher 29:45 Who DON'T You Want Beside You on the Bus? 30:40 #13 ODU vs. #4 South Carolina 32:20 What South Carolina Brings 33:00 Pack The Den 35:00 Tennant McVea Joins 36:00 The Growing ODU Soccer Crowd 37:20 Maintaining the Standard 39:00 Eitan, The Suit & ODU Soccer 41:00 Goals Coming From Everywhere 42:40 Surviving VCU 46:00 ODU Climbs to #13 47:40 The Buzz Around ODU Soccer 49:00 "Put It in the Mixer" 50:20 Scouting #4 South Carolina 52:00 Why This Matchup Is So Even 54:00 Comparing South Carolina to Elon 56:20 Sun Belt Play: Three Points Matter 58:00 William & Mary Preview 1:00:00 Pack The Den

Sep 17·1h 2m

ODU is back home — and this one feels BIG. Old Dominion fell 44-21 at Virginia Tech, dropping the Monarchs to 1-1. The offensive line struggled, Quinn Henicle was under constant pressure, and Virginia Tech exposed some real issues ODU has to fix. But there were also some major positives. Quinn showed he can absolutely throw the football. Josh Rodriguez had a breakout performance. The defensive line continued to create havoc. And despite the final score, there are still plenty of reasons to believe this team can be dangerous in the Sun Belt. Now East Carolina comes to Norfolk at 0-2, and the Pirates desperately need a win, too. Aaron, Mike and Justice break down: • What went wrong against Virginia Tech • Why ODU’s offensive line is now the biggest concern on the roster • Seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss — and what has to change immediately • Quinn Henicle’s toughness and impressive deep-ball accuracy • Josh Rodriguez’s breakout game • Lucas Shuck, Malachi Harris and a defense that continues to flash serious potential • ODU’s inability to cover Virginia Tech’s tight ends • Why ECU’s pass rush could be a major problem • Mitch Griffis and ECU’s offensive weapons • Ashton Gray, Jeremiah Melvin and the Pirates players ODU has to stop • Whether Saturday is a MUST-WIN for Old Dominion • Why this game may be even more important for ECU • The offensive line matchup that could decide everything • Where Kody Cook calls the game from — booth or sideline? • Our final ODU vs ECU score predictions ODU has never beaten East Carolina since football returned. 2013: ECU 52-38 in Greenville 2018: ECU 37-35 in Greenville 2019: ECU 24-21 in Norfolk 2022: ECU 39-21 in Greenville 2024: ECU 20-14 in Norfolk The Monarchs have been close. Is Saturday finally the night? Justice: ODU wins on a 50 yd Nathanial Eichner FG Aaron: ODU 27, ECU 23 Mike: ODU 31, ECU 21 Drop YOUR score prediction below. 👑 GO MONARCHS! #ODUFootball #ECUFootball #OldDominion #EastCarolina #CollegeFootball #SunBeltFootball #AACFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Virginia Tech Aftermath 01:40 The Offensive Line Problem 05:00 ODU’s Run Game Has to Change 10:30 Officiating Frustrations 13:30 Virginia Tech’s Tight Ends Run Wild 18:00 Defensive Discipline & Mobile QBs 20:00 Quinn Henicle Stock UP 23:00 Josh Rodriguez Breakout Game 26:00 What Do We Really Know About ODU? 28:30 ODU’s Defensive Line Is Legit 31:30 Pressure, Playmakers & Defensive Depth 34:30 Special Teams Are a Weapon 37:00 East Carolina Preview 39:30 ECU Players to Watch 41:00 Mitch Griffis & the Pirates Offense 43:30 How ECU Lost to App State 46:00 ECU’s Pass Rush vs ODU’s Offensive Line 48:30 How Even Is This Matchup? 50:00 Is ECU a MUST-WIN? 54:00 Who Needs This Game More? 57:00 Is It Finally Time to Beat ECU? 59:30 Score Predictions 1:02:00 Where Will Kody Cook Call the Game? 1:05:00 Final Thoughts

Sep 14·1h 6m

🔥 5-0. Ranked #22. 20 goals. Old Dominion Men's Soccer is officially back in the national conversation. On this week's In the Lion's Den, Aaron heads straight to the ODU Soccer Complex for a two-part episode with Head Coach Tennant McVea, followed by Monarch standouts Micah Wayland and Jason Purks. Tennant breaks down ODU's 3-0 win over Bucknell, why the Monarchs were able to stay patient in a scoreless match, and what changed when Ludovico Vicini broke through with an Olimpico in the 72nd minute. Then Micah and Jason take over. We talk about the chemistry behind ODU's 5-0 start, Micah's emotional return from a broken collarbone, Jason's four-goal start to the season, penalty kicks, locker-room personalities and what this team wants the rest of the Sun Belt to think when ODU shows up on the schedule. Inside this episode: ⚽ ODU's first 5-0 start since 2012 📈 Breaking into the national rankings at #22 🔥 20 goals through five matches 🧠 Why the Bucknell win told Tennant more than the Radford blowout 💪 Micah Wayland's return from a broken collarbone ⚡ Jason Purks' four-goal start 🥅 What really goes through a penalty taker's mind 😂 The players investigate whether Ludo meant the Olimpico 👀 Who has the filthiest finish in training 🧱 The hardest Monarch to defend 🎵 Worst music, best dressed, funniest teammate and more 🏟️ A look ahead to UMBC under the lights at The Den The Monarchs are unbeaten. They're nationally ranked. And they don't think they're anywhere close to finished. 👑 This is In the Lion's Den. Subscribe to The Monarchists for more Old Dominion athletics coverage, interviews, podcasts and everything Monarch Nation. 🌐 odumonarchists.com #ODUSoccer #ODU #Monarchs #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #sunbelt Chapters 0:00 ODAF Intro 0:06 ODU Is 5-0 1:20 What the Bucknell Win Revealed 3:00 The Halftime Message 4:45 Squeaky Bum Time Returns 6:00 Ludo's Olimpico Breaks the Dam 7:00 What Exactly Is an Olimpico? 8:15 Did Ludo Actually Mean It? 10:00 ODU Is Finding Different Ways to Win 11:15 20 Goals From Everywhere 12:30 Playing Through the Wind 15:10 Micah Wayland's Comeback 17:30 How Physical Is College Soccer? 19:20 What Makes Jason Purks Special? 21:00 ODU Is Ranked #22 22:40 What Still Needs to Improve? 24:10 Previewing UMBC 25:15 What to Watch Friday Night 26:00 Tennant's Message to Monarch Nation 28:00 Micah Wayland & Jason Purks Join the Show 29:00 Does It Feel Like 5-0? 29:40 Why Micah Chose ODU 30:40 Why Jason Chose ODU 32:20 The Work Fans Don't See 33:00 Micah Breaks Down His Goal 34:10 Jason Purks' Four-Goal Start 35:00 Taking Penalties Under Pressure 37:00 The Olimpico Investigation 38:20 Who Has the Filthiest Finish? 39:00 Hardest Player to Defend 39:30 The Unsung Heroes 40:15 Noah Dietze's Transformation 41:15 Goal Celebrations 41:40 Rapid Fire Begins 44:15 What Makes ODU Different? 45:20 Proving the Preseason Poll Wrong 46:15 Why Fans Need to Pack The Den 47:00 Go Monarchs

