Former college basketball player and Shining Athletes intern Nyah Wilson joins Tyler Baum and Erin Molay to share her journey from Duncanville High School’s winning culture to the challenges of college athletics. She opens up about mental health, recruiting, character, and social media—offering valuable advice for athletes, parents, and coaches.

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In this episode, Tyler Baum and Erin Molay sit down with Deerfield native and Illinois State captain Brandon Lieb to dive into his basketball journey. Brandon reflects on growing up in a tight-knit basketball community, navigating an unusual COVID-era recruiting process, and earning a spot at the University of Illinois before transferring to Illinois State in search of a bigger role. He shares what it was like to transition from high school standout to Division I athlete, what it takes on a day-to-day basis to succeed as a student-athlete, and the lessons he learned about leadership. Brandon also opens up about being voted team captain, the Redbirds’ pursuit of an NCAA tournament berth, and his advice for young athletes and families navigating the recruiting landscape.

In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, hosts Tyler Baum and Erin Molay sit down with soccer standout and new Shining Athletes team member Allie Goerge. Allie opens up about the twists and turns of her recruiting journey, including making one of the latest commitment decisions you’ll ever hear, and how patience and perseverance shaped her path. She shares what it was really like competing at Virginia Tech, the lessons she learned from playing at the highest college level, and how those experiences prepared her for her transition into professional soccer. Beyond her playing career, Allie talks about why she’s passionate about joining Shining Athletes and how she hopes to guide the next generation of student-athletes through the same challenges she faced. Whether you’re an athlete navigating recruiting, a parent supporting the journey, or just someone who loves hearing inspiring stories, this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and motivation. Tune in now to hear how Allie turned a late decision into a lifelong dream, and why it’s never too late to chase your goals.