We preview the Navy volleyball season by talking to head coach Paco Labrador and senior team captain Grace Burgoyne. After being beset by injuries last season, the Midshipmen are healthy and have high hopes. American is the overwhelming favorite in the Patriot League, but Navy fully intends to contend. We close out the podcast with the Weekly Report on notable Navy Athletics news and results.

Last week, the Naval Academy Athletic Association announced an extension of its sponsorship agreement with USAA. This expanded agreement is highlighted by USAA being named an "Anchor Partner." In this special episode of the Anchors Aweigh podcast we take an in-depth look at the sponsorship partnership by talking to Navy athletic director Michael Kelly and Chris Curtin, chief marketing officer for USAA.

The Anchors Aweigh podcast previews the Navy women's soccer season by talking to legendary head coach Carin Gabarra and junior defender Lauren Toms. The Midshipmen return a ton of talent and are looking to bounce back after failing to qualify for the Patriot League Tournament in 2025. Coach Gabarra likes what she sees out of this squad, which has great depth and competitiveness at every position.

Navy men's soccer begins a new era under first-year head coach John Hackworth, who arrives in Annapolis with an impressive resume and sterling reputation. Coach Hackworth talks about his plans for transforming Navy into a championship contender. Senior defender Alex Galloway joins to discuss the upcoming season and how happy the players are to have such a distinguished coach now leading the program.

Listen to a special episode of the combined Anchors Aweigh and Navy Football podcasts in partnership with WNAV Radio. Todd Bartley and Bill Wagner talk Navy football and Pete Medhurst. We also have outstanding interviews with former Navy quarterback Blake Horvath and Mike James, publisher of The Mid Report and color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network.

The Anchors Aweigh podcast covering all things Navy Athletics closed out the 2025-26 season with a special episode highlighting our generous sponsors. We sincerely thank presenting sponsor The Graduate Annapolis Hotel along with associate sponsors Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Scott Schuetter and Crew Real Estate and Naval Academy Business Services Division. Both the Anchors Aweigh and Navy Football podcasts are part of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation "Fleet of Podcasts."

Naval Academy athletic director Michael Kelly is the featured guest for our annual Live Taping from The Graduate Annapolis Hotel, presenting sponsor of the Anchors Aweigh podcast. We review the 2025-26 school year for Navy Athletics with Michael discussing the many successes during his first year as AD. We also talk to Caitlin Kane of the Navy Letterwinners Association and Rene Clemente, general manager of The Graduate Annapolis.

We talk to Don Hughes, executive director of the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation to get an update on the organization's activities. What was long known as the Athletic and Scholarship program recently rebranded. Navy baseball coach Chuck Ristano joins the pod to discuss the $5 million renovation of Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.