Sep 10·48 min

🔥 4-0. 17 GOALS. And Old Dominion Men's Soccer is starting to get some national attention. ODU is off to its first 4-0 start since 2012 after absolutely dismantling Radford, 7-1 — and yet Tennant McVea isn't interested in celebrating records. He's interested in what comes NEXT. On the latest episode of In the Lion's Den, Aaron and Mike sit down with Tennant to break down the Monarchs' red-hot start, the offensive explosion, the growing national recognition and why the scary part might be that this team still has plenty of room to improve. Tennant dives into: ⚽ ODU's 4-0 start and 17 goals through four matches 🔥 The 7-1 "drubbing" of Radford 📈 Why the Monarchs are beginning to get national attention 🧠 Why Tennant is chasing PERFORMANCE — not wins or records 💪 How ODU is deliberately putting opponents under pressure 🚑 Tennant McVea's Word of the Day: "Hospital Ball" ⏱️ David "Chapo" Chapman's lightning-fast goal just 55 seconds into the Radford match 🔄 Why getting 24 Monarchs onto the field against Radford matters ⭐ The emergence of freshman Mile Zivkovic and his two-goal performance 📊 Alexander Aguilar becoming an offensive weapon from goalkeeper 🦬 Revenge against Bucknell after ODU "got bisoned" last season 🔍 What makes Bucknell's unusual style so difficult to defend 🏟️ A look ahead to Bucknell and UMBC at the ODU Soccer Stadium 🏈 Plus: Tennant clears up one VERY important issue — Bengals, NOT Ravens. The Monarchs aren't chasing records. They're chasing performance. And right now? The results are following. 👑 This is In the Lion's Den with ODU Men's Soccer Head Coach Tennant McVea. Subscribe to The Monarchists for more Old Dominion athletics coverage, interviews, podcasts and everything Monarch Nation. 🌐 odumonarchists.com #ODUSoccer #ODU #Monarchs #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #SunBelt Chapters 0:00 In the Lion's Den 0:06 ODU Is 4-0 — First Time Since 2012 2:45 17 Goals — But Tennant Wants Better Defense 4:30 ODU Is Getting National Attention 6:00 Winning Even When You Don't Play Your Best 8:00 How ODU Is Putting Opponents Under Pressure 10:00 Surviving "Squeaky Bum Time" 11:35 Radford Got a Drubbing 12:50 Tennant's Word of the Day: Hospital Ball 14:45 David "Chapo" Chapman Strikes in 55 Seconds 16:05 How Do You Play Against 10 Men? 18:25 The Pursuit of Excellence 20:30 24 Monarchs Get on the Field 23:20 Convincing Competitors to Come Out of the Game 25:20 Mile Zivkovic's Two Goals & Huge Potential 27:40 How Much Better Can ODU Get? 30:20 "We're Not Chasing Wins" 32:30 Revenge Time: Bucknell Preview 35:00 Why Bucknell's Style Is So Unusual 37:45 Alexander Aguilar: Goalkeeper...and Playmaker? 39:20 Scouting UMBC 41:20 Tennant Is NOT a Ravens Fan 42:30 Get Out to the Den 44:55 Go Monarchs

Sep 4·45 min

ODU FOOTBALL IS BACK. 🦁🏈 After a 10-win season and a Cure Bowl championship, the expectations around Old Dominion have changed. So what comes next? Mike, Aaron and Justice are back to kick off the 2026 season and there is A LOT to unpack. Can Quinn Henicle take control of a completely different ODU offense? How concerned should we really be about replacing all five starters on the offensive line? Could Cody Cook's new offense actually fit Henicle better than last year's system fit Colton Joseph? And then there's the defense. With Blake Seiler back, ridiculous depth across the defensive front and linebacker rooms, and a ton of proven production returning, could this legitimately be one of the best defenses in the Sun Belt — or even the Group of Six? Then we get into the question that really matters: What should the expectation be for ODU Football in 2026? Seven wins? Nine wins? Win the Sun Belt East? Or is it time to say CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP OR BUST? Plus, we break down Saturday night's season opener against Norfolk State, including: 🏈 What to expect from the new ODU offense 🦁 Why the Monarch defense could be special 👀 Players to watch for Norfolk State ⚔️ The huge early-season stretch against Virginia Tech, ECU and JMU 🔥 Our new “Are We Allowed to Say This?” segment 📈 Our expectations for Quinn Henicle 🏆 How many wins ODU NEEDS in 2026 🎯 What we need to see against Norfolk State 🔮 Final score predictions Norfolk State enters the game after a 56-0 season-opening win over Winston-Salem State, but the Monarchs have much bigger goals ahead. The road starts at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Monarch Nation: SHOW UP. PACK THE CASTLE. LET'S START THIS THING RIGHT. This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Also sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm. For insurance and investment needs, call 757-264-6267 or visit brandonjohnsonagency.com. 👑 The Monarchists 🌐 odumonarchists.com LIKE the video. SUBSCRIBE to the channel. And tell us in the comments: How many games does ODU win in 2026 — and what's your final score against Norfolk State? GO MONARCHS! 🦁 Chapters 00:00 ODU Football Is BACK 00:54 The Biggest Question Entering 2026 02:00 Can ODU Replace the Entire Offensive Line? 03:00 Why the Locker Room Believes in Quinn Henicle 06:00 Cody Cook's New-Look ODU Offense 08:00 How Different Will the Offense Look? 10:00 Quinn Henicle vs. Colton Joseph 12:45 Why This ODU Defense Could Be Special 15:00 Defensive Depth Is RIDICULOUS 20:00 Could ODU Have a Top-10 Defense? 22:00 The Stretch That Could Define ODU's Season 25:00 Replacing Leadership vs. Replacing Production 28:00 Virginia Tech, ECU, JMU & the Schedule Gauntlet 31:00 Norfolk State Preview 33:00 Norfolk State's Massive Roster Turnover 34:00 Spartans Players ODU Must Watch 37:00 What Do We Actually Learn From This Game? 40:00 What We NEED to See From ODU 43:00 How Long Should the Starters Play? 47:00 ARE WE ALLOWED TO SAY THIS? 47:10 ODU Should Beat Norfolk State by 4 TDs 47:45 Is Anything Less Than 9 Wins a Disappointment? 50:00 Will the 2026 Defense Be BETTER? 51:00 Best Running Back Duo in the Sun Belt? 53:00 Will Quinn Henicle Account for 30 TDs? 54:00 Will Quinn Be a Better Fit Than Colton? 58:00 What Should ODU's Win Total Really Be? 59:00 Conference Championship or Bust? 1:06:35 Norfolk State Score Predictions 1:08:30 Is Virginia Tech Actually Less Important? 1:10:00 Monarch Nation: PACK THE CASTLE

Sep 1·1h 11m

Old Dominion Men’s Soccer is OFF AND RUNNING. The Monarchs are 2-0 with eight goals through their first two matches, and Coach Tennant McVea joins Aaron and Mike for Episode 2 of Season 3 of In The Lion’s Den to break down what has suddenly made this ODU attack so dangerous. We recap the season-opening road win over George Washington and the wild five-goal performance against Elon, including Jason Purks’ huge night, Lewis Rourke’s fast start and Noah Dietze unleashing an absolute 🚀 to help turn the Elon match around. Tennant also dives into why possession might be one of soccer’s most overrated statistics, the analytics that actually matter to ODU, the culture developing inside this locker room, the goalkeeper competition, the new replay/challenge system in college soccer and why the Monarchs need to once again make The Den a miserable place for opponents. Plus, Josh Spencer takes over at Lionsbridge FC and we resurrect one of our favorite segments: ⚽ Tennant McVea’s Word of the Day Today’s lesson? SQUEAKY. BUM. TIME. Yes. This is now officially an educational podcast. The Monarchs are 2-0 for the first time since 2017. Protect The Den. 👑 Go Monarchs! #ODU #ODUSoccer #OldDominion #Monarchs #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #SunBelt #TheMonarchists ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to In The Lion’s Den 00:30 2-0 and EIGHT goals to start the season 01:30 ODU takes Washington, D.C. 03:45 What went wrong in the final 10 minutes vs. GW? 05:15 Lewis Rourke hits the ground running 06:30 ODU’s goalkeeper competition 08:15 Scoring just 94 seconds into the Elon match 09:55 Elon punches back — how did ODU respond? 11:45 College soccer’s new replay and challenge system 15:30 A veteran moment from Jake Lane 16:05 Jason Purks: ODU’s “glue guy” 18:05 Noah Dietze unleashes a ROCKET 🚀 20:10 Goals are coming from everywhere 21:45 The home stand and PROTECTING THE DEN 23:55 Why ODU’s offense looks completely different 25:40 Soccer analytics: Is possession overrated? 27:45 What fans might not notice about this team 29:45 Josh Spencer takes over Lionsbridge FC 32:15 WORD OF THE DAY: Squeaky Bum Time 😂 34:20 What is a “yo-yo club?” 35:45 Fly catchers and goalkeeper bloopers 37:45 Coaching young keepers through mistakes 39:45 ODU’s hot start & Tennant’s message to Monarch Nation

