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Tony Reali brings listeners behind the scenes of his remarkable 23-year journey at ESPN in this candid, reflective conversation about sports broadcasting, personal growth, and authentic connection.

Starting with his early days at Fordham University's WFUV radio station, Reali shares how being told his Jersey accent "wasn't good for the Bronx" became just one of many moments where constructive criticism shaped his broadcasting evolution. His transition from play-by-play to hosting wasn't planned but emerged organically from his personality and conversational style, eventually leading to his breakthrough role on "Pardon the Interruption" before becoming the face of "Around the Horn" for nearly 5,000 episodes.

What truly distinguishes this conversation is Reali's philosophical approach to sports television. He reveals the intentional artistry behind "Around the Horn," from the purposefully inexplicable scoring system ("because life scores us all differently every day") to creating a show that mirrored Sunday family dinners where passionate debates ended in deeper connections. His hosting philosophy evolved from showcasing sports knowledge to facilitating genuine human moments – making "Around the Horn" feel less like a television program and more like conversations with friends.

Perhaps most powerfully, Reali discusses his willingness to bring his full self to television, including discussions of anxiety and grief. His transparent sharing about the stillbirth of his son Amadeo demonstrates how vulnerability can create meaningful connections even through a sports show. As he reflects on his final "Around the Horn" episode and placing the mute button on the floor, Reali expresses not bitterness but gratitude and triumph at the journey.

Looking ahead, hear why Reali feels drawn to create content that strengthens family bonds through sports, particularly between fathers and children. His vision for using the car rides to and from games as moments of connection reveals his continuing belief in sports as a vehicle for something much more profound than just entertainment.

Ready to explore how great sports television gets made? Press play and discover the thoughtful philosophy behind one of ESPN's most beloved personalities.

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From underdogs to champions – Rome Free Academy's softball team has rewritten their program's history under first-year coach Cowell. After 32 years without a sectional title, this junior-heavy squad finally climbed the mountain by embracing a philosophy that's as simple as it is powerful: believe you belong, play with confidence, and never fear the moment.

What makes this championship run remarkable isn't just breaking a three-decade drought – it's how they've done it. Freshman pitcher Emelia Szymanski has emerged as a dominant force in the circle, displaying control well beyond her years. Meanwhile, the versatility of players like sophomore Sage Pelton shifting positions and Gianna Greer embracing the outfield demonstrates the team-first mentality that's become their hallmark.

Coach Cowell's "attitude and effort" mantra resonates through every aspect of this team. When they found themselves trailing against West Genesee in terrible conditions, they rallied for a comeback victory. When they faced Baldwinsville in the sectional finals, they jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The team's chemistry is palpable – they even wore temporary tattoos of Coach Cowell's face during their semifinal victory, showcasing the joy they bring to competition.

The impact reaches beyond today's roster. Young girls throughout Rome now have homegrown champions to admire, creating a pipeline for future success. As women's sports continue gaining deserved attention nationwide, this Rome team represents the best of what high school athletics can offer – skill, determination, and authentic connection.

As they prepare for their regional matchup against Lancaster, the Black Knights remain focused yet loose. With potential state semifinals in Binghamton on the horizon, they're embracing each moment of this extraordinary journey. Want to witness history in the making? Follow along as Rome softball continues their quest toward the ultimate prize.

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What does it take to compete at the Division I level as a freshman goalkeeper? Beyond raw talent and technical skill, it demands extraordinary mental fortitude—something Mikayla McPheron demonstrated when she played half a season with a broken hand that nobody, not even her family, knew about.

In this revealing conversation, Mikayla takes us through her remarkable first year at Lemoyne College where she set a school record with 16 saves in a single game against Stony Brook. The physical demands of collegiate athletics hit her immediately: "There were games that I just had ice bags all over my body. My trainer would always joke with me because after every game I'd come in there and I'd walk out with like two to three ice bags." Yet despite this punishing routine, she persevered through an injury that would have sidelined most athletes.

The most profound challenges came during her seven-month recovery period when she couldn't fully participate with her team. This forced hiatus taught her invaluable lessons about patience and perspective: "Recovery is the most important thing and if I recover now, I'm not going to have these problems in the future." For young athletes facing setbacks, Mikayla offers straightforward advice: "Stay on your own path. You are your biggest enemy in your head... use your support system."

