Today I’m joined by Madison head coach Justin Counts, fresh off a huge win over Concorde rival South Lakes that puts the Warhawks right back in the playoff picture. We talk about how the 2025 Warhawks have evolved after losing so many key players from last year’s team that came up just short in the state final. Coach Counts walks us through a tough 4–4 start, where every game has been a battle—quite a contrast to last season, when Madison cruised through the regular schedule. We also look ahead to the remaining Concorde matchups and discuss the keys to making another deep postseason run.
Today I’m joined by Yorktown head coach Joe Keimig, who enters his third season leading the Patriots’ varsity program. We talk about what he’s learned at a school known for its high expectations and strong community support, and the great backing he’s received within the building. We also look back on a successful 20-win campaign in 2024–25, and take an in-depth look at the 2025–26 Patriots, led by standout point guard Jake Coulam. Coach Keimig brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to Yorktown, and it’s always a pleasure catching up with him.
Forest Boyce joins me fresh off another iconic victory — this time aboard Henry Walters’ Barbadian Runner in the 2025 Maryland Million Classic, one of the premier events on the Maryland racing calendar. Forest is among the most accomplished female riders in racing history, with over 1,000 wins and more than $40 million in career purses. We catch up on the evolving Maryland racing scene — from the closing of Laurel Park to the impact of HISA on jockeys — and talk about how her approach to riding has changed over time. Of course, we also dive into her thrilling ride aboard local sensation Barbadian Runner. It’s always a pleasure catching up with Forest!
West Potomac basketball coach David Houston returns to reflect on a memorable 2024-25 season that ended in controversy, share his experiences balancing life as both a coach and a sports dad, and preview his team and the Northern Virginia basketball scene for 2025-26. We discuss the increasing movement of players between public and private schools, his own family’s decisions about where his children should play, and what continues to inspire his coaching after 25 years on the sidelines. We wrap up with a look at the players and teams expected to make an impact in the upcoming season.
Good Counsel Coach Mike Mastrantuano joins me to talk about his move to the Montgomery County WCAC powerhouse. We discuss the transition from coaching elite club teams to high school, the expectations of today’s players and parents, and some of the recent shifts in the soccer landscape. Coach Mastro also breaks down this year’s Good Counsel squad, which is off to a terrific start, and shares his thoughts on the U.S. National Team. I always learn something new when I catch up with Coach Mastro—it was great to reconnect!
Kallie Hovatter ranks among the greatest players in Valley history — a four-time All-State selection at Stonewall Jackson (Quicksburg) who twice led the Generals to the state playoffs. After an injury-plagued collegiate career at St. Joe’s and Elon, she went on to play professionally for 13 years in Australia. Kallie joins me to share her remarkable journey and the keys to becoming one of Virginia's most prolific scorers. We also discuss legendary NBA referee George Toliver, who coached her in AAU and helped her gain the exposure that was hard to find in small-town Shenandoah County. Now thriving in her career at Apple, we catch up with Kallie while she’s home visiting from her home base in Toronto, Canada.
South Lakes track and cross country standout Caroline Elliott has already cemented her legacy as one of the most decorated runners of her generation, and she’s now closing in on the legendary Alan Webb’s school record of 17 event records. Caroline joins me to reflect on her incredible list of achievements, including 14 state titles, four national relay championships, and four Washington Post All-Met selections, as she enters her senior year. We talk about the keys to her remarkable success, her goals for her final high school season, and her recent commitment to run for the University of Virginia, where she hopes to continue building on her extraordinary career.
Jockey and nurse Skyler Spanabel joins me to discuss her fascinating dual life—balancing two demanding careers as both a general practice nurse and a professional jockey competing at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. We talk about how she manages to thrive in two completely different worlds, and the joy she finds in each.Skyler shares her thoughts on some of the major issues facing horse racing today, including HISA and the growing concern over immigration raids at the track. She’s enjoyed success riding for Saffie Joseph Jr., one of the sport’s top young trainers, and offers her unique insight into what makes the talented Barbados native such a standout in the game.We wrap up by looking ahead to the upcoming winter racing season in South Florida—when the “snowbirds" and big-name riders arrive for the Gulfstream Championship Meet, while Skyler heads west to compete at Tampa Bay Downs.