Aug 31·41 min

CB, Gary and Coach Finny have good news about stadium construction and pictures of the progress. Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Paul Panik joins the guys for a deep dive on the 20 new guys joining the team. Plus Rodeo Clowns and Zonkeys?

Aug 28·1h 36m

Why does Old Dominion continue to win at such a high level in college tennis? ODU Women's Tennis Head Coach Dom Manilla and ODU Men's Tennis Head Coach Dominik Mueller join Aaron and Mike for a wide-ranging conversation about the championship culture both programs have built — and what it takes to sustain that success as college athletics changes around them. The two Doms take us inside their different approaches to recruiting, roster construction, NIL and the transfer portal, including why Mueller believes the portal has actually opened doors for ODU to land better freshmen. They also tackle a much bigger issue facing college athletics: tennis programs around the country being eliminated as athletic departments face increasing financial pressure. Manilla explains why winning, fundraising, community support and running a first-class program have never been more important. Plus: 🎾 Why ODU tennis has been so consistently successful 🎾 The culture behind both programs 🎾 International recruiting and developing players at ODU 🎾 Why Fowlkes-Stevens is a major advantage 🎾 ODU's changing campus and student-athlete experience 🎾 The addition of Ashley Anthon to the women's tennis staff 🎾 NIL, the transfer portal and college tennis' new “money race” 🎾 The alarming disappearance of college tennis programs 🎾 Pickleball invading the tennis world 🎾 ODU's growing pipeline to professional tennis 🎾 Yuliia Starodubtseva's rise on the pro tour 🎾 Who wins if Dom plays Dom? 🎾 Rafa, Djokovic, Sabalenka and the best players they've seen live 🎾 Why college tennis is NOTHING like the country-club version you see on TV 🎾 And the proper way for Monarch Nation to get LOUD at an ODU tennis match Manilla's challenge to Monarch Nation is simple: come to one ODU tennis match and see if you don't want to come back. ODU Women's Tennis opens its home schedule January 30 against Florida State, followed by home matches with Kansas and Maryland in early February. 🌐 ODUMonarchists.com Subscribe to The Monarchists for conversations with the players, coaches and people who make Old Dominion athletics what it is. Be a Monarchist. This episode is presented with support from the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Become a member and help create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Go Monarchs! #ODU #OldDominion #ODUTennis #OldDominionTennis #Monarchs #MonarchNation #TheMonarchists #CollegeTennis #sunbelt Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Dom & Dommer 01:00 The State of ODU Tennis 02:30 The Pressure to Keep Winning 04:00 Why Does ODU Tennis Win So Much? 07:30 Building Fowlkes-Stevens 09:30 Recruiting Internationally 11:30 What Makes the Ideal ODU Tennis Recruit? 13:30 Bringing International Players to ODU 15:45 How Much Has ODU Changed? 18:00 The Student-Athlete Dining Hall & Selling ODU 20:00 Ashley Anthon Joins ODU Women's Tennis 23:00 NIL, the Transfer Portal & 5-for-5 24:00 Why the Transfer Portal Has HELPED ODU 27:00 The New “Money Race” in College Athletics 27:30 Why College Tennis Programs Are Disappearing 30:00 Winning, Fundraising & Protecting Your Program 32:00 Pickleball Takes Over 35:00 Agassi, Jack Sock & Tennis Stars Playing Pickleball 38:30 ODU's Pipeline to Professional Tennis 40:00 Yuliia Starodubtseva & ODU on the Pro Tour 42:00 Rapid Fire: Dom vs. Dom 43:30 Where ODU Tennis Players Eat 45:30 Grass, Clay or Hard Court? 48:00 Rafa, Djokovic & Sabalenka 49:00 Creating an Elite ODU Tennis Atmosphere 50:00 College Tennis Is NOT a Country-Club Sport 54:30 How Monarch Nation Should Cheer at Tennis 58:00 Players, Officials & Talking Trash 1:00:00 Florida State Comes to Norfolk 1:01:00 Go Monarchs!

Aug 24·1h 1m

Old Dominion legend Kent Bazemore joins The Monarchists for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey from a tiny North Carolina town to ODU basketball and a decade in the NBA. Baze takes us back to the beginning — arriving at Old Dominion as a raw 164-pound redshirt, battling his way up the depth chart, becoming one of college basketball’s elite defenders, winning championships and helping create one of the greatest eras in Monarch basketball history. Then we head to the NBA. Kent tells us how an undrafted opportunity with Golden State changed his life, why he embraced being the best teammate he could be even when he wasn’t playing, what it was like sharing locker rooms with Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and why those 60-win Atlanta Hawks were so special. And yes, there are stories. The infamous Warriors popcorn-car prank. His first encounter with Kobe. Battling LeBron. The heartbreak of Butler. Life as a Laker. His Atlanta years. Going back to the G League after a decade in the NBA. And how golf became much more than another sport. Kent also gets candid about fatherhood, burnout, life after the NBA, what he wants to do next in basketball, and why he believes Old Dominion can build something special again. For Monarch Nation, this one is personal. Like. Subscribe. Share it with a Monarch. Go Monarchs! 👑 #ODU #OldDominion #KentBazemore #ODUBasketball #MonarchNation #NBA #CollegeBasketball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 – Welcome, Kent Bazemore 01:00 – From a Town of 300 to Old Dominion 04:00 – Why Baze Chose ODU 06:00 – The Redshirt Year That Changed Everything 09:00 – Humility, Development & Not Skipping Steps 12:00 – The ODU Teammates Who Made Him Better 15:00 – Becoming an Elite Defender 19:00 – The ODU-VCU Rivalry & Richmond Coliseum 21:00 – When the Monarchs Knew They Were Good 24:00 – The Game Kent Still Remembers 27:00 – BAZE: Explain This Photo 28:00 – Butler Heartbreak & Getting Even With Brad Stevens 29:00 – The Infamous Warriors Popcorn Prank 30:00 – Becoming a Laker & Meeting Kobe Bryant 33:00 – Undrafted: How He Made the NBA 35:00 – The Art of the Chase-Down Block 38:00 – Guarding the Best Players on Earth 40:00 – Battling LeBron James 43:00 – Why the 60-Win Atlanta Hawks Were Special 46:00 – What Atlanta Meant Beyond Basketball 48:00 – Why Kent Fell in Love With Golf 51:00 – Golf vs. Basketball: Which Has More Pressure? 54:00 – Why He Went Back to the G League 58:00 – Fatherhood & Being Present 1:00:00 – Looking Back on an Incredible Basketball Life 1:03:00 – What Kent Bazemore Is Doing Now 1:07:00 – Steph Curry to Boston?! 1:10:00 – Kent’s Message to Monarch Nation

