Shows
A Pen And A NapkinA Pen And A Napkin-Episode #309 Blake DuDonisBlake DuDonis is the lead Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Fairfield University, one of the best mid-major women's basketball program in the country. Coach DuDonis and the Fairfield staff have a unique philosophy to their program, which he dives into in the podcast! Coach also talks about his basketball journey, going from a head coach to an assistant coach, the next steps for their program, offensive transition, special situations and more! This was a really fun conversation with one of America's up and coming assistant coaches!
2026-01-151h 19
Nail The Recruiting Process PodcastCulture, Clarity, and the Meep Mentality — with Fairfield WBB Assistant Coach Blake DuDonisJared here, and this week I'm joined by Fairfield Assistant Coach Blake DuDonis. Blake is one of my favorite minds (and also one of the most outstanding communicators) in college basketball. During Blake's time as an assistant under coach Carly Thibault-Dudonis, Fairfield has become a force in mid-major D1 basketball, winning back-to-back MAAC championships and recently earning an invitation to USA Basketball's 3x3 Nationals. We dive deep into how Fairfield has built a culture rooted in trust, role clarity, and honest coaching. This includes the staff's use of real data to define roles and guide player development...
2025-06-101h 06
Tell Me Your Story CoachEP 59 - Blake DuDonis, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Wisconsin River-FallsCoach Blake DuDonis,In this episode, you’ll hear from Blake DuDonis. Coach DuDonis is currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Coach Blake just completed year three as the leader of this D3 program. In the opening remarks of this podcast, I always say: “The Podcast Where We ADVOCATE COACHES and HELP YOUNG COACHES LEARN from the Coaches Telling these Stories.” I can’t wait to advocate for Coach Blake. Coach Blake’s family is basketball 24/7. His wife, Carly Thibault-DuDonis is the Associate Head Coach for the Minnesota Gophers. His father-in-law, Mike Thibaul...
2022-03-2045 min
Beyond the Ball with Jonathan JonesHaving Uncomfortable Conversations While Leading with a Pure Heart w/ Blake DuDonis #46We go #BeyondTheBall with The University of Wisconsin River Falls Women's Bball Head Coach Blake DuDonis- We talk Social Justice- Having Uncomfortable Conversations - Growing Team Camaraderie This episode is sponsored by The Launch Podcast checklist Get your FREE copy now.Connect with Coach Blake Here:https://twitter.com/BlakeDuDonis Follow Jonathan on IG: http://www.instagram.com/jonathanjonesspeaks Find out more info about Jonathan! http://www.jonathanjonesspeaks.com
2021-02-1040 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSt. Louis University head coach Lisa StoneToday I'm joined by St. Louis University head coach Lisa Stone, who has had a storied coaching career.
Starting her career as a 22-year-old D3 head coach, Lisa has gone from little Cornell College to UW-Eau Claire to Drake to Wisconsin and now to St. Louis. She shares all about her journey and the lessons learned in between.
2020-08-2639 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisUNLV head coach Lindy La RocqueNew UNLV head coach Lindy La Rocque joined me on the pod to talk all about her new gig and her journey to get there.
After an incredible playing career at Stanford, La Rocque went on to serve on staff at Oklahoma, Belmont, and Stanford before returning to her hometown of Las Vegas as the head coach of UNLV.
We talk all about that journey, her enjoyment of golf, and a Youtube clip that she is embarrassed by but I think is awesome.
2020-08-1437 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisUNC - A Head Coach Honey BrownWelcome back! After a few months away, we back!
Joining me today is the new head women's basketball coach at UNC-Asheville, Honey Brown. Honey had been an assistant and associate head coach at UNCA for the past eight seasons before taking the top spot this spring.
We discuss her journey through coaching, her rapping her version of Kurtis Blow, why the word "loyalty" comes up for her so often, and her love of Diet Coke.
2020-08-1237 min
GOEpisode 9 - Blake DuDonis (Social Corner)In this episode, we talk about racism in our country and how people can take action to help stop it from happening. Emry and Sam bring on a guest for the first time to discuss this topic. Blake DuDonis is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He stresses how to continue to push equality and how this push is on white people.
2020-06-0300 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAutism Awareness Month Part 2In part 2 of a 2 part series on the last day of Autism Awareness Month, the University of Albany head coach Colleen Mullen joins me and shares her story.
After having a daughter, Colleen and her wife, Lauren, decided to have one more child and ended up with twin boys. As time went on, they came to discover that they both were on the spectrum.
Colleen graciously shares their story from start to finish.
2020-05-0135 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAutism Awareness Month-Part 1On the last day of Autism Awareness Month, LSU assistant women's basketball coach Aaron Kallhoff joins me in part 1 of a 2 part mini-series on women's basketball coaches who have a child with autism.
We talk about how his son, Caylix, first was diagnosed with autism and the whole family's journey through that. We also talk about some of the misconceptions about autism, some of the positives that have come from it, and how far Caylix has come.
2020-04-3027 min
BallNGems Got the Hoop ScopeWisconsin River Falls Head Coach Blake DuDonisBallN Gems with Wisconsin River Falls Head Coach Blake DuDonis on challenges recruiting, budget at DIII and more
2020-04-2330 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisStony Brook head hoach Caroline McCombsFresh off a 28-3 season and an America East championship (and a new contract extension), Stony Brook head coach Carolina McCombs joined me on the pod.
