The Cougar Sports Show is a weekly podcast featuring University of Sioux Falls coaches and athletes across all 19 sports. Hosted by Abby Whittington, this show provides a behind the scenes look into Cougar sports through in depth interviews and conversations about all things USF athletics.
In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with Interim Head Softball Coach Madie Brink, along with athletes Taryn Wagner, Meghan Jochimsen, and Morgan Linstad. After a brief introduction of our guests, we dive into their season so far and the team's journey. Madie shares her path to becoming head coach, and we discuss the team's performance in the conference season, including insights into recent games against Minot and Mary. The team’s recent trip to Florida and the experiences gained from it are also highlighted. Taryn reflects on her final season at USF and the impact of being part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Meghan talks about her role in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and highlights some of the initiatives the group is working on. The episode wraps up with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and thoughts on the upcoming conference tournament. Tune in for an in-depth look at USF Softball! 00:00 - Introduction 03:11 - Madie’s journey to head softball coach 06:46 - Sponsor message 07:20 - Conference season so far 10:11 - Team trip to Florida 11:10 - Conference games against Minot/Mary 14:44 - Leaders on the team 17:50 - Future mindset 21:10 - Conference tournament 22:55 - Taryn’s thoughts on it being her last season 24:03 - Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 25:29 - Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) 27:42 - Advice for current or aspiring college softball athletes 34:00 - Wrap-up USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/ Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast Show notes written by Alivia Tindall
In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we chat with USF soccer players Alivia Tindall (Liv) and Mara Nelson (Nelly). Liv has been an integral part of the show from the start, working behind the scenes alongside our host, Abby, since its launch in 2023. With Abby set to graduate, she will be passing the reins of the podcast to Liv and Nelly, with Nelly stepping into the role of host and Liv continuing her behind-the-scenes support. We kick things off by getting to know Liv and Nelly, then dive into the exciting future of the podcast and their plans for expanding it. In the second half of the episode, we discuss the recent coaching change in the soccer program, exploring Nelly and Liv’s perspectives on Joe DeMay taking over as head coach. Tune in for an exciting look at the future of the Cougar Sports Show! 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - Background info on Mara and Liv 05:04 - Shoutout Mara Nelson Photography 05:30 - Why the podcast? 07:08 - Future of the podcast 08:55 - Sponsor message 09:29 - Coaching change in the soccer program 11:18 - Culture on the team 14:33 - Additions to the coaching staff 17:58 - Wrap-up USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/ Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast Show notes written by Alivia Tindall
In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with the Joe DeMay, who joined USF women's soccer in January 2025 as the 3rd head coach in program history. First, DeMay discusses his journey into coaching, his vision for building a new program, and the core values he’s instilling in the team. DeMay then outlines his plans for change and his goals for the fall season. We also get an update on the program's upcoming competitive spring schedule, followed by a discussion on leadership and positional depth. DeMay reflects on his favorite part of coaching at USF so far, as well as the most challenging aspects. We finish up by announcing the new assistant coach chosen by DeMay. Tune in to hear about the new era for USF women’s soccer! 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - DeMay's background and journey to USF 05:49 - Building a new program 08:65 - Implementing core values 11:19 - Plans for change 12:32 - Goals for the fall season 14:04 - Spring season games 17:40 - Leadership 21:22 - Sponsor message 21:55 - Positional depth 25:50 - Favorite and most challenging parts 28:10 - Assistant coach 29:26 - Wrap-up USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/ Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast Show notes written by Alivia Tindall
In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with track and field head coach Eric Chilson, along with student-athletes Emily Swanson, Tyler Hiatt, and Kamry Lindsey. We start by exploring why each athlete chose to join USF before diving into a recap of the current indoor season, highlighting standout performances and national provisional marks. The conversation then shifts to the impressive national qualifiers from USF, followed by insights from the athletes on their past experiences at the national meet. All three share how they are mentally and physically preparing for upcoming competitions. We wrap up with valuable advice for aspiring college athletes. Tune in to this week's episode to get the inside scoop on the 2025 Indoor Track and Field season at USF! 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Athletes reason for choosing USF 01:34 - Recapping this indoor season 02:40 - Standout performances/national provisional marks 05:19 - National qualifiers from USF 06:43 - Sponsor message 07:17 - National meet 12:13 - Mental training 13:43 - Advice for aspiring college athletes 15:08 - Wrap-up USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/ Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast Show notes written by Alivia Tindall
In this episode of the Cougar Sports Show, we sit down with head baseball coach, Grand Hieb, as well as two players, Isaac Bonnor and Ben Serie, to discuss their experiences at USF. The conversation kicks off with an introduction and dives into Isaac and Ben’s journey at the university. We move on to discussing the team’s recent trip to Hawaii and recap their games last weekend in Pueblo, CO. After a brief sponsor message, the discussion shifts to the upcoming games in Denver, CO, scheduled for March 1-5. The coach and players highlight key players and leaders for the team this season, and talk about their goals for the remainder of the non-conference games. As they look ahead, they share their excitement and strategy for the upcoming conference games. Tune into this week's episode to hear about this year's USF baseball team! 00:00 - Introduction 00:39 - Isaac and Ben’s time at USF 01:36 - Team trip to Hawaii 05:40 - Last weekends games in Pueblo, CO 08:15 - Sponsor message 08:47 - Games in Denver, CO (March 1-5) 11:18 - Key players/leaders this year 18:27 - Goals for the rest of the non-conference games 20:11 - Looking forward into conference games 25:44 - Wrap-up USF Athletics: https://usfcougars.com/ Podcast Instagram: @cougarsportspodcast Show notes written by Alivia Tindall