Aug 12·1h 11m

Season 3 of In The Lion's Den is here — and we're kicking it off with the entire ODU Men's Soccer coaching crew. Head Coach Tennant McVea is joined by assistant coaches Josh Spencer and Nathan Jones for our complete preview of the 2026 Old Dominion Men's Soccer season. The Monarchs have added another deep recruiting class with talent from Virginia, across the country and around the world. We break down the newcomers, how they fit what ODU wants to become, the returners who have taken another step, and why size, athleticism and character were priorities in building this roster. Then we get to the bigger question: What should ODU Soccer look like in 2026? After a season filled with games decided on a knife edge, McVea talks about turning competitiveness into wins, finding consistency and putting Old Dominion back into the NCAA Tournament conversation. We also dive into: • The 2026 recruiting class • ODU's growing international recruiting network • The goalkeeper competition • Why the Monarchs got bigger and more physical • How the coaching staff divides responsibilities • Sports science, load management and performance data • Which returners could take the next step • The toughest games on the 2026 schedule • West Virginia, Elon and the Royal Rivalry with JMU • The NCAA's new coach's challenge system • The new eight-second goalkeeper rule • Why different college soccer balls actually matter • Which ODU coach is most likely to cost Tennant a yellow card • ODU's new recovery space and athletic dining facility • Why Norfolk itself has become an increasingly strong recruiting pitch Plus, Josh gives us the story of following England around during the World Cup — even if it wasn't exactly the most financially responsible month of his life. The first chance to see the 2026 Monarchs is Friday, August 14 at 4 PM when ODU hosts American in a FREE exhibition at the ODU Soccer Complex. Welcome back to the Lion's Den. Subscribe to The Monarchists for ODU athletics coverage all year long. Go Monarchs! ODUMonarchists.com #ODUSoccer #OldDominion #GoMonarchs #SunBeltSoccer #BeAMonarchist CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Season 3 00:48 What's Changed Around ODU Soccer? 03:00 Josh Spencer's World Cup Adventure 04:40 How the ODU Coaching Staff Works 07:30 Sports Science, Data & Load Management 09:20 Meet the 2026 Recruiting Class 10:30 The Goalkeeper Battle 13:45 ODU's Nottingham Connection 17:00 Adding Size, Experience & International Talent 19:00 Building the Commonwealth Cup 20:30 Why ODU Got Bigger in 2026 23:20 More New Faces Join the Monarchs 26:30 Winning Virginia in Recruiting 28:00 Building the Next Generation 31:00 Roar & Pour + Back to Soccer 32:00 Which Returners Took the Biggest Step? 34:00 What Should ODU Soccer Look Like in 2026? 36:00 Turning Close Games Into Wins 38:20 Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule 39:20 NCAA's New Coach's Challenge Rule 42:45 When Do You Use a Challenge? 44:20 ODU's Sideline Replay Strategy 46:00 The New 8-Second Goalkeeper Rule 48:00 Does the Soccer Ball Actually Matter? 50:00 Which Coach Will Get the Most Yellow Cards? 51:15 The ONE Game You Need to Attend 54:20 What Makes ODU Stand Out to Recruits? 57:00 Norfolk's Underrated Recruiting Advantage 59:30 Final Thoughts + Go Monarchs

Aug 10·1h

Two ODU journeys. One small-town football family. A mission much bigger than wins and losses. Perquimans County High School Head Coach Ian Rapanick and Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach Tyler Burns join Aaron and Mike to discuss how their paths crossed at Old Dominion and eventually brought them back together on the same coaching staff. Tyler shares how a California kid who was once too big to play youth football traveled across the country to become an offensive lineman at ODU. Ian explains how he went from working in the Monarchs’ equipment room to becoming a student assistant, learning the profession and eventually accepting his first head-coaching position at just 23 years old. The coaches also take us inside football at Perquimans County: • The unique small-town atmosphere on Friday nights • Building a seventh-through-ninth-grade developmental program • Blending the shotgun Wing-T with concepts learned at ODU • Helping overlooked players navigate college recruiting • Identifying offensive linemen in approximately 15 seconds • The lessons Ian learned after becoming a head coach too early • Why relationships, mentorship and family define their program • The rivalry game every ODU fan should make the trip to see • Where to eat before kickoff in Hertford This conversation is about football, but it is really about the responsibility coaches have to develop young men, support their community and create relationships that last long after the final whistle. Subscribe to The Monarchists for more conversations with the players, coaches and personalities who make up Monarch Nation. Visit ODUMonarchists.com for complete ODU athletics coverage. Follow The Monarchists: X: @ODUMonarchists Facebook: @ODUMonarchists Instagram: @ODUMonarchists This episode is presented by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become a member today. CHAPTERS 00:00 ODAF and episode introduction 01:00 Ian and Tyler’s football beginnings 03:00 Their different paths to Old Dominion 06:00 Reuniting at Perquimans County 08:00 Understanding the local football conference 12:00 Friday nights in Perquimans County 18:00 Becoming a head coach at 23 20:00 Ian’s coaching journey back to Perquimans 24:00 Building the varsity and developmental programs 31:00 Identifying offensive linemen and building an offense 32:00 Mixing the shotgun Wing-T with ODU concepts 35:00 Recruiting players from a small community 41:00 Why Tyler Burns became a coach 44:00 Why Ian Rapanick loves coaching 49:00 Creating a family and brotherhood 55:00 The must-see rivalry game 56:00 Where to eat before kickoff 57:00 Closing thoughts and Go Monarchs

Aug 6·58 min

Basketball legends. An unforgettable night. One fight much bigger than the game. Former Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones and Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala Executive Committee member Russell Turner join Mike and Aaron to preview the 2026 Hampton Roads Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala. After raising more than $414,000 during its record-setting inaugural event, the gala returns to Chartway Arena on Friday, September 18 with an even bigger goal. This year’s featured guests include: • Geno Auriemma • Ryan Odom • Dave Odom • Seth Greenberg • Phil Martelli • Ralph Sampson • Debbie Ryan • Dave Twardzik • Tony Brothers • Michael Cuddyer • And more to be announced Jeff discusses how his own cancer diagnosis transformed this mission into something deeply personal. Russell shares the heartbreaking story behind his “why” and explains how the American Cancer Society assists patients and families through research, transportation, lodging, treatment support, and other critical services. They also take us behind the scenes of last year’s gala, including an emotional paddle raise that generated approximately $195,000 in only 10 minutes. The 2026 event will feature basketball legends, a VIP reception, outstanding food, open bars, auctions, powerful stories, and an opportunity for Hampton Roads to come together for a cause that touches nearly every family. Tables seat eight guests and are $5,000. Sponsorships, monetary donations, auction contributions, vacation properties, experiences, services, and other in-kind donations are also welcomed. LEARN MORE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/ PURCHASE A TABLE OR DONATE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/tables-donations/ INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR: Please contact Laura Fien, American Cancer Society Staff Partner, at laura.fien@cancer.org Even when you cannot purchase a table or make a donation, you can help by sharing this episode and spreading the word. This is not Jeff’s event. This is not Russell’s event. This is not ODU’s event. This is our event. One team. One fight. Subscribe to The Monarchists for independent coverage of Old Dominion athletics. #ODU #OldDominion #CoachesVsCancer #CancerResearch #MonarchNation YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to The Monarchists 01:15 – Last year’s record-setting $414,000 gala 01:45 – Jeff Jones gives his elevator pitch 04:00 – Geno Auriemma, Ryan Odom and this year’s legends 07:00 – Russell Turner asks Hampton Roads to find its “why” 09:00 – How to purchase a table or support the event 10:30 – Why Jeff Jones made his cancer journey public 12:00 – Building the Legends Gala after retirement 15:15 – Russell Turner shares his deeply personal “why” 17:00 – How the American Cancer Society helps patients 19:00 – Lessons learned from the inaugural gala 22:00 – The search for a presenting sponsor 23:00 – What guests will experience at the gala 25:00 – Making year two even better 27:00 – The $195,000 paddle raise 30:00 – Tables, sponsorships and ways to donate 31:15 – Jeff Jones’ recruiting pitch to Hampton Roads 32:00 – One team. One fight. 33:00 – Final message to Monarch Nation

Jul 27·35 min

CB, Gary and Coach Finny chat about upcoming rule changes, non-conference opponents, Monarchs in pro ball and a stadium construction update. Beau Cowan checks in to say hello and the guys breakdown the new additions to the 2027 roster.