Beyond athletic performance, Mikayla discusses balancing academics with the rigorous demands of being a Division I athlete, noting how the first semester required significant adjustment to develop effective study habits while managing travel, practices, and games. Her story serves as both inspiration and practical guide for aspiring collegiate athletes navigating their own journeys.

Have a young athlete with big dreams? Share this episode with them and join the conversation about what it truly takes to compete at the highest collegiate levels!

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What truly separates elite NBA players from the rest? What makes some coaches thrive in professional basketball while others struggle to make the leap? Dean Cooper, veteran NBA coach and front office executive, peels back the curtain on these questions and more in this candid, revealing conversation.

Cooper takes us through his remarkable journey from small-town Michigan to the highest levels of basketball, including his time with the Houston Rockets during both the Hakeem Olajuwon and James Harden eras, his role with the 2006 USA Basketball team under Coach K, and his transitions between coaching and front office positions. With refreshing humility, he admits that his first lesson upon entering the NBA was discovering how little he actually knew about basketball at that level.

The conversation offers rare insights into what professional athletes truly value in leadership. According to Cooper, NBA players don't care about a coach's background, appearance, or pedigree—they care about three fundamental qualities: trustworthiness, competence, and genuine investment in player success. This framework provides valuable lessons for leadership in any field.

Cooper also discusses his book "Fail," which takes an unconventional approach by outlining the toxic behaviors and dysfunctional patterns that cause teams to fail rather than prescribing formulas for success. His perspectives on emotional intelligence, creating healthy team cultures, and the importance of allowing young athletes to experience failure offer wisdom that extends far beyond the basketball court.

Perhaps most compelling is Cooper's passionate endorsement of perpetual curiosity. His advice to "cold call" experts, ask questions without fear of rejection, and remain continuously open to learning exemplifies the growth mindset essential for sustained success. As he powerfully states, "The answer to every question you don't ask is no."

Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, coach, business leader, or simply someone interested in the psychology of high-performance teams, this conversation delivers valuable insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the pursuit of excellence.

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What happens when the supportive village that once raised our young athletes starts to crumble? Former basketball coach Darren Ault pulls back the curtain on youth sports culture today, sharing hard-earned wisdom from over three decades on the sidelines.

In this deeply personal conversation, Ault reveals the inspiration behind his book "Out of Bounds," chronicling how parent-coach relationships have transformed dramatically over his 22 years coaching high school girls basketball. From parents waiting in parking lots after games to public criticism of players, Ault describes the increasingly hostile environment coaches face while trying to build character through team sports.

The discussion explores how unrealistic expectations have warped youth athletics. With only 1% of athletes reaching professional levels, parents nonetheless invest thousands in specialized training, creating immense pressure on both coaches and young players. Social media compounds these challenges, shifting focus toward self-promotion rather than team development, while administrators often fail to provide proper support when conflicts arise.

Particularly fascinating is Ault's perspective on coaching evolution – from the "old school" accountability-focused approach to today's conflict-avoidant styles. This transition raises important questions about what young athletes miss when coaches can't push them beyond comfort zones. Ault shares touching stories about former players still calling him "Coach" decades later, underscoring how these relationships transcend sports and shape lives.

Through his "Outside the Coach's Box" podcast co-hosted with his son, Ault continues exploring sports dynamics while modeling the positive parent-child relationship sports should foster. His message for listeners resonates beyond athletics: remember that raising children truly takes a village, with coaches serving as vital mentors when given proper respect and support.

Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or simply concerned about youth development, this conversation offers compassionate wisdom for navigating the complex intersection of sports, parenting, and personal growth. Give Ault's "Out of Bounds" a read and join the conversation about restoring balance to youth sports.

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What does it take to build a telecommunications empire from your garage? Jim Tracy knows firsthand. After his 17-year-old son challenged him to start their own business, Tracy cashed out his retirement accounts and took the ultimate bet on himself and his family. The gamble paid off spectacularly as Legacy Telecommunications grew from two employees to nearly a thousand before Tracy sold to private equity.

But success wasn't handed to Tracy on a silver platter. As a child with a severe stutter, doctors once recommended sending him to a state school for "retarded children." His mother refused, beginning a journey that would prove those doctors profoundly wrong. "I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed," Tracy admits with characteristic humility, "but I refuse to be outworked."