We talked about her journey as a standout player for Youngstown State to college coach, and all the people she worked for before taking over the Seawolves. We also talked about her team's historic season that was cut short.
2020-04-1443 min
Small School: Big Time HoopsBlake DuDonis University Of Wisconsin - River FallsThe Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls Blake DuDonis joins the pod. Coach DuDonis is coming off of year #1 as a collegiate head coach. Hear from him about his experiences as a D-1 assistant, SEC analyst and scout for the Washington Mystics. We also discuss how he ended up at UW- River Falls and why the Falcons are built for success. He also discusses how he uses his voice to promote change and why he feels a personal responsibility to be a mentor, advocate and ally to others. Finally we talk about our fi...
2020-04-0952 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisBoston College head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNameeBoston College head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee (Coach Mac) joined me today in a really episode.
We talked all about her team's 20 win season and 4th place finish in the ACC, their best finish since 2004-05 and how last season's end was a jumping off point for them.
We also discuss her very long, winding, interesting journey, from playing D2, to winning a national championship as an assistant, to getting out of coaching for four years, to... well, you should just listen to her tell it.
2020-04-0152 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisGeorgia Tech head coach Nell FortnerAfter taking seven years away from coaching, Nell Fortner took over a Georgia Tech program and exceeded all expectations in year one.
The former Team USA gold medal-winning head coach and I discuss her coaching career that saw her learn from some of the legends of our game, to being burnt out and taking the TV route, to the job that made sense.
We also discuss her love of music, her pets, and much more.
2020-03-3036 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisKent State head coach Todd StarkeyKent State head coach Todd Starkey joined me to talk all about his journey from an NAIA player and coach, to building a D2 powerhouse, to being an assistant in the Big Ten, to now building a program in arguably the best mid-major conference in the country.
We also share some old stories, talk about how he's navigating the current times, and how being the first choice isn't the most important thing.
2020-03-2743 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisRider head coach Lynn MilliganRider head coach Lynn Milligan joins me to talk about building her alma mater into one of the top teams in the MAAC and what it took to get there.
We also discuss her college career as a duel athlete, how her stops as an assistant prepared her for her current position, what culture means to her, and how her team has dealt with the sudden end to their season.
2020-03-2643 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisMontana State head coach Tricia BinfordAfter going 25-6 (19-1) and making it to the Big Sky Conference tournament championship game, Montana State saw their season come to a sudden stop due to the coronavirus. I talk to head coach Tricia Binford about a special season having such a strange end.
We also discuss her standout career at Boise State as a student-athlete, her time playing in the WNBA and in Australia, how they came about having NBA legend John Stockton on their coaching staff for a season, and what simple thing she always messes up.
2020-03-2042 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisFordham head coach Stephanie GaitleyFresh off another 20+ win season, Fordham head coach Stephanie Gaitley joined me on the pod.
We talk all about her journey from playing at Villanova under Harry Perretta to becoming a head coach at 25-years-old. Then we go into how she's been able to build so many programs at the mid-major level so many times.
We also discuss a great story involving the recruitment of Rebecca Lobo, how her three sons have followed in her footsteps, and a story about my wife.
2020-03-2049 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSamford head coach Carley KuhnsSamford head coach Carley Kuhns joins me to talk all about her team's incredible season, her first at the school. After winning 10 games a season ago, this season the Bulldogs won 18 games, split the regular season SOCON title, and won the conference tournament.
We also talk about her time as a standout D2 player and her first head coaching job at her alma mater.
We also discuss her fear of needles, her love of a certain TV series, and how her team handled not getting the chance to play in the NCAA tournament.
2020-03-1836 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSamford head coach Carley KuhnsSamford head coach Carley Kuhns joins me on the pod to talk all about her team's incredible first season, going from 10 wins last year to 18 wins and a conference championship this year.
We talk about her journey from a standout player at the D2 level and successful run as a head coach at her alma mater.
We also discuss her fear of needles, her love of a certain TV show, and how her team handled missing out on playing in the NCAA tournament.
2020-03-1836 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisPrinceton head coach Carla BerubeAfter turning D3 Tufts into a national powerhouse during a 17-year run as it's head coach, former UConn great Carla Berube took over a thriving Princeton program and has them primed for a postseason run.
We talk about her time at UConn, why D3 was the route she chose, and why Princeton was the move for her. We also talk about what makes her programs so good and why the Tigers are humming along so well.
2020-03-0530 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisDayton head coach Shauna GreenAfter leading Dayton to their 3rd A-10 regular-season title in four seasons, head coach Shauna Green joined me on the pod to talk about her team's success.
We also dive into her journey from a standout at the college player, to starting her coaching career at the D3 level, all the way to now.
We also laugh about Northwestern head coach Joe McKeown, who is just the best.
2020-03-0534 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisMerrimack head coach Monique LeBlancAfter leading Merrimack College to 20 wins in their first season as a D1 program, head coach Monique LeBlanc joined the pod.
We talk about her journey as a player at Bucknell to a young head coach of a, then, D2 program and how she transformed it from a struggling program into a contender. We also discuss her growth as a coach and person since her arrival at the Massachusetts based school in 2011, how they we able to be so good in their 1st D1 season, plus we share some stories from our time coaching together.