Jul 23·1h 20m

Brandon Carr helped build Old Dominion Football from the ground up. Now the former Monarch offensive lineman is building football players, leaders and young men as the head coach at Indian River High School. Coach Carr joins Aaron and Mike to pull back the curtain on ODU Football’s original era, including the brutal offseason workouts that established the program’s standard, the moment the Monarchs realized they belonged, the comeback from 21 points down at JMU and what made ODU’s explosive 2011 offense so difficult to stop. Brandon also explains how an aspiring baseball player and future FBI agent discovered his calling as a football coach. He breaks down his relationship-driven coaching philosophy, the importance of consistency and accountability, and how Indian River has created a culture in which players fall in love with the work. The offensive line talk gets deep, too. Brandon discusses how he evaluates young linemen, why fundamentals and athleticism create a true mean streak, the meaning behind “Doing Simple Great” and why he partnered with former UVA and NFL linebacker Eli Harold to develop the next generation of big men in the 757. Plus: • The lessons Brandon learned at Fork Union • Why he chose ODU and believed in Bobby Wilder’s vision • What happened inside the locker room during the JMU comeback • The brotherhood that makes offensive line rooms different • Why relationships still matter in the NIL era • His most important advice for recruits: “Love who loves you” • A preview of Indian River’s experienced 2026 team • His DMX pregame soundtrack • The former Monarch he would add to Indian River’s roster • Why ODU Football’s best days are still ahead This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become an ODAF member today. Like the episode, subscribe to The Monarchists and tell us your favorite memory from the original era of ODU Football. Go Monarchs! #ODUFootball #MonarchNation #757Football Chapters 00:00 ODAF Intro 00:17 Meet Brandon Carr 00:48 From Baseball Dreams to Football 03:31 Fork Union and Relentless Determination 05:19 Building ODU Football From the Ground Up 08:10 Delaware, Belief and the Explosive 2011 Offense 10:28 Wing-T Roots and Becoming ODU’s Center 12:05 Why Brandon Chose Old Dominion 14:20 From FBI Plans to a Coaching Calling 17:05 Inside ODU’s Comeback at JMU 19:35 Brandon Carr’s Coaching Philosophy 22:35 Becoming Indian River’s Head Coach 24:50 Creating Buy-In Through Consistency 27:45 Falling in Love With the Work 28:40 How Brandon Develops Offensive Linemen 30:10 Building the 757’s Big Men With Eli Harold 31:30 What “Doing Simple Great” Really Means 32:32 Technique, Athleticism and the Mean Streak 35:06 How Offensive Line Play Has Evolved 36:40 Teaching Football Without Overcomplicating It 38:25 Recruiting Advice: “Love Who Loves You” 40:20 Brandon’s Advice to His Younger Self 42:03 Previewing Indian River’s 2026 Team 43:25 The Game Everyone Circles 44:00 Rapid Fire: O-Line Life, DMX and Nick Mayers 47:05 The Most Rewarding Part of Coaching 48:05 Brandon’s Message to Monarch Nation

Jul 13·50 min

He walked on at Old Dominion with zero scholarship offers from the D1 level — and left as a 4-year starter, team captain, and CAA Champion. Now Robbie Duncan is the Head Football Coach at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, building a program from the ground up in Hampton Roads. In this episode of The Monarchists Podcast, Robbie sits down with Mike and Aaron to talk about: 🏈 Walking onto ODU's brand-new program in 2008 and turning a preferred walk-on spot into a full ride 🏈 The legendary 2010 ODU offensive line — Ryan Jensen, Brandon Carr, Jeremy Hensley, and the infamous "Prick of the Week" t-shirt 🏈 His (very good) impressions of Coach Bobby Wilder, Bro Scott, and Bill Dee 🏈 Why he turned down a shot at pro football because of a herniated disc 🏈 Building a coaching philosophy at Western Branch before taking over at NSA 🏈 The public vs. private school football debate — and why he thinks private programs get disrespected 🏈 The insane story of how he met his wife, Kelly (she hit his car) 🏈 A zombie apocalypse survival squad built entirely out of former ODU offensive linemen 🏈 Why the Norfolk Academy rivalry game is a must-see this fall Whether you're a Monarch die-hard, a Hampton Roads high school football fan, or you bleed Saints green and gold at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, this one's for you. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS BELOW 👇 Subscribe for more ODU Football, Baseball, and Women's Basketball coverage all season long. Follow The Monarchists: X: @ODUMonarchists Instagram: @odumonarchists Facebook: @ODUMonarchists Website: odumonarchists.com This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition, and in life. Become a member today. #ODUFootball #Monarchs #NansemondSuffolkAcademy #HamptonRoadsFootball #757Football #CAAFootball #FCSFootball #OffensiveLine #HighSchoolFootball #virginiafootball 00:00 Intro — Welcome Coach Robbie Duncan 00:12 Falling in love with football (and a full-pads panic attack) 02:00 The coach who leveled up his game in high school 03:00 Why Northern Virginia keeps producing great offensive linemen 04:00 Why ODU: his Hall of Fame grandfather and choosing ODU over CNU 06:00 Redshirt year, 4-year starter, and winning a CAA Championship 07:00 The scholarship call at Nags Head — and getting bumped to full ride 09:00 Breaking down the legendary 2010 O-line — Jensen, Carr, Hensley & more 12:00 The "Prick of the Week" T-shirt story 13:00 Robbie's coach impressions: Bobby Wilder, Bro Scott & Bill Dee 17:00 Why he chose coaching over chasing pro football 19:00 Why ODU O-linemen keep becoming coaches 22:00 Learning the ropes at Western Branch High School 23:30 His coaching philosophy: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) 27:30 Position coach vs. head coach — and how Madden helped him learn play-calling 30:00 Landing the head coaching job at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 32:30 Building culture and getting O-linemen to camp together 34:00 Public vs. private school football — setting the record straight 37:00 Keeping multi-sport athletes fresh and healthy 42:00 The state semifinal loss and NSA's new motto: "Raise the Stakes" 44:00 Play like it's your last — the Charles Walls story 46:00 Robbie's pitch to parents considering NSA football 48:00 What football teaches you about life 50:00 Family life — his wife Kelly and daughters Riley & Claire 52:00 LIGHTNING ROUND: How he met Kelly (she hit his car) 54:00 Ideal weight room music: Metallica, Disturbed & Pearl Jam 55:30 Zombie apocalypse squad: 3 former ODU teammates he'd bring 56:30 Superstitions and Jonathan Plisco's legendary pregame punt routine 58:00 Best pregame team meals — Spanish rice wins 1:00:30 The one NSA game you have to see this fall (Norfolk Academy rivalry) 1:02:00 Message to ODU fans & memories of beating JMU twice 1:04:30 The William & Mary "All Blacks" jersey reveal — an ODU history nugget 1:05:30 Closing — Go Monarchs

Jul 7·1h 6m

In this episode, Mike and Justice sit down with Old Dominion University alum Brandon Linney, currently the running backs coach for the Presbyterian College Blue Hose! Coach Linney takes us through his incredible, relentless journey climbing the college football coaching ranks. From starting out as a passionate volunteer student assistant at ODU to coaching at multiple Division I and JUCO programs before the age of 30, Brandon breaks down his philosophy on player development, the "gallon mentality," and what it truly takes to make it in this game. Whether you are a Monarch fan, a Blue Hose supporter, or an aspiring coach, this is a masterclass in perseverance, teaching, and building authentic relationships.