This determination faced its ultimate test when a devastating skiing accident left doctors threatening to amputate his leg. Even after successful surgery, medical professionals told him he'd likely never walk properly again. Tracy's response? Walking 12-15,000 steps daily and completing obstacle courses with his grandchildren.

Beyond personal resilience, Tracy offers profound insights on building winning teams. In an age where American business has largely forgotten mentorship, he emphasizes surrounding yourself with people who are "better, faster, stronger, smarter" while investing in their growth. His practice of writing personalized birthday cards to every employee exemplifies his philosophy that recognition and genuine care create unbreakable company culture.

Tracy's new book "Building Men" (releasing June 3rd) shares character lessons from the 22 mentors who shaped his journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Tracy's message resonates: "Don't let go of the dream." At 66, he rejects traditional retirement in favor of what he proudly calls his "big, audacious life."

Subscribe to hear more inspiring stories that go beyond the game and show how principles of perseverance, teamwork, and mentorship create success in business and life.

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The unpredictable spring weather may have just begun, but Rome Free Academy's baseball and softball programs are already heating up the diamond with championship aspirations. In this special Sunday evening edition of Mohawk Valley Sports Watch, we dive deep with both program leaders who share remarkably similar visions: experienced rosters, tough non-conference scheduling, and unwavering belief in their players' abilities.

Baseball coach Evan Howard reveals how his team—featuring 10 seniors and standout sophomores like third-year catcher Dante Sparace—has evolved since nearly upsetting CNS in last year's sectionals. "This team's lineup from one to nine is complete. There's not an easy out," Howard explains, highlighting how his pitching staff now includes dedicated specialists who've embraced their specific roles. The team's mantra "clean your plate" reflects their determination to finish what they start in every game, practice, and playoff series.

First-year softball coach Emily Cowell brings unique perspective as a former RFA player herself, allowing her to connect with her athletes on a deeper level. Taking over an 11-win team that lost just one senior, Cowell describes her inheritance as "a silver platter" with talents like Kennedy Campbell, Lex Thompson, and power-hitter Sophia Tosti leading the charge. After testing themselves against state powerhouse Shenendehowa, Cowell's message to her team resonates: "The only team that's going to beat you is you."

Both programs face the gauntlet of the Tri-Valley League, where teams like Camden (20 wins last year), Whitesboro, New Hartford, Notre Dame and CVA ensure every game is a battle. Yet both coaches embrace this challenge, knowing it prepares their athletes for sectional intensity when May arrives.

Follow these teams' journeys throughout the season as they battle weather delays, compressed schedules, and fierce competition in pursuit of sectional glory. Tune in tomorrow night at 8PM for our new series "Beyond the Game" with special guest Jim Tracy!

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The 2024 Final Four is unlike any we've seen in years—chalk has prevailed, delivering the four #1 seeds to college basketball's biggest stage for the first time since 2008.

Duke, Houston, Florida, and Auburn aren't just top seeds—they represent the pinnacle of college basketball excellence this season. Analytics confirm what our coaching panel discusses: these four programs have separated themselves from the pack. We dive deep into what makes each semifinal matchup so compelling, from Duke's exceptional length and switching defense to Houston's physical toughness and improved shooting; from Florida's clutch performances behind Walter Clayton Jr. to Auburn's resilience personified by Johni Broome.

The debate between Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome for Player of the Year honors takes center stage, with our coaches unanimously crowning Flagg despite Duke's talent-rich roster. Beyond the matchups, we explore how NIL and the transfer portal have fundamentally altered college basketball's landscape, potentially eliminating the Cinderella stories that once defined March Madness. Has college basketball entered an era where only the wealthy programs can compete for championships?

We also touch on the Women's Final Four, where UConn's Paige Bueckers seeks her first championship, and examine Tom Izzo's coaching future as he navigates a changing collegiate landscape that many veteran coaches find challenging.

Whether you're filling out your final bracket or simply appreciating the extraordinary talent on display this weekend, our coaching breakdown provides the insights you need before Saturday's semifinals tip off. Who will cut down the nets on Monday night? Listen now to hear our predictions!

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