2020-03-0339 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisBethune Cookman Head Coach Vanessa Blair - LewisIn today’s episode, I talk with Bethune Cookman head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, whose journey has been an accelerated one.
After a stellar playing career at Mount St. Mary’s, she served two years as an assistant coach there before getting the job handed to her on the cusp of the season beginning at 25-years-old. All she did with that was become the first person in NEC history to win both the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year awards.
She won 120 games at the Mount then undertook a new challenge at Bethune Cookman where she took a last...
2020-02-2836 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisMarquette Head Coach Megan DuffyWe back!
After taking off a few months for coaching purposes, The Jump Around returns as Marquette head coach Megan Duffy joins me today. We talk about her rise from a standout at Notre Dame to a super successful coach in the college ranks.
Duffy takes use through her journey as an assistant at three different schools to a head coach who has managed to win 20+ games all three years she has been at the helm. We also discuss how all these stops has molded her, what most surprised her once she became a head coach, and how a Marquette...
2020-02-2732 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisHartford HC Morgan ValleyHartford head coach Morgan Valley joins me to tell me all about her journey as a multi-sport high school athlete in Vermont, to winning three national championships at UConn, to a coaching career that moved her all over the country.
We discuss her successes, struggles, and talk about how she nearly drowned in a triathlon last weekend.
2019-09-0937 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisUNC-Chapel Hill Head Coach Courtney BanghartUNC-Chapel Hill head coach Courtney Banghart joins me to talk all about her journey from NCAA college soccer prospect to head women’s basketball coach of one of the most prestigious colleges in the country.
We talk about what led her to Dartmouth as an athlete, then back as a coach. Then, after winning just seven games in year one at Princeton, how she turned the Tigers into a national power.
We also had some fun talking about food, movies, concerts and more.
2019-08-2943 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisJackie GemelosOnce the #1 recruit in the country coming out of high school, Jackie Gemelos tore her ACL in the last game of her prep career. This turned out to be one of five ACL injuries she would go through, significantly shortening her career at USC and almost ending her professional career.
Instead of packing it in, however, Gemelos kept working and eventually got drafted in the 3rd round of the WNBA draft. Though cut before the season started, she made her WNBA debut in 2015 with the Chicago style and has put together an impressive overseas resume.
We talk all about her...
2019-05-2639 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSW Oklahoma State head coach Kelsi MusickJust days removed from the national championship game, SW Oklahoma State head coach Kelsi Musick joins me to talk about her team's incredible season.
We talk about her career journey and the difficulties of winning just three games in her first season as a head coach. Then, we talk through what led them to win the conference tournament in year three and now, in her 10th season, make it all the way to the national championship game.
2019-04-0327 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisLubbock Christian Head Coach Steve GomezFresh off the program's second national championship in four years, Lubbock Christian head coach Steve Gomez joined me on the the pod.
We discuss how being the child of an Air Force vet helped mold him (he lived in Indiana, South Dakota, and Germany, among other places) and how he stumbled into his current job.
Also discussed was his team's undefeated run in 2015-'16 and how UConn played a part in it. Plus, what he was he thinking down 3 with three seconds left in OT in this year's championship?
2019-04-0227 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisJames Madison head coach Sean O'ReganJames Madison head coach Sean O'Regan joins me two days before his team's big WNIT Final Four matchup.
We talk about what makes JMU so special that after graduating from there, he has spent 12 years there as an assistant and head coach. We talk about the most difficult things he faced when taking over the head coaching spot from Kenny Brooks, how he has grown the most, and what it felt like to take down his former boss in the WNIT this season.
2019-04-0127 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisThomas More head coach Jeff HansWhile everyone waits for the D1 Sweet Sixteen to play out, there is already a NCAA champion at the D3 level, and I talk to their head coach. Jeff Hans, head coach of Thomas More University joined me to talk about his program's second national championship.
We discuss all that went into the season, including being an independent team, something that forced them to travel all across the country and play, at times, 5 games in 7 days. Despite that, the team went 33-0 to win the whole thing.
2019-03-2730 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisBucknell head coach Aaron RoussellAaron Roussell, head coach of the 12-seed Bucknell Bison, joined me to talk about his program as they head to their 2nd NCAA tournament under his guidance.
We discuss his coaching journey and how a move to D1 was never in the plans but led him to take the Bucknell job without his wife ever seeing the place. We also talk about the building of the program that has led to his current group of seniors winning 100 games in their career.
I also get him to share the story of going recruiting the same day his third child was born...
2019-03-2023 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisBelmont head coach Bart BrookNCAA tournament-bound for the fourth straight year as a program and second straight year under him, Belmont head coach Bart Brooks joins me to talk all about his stellar team.
We talk about his introduction to the coaching side of the game, and how working camps led to him working for the legendary Doug Bruno for 11 years. Also, what led him to Belmont, and how he had to overcome a lot of self-doubts once he was there.
We also talk about him being a champion dairy goat showman in middle school. Yes, for real.
2019-03-2026 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisBoise State Head Coach Gordy PresnellBoise State head coach Gordy Presnell joined me to talk about his team's third straight trip to the NCAA tournament.
We discuss the uniqueness of having a 30+ year career at only two schools, how his team approaches goal setting, and his side job when he first started coaching.