Jun 30·54 min

Coach Finny is back with CB and Gary to cover the transfer portal and recruiting. We have updates on the stadium construction and a big scheduling scheduling announcement. Plus we talk about the College World Series and Troy's run to Omaha

Jun 17·1h 9m

How do NFL teams really build championship rosters? This week, The Monarchists sit down with ODU football pioneer and Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Charles Walls for an incredible conversation about football, leadership, scouting, roster construction, and the journey from the very first ODU football team to helping build Super Bowl champions. Charles shares stories from ODU's early days under Bobby Wilder, working alongside Taylor Heinicke, Thomas DeMarco, Nick Mayers, Ronnie Cameron, and Deron Mayo, breaking into the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, learning from some of the league's top executives, and eventually helping the Eagles build one of the NFL's premier rosters. We also dive into: 🏈 How NFL scouting actually works 🏈 What teams are really looking for in prospects 🏈 Transfer Portal & NIL impacts on NFL evaluations 🏈 Eagles Super Bowl championship culture 🏈 Lessons from Green Bay, Cleveland, and Philadelphia 🏈 ODU's rise from startup program to national brand 🏈 The future of roster building in college football This is one of the most fascinating football conversations we've ever had on The Monarchists. If you love football, scouting, leadership, team building, the NFL Draft, or ODU Football, this episode is for you. 🔵 Subscribe for more ODU Football, ODU Basketball, and Monarch Athletics coverage. #ODU #OldDominion #PhiladelphiaEagles #NFLDraft #NFLScouting #CharlesWalls #ODUFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Why Charles Chose ODU Over Kent State 02:45 Life on ODU's First Football Team 07:00 Building a CAA Powerhouse 08:00 ODU Players Who Don't Get Enough Credit 10:00 Transitioning from Player to Coach 12:00 The Conversation That Changed Everything 13:30 Breaking Into the NFL with Green Bay 18:30 Career Growth & Lessons for Young Professionals 21:30 Why Relationships Matter in Football 24:30 What NFL Scouts Really Do 25:15 Inside an NFL Draft Cycle 28:15 How Teams Handle Scout Disagreements 30:00 Evaluating Character in the Transfer Portal Era 32:30 Why the Transfer Portal Isn't All Bad 36:00 The Hidden Work of NFL Scouting 38:30 Scouting ODU Legend Rick Lovato 40:30 Life on the Road as an NFL Scout 42:00 Charles' Favorite Concert & Jay-Z Story 44:00 Winning a Super Bowl with Philadelphia 45:30 Could NFL Roster Building Work in College Football? 47:00 Why Charles Always Gives Back to ODU 49:00 Seeing SB Ballard Stadium for the First Time 50:30 Rapid Fire Questions 56:45 Final Thoughts & Go Monarchs

Jun 15·58 min

ODU Football head coach Ricky Rahne joins The Monarchists to talk spring ball, the importance of summer development, recruiting camps, roster retention, NIL/revenue sharing, offensive line progress, and why Monarch fans should embrace the team in front of them right now. Coach also explains why summer workouts shape the heart and soul of a football team, what ODU looks for during camps, how player leadership develops in June and July, and why the best days of college football can still be ahead. Plus: golf tournament stories, Coach Snodgrass praise, honest recruiting insight, and a surprise wrestling detour at the end. Subscribe, like, comment, and share with Monarch Nation. Go Monarchs! Chapters 00:00 Intro & ODAF shoutout 01:00 Spring ball recap: 15 practices, not 16 02:35 Offensive line progress 04:00 Coach Snodgrass and the importance of summer development 06:45 ODU Football golf tournament 09:50 Football camps and players coaching campers 12:45 What makes a successful summer? 16:20 NCAA recruiting calendar and rule complexity 19:15 What ODU evaluates at camps 23:05 What can be taught vs. what traits are harder to change 25:25 Recruiting measurables and why height exaggerations hurt players 29:25 NIL, revenue sharing, recruiting, and roster retention 34:00 Post-camp evaluations and offer decisions 35:45 Evaluating camp data and long-distance campers 37:00 How ODU treats every camper 38:25 New offensive line coaches 40:45 What ODU fans should do before the season 41:45 “The good old days are never coming back” 44:00 Bonus wrestling talk with Coach Rahne 47:00 Coach Rahne thanks The Monarchists 48:00 Go Monarchs

Jun 8·48 min

Monarch Nation… this one belongs in the ODU Hall of Fame. Taylor Heinicke finally joins The Monarchists Podcast and delivers an all-time conversation that every Old Dominion fan needs to hear. From the real recruiting story that brought him to Norfolk, to getting thrown into the fire against ranked UMass, to 730 yards in one afternoon, to JMU heartbreakers (for them), to NFL playoff chaos, Busch Light fines, and the moment he knew it was time to walk away from football — nothing is off limits. This episode is raw, hilarious, emotional, and deeply Monarch-proud. Taylor reflects on: - The improbable moments that built ODU Football - His relationship with Thomas DeMarco, Larry Pinkard, and teammates - Life-changing NFL moments (including that Tampa Bay playoff game) - Why he’s retiring — and why Virginia Beach is home next - And yes… the full Busch Light plane story 🍺😅 If you love Old Dominion. If you lived those early ODU Football seasons. If you still get chills thinking about JMU, New Hampshire, or Washington vs Tampa… 👉 This episode is for you. 🎙️ The Best — and ONLY — ODU Podcast 👑 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU 1:00 – Taylor Heinicke finally joins The Monarchists 3:05 – The real story of how Taylor ended up at ODU 6:45 – Late recruiting chaos & betting on himself 9:35 – Arriving as a freshman & the Oregon-style offense 12:40 – Thomas DeMarco injury & getting thrown into the fire vs UMass 16:30 – Campus fame, Heineke shirts & pre-NIL madness 19:05 – 730 yards vs New Hampshire (and surviving the heat) 23:00 – Punting, fake punts & Kevin Byard ending it 26:40 – That JMU scramble + Larry Pinkard catch 31:20 – Transitioning ODU from FCS → FBS 35:30 – Favorite ODU moment (it’s not his play 👀) 38:30 – Wild off-field team stories 41:00 – Golf talk (yes, a lot of golf talk ⛳) 43:45 – Lowest moment → NFL comeback mindset 46:10 – Washington playoff game vs Tom Brady 48:55 – Taylor announces his retirement 🏈❤️ 51:40 – Taylor’s message to Monarch Nation 52:55 – Go Monarchs 👑

Jun 7·54 min

CB and Gary recap the 2026 season with Coach Finwood. Finny gives us a behind the scenes view of the exit interview process and a stadium update. The guys will be back in June for a recruiting update.

May 26·1h 21m

CB and Gary recap a series win over JMU and reveal Players of the Week. Then a quick preview of the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament before the fellas head off to Montgomery.

May 18·46 min

Darin Kuskie and Nick Sulpizio join to recap a series win over #8 Coastal Carolina. CB, Gary and Coach Finwood look ahead to the final series against JMU and who you should root for this weekend.

May 12·1h 21m

CB and Gary recap and SBC series win and a week with two walk off victories. Brody Connors and Maddox Jack hop on to tell their ODU story.

