Shining Athletes Podcast

Shining Athletes

Empowering Athletes, One Story at a Time

Episodes

  1. Feb 5

    Ep 10.: The Student-Athlete Brand: Communication, Character & Life Beyond the Game

    In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, hosts Tyler Baum and Erin Molay welcome Tonya McKenzie, founder of Sand & Shores, for a powerful conversation on what truly defines a student-athlete’s brand in and out of sport. Tonya shares why a personal brand goes far beyond social media and highlight reels — it’s built through daily actions, communication, and character in and out of sport. Drawing from her experience in collegiate athletics, youth development, and branding, she explains how student-athletes shape their reputation through dependability, boundaries, and how they show up in moments that often go unseen. The discussion also dives into the growing communication gap among student-athletes, the impact of technology on relationships with parents and coaches, and why self-advocacy is a skill that must be taught early. Tonya and Tyler explore the role parents play in supporting — not speaking for — their student-athletes, and how responsibility and dialogue prepare young people for success at the next level. This episode is a must-listen for student-athletes, parents, and coaches who want to better understand how character, communication, and consistency shape opportunity in and out of sport in today’s digital age. ⸻ Topics Covered • What a student-athlete’s brand really is • Why actions in and out of sport matter just as much as performance • Communication gaps caused by over-reliance on technology • How poor communication impacts opportunity and trust • Teaching student-athletes self-advocacy and initiative • The parent’s role in developing responsibility • Building a positive reputation starting at a young age • Coaching as education, not dictatorship • Telling your story authentically in the NIL era • Speed round: habits, leadership traits, and defining values Sand and Shores Website: https://seashell-giraffe-968595.hostingersite.com/ Where to find Learners and Leaders Podcast: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAWRvsrq0WTrBmSu5y0471_41tQKFHDIb&si=YOtgZL_Y3eUBGIpv Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learners-leaders/id1595702872 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xn7Z17aD5uYbRBiGclvbG?si=0-uKw5COQuqJzUQEJen8nQ

    36 min
  2. 08/21/2025

    Ep 2: Navigating the Recruiting Process: Dylan Martin's Path from High School to College

    In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Martin to talk about the real recruiting process—not the highlight-reel version, but the patient, resilient, and unconventional path that many athletes experience. From being a high school Shining Athlete and standout leader, to going overlooked in recruitment, to becoming Freshman of the Year and a national contender with Arizona State University’s Club Basketball National Team, Dylan’s story is one of persistence and adaptability. Now a point guard at Santa Rosa Junior College, he shares how each step—no matter how unexpected—prepared him for the next opportunity. In this episode, we cover:    •   Dylan’s high school career and early recruiting expectations    •   The pivot to ASU Club Basketball and turning it into a national-level success    •   Making the jump to JUCO and embracing the full-time athlete lifestyle    •   Real talk on recruiting misconceptions, staying ready, and finding your own path    •   Dylan’s proudest moments and the advice