*Note: due to an unfortunate technical issue, about half of the conversation got cut off. I felt the material that still made it was worth sharing, but sincere apologies for the issue that is out of my control.
2019-03-1916 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAbilene Christian head coach Julie GoodenoughAbilene Christian head coach Julie Goodenough joins me to talk about her coaching journey.
Starting at the NAIA level, Coach went on to lead a program to four D3 tournaments, then took over at Oklahoma State. We discuss what went wrong in her three seasons there and how it helped her be successful down the road.
After seven seasons at Charleston Southern, she took the Abilene Christian job and helped them transition to the D1 level and now has them on the brink of making the NCAA tournament for the first time ever.
2019-03-1229 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisNew Mexico State head coach Brooke AtkinsonNew Mexico State head coach Brook Atkinson joined me to talk about her team's stellar season as they try to return to the NCAA tournament after making the WNIT last season.
We discuss how she has grown from year one as the head coach to now in year two, the strangeness that is the WAC, and how her team has continued to improve as the season has gone along.
2019-03-1125 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisDrexel head coach Denise DillonAs we continue our "Upset" series, coaches of programs who could break your bracket, Drexel head coach Denise Dillion joined me. We talk all about her 16 seasons at the Philly based school and how she turned a once dormant program into a consistent force atop the CAA.
We also discuss her playing career at Villanova and how an injury led her into coaching. We also discuss whistling.
2019-03-1131 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisUT-Arlington head coach Krista GerlichUT-Arlington head coach Krista Gerlich joined me to talk about how she has taken her program to levels it's never been before.
We also talked about her playing career at Texas Tech that finished with a national championship her senior year and, eventually, her jersey hanging in the rafters.
We also talk about how she has grown as a head coach since starting at the D2 level, how difficult her first season at UTA was when they only won 4 games, and the process of missing out on their biggest recruit: her daughter.
2019-03-0731 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAmerican head coach Megan GebbiaAmerican head coach Megan Gebbia joined me today to talk about her program in another episode of our "Upset" series, a focus on teams that could bust your bracket come NCAA tournament time.
We talk about her 10 years at Marist as an associate head coach and all she learned during her time there, plus what made her take the leap and accept the American job. We also discuss her immediate success with the team before a really difficult third season.
After that difficult year three, the team has blossomed again, something Coach gives credit to that season for.
We also...
2019-03-0725 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisQuinnipiac head coach Tricia FabbriQuinnipiac head coach Tricia Fabbri joins me for the third episode of the "Upset" series. Nearing the end of her 23rd season at Quinnipiac, we talk all about her playing career at Fairfield before entering the coaching ranks. We also discuss that while the program is humming along now, it wasn't always that way, and she nearly quit the job.
We also discussed the program's run to the Sweet Sixteen two seasons ago and how she isn't satisfied with just making it that far anymore.
2019-03-0529 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisMissouri State head coach Kellie HarperThe second episode in our "Upset" series, former Lady Vol great and current head coach at Missouri State Kellie Harper joined me
2019-03-0529 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisLamar head coach Robin HarmonyThe first episode of our "Upset" series where I highlight programs that could bust some brackets come NCAA tournament time, Lamar University head coach Robin Harmony joined me this morning.
A Miami (FL) Hall of Famer herself as a player, Harmony spent over 18 years coaching in Coral Gables before starting an NAIA program from scratch. After building a dynasty there, she took her first D1 head coaching job at Lamar and has the team on the brink of a tournament birth.
We talk about her background, how Lamar has gotten so good, plus a great story about one of her...
2019-03-0425 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisHigh Point head coach DeUnna HendrixHigh Point University head coach DeUnna Hendrix joined me on the pod today. We talked about her high school HOF career, how she has grown as a head coach over her seven years in charge of the Panthers, and why she has been able to be successful.
We also talk about her missing a game this year to go to her mom's own Hall of Fame ceremony, her love of Air Fryers, and how she use to charge neighborhood kids to come to her house and watch her perform basketball moves.
2019-02-2831 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisCincinnati head coach Michelle Clark-HeardCincinnati head coach Michelle Clark-Heard joined me on the pod to talk about her stellar coaching career.
She tells me about her time as a player at Western Kentucky and the high levels of success her team had, and what eventually got her into college coaching after starting a career outside of sports.
We then talk about the programs she built at Kentucky State and Western Kentucky and what convinced her to leave both when she did.
Now with Cincinnati on the brink of their first 20 win season in over 15 years, Coach told me all about why she believes in...
2019-02-2731 minThe Jump Around with Blake DuDonisTowson head coach Diane RichardsonTowson head coach Diane Richardson joins me to talk all about her interesting journey.
We discuss her college career, specifically her qualifying for the 1980 US Track and Field Olympic team but not getting to compete due to the US protesting the USSR hosted games. We also talk about her banking career and why she eventually sold her company to get into coaching.
We also go over her relationship with WNBA star Jonquel Jones and what circumstances led to her becoming Jones' legal guardian. We then discuss her Towson program who is having one of it's best seasons in recent history.
2019-02-2730 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisWright State head coach Katrina MerriweatherWright State head coach Katrina Merriweather joined me today to talk all about her program, one of the best mid-major programs in the country.