May 5·1h 13m

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the Georgia State series, including the gut wrenching loss on Sunday. The guys look ahead to the final 9 SBC games of the year and what ODU needs to do to make the tournament.

Apr 28·1h 10m

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 4-0 week with a sweep of Georgia Southern. Monarch outfielders TJ Aiken and Nick Felton hop on to talk about the weekend, Nick's walk off win and what's considered the south.

Apr 21·1h 28m

RHP JJ Gatti joins this week, fresh off this third consecutive strong start. CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 2-2 week and look ahead to a big weekend series with Georgia Southern

Apr 14·1h 26m

ODU Baseball Sophomore Efrain Morales joins the guys to talk about his big bounce back from injury. Coach Finny hops on to recap 4 games against Top 10 opponents and the big win Friday.

Apr 7·1h 23m

Old Dominion fans have had a lot of questions lately about the future of ODU Athletics, NIL, revenue sharing, the AD search, and what Monarchs+ is really supposed to be. In this episode of The Monarchists Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ron Moses, ODU’s Deputy Athletic Director for Student Athlete Advancement, Revenue Growth, and Competitive Strategy, for one of the most informative conversations we’ve had in a long time. Dr. Moses breaks down the current Athletic Director search, why search firms matter, how FOIA can impact executive hires, and what kind of timeline fans should realistically expect. Then we dive deep into the new college athletics landscape, including the difference between traditional NIL and revenue sharing, how ODU is approaching both, and why accountability, infrastructure, and fan experience now matter more than ever. We also get into Complete Champions, ODU’s NIL arm, and the launch of Monarchs+, a new membership model built to give fans more access, more content, exclusive gear, and a more direct connection to Old Dominion Athletics. This is a must-listen if you care about where ODU Athletics is headed and how Monarch Nation can help shape it. Become a member of Monarchs+ and the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation today and support the future of ODU Athletics. https://odusports.com/monarchs-plus#subscribe Subscribe now and stay locked in with The Monarchists, the best and ONLY ODU podcast on the planet. #ODU #ODUAthletics #OldDominion #MonarchsPlus #NIL #RevenueSharing #TheMonarchists Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:28 Meet Dr. Ron Moses 1:00 What Dr. Moses actually does at ODU 2:10 AD search timeline and what fans should know 5:05 Why schools use search firms 8:15 FOIA, airport interviews, and how searches stay private 10:18 NIL vs. revenue share explained 14:12 ODU’s commitment to revenue sharing 18:07 Accountability and building winning systems 22:18 Can ODU win across all sports in this era? 27:18 What Complete Champions actually does 32:20 How local businesses can partner with ODU athletes 33:28 What Monarchs+ is and why it matters 38:22 Building the infrastructure behind Monarchs+ 42:42 Behind the Shield, the new paywall, and fan experience 44:18 Events, access, and what fans can expect from Monarchs+ 47:24 How current supporters can convert to Monarchs+ 51:50 Exclusive gear and sideline apparel possibilities 54:18 Final message to ODU fans 57:18 Closing thoughts

Apr 5·58 min

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the series at South Alabama. Freshmen pitchers Ben Tanton and Jackson Okonkwo hop on to chat all things pitching, hidden talents and getting the win on Saturday.

Mar 31·1h 26m

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 2-2 week and a series loss to App State. The guys dive into the pitching staff and how they can get back on the right track. Patrick Johnson joins to talk about earning the win on Friday out of the pen and much more!

Mar 24·1h 13m

We recap a 1-3 week against ECU and Troy then look ahead to Norfolk State and App State. Outfielder Tyler Zedalis joins to talk about his hot start to the season and growing up in a baseball family.

Mar 17·1h 22m

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recaps ODU's 2-2 week against UConn and VCU. Catcher Jack Slater joins the pod to talk about baseball and what is lined up for him after his final season.

Mar 10·1h 18m

The guys recap a 1-2 week against Norfolk State and Charlotte and look ahead to VCU midweek before UConn comes to town. Plus, Coach Finny becomes a grandfather!

Mar 3·58 min

Monarch Nation — this one is different. In this powerful episode of The Monarchists Podcast , we sit down with ODU alum, retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and leadership expert Jason Redman — and if you didn’t know he was an Old Dominion graduate before today… you’re not alone. Jason enlisted in 1992, became a Navy SEAL, later earned selection into the ultra-competitive Seaman-to-Admiral commissioning program, and chose Old Dominion University as his path forward. His journey includes: Elite SEAL leadership Battlefield injury in Iraq The legendary “Sign on the Door” Founding Wounded Wear Launching TurboVets (AI + automation for veterans) Becoming a nationally recognized leadership speaker And helping bring Patriot Hard Seltzer to Virginia But more importantly — this is about mindset . If you: Love ODU and the Hampton Roads community Respect the military and Navy SEALs Are fighting through adversity Want to become the elite version of yourself Believe leadership starts within …this episode is for you. Jason breaks down: How to build an Overcome Mindset Why leadership is about leading yourself first The difference between rank and real leadership What he learned from failure Why comfort is the enemy of growth How to write your own “Sign on the Door” This isn’t just an interview. It’s a masterclass in resilience. 📚 Connect with Jason Redman 🌐 Website: https://jasonredman.com 📖 Books: Trident & Overcome TurboVets (Veteran tech platform): https://turbovets.com 🥃 Patriot Hard Seltzer (Whiskey-based / supporting first responders & veterans): https://patriothardseltzer.com 🎧 Subscribe to The Monarchists — the BEST and ONLY ODU podcast. #GoMonarchs #Overcome #Leadership #Veterans #ODU ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – ODAF Introduction 1:00 – How ODU Fans Discovered Jason Was a Monarch 2:00 – “Who Is Jason Redman?” in 60 Seconds 3:00 – Growing Up in a Family of Service 5:00 – Becoming a Navy SEAL & BUD/S Reality 8:00 – Starting ODU’s Special Operations Club 10:00 – 9/11 & Commitment to Serve 13:00 – SEAL Team Leadership & Elite Performance 18:00 – Enlisted to Officer (Seaman-to-Admiral Program) 22:00 – Failing as a Leader & The Ranger School Redemption 27:00 – Leadership Lessons That Changed His Life 33:00 – The Gunfight in Iraq 38:00 – The “Sign on the Door” That Went Viral 41:00 – Building an Overcome Mindset 47:00 – Trident vs. Overcome — Which Should You Read? 49:00 – TurboVets: Fixing the Veteran Transition System 53:00 – Patriot Hard Seltzer & Supporting Heroes 56:00 – Write Your Own “Sign on the Door”

Mar 2·59 min

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a weekend sweep of Niagara. Cole Lanford joins after a key outing to complete the sweep. He also tells his comeback story from brain surgery a year ago.