Today on the Sunday Morning Conversation, I’m joined by Woodson Head Coach Doug Craig to reflect on the Cavaliers’ remarkable 2024–25 season—one that saw them come just a half away from a state championship. We also look ahead to this year’s squad and explore everything that shapes Northern Virginia basketball. Coach Craig shares updates on last year’s standout seniors and where they’ve landed in college, introduces the key players driving this year’s team, and weighs in on ongoing challenges like private school transfers and new off-season regulations for public programs. We wrap up by turning up the heat on his coaching peers, as Coach Craig names the teams and players he expects to shine this season.
Broad Run forward Ryan Brzezanski made an immediate impact in his first year at the Ashburn school, helping lead the Spartans to their first district title in years and to within one game of the state tournament. Ryan joins me to talk about his goals for the 2025–26 season, what he’s looking for in a college program, and the experiences that shaped him into the outstanding all-around player he is today. A great young man with a bright future ahead.
South County head coach Mike Robinson joins me on the Sunday Morning Conversation to reflect on his remarkable basketball journey and to break down this year’s Stallions. A Peoria, Illinois native from a true basketball family, Robinson averaged more than 30 points per game in high school before committing to legendary coach Gene Keady at Purdue, where he was a steady double-figure scorer throughout his career. Following a decade-long professional run in Europe, he returned to his wife's home to coach, starting on Tony Bentley’s staff at Wakefield before taking over at South County. Since then, he’s built a powerhouse—winning two state championships and sending numerous players on to the college ranks.
We explore the biggest issues in today’s game: the challenges of youth basketball, dealing with parents, the shrinking number of Division I opportunities, the experience of coaching your own son, and the grind of competing in the rugged Patriot Conference. A great conversation with one of the area’s most successful coaches!
I sat down with Langley Coach Amanda Baker to reflect on the Saxons’ 2024–25 season, culminating in a Northern Region championship. We discuss the surge of women’s professional sports and how that momentum influences her players and coaching style. Coach Baker also highlights some of the area’s top programs, including Osbourn Park—led by her former high school coach, Chrissy Kelley—and St. James Academy, a new private school already making headlines this offseason. Known for trusting freshmen with big roles, she shares why young players have consistently stepped up for her at Langley. We wrap up with a look ahead to the 2025–26 Saxons and the players who could make the biggest impact.
Today I caught up with American University forward Greg Jones to reflect on his outstanding sophomore season and to look ahead at the '25-6 Eagles. We discussed what led to his major leap in year two and the key lessons gained from that growth.We then turned our attention to this year's team and how Coach Simpkins plans to integrate a number of young players into the rotation. Greg shared his thoughts on how the college game differs from high school basketball, and whether he still reflects on his prep playing days.We wrapped up by reminiscing about some of those massive high school moments and got his take on how this year's Hayfield team will perform under the terrific Coach Carlos Poindexter.
Today I caught up with South Lakes Head Coach Mike Desmond to talk about what has been a busy and eventful offseason and to preview both his Seahawks team and the Northern Virginia basketball scene.Coach Des had been linked to the open Battlefield job earlier this summer and has also been dealing with some health challenges, which he updates us on during our conversation. We also explore the development of his top players in recent years, including standout forward Jordan Scott, now at Michigan State, who dominated the local scene over the past three seasons.Coach Des reflects on South Lakes’ historic two-year state championship run, and we discuss whether the current development paths available to young players are truly meeting their needs.Finally, we preview this year's Seahawks team and take a look around the region, including a deep and talented Westfield squad that is drawing a lot of attention.It is always a fun and insightful conversation when I sit down with Coach Des.