We discuss her playing career at Cincinnati and how she always wanted to be a coach and the lessons she learned during her coaching career as an assistant, including the violation of some NCAA rules that led to a pause in her colligate coaching career.
We also talk about what brought her to Wright State and how she has helped the team continue to excel after she moved from an assistant to the head coach.
2019-02-2532 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAppalachian State head coach Angel ElderkinAppalachian State head coach Angel Elderkin joined me in one of the more emotional episodes to date.
We discuss her coaching journey, from being an assistant to stepping back to being a GA for Pat Summitt, all leading to her head coaching job at App State.
After her second season at App, Angel was diagnosed with cancer, a topic we really dove deep into. She told me about her treatment and how she made it through, but also shared about the dark times of her recovery.
We also talk about her much improved Mountaineer squad and what they need to...
2019-02-2133 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisBoston University Head Coach Marisa MoseleyA first-year head coach at her alma mater, Boston University head coach Marisa Moseley joined me to on the pod.
We talk about her getting into coaching after it wasn't her original goal, but how she ended up as an assistant coach at UConn just a few years later. We discuss the success she had as a Huskie and how that has translated to BU.
We also discuss the highs and lows of being a head coach for the first time, plus how she has adjusted to the different level she is now coaching on.
2019-02-1828 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisHouston head coach Ronald HugheyHouston head coach Ronald Hughey took some time out to talk to me about his story and his program on an early Sunday morning.
We talk about his humble upbringings and how that affected the steps he took in his career, plus what he has learned from working for C. Vivian Stringer, Gail Goestenkors, and Sue Semrau.
Hughey then tells me about his Houston program and what gave him the confidence that they would be successful, even after going 6-24 in his first two seasons. We also get into plenty more, all thanks to some uncommon honesty from him.
2019-02-0340 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisDrake head coach Jennie BaranczykThe leader of a program that hasn’t lost a conference game since 2016, Drake head coach Jennie Baranczyk joined me on the pod today.
We discuss her successful Drake program and what it took to get them to the level they are playing at today, including her first signee and the impact she made.
We also talked about the advice she got from a coaching legend on an airplane at the very beginning of her coaching career, what it’s like having your name thrown out there every time a bigger job opens up, and what it’s like having a pres...
2019-01-3032 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisIowa head coach Lisa BluderNow in her 19th season as the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Lisa Bluder joined me to talk all about her program before their game tonight against 1st place Rutgers.
We talk about her career that has occurred entirely in the state of Iowa, how she has continue to adapt to the changing scenery, and about that decent post player her team has.
2019-01-2325 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisClemson head coach Amanda ButlerAlready with the most ACC wins since 2013, Clemson head coach Amanda Butler took some time to chat with me about the team's success in her 1st season at the school.
We also discussed the learning she did in her "gap year" between Florida and Clemson, how she has changed as a coach since being at Florida, and if the story of her running into a wall to pop back in her injuried shoulder is true or not.
2019-01-2234 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisHampton Head Coach David SixFor this episode, I was joined by Hampton head coach David Six. A long-time high school head coach who was once named AP Coach of the Year, Coach Six is the winningest coach in Hampton history. He is also an Air Force Vet.
Despite that impressive list of accolades, perhaps his most impressive accomplishment is that he not only survived a stroke on June 27, 2018, but that he was back to work before the first official practice in October. Listen to this man's story.
2019-01-1827 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisNortheastern head coach Kelly ColeNortheastern head coach Kelly Cole took some time to join me during one of the best starts in the programs history. A longtime assistant at Boston College, Kelly stepped away from the college game to coach high school for six years after having three children, all under the age of 3 at the time. We discuss that, plus her journey back into college coaching and, eventually, taking over at Northeastern.
We talk about how her team has gotten to this point (12-3 when this episode first aired), her memories over that time, and the one time her team pushed a bus...
2019-01-1529 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisRice head coach Tina LangleyThis episode I am joined by Rice head coach Tina Langley. We discuss how she took her program from just 9 wins in year one, to 23 wins the past two seasons, including a WBI championship and a WNIT birth.
We also talk about her journey to Rice, how the high academic standards at the school has been an asset, and how the team continues to improve.
2019-01-1329 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisCentral Michigan head coach Sue GurvaraSue Guevara, head coach of Central Michigan, joined me today in a really fun episode.
We discussed her college coaching career as a WBB assistant AND the head softball coach at Saginaw Valley, her time working for Tara Vanderveer and Nell Fortner, and if she took the time to appreciate CMU's run to the Sweet Sixteen a season ago.
I also asked her a question that, after great pause, Sue declared has never been asked of her before.
2019-01-1128 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisOld Dominion head coach Nikki McCrayA legend of the game joined me today: Nikki McCray. The head coach of Old Dominion and a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Nikki talked to me about her career as a player, from her time at Tennessee all the way through the ABL and the WNBA.
I also tried to get her to tell me an embarrassing story about Dawn Staley, her former teammate and boss, but she wasn't biting.
2019-01-0927 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSouth Dakota head coach Dawn PlitzuweitDawn Plitzuweit, head coach of the University of South Dakota, joined me after a thrilling 2OT win over archrival South Dakota State. We discussed that game plus the incredible success that South Dakota has had as a whole.
