The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams

Official 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. Jul 8

    Hollie King on Losing Volleyball, Rebuilding Her Life, and Finding Her Way Back

    Sometimes it's not the setback that changes your life... it's having to face it alone. Diagnosed with epilepsy as a child and told she would likely never play varsity sports, Hollie King refused to let that prediction define her. She became a standout volleyball player at North Mesquite High School before earning a spot at Eastfield College. But after a torn ACL ended her collegiate playing career, she found herself struggling with purpose, motivation, and the loss of the identity she'd built through volleyball. Years later, that same journey led her back to the game she loved—not as a player, but as a coach. After helping more than 100 student-athletes earn college opportunities through A+ Athletics, Hollie sold the business to pursue collegiate coaching full-time. Today, she is the Head Women's Volleyball Coach at Sul Ross State University, where she's committed to developing leaders on and off the court. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up with epilepsy and overcoming expectationsThe mental battle after a career-ending ACL injuryRediscovering purpose after sportsThe college recruiting process and what parents often misunderstandBuilding leaders and winning culturesWhy every athlete is more than the game they playWhether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply navigating a major life transition, Hollie's story is a powerful reminder that our greatest purpose is often discovered in the seasons we never planned. Be sure to subscribe to The 5th Quarter Podcast so you never miss another inspiring conversation about your pivot and purpose in life. Send us a text. 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

  2. Jun 17

    Cheri Lindsay on Leadership, Identity, and Building Winning Programs

    What does it take to move from being the athlete to becoming the leader? In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Sandy Adams sits down with University of Memphis Head Volleyball Coach Cheri Lindsay to discuss her journey from Hall of Fame volleyball player at Prairie View A&M to leading one of the most visible women's athletic programs in Memphis. Cheri shares the lessons she learned as a player, the challenges of transitioning away from competition, and the mindset shift that helped her become a more effective coach and leader. She also discusses the importance of athlete identity, why sports psychology has become a passion, and how she's helping student-athletes prepare for life beyond the game. The conversation also explores the 901 Women initiative, opportunities for women in sports, professional volleyball, and what fans can expect from Memphis Volleyball in the upcoming season. Topics include: • Growing up in Colorado • Finding volleyball and Prairie View A&M • Hall of Fame athlete to head coach • Choosing coaching over professional volleyball • The athlete-to-coach transition • Building culture and winning programs • Sports psychology and mental performance • Identity beyond athletics • The 901 Women initiative • Memphis Volleyball's future • Leadership, growth, and change Whether you're an athlete, coach, leader, or someone navigating your own next chapter, Cheri's story offers valuable lessons on growth, purpose, and embracing change. Connect with Cheri Lindsay Instagram: (at) Coach_Lindsay11 Follow Memphis Volleyball Instagram: (at) memphisvball Send us a text. 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

  3. Apr 29

    Steve Ehrhart: Inside the 1980s Memphis Showboats and His Career in Sports

    In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Sandy Adams sits down with Steve Ehrhart — former President and General Manager of the Memphis Showboats (1980s)— for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unforgettable eras in Memphis sports. Recruited to Memphis by cotton industry titan Billy Dunavant — in what Steve calls an offer he “couldn’t refuse” — he helped build a team designed to compete at an NFL level, signing multiple first-round draft picks and assembling a roster that would leave a lasting mark on the game.  In this conversation, Steve shares:  The real story behind how he was recruited to Memphis  What it took to build a winning franchise almost overnight  The moment he realized Reggie White was unlike anyone else  Why the USFL was actually succeeding… and what led to its collapse  And how close Memphis came to becoming an NFL city Now the longtime Executive Director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Steve reflects on a career that spans leagues, teams, and decades of leadership in sports. 📘 Want to dive deeper into the Showboats story?  Check out "The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team and the City's Fight for Major League Status" by Dr. Keith B. Wood Available on Amazon and at keithbwoodauthor.com Subscribe for more conversations on sports, leadership, and life after the game. Send us a text. 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

  4. Apr 15

    James Fisher Jr on How a Texas Foundation Led Him to the Bluff City

    What does it look like to take deep-rooted discipline from your upbringing and turn it into leadership across sports and business? In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with James Fisher Jr., General Manager of the Memphis Hound Dogs, to talk about a journey shaped long before titles ever came into play. From growing up in Texas, where grit, discipline, and self-belief are part of the culture, to running track and playing football, to continuing his athletic career at Texas State — his foundation was built early. But like many athletes, the real story began in the transition. We talk about how he moved from athlete to entrepreneur, building a career in performance, business, and leadership — and how those experiences now come together as he helps build a new professional franchise in Memphis. Highlights:  How his Texas upbringing shaped his mindset and work ethic  Lessons from competing in track and football  The transition from athlete to building a career beyond sports  Starting at the ground level and creating real momentum  What leadership looks like off the field  Building the Memphis Hound Dogs from the ground up  If you’re navigating your next chapter or building something from scratch, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth and leadership. Learn more at memphishounddogs.football On social (at) MemphisHoundDogs - On IG (at) JamesFisherJr  Send us a text. 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

  5. Apr 1

    Memphis Showboats: Vision, Leadership & Major League Dreams | Dr. Keith B. Wood

    Memphis has chased major league status for decades — from the Memphis Red Sox to the ABA and the World Football League. In the early 1980s, that pursuit led to the Memphis Showboats, one of the most memorable chapters in the city’s sports history. On this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams, historian and author Dr. Keith B. Wood returns to discuss his new book The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team & the City’s Fight for Major League Status and the leadership, vision, and belief that rallied a city. We discuss:  Memphis’ push to become a major league city  How the Showboats landed in Memphis  Leadership of owner William Dunavant and GM Steve Ehrhart  Pepper Rodgers and the team’s identity  The impact of Reggie White and Walter Lewis  How the Showboats united Memphis  Why the USFL collapsed  The team’s lasting legacy For three seasons, the country took notice — but the story is bigger than football. It’s about leadership, opportunity, and belief in what a city could become. Send us a text. 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

  6. Mar 4

    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. 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

  7. 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 @LarryOBannon Send us a text. 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

  8. 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: https://5thqrtpodcast.com/2025/11/12/ep-80-gabriela-zych-rifle/ Send us a text. 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

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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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