I'm joined today by Hayfield head coach Carlos Poindexter for an in-depth look at the evolving NOVA hoops landscape. We reflect on some of the area’s top high school talent from recent years and discuss whether those players have landed at the college level that matches their potential. We also explore the rising trend of transfers to private schools, the various private school pathways available, and why some athletes are choosing to remain in the public school system. Coach Poindexter weighs in on recent changes to Virginia's off-season participation rules and gives us an early preview of the upcoming high school season. He breaks down preseason favorite Westfield and highlights the teams best positioned to challenge them for the crown. Always great catching up with Coach Carlos!
In the early years of Robinson High School, a pair of twins led the Rams to instant success—culminating in a district championship during their senior year in 1974, only the second varsity team in the school’s history.At the same time, their father, Jack Caulfield, was playing a key role in one of the most pivotal chapters of American history. As a security and political operative for the Nixon Administration, Jack found himself testifying before the Senate Watergate Committee. Despite the national spotlight, he managed to shield his family from the public eye, allowing his sons to enjoy a fairly typical high school experience in the rapidly growing suburbs of Washington, D.C.Now, Chris and Rich Caulfield join me to share their remarkable story and answer a question that’s lingered in the minds of many Northern Virginia basketball fans: Whatever happened to the Caulfield brothers—the standout duo who once commanded the Rams’ backcourt?The answer: They're doing great.
Today, I’m joined by Patriot Basketball Coach Sherman Rivers for his always honest and insightful take on the Northern Virginia sports scene. With his son now the starting quarterback at Patriot High School—as just a freshman—we discuss what it’s like spending his basketball “off-season” in the role of football parent and youth coach, especially as he’s also leading his youngest son’s Anklebiter team.We explore the tough decisions he faces when it comes to school choices for his talented kids—and how those decisions line up with his views as a coach who has seen many players opt for private school programs. Coach Rivers also shares his perspective on the growing trend of sports academies built around online learning, and whether that model truly benefits young athletes.Then we turn our focus to basketball—breaking down the top contenders heading into the 2025–26 season—and take a closer look at what’s ahead for his Patriot squad.It’s always a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation when Coach Rivers joins the show!
Today, we explore the Loudoun County high school basketball scene with some of the area's top coaches:Ben Farquhar, HeritageJeff Hawes, Potomac FallsJacob Krogh, Broad RunMichael Newkirk, TuscaroraKonstantine Papastergiou, WoodgroveThese coaches share their basketball backgrounds and reflect on the recent success of their programs. We also discuss the broader landscape of high school basketball in Loudoun County, touching on the rising influence of private schools on rosters and new rule changes impacting offseason play.From there, we analyze each district—spotlighting the top teams and players to watch as we head into the 2025–26 season.It’s always a pleasure to connect with coaches who are passionate about the game and committed to their players and communities.
Today I'm joined by Virginia Prep's Matthew Hatfield for a preview of the 2025 Virginia high school football season!Contents:00:00 Intro; Virginia Preps to ON3; Coach Young to Smithfield HS hoops; Gary Hall to Martinsville HS hoops06:15 Off season controversy: Hayfield/St James, Fairfax, Maury/Oscar Smith drama16:02 Opening week previews: Oscar Smith at Gonzaga; Stone Bridge at Madison28:50 Class 6 preview: Can Oscar Smith repeat?39:15 Class 5 preview: Maury's biggest rivals should be local44:29 Class 4 preview: Phoebus and Varina again?46:55 Class 3 preview: Will Heritage overcome local rival Liberty Christian?50:07 Class 2 preview: Can Graham repeat in a wide open division?53:14 Class 1 preview: A strong Essex looks for another title56:30 Virginia College Football: How many wins for each team?
Today, I caught up with Coach Tim Lenzo, who was recently promoted to Girls Academy Director at Alexandria Soccer. We discussed his vision for this ambitious and well-resourced club, which has access to a deep pool of talented players. Our conversation covered the unique challenges of developing programs specifically for girls, and how coaching girls can differ from coaching boys. We also explored the playing style of the Alexandria girls’ teams and the club’s efforts to support its athletes in pursuing college opportunities. As a former Marine, Tim brings humility and strong leadership to his role—always an inspiring presence whenever I connect with him.