Coach also called me out for my intro music to my pod, told me the name of their family dog (which shows how competitive she is), and how she has grown in her career.
2019-01-0926 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSouth Alabam head coach Terry FowlerFor the first episode of 2019, I was joined by South Alabama head coach Terry Fowler. Coach has taken over a Jaguars program that was in a bad spot and has led them to a 12-1 record this season, something we talk about plenty but discuss even more his philosophy as a coach.
We also talk about his dislike of coffee and love for orange juice, how his career was almost one in a MLB front office, and why he has only coached at smaller schools.
2019-01-0730 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisPenn head coach Mike McLaughlinToday I was joined by Penn head coach Mike McLaughlin, the fastest coach to win 400 games in NCAA history (459 games).
We talk about his time at Holy Family University and how he turned Penn into one of the best mid-major’s in the country. We also discuss his time as a member of the Washington Generals, the hapless opponents of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Also discussed was his 57% career three-point shooting as a player, the challenges of the Ivy League, and what has been his hardest time as a coach.
2018-12-1934 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisGonzaga head coach Lisa FortierGonzaga head coach Lisa Fortier joined me to talk all about her program's success, both when she was an assistant and when she took over as the head coach five seasons ago.
We discuss the challenges in having so much success and what happens when they lose, the confidence she learned to have in herself over time, how her team handled losing their best player from a season ago when she unexpectedly decided to graduate, and the story of a player leaving behind her appendix in Missouri.
2018-12-1826 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisYale head coach Allison GuthYale head coach Allison Guth joined me today and we talked about a lot. We covered why she took the Yale job and the apparent attraction to academically challenging schools, her team's 19 win season a year ago and why a WBI championship was so important to them, and what her team is like now.
We also discuss "Guth's Goodies" and her incredible streak of running 4-6 miles a day for a year straight, even if that meant running at 3 a.m.
2018-12-1349 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisLouisville head coach Jeff WalzLouisville head coach Jeff Walz joins me and we cover a variety of topics. We discuss his climb up the coaching ladder and how unexpected it was for him, how his program has been able to be so successful and some of the, err, "questionable" officiating (my words, not his) in the game.
We also talk about if he is color blind or not, his stutter and how he has gotten over his fear of public speaking, and a great Angel McCoughtry story.
2018-12-1232 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSt. John's head coach Joe TartamellaJoe Tartamella, the head coach at St. John's, has been a part of the women's basketball program in Queens since 2002. I talk to him about his unusual climb while staying at one place, the program's success and why they are able to play UConn so tough time and time again.
We also discuss one of the best practice teams ever, the end of his playing career in the over-30 league and what to expect from his team moving forward.
2018-12-0329 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisMinnesota Lynx GM And Head Coach Cheryl ReeveCheryl Reeve, GM and head coach of the Minnesota Lynx was kind enough to join me in person in their downtown Minneapolis offices. We talked about her crying in her first ever college game, how her former bosses have helped mold her, who would in a fight between all the WNBA coaches and what needs to be down to foster real growth in the WNBA.
2018-11-2135 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisNorth Alabama head coach Missy TiberMissy Tiber, head coach of the University of North Alabama, joins me to talk about her team's first season at the D1 level and what it's been like since their upset of Vanderbilt in their first game. We also discuss her journey to North Alabama and how the success (and failures) in her career have led her to this point.
We also talk about her team's 5-0 start and what the expectations are moving forward.
2018-11-2027 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisThanksgiving Draft with Rebecca Lobo, Steve Rushin and Eric ThibaultESPN analyst and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo, Sports Illustrated writer and former National Sportswriter of the Year (and author) Steve Rushin, and Washington Mystics assistant coach Eric Thibault all joined me to talk about... Thanksgiving.
We had a Thanksgiving draft. How ridiculous.
2018-11-1948 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisUCLA head coach Cori CloseWith the college season beginning today (!!), I was joined by UCLA head coach Cori Close. We talked about her team's breakthrough to the Elite Eight last season and what her expectations are after losing a great senior class.
We also get into Cori's faith and how that drives her coaching, plus a deep talk about her purpose as a coach.
2018-11-0630 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisOregon head coach Kelly GravesJoining me for this episode is Oregon head coach Kelly Graves. Fresh off of a #3 ranking, the highest preseason ranking in program history, Kelly and I talk about his team and the lofty expectations put on them. We also talk about the growth of Sabrina Ionescu, his star point guard and potential #1 pick in the WNBA draft if she chooses to leave.
We also talk about his small roster (only 9 healthy players), the expereience that a few of their players got while representing Team USA in the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and about a tough non-conference schedule.
2018-11-0234 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisArizona head coach Adia BarnesArizona head coach Adia Barnes hops on the podcast with me to talk about her program and the rebuilding process. I ask her why the program has struggled since she left as a player and what needs to happen to get them competing again.
We also talk about how she averaged over 17 PPG in her career yet only hit three three-pointers.
2018-11-0233 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSouth Carolina and Team USA head coach Dawn StaleyDawn Staley of South Carolina and Team USA joined me. 'Nuff said.
2018-11-0136 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisWashington head coach Jody WynnToday I was joined by Jody Wynn, second-year head coach of the Washington Huskies. We talked about her time as a head coach at Long Beach State before taking the UW job and what some of the challenges have been, including leaving a winning program to take over a rebuild job.
