The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams

Official Sandy Adams
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A bi-weekly podcast that delves into the lives of retired athletes as they navigate the uncharted waters of life after their competitive careers end.Host, Sandy Adams, brings forth captivating interviews, sharing the stories of athletes who transitioned into new endeavors, discovered their purpose beyond sports, and the highs and lows along the way.Plus a new mini series "On The Sideline" conversations with current athletes and people working in the sports world.

  1. 6D AGO

    On The Sideline with Dr. Sally Parish: Why Leadership Identity Starts Earlier Than We Think

    - In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast – On the Sideline, Sandy Adams sits down with Dr. Sally G. Parish, Vice Provost at the University of Memphis and Superintendent of University Schools. Dr. Parish leads a rapidly growing K–12 school district connected to the university, but her passion for developing confident young leaders was shaped much earlier in life. Growing up in Pulaski, Tennessee, a difficult experience with a high school coach led her to walk away from sports entirely as a freshman. That moment would later influence her mission to create environments where young people — especially girls — can build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity. Before returning to Memphis, Dr. Parish launched an award-winning leadership development program for collegiate student-athletes and conducted research on leadership identity development, identifying key traits such as growth mindset, grit, and competitive purpose. In this conversation, we explore: • How early experiences shape identity and confidence  • Why athletes often face an identity shift when their playing careers end  • What coaches and educators can do to develop leaders — not just performers  • Why young girls need spaces where they can build confidence and use their voice  • How the University school system has grown into a full K–12 district with more than 55 athletic teams This episode is about more than sports. It’s about helping young people discover who they are long before the world tells them what they should be. Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 5m

  2. JAN 7

    Larry O’Bannon Jr. on Career Alignment, Identity After Sports, and Redefining Success

    - Larry O’Bannon Jr. made a conscious decision early in his career to plan for life after basketball—so retirement wouldn’t catch him unprepared. In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Larry shares how thinking ahead while still playing at the University of Louisville helped him navigate a 15+ year professional career overseas—and transition smoothly into life after the game. Coached by Rick Pitino, Larry learned resilience, mental toughness, and the importance of moving forward quickly—lessons that proved just as valuable after basketball as they were on the court. From earning an accounting degree as a built-in Plan B to playing professionally across Europe and South America, Larry was intentional about preparing for what came next. We talk about identity beyond sport, redefining success, and building a life that aligns with your values—on and off the court. In this conversation, we cover: Why Larry chose accounting in college as a long-term strategyLessons from Coach Rick Pitino that carried into his post-playing careerHow international basketball shaped his perspective and adaptabilityMaking the transition from athlete to investor, coach, and broadcasterRedefining success through family, purpose, and alignmentP.S. Larry also shares how hosting The Player’s Perspective Uncensored podcast allows him to stay connected to the game—mixing basketball conversations with a growing appreciation for bourbon, creating a unique lane of content that reflects where he is now. Find Larry online: Podcast @theplayersperspectivePodcast Instagram @larryobannon X Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 18m

  3. 11/12/2025

    Gabriela Zych: From Alaska to Memphis — Mindset Behind a Record-Breaking Rifle Career

    What does it take to move 4,000 miles from home to a new city & school sight unseen and become a national champion? Gabriela Zych has the answer. In this episode, Sandy Adams sits down with Gabriela Zych, University of Memphis rifle standout and the first national champion in Memphis rifle history.  Gabriela shares her journey from Anchorage, Alaska to Memphis, how she discovered shooting in high school, and how mindset, consistency, and perseverance helped her build a record-breaking career both on the range and in the classroom. She opens up about her training, competing under pressure, balancing academics with athletics, and the mental discipline that drives her success. HIGHLIGHTS: How Gabriela discovered rifle in high school and decided to stick with itHer move from Alaska to Memphis to pursue her sportThe mental discipline behind precision shooting and high-pressure competitionsCompeting outdoors at the USA Shooting National ChampionshipsMaintaining a 4.0 GPA while excelling at the national levelJournaling, mindset, and building resilience as tools for successHer goals for coaching and giving back to the sportGabriela’s story shows that growth comes from showing up, trusting yourself, and putting in the work—even when stepping into the unknown. NIL Opportunities: HERE Follow Gabriela on Social Media: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/zychgabrielaInstagram: @zych.gabriela  |  X: @zychgabbiFor full show notes, visit: Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 5m

  4. 10/29/2025

    Jazzmin Mancilla From Soccer Star to Mom and Entrepreneur

    Former soccer standout Jazzmin Mancilla opens up about resilience, reinvention, and life after sports. After 15 years on the field, national titles, and two ACL tears, she’s now navigating motherhood, a big move to Tennessee, and launching her own soccer training business. Highlights: 2× national club champion (Arsenal & Legends FC)Cal State Fullerton: multiple Big West titlesOvercame 2 ACL tears & major injuriesCoached club & college soccer, then worked in financePlayed amateur soccer overseas (Europe & Australia)Relocated from California to Knoxville for a fresh startNew mom to a 16-month-old sonLaunching her own soccer training businessConnect with Jazzmin: Instagram: @jazzfootball25LinkedIn: Jazzmin Mancilla Jazzmin’s story shows how to reinvent yourself, balance new responsibilities, and create purpose beyond the game. Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 23m