Feb 24·1h 21m

Mike had the special opportunity to talk with Clarisse Machanguana. The former Lady Monarch had a storied career at Old Dominion, earning CAA Player of the Year and All-American honors on her way to being drafted by the LA Sparks in the WNBA athlete. After a successful professional career Clarisse started the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation with the vision of creating a generation of women leaders who can harness their dreams, potential, and talent to overcome traditional barriers and positively reshape their futures and communities. Her foundation has touched countless lives in Mozambique since its' founding in 2014. Mozambique is dealing with catastrophic flooding, that sadly took Clarisse's home and all of her possessions. In order to continue her work with her foundation, she seeks support to get her life back in order. Please visit the following link to support Clarisse in this effort: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Rebuilding-clarisses-home-after-mozambique-floods?attribution_id=sl:3c6c9f38-62df-4071-ad85-5f24ea752228&ts=1771515920&utm_campaign=natman_today_topbar_ios&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Chapters: 00:00 Sponsor Message: Old Dominion Athletic Foundation 00:20 Meet ODU Legend Clarisse Machanguana 00:36 Growing Up in Mozambique: Finding Basketball & Belonging 01:59 Breaking Barriers: Civil War, Gender Norms & Becoming a Voice 06:24 Portugal Years: First Big Move and a Path to ODU 09:50 Culture Shock at Old Dominion: Language, Training & Survival 14:41 ODU Dominance: Leadership Lessons from a Historic Run 17:37 Playing for Coach Wendy Larry: Tough Love and Growth 19:42 Sisterhood with Ticha Penicheiro & the ODU Family 21:45 Pro Career & WNBA Draft: Proving Yourself Around the World 24:46 Building the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation: Health, Education & Hope 27:07 UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Impact and Limits 29:25 NBA Africa Partnerships: Basketball as the Entry Point, Not the Destination 31:48 Has Mozambique Changed for Girls? The Work Still Ahead 33:37 Catastrophic Flooding: Losing Everything and Asking for Help 36:29 How to Support + Final Message to Monarch Nation

Feb 23·39 min

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the opening weekend series against Quinnipiac, including the new outfield seating. Jayce Park and Connor Schumann join after strong appearances out of the pen on Saturday.

Feb 17·1h 11m

In this episode, the Monarchists discuss spring ball and recent news for ODU Football. Key topics include the expansion of the scouting department, the impact of JUCO connections, and the returning talent on both offense and defense. The hosts also delve into position battles, focusing on the quarterback, offensive line and wide receiver groups. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 02:20 Scouting Department Expansion 09:44 Future Game Schedules and Rivalries 16:21 Spring Ball Position Battles 26:23 Center Position Battle 28:48 Offensive Line Battle 30:01 Wide Receiver Room Talent 36:53 Kicker Position Competition 39:26 Running Back Room Analysis 41:56 Quarterback and Offensive Strategy 51:03 Upcoming Events and Announcements

Feb 12·57 min

Monarch Nation, this was a must-listen episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show. Head Coach Mike Jones joins Aaron and Mike for a deep, honest breakdown of the week that was—what went wrong against ULM, how the team responded against Ohio, and why the next three games inside Chartway Arena will define the stretch run. Coach Jones takes you inside: - The emotional hangover from the road trip - A powerful 6:00 AM practice that reset the culture - Zacch Wiggins’ growth as a true freshman - Cal’s impact when he stays out of foul trouble - LJ’s clutch, ice-cold finish - The goaltending no-call everyone’s still talking about - Scouting Marshall and Georgia State - Game-day preparation during doubleheaders - What he learned from this season so far - Ronnie Valentine’s jersey retirement on Valentine’s Day - Why these final home games matter more than ever Plus: 🎙️ A special message about The Mane Event w/ Coach Mike Jones at Afterglow Brewing on Thursday, 2/19 at 6PM and a plug for our upcoming episode with ODU Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Clarisse Machanguana, Mozambique flood relief, and a rallying call for Monarch Nation. Go Fund Me: Rebuilding Clarisse's Home After Mozambique Floods https://gofund.me/00e5a6e74 The Mane Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6K2q3pGu/ Buckle up. This one has everything. Go Monarchs! ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & ODAF Message 00:45 – ULM Recap: “We Didn’t Answer the Call” 01:55 – Mental Hangover from Texas State 02:35 – Ohio Win & Late Rebounding Surge 03:55 – Chartway Crowd Energy Impact 05:00 – The Goaltending No-Call Breakdown 😬 07:45 – The 6:00 AM Reset Practice 10:05 – Zacch Wiggins’ First Home Start 11:25 – Freshman Development & Work Ethic 12:35 – Finishing Through Contact & Physical Growth 13:45 – Cal’s Impact When Out of Foul Trouble 16:05 – The “Pass of the Year” Moment 17:30 – LJ’s Crunch-Time Takeover 19:50 – 16-of-18 From the Line & Only 6 Turnovers 20:55 – ODAF Mid-Roll 22:30 – Marshall Preview & Doubleheader Setup 24:10 – Game-Day Prep Changes Explained 25:20 – The Mitch Advantage (24/7 Access) 26:55 – Spurs Practice Facility Experience 28:15 – Ronnie Valentine Jersey Retirement ❤️ 29:45 – Georgia State Preview 31:10 – Louisiana Game Reminder (President’s Day) 31:55 – Senior Day Discussion 33:40 – Conference Scheduling Frustrations 35:05 – The Mane Event at Afterglow Announcement 36:45 – Baseball Season & Clarisse Machanguana Tease 🌍 38:20 – Coach Jones’ Message to Monarch Nation 39:55 – Go Monarchs

Feb 11·40 min

CB, Gary and Coach Finny preview the season opening series with Quinnipiac this weekend. We've got an update, and photos, of the outfield seats, plus the weekend rotation. Bailey Matela and Kellen Davis hop on to talk dugout chatter and how they are getting ready for this weekend.

Feb 10·1h 4m

Five straight conference championships. Six straight NCAA Tournaments. And somehow… that still isn’t enough for Dom Manilla 😤🎾 Dom is BACK on The Monarchists Podcast, and as always, it’s equal parts laughs, wisdom, brag-worthy success, and a masterclass in what Old Dominion Women’s Tennis has become. We wrap up another dominant season, dive into recruiting at an elite level, talk pro Monarchs competing on the world stage, break down the new Folkes-Stevens upgrades (including the brand-new scoreboard 👀), and preview a LOADED spring slate featuring Penn State, Wake Forest, Ole Miss, Florida State, and more. Plus: - How ODU keeps replacing All-Americans with… more All-Americans - Why losing sometimes fuels championship runs - What revenue sharing actually looks like in women’s tennis - Why the new student-athlete dining facility is a total game changer - And why the bar now is Sweet 16 or bust If you love winning, development, and hearing how elite programs are truly built — this one’s for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more ODU-only content 👑 Join The Pride of ODU to support Monarch student-athletes 🎟️ Don’t miss the Beavers Family Foundation Scoreboard Dedication - RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-beavers-family-foundation-scoreboard-dedication-party-tickets-1962623858794 Go Monarchs. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back + Dom Manilla returns 01:00 – Five straight conference titles, six NCAA appearances (and the hunger for more) 04:00 – Recruiting at an elite national level 07:00 – Inbox recruiting, blue-chip talent, and raising the standard 10:00 – Monarchs on the pro tennis tour 14:00 – Facilities upgrades & Folkes-Stevens transformation 18:00 – Student-athlete dining: a total game changer 21:00 – Beavers Family Foundation scoreboard dedication details 24:00 – Spring season kickoff & early results 26:00 – Replacing stars with… new stars 29:00 – Coaching six courts at once: how it really works 33:00 – Lineup rules, protests, and NCAA tennis drama 38:00 – Revenue sharing & NIL in women’s tennis 43:00 – Wake Forest preview + must-see home matches 46:00 – How fans can support ODU Women’s Tennis 48:30 – Final thoughts, gratitude & Go Monarchs

Feb 4·49 min

This week we preview the hitters and get a glimpse of the opening day batting order with Coach Finny. Scotty Young and Zach Leite join us to talk all things ODU Baseball

Feb 3·1h 8m

The 2026 season premier of Hudson Homers! Coach Finwood gives us a preview of the rotation and bullpen, including two of the three weekend starters. ODU all-time saves leader John Holobetz joins us from Red Sox camp in Fort Myers to talk about his impressive first season of Minor league ball.

Jan 27·1h 10m

A special edition of Hudson Homers from Step Up to the Plate. The guys catch up with a few returners and some new faces who will play big roles in 2026. Stay tuned as Hudson Homers ramps up with preview episodes starting next week!

Jan 22·1h 7m