We also discussed her past as an assistant coach in the PAC-12, the prospects of her team moving forward and one time when she took a team to her parent's house where there were photos of a young Jody with big hair.
2018-10-3131 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisUtah head coach Lynne RobertsJoining me for this episode is Utah head coach Lynne Roberts. We discussed her super competitive nature and how she once missed spring workouts during her playing career due to injury but still played in an intramural soccer game. The outcome wasn't great.
We also talk about her career as a coach in which she has been tasked with rebuilding three programs and if that was something she ever expected. We also talk about her team this season and what their expectations are.
2018-10-2927 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisCal head coach Lindsay GottliebCalifornia head coach Lindsay Gottlieb joined me as she heads into her 8th season as the Golden Bears head coach. We talk about her wedding this summer (hooray!)as well as some of her childhood.
We then get into her time at Cal and if she feels like her team's run to the Final Four in her second season set expectations at a lofty level moving forward. We also get into her team and the expectations this season with the top 3 leading scorers all returning.
2018-10-2535 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisLSU head coach Nikki FargasLSU head coach Nikki Fargas joined me to discuss her journey from a player at Tennesee all the way to head coach at LSU. On the brink of career win number 200, Nikki tells me about the transition from UCLA to LSU, her team's history of outperforming expectations and what to expect going forward.
She also talks about Fourth Quarter Fridays, a unique training that her team went through this summer.
2018-10-2339 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisGeorgia head coach Joni TaylorJoni Taylor, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, becomes the first two time guest on The Jump Around! We talk about her background a bit, what got her into college coaching and why Athens, Georgia is such a special place.
We also talk about her team's successful run last season that ended much earlier than they expected it to. What led to that and what will need to happen this season to make it last longer were both discussed as well.
2018-10-1624 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisArkansas head coach Mike NeighborsJoining me for this episode is Arkansas head coach Mike Neighbors. After leading Washington to Final Four and Sweet Sixteen appearances, Neighbors took his dream job back at his alma mater. His journey to get there, though, wasn't so simple.
A heart attack at 29, then another one several years later, help lead Neighbors down a path that led him back to Fayetteville. We also discuss his love of music and how he ended up playing on a stage with the SEC Network's and women's basketball coaching legend Nell Fortner the day before the SEC Tournament.
2018-10-1130 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisKentucky head coach Matthew MitchellKentucky head coach Matthew Mitchell joined me to talk about his surprising journey to his current position. A man with dreams of being a principal and coach at the youth level, a chance to serve on Pat Summit's staff at Tennessee changed all of that.
We also talk about his Kentucky team failing to make the postseason for the first time in his 11-season tenure and why he is so optimistic going forward.
2018-10-1122 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisMississippi State head coach Vic SchaeferMississippi State head coach Vic Schaefer joined me to discuss his incredible run in Starkville. We talk about the pieces his team has lost but what we can expect from his still talented roster. I also ask him if he ever expected his program to reach the heights that it has.
We also talk about his love of fishing and golf, plus what his plans are once his coaching days are finished.
2018-10-1023 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisOle Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuinNewly hired Ole Miss women's basketball head coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin, better known as "Coach Yo" joined me in a wide-ranging conversation.
We discuss her time at Jacksonville and how she found success at a place that hadn't had much of that before her time there. We also discuss her Ole Miss team, her expectations and the difficulties she faced (and still faces) after taking the job.
Also discussed is her place as a female head coach and what she hopes to do as a successful woman in her position. That conversation also included how race places into things and the...
2018-10-0936 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAuburn head coach Terri Williams-FlournoyToday I was joined by Terri Williams-Flournoy, known as Coach Flo to many. We talk about her journey from Georgetown to Auburn and what made her switch to the full court, havoc type defense they play (a defense that forced 23 turnovers per game last season, 3rd most in the country).
We talk about the difficulty of building a program and what to expect from her Auburn team that has both a lot of talented returners and newcomers. She also tells me how importance of having a staff that she can trust and get along with (two of her assistants have...
2018-10-0427 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAlabama head coach Kristy CurryAlabama head coach Kristy Curry joins me today as talk about her journey from being a 21-year-old high school coach all the way to where she is today.
We discuss her making the Final Four three out of four years (two as an assistant at Louisiana Tech and one as the head coach at Purdue) and how difficult it is to get back.
We also talk about her time at Alabama, the team's expectations and what to expect from her Tide team with a lot of new faces.
2018-10-0326 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisTennessee head coach Holly WarlickTennessee head coach Holly Warlick joined me to talk all things Lady Vols. We discussed her playing time at Tennessee, followed by her long stay as both an assistant and a head coach.
I asked her how the constant chatted of people wanting her fired affects her and if that noise gets too loud sometimes. We also discussed the tension that seems to have been around the program for the past few seasons.
Finally, we discuss this season's team, the importance of Meme Jackson and what makes this freshman class so special.
2018-10-0232 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisFlorida head coach Cameron NewbauerFlorida head coach Cameron Newbauer joined me on the pod and was extremely open about his shortcomings as a head coach. We talk about him, in his words, wasn't coaching the way his kids needed and how he fixed it.
We also talked about his journey to Florida starting way back in his days as a men's coach before working for Andy Landers at Georiga. After that, we talk about this year's Florida team and what to expect from them going forward.