  5. 10/02/2025

    Rikishi Smith-Rey on Turning Setbacks Into Success After Soccer

    What happens when your biggest passion leads you to unexpected places and the search for what’s next? Dr. Kishi Smith-Rey’s journey started on the soccer fields of Southern California, where her love for the game carried her to Division I at Cal State Fullerton. Along the way, she faced injuries, setbacks, and the challenge of balancing athletics with academics as a first-generation college student. After retiring from competitive soccer, she explored new paths — from professional wedding photography to earning her Ph.D. and joining Clemson University as an Assistant Professor. Today, she’s the founder of SportPhD, an organization helping young athletes — especially girls — develop the mental, physical, and emotional skills to thrive both on the field and in life. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose — proof that the end of one chapter can be the start of something even bigger. Highlights: Growing up in California and discovering soccerPlaying D1 soccer and overcoming injuriesTransitioning out of competitive sportsBuilding a career in photographyPursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a professorLaunching SportPhD and The Athlete Mindset workshopsSupporting athletes in life, leadership, and mindsetIf you’ve ever faced a turning point and wondered what comes next, this conversation is for you. Kishi’s journey reminds us that setbacks don’t define us — they prepare us for the next chapter. Find Kishi online:  Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rikishiteren/ Instagram: @sportphd  @kishiteren  Website: Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 34m

  6. 09/17/2025

    Will Coleman on Basketball, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and Being a Girl-Dad

    - Former University of Memphis basketball player and overseas pro, Will Coleman, joins Sandy to share his inspiring journey from a late start in basketball to playing professionally in Europe—and now leading lower and middle school athletics at St. George’s Independent School in Memphis. Will opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the challenges of balancing fatherhood with a pro career, the struggles he had along the way and how he’s redefining success beyond the court. In this episode: Late start in basketball & key mentorsCollege & pro hoops, including EuropeBalancing fatherhood & careerLife after basketball & career transitionParenting lessons as a single dadPhotography as a coping toolResilience, mentorship & role modelingA powerful conversation about honesty, growth, and redefining success beyond after competition ends. Follow Will on social media: Instagram @willcoleman   |    X @willcoleman1988 Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 19m

  7. 09/03/2025

    On the Sideline with Jason Munz Talking Southern Roots, Sports Journalism, and Memphis Hoops

    - On this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with Jason Munz, the University of Memphis men’s basketball beat reporter for the Commercial Appeal. Jason grew up in Natchez, Mississippi, got his first byline as a high school student, and has since covered everything from Friday night football to the Super Bowl blackout in New Orleans. Since 2019, he’s been the voice Memphis hoops fans turn to for Tigers basketball coverage. We talk about what it takes to make it in sports journalism, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why Memphis basketball is woven into the fabric of the city. Highlights from our conversation: Jason’s start covering high school football in NatchezThe career path that led him from Southern Miss to MemphisLessons on humility, passion, and experience in journalismBalancing accuracy with the immediacy of social mediaWhat makes Memphis basketball culture so uniqueJason also reflects on the evolving challenges of the industry, from social media to shifting standards of objectivity, and why he believes strong, ethical journalism will always matter. Follow Jason on Social Media: Instagram  |  X Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 14m

  8. 08/20/2025

    On the Sideline with Duvante Lane and his new role at Colorado

    - Behind every game-day moment, there’s a team working off the field to make it possible. In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast – On the Sideline Series, we sit down with Duvante Lane, Director of Development for the University of Colorado Buff Club. We talk about: His pathway into college athletics and the different roles that shaped his careerWhy development and fundraising matter for student-athletesHow NIL is changing the landscape of fundraising and career opportunities in sportsThe energy around Colorado Athletics heading into this seasonLeadership lessons and advice for anyone building a meaningful careerAnd yes we discuss working with the man himself, Deion SandersDuvante’s story proves that sports are just the starting point—the real lessons are about persistence, growth, and creating impact. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Subscribe and REVIEW You can grab my free guide sandy-adams.com/freebies and connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook Support the show Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | Email Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

    1h 4m
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A bi-weekly podcast that delves into the lives of retired athletes as they navigate the uncharted waters of life after their competitive careers end.Host, Sandy Adams, brings forth captivating interviews, sharing the stories of athletes who transitioned into new endeavors, discovered their purpose beyond sports, and the highs and lows along the way.Plus a new mini series "On The Sideline" conversations with current athletes and people working in the sports world.

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