With basketball season around the corner, we’re rewinding one of our favorites: Kahil Fennell. In this revisited episode, Kahil dives into culture-building, player development, and the mindset it takes to compete when the lights get bright. We revisit his story, his coaching philosophies, and the habits that translate from practice to game day—perfect fuel as hoops season tips off.
What You’ll Hear
Kahil’s approach to leadership, accountability, and team culture
Scouting, film, and the details that decide close games
How to keep players locked in over a long season
Lessons for athletes, coaches, and fans heading into opening week
Join the Conversation
Drop your predictions for this season and your favorite takeaway from Kahil’s episode. Subscribe for more tip-off content, player spotlights, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Maria Ben Earlingsdottir joins the show from Iceland! A standout basketball player for the women's team, she talks about the struggles she faced playing during her time on campus and the special relationship she shares with Bianca Torres.
This week’s guest is Miguel Marquez, Saddle Up Podcast's very 1st, 'Saddle Up Stan"— is a Nikki Rowe HS alum, UTPA graduate, and Nurse Practitioner based in McAllen. Miguel joins G and Matt for a fast-moving, laugh-filled episode that delivers a Saddle Up first: a live gender reveal for his and his wife’s second child.Miguel shares stories from growing up in the RGV to building a career in healthcare, life with his wife and daughter, and what’s next for their growing family. He also dishes on two unforgettable moments: the mystery of G’s never-delivered Wing Barn gift certificates, and the chance encounter where he finally met Matt—on a flight.
In this episode of Saddle Up, we spotlight Isaac Lopez, a standout graduate student for the UTRGV Vaqueros baseball team and a proud Vela High School alum from Edinburg. Isaac has consistently impressed this season, earning recognition as a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which honors the top shortstops in the nation.UTRGV AthleticsFrom the stat sheet to the spotlight:Isaac is ranked 68th in the NCAA in hits per game (1.47) and 5th in the Southland Conference, while also posting a .347 batting average. UTRGV AthleticsHe has delivered 22 multi-hit games and contributed 12 multi-RBI performances this year. In our chat, Isaac opens up about:His roots in Edinburg and journey from Vela to Division IThe training and mindset behind his breakout seasonWhat it means to be named among the top shortstops in the country.
His goals—both for the rest of the season and beyond baseballThis is a must-watch for Vaquero fans, baseball lovers, and anyone who appreciates hard work paying off on the diamond.
In this episode of Saddle Up, we welcome Isela “Sel” Gomez, UTRGV alumna and the first full‑time Head Coach of the UTRGV Spirit Program, to share her inspiring vision and journey building spirit, dance, cheer, and mascot excellence at the university.
Isela returned home to the Valley to lead UTRGV’s expanded Spirit Program, overseeing cheer, dance, and mascot teams and helping bring new traditions to campus life. University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley+2utrgvrider.com+2 With a foundation in dance (she holds a bachelor’s degree in Dance from legacy UTPA) and years of work in local dance and drill programs, she brings both expertise and heart to this role. University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley+1
In our conversation, Isela discusses:
What motivated her to return and lead the Spirit Program
The challenges and opportunities in growing a collegiate spirit organization from the ground up
Collaboration with her staff, including cheer and dance coaches, and the role of the spirit program in supporting athletics and campus engagement
The rollout of new features like a UTRGV drill team debuting Fall 2025 KRGV+1
Her goals for elevating the program competitively, institutionally, and in the community
Whether you’re involved in spirit/dance, athletics, or campus life — this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the work and passion needed to build culture, pride, and momentum.
A Dallas native and one of a handful of athletes who competed all four years of eligibility for the University, Lesley Varner II shares his story, from his first bucket to his current role as a professional basketball player in Greece.
Discover the inspiring story of celebrity chef Arturo Ramon, a Brownsville native featured on some of the nation’s top cooking shows. In this episode, Arturo shares how he launched his culinary career, his vision for future food projects, and his powerful experience feeding tens of thousands of people during the Kerrville flood relief effort. Perfect for fans of Texas cooking, food culture, and chef interviews, this conversation offers behind-the-scenes insights and inspiration for food lovers everywhere.
Matt Hall is no Deion Sanders, but he is one of the only 2 sport athletes at the University of Texas-Pan American. The Houston native shares his story of being recruited and some of his favorite memories in Edinburg.
One of the best players to ever play basketball in La Joya, behind Juan Muniz and Adan Montalvo. Eric Montalvo has always played passion and extreme confidence! Listen to his story and how he is passing that knowledge to RGV youth with his academy!
This week Matt & G take a moment to clear up some misconceptions surrounding being a guest on the show. They also talk about leaving a legacy at UTRGV.
This is the man they call, 'Cool'?! JeRon Allen joins the show this week and his legacy is forever forged on the campus of UTRGV. Learn about how his path got him to Edinburg and how his heart now and his love for the RGV remains with the community.
One of the most beloved and grittiest basketball players to ever play in the Field House, Julie Shakin, joins the show this week! She is a HOF'r in our book and one of the coolest and most down to earth people to ever walk the covered walk-ways. LFG!
This week we have one of the best attorneys in the Rio Grande Valley. Leah Wise is a force! Whether she is fighting for her clients, sharing on social media or designing a fashion line, Leah gets it done! Check her out now!
Kenny Gardner, professional basketball referee and actor, joins the show this week. He talks about growing up playing for Coach G, his one moment he would go back in time for, and how Spike Lee curved him at lunch! This is an episode you don't want to miss.
Head Football Coach and Brownsville City Commissioner, Tino Villareal, joins the show this week.
Season 5 starts now!!! Former UTPA Basketball Alumni, Art Ormond, joins the show this week to talk about his time playing for AND coaching the Broncs! It's a trip down the covered walk-way for sure!!! LFG!
This week G and Matt review the 100 previous episodes and start a new game. Check it out.
In this episode, we sit down with Millicent Olivarez, the vibrant lifestyle host of KRGV Channel 5’s Take 5, a daily program that highlights the people, businesses, and culture of the Rio Grande Valley. With a background in reporting and a passion for storytelling, Millicent brings a fresh perspective to local television.From exploring unique coffee shops to embarking on paranormal investigations, Millicent's segments offer viewers an engaging look at the diverse experiences the RGV has to offer. Her dedication to showcasing the heart of the community has made her a beloved figure among viewers.
Did you know that UTRGV has 4X National Championship team? That's right, 4X National Championship Coach, Bartek Macieja, who is the Chess Grand Master for UTRGV joins the show this week to talk about how he got to Brownsville from Poland and his passion for the game of chess! Your move... LFG!
Kris Gardner, a professional comedian & actor joins the show this week! His history with being coached by Coach G comes up along with his NFL dreams while working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Find out what he is doing now and how you can find him on tour.