Cam then ended the interview with a joke so bad, it was kinda good.
2018-10-0127 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisVanderbilt head coach Stephanie WhiteAs I begin my preview of the upcoming SEC WBB season, Vanderbilt head coach Stephanie White joined me to talk about her journey to the program. Now entering Year 3, White tells me what improvements her team has made, plus the ones they need to continue to make. We discuss her staff's success on the recruiting trail (#19 class in the nation this past year) and what to expect from this year's Commodore team.
2018-09-2720 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisWriter Jessica LutherI'm joined by Jessica Luther, a freelance writer whose work came to national prominence when she, along with Dan Soloman, broke open the Baylor football sexual assault story. Since then, Jessica has been at the forefront of journalists breaking these types of stories (she also had a big hand in the Dallas Mavericks story that broke earlier this year).
We discussed the Baylor story, but also talked a lot about Ohio State and Urban Meyer. We also talked about how she personally deals with hearing these types of stories daily, what can be done to help fix the problem and...
2018-09-0528 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisThe ThibaultsThe long-awaited family episode. I sit down with Washington Mystics head coach and general manager Mike Thibault, Mystics assistant coach Eric Thibault, University of Minnesota assistant coach Carly Thibault, plus Mike's wife Nanci (affectionately known as Pants) and Eric's fiancee Dreya.
We talk all things Mystics, WNBA season, Mike's career, the growth of the sport and more. We also have a WNBA player's name spelling bee which may or may not have been rigged.
2018-08-1953 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisTCU Head Coach Raegan PebleyTCU women's basketball head coach and Dallas Wings lead TV analyst Raegan Pebley joins me to discuss both of her basketball roles.
We talked about the staff she was on at Colorado State with Tom Collen, Nicki Collen, Curt Miller and Becky Hammon, her appointment as a 26-year-old head coach at Utah State and how that led her here. Plus, how she got into TV and all that she has learned in that role.
2018-08-0728 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisAtlanta Dream Head Coach Nicki CollenAtlanta Dream head coach Nicki Collen, the WNBA Coach of the Month in July, sits down with me the night before the Dream's game at Minnesota. We dive into Collen's journey to her current position, talk about her taking the Dream job andTiffany Hayes' snub from the All-Star Game.
I also get her to tell me a fun Curt MIller story.
2018-08-0534 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisESPN Analyst Brooke WeisbrodESPN basketball analyst Brooke Weisbrod joined me to discuss her journey from college basketball to broadcasting, with all the twists and turns in between. She also talked about her work with WNBA kicks, some of her favorite moments while broadcasting and also shared some of her struggles post-playing career.
Somehow, we had a four-round draft of breakfast foods as well. I think I won.
2018-08-0335 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisRoyce White - Part 2This is part 2 of my 2 part discussion with former NBA 1st round draft pick Royce White. We talk more about mental health and how it's dealt with among the general public, his basketball career since last playing in the NBA, what his end goal is and what legacy he wants to leave behind.
*Note- episode contains minor adult language at times
2018-07-2350 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisRoyce White-Part 1Former Iowa State star and first-round NBA draft pick Royce White sits down with me to discuss the arc of his career, his battle with the NBA on how they handle mental health, and his overall view on mental health and how people approach it. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.
*Note- episode contains minor adult language at times
2018-07-1950 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisSydney WieseLos Angles Sparks guard Sydney Wiese calls in to chat about her Final Four run at Oregon State, the difficult transition from college to the WNBA and about teammate Essence Carson's music career. She also tells a story about almost getting struck by lightning.
2018-06-2931 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisKayla McBrideFollowing a career night where she scored 38 points, Kayla McBride sits down with me to discuss the game. She also talks about her maturity since coming into the league, being honored at Notre Dame, the transition from San Antonio to Las Vegas, her passion for telling the stories of other players in the WNBA and much more.
2018-06-2923 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisKaela Davis And Allisha GrayCurrent members of the Dallas Wings and former South Carolina Gamecocks Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray join me before their game in Minnesota. We talk about their national championship run and their time with the Wings. We also discuss who Gamecock nation loves more: Dawn Staley or her dog, Champ.
2018-06-1914 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisJim Jabir - FAUI chat with Florida Atlantic head coach Jim Jabir about his long (and interesting) career. Jabir took Dayton to the Elite Eight in 2015 and was even leading UConn at halftime of that game. He has had a ton of success but has had some failures too. We talk about how those changed him and impact his coaching today.
We also talk about his time coaching in Europe, his love of reading and we have a really good talk about the best pizza in New York.
2018-05-2231 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisRobyn Fralick - BGSUNew Bowling Green State University women's basketball head coach Robyn Fralick joins me today to discuss her new job. We also cover her 104-3 record as a head coach, the challenges she faces at BGSU and how she plans to attack them, plus what is the legacy she hopes to one day leave.
We cover all of this and more!
2018-05-1820 min
The Jump Around with Blake DuDonisEmily PotterFormer Utah WBB player Emily Potter talks to me about her decision to write an article for her school newspaper that detailed her battle with depression. We talk about what it took to get to that point, her low points in that fight and what her life has been like since the article.
We also discuss her food instagram, her homemade cake pops and her love of Christmas.
2018-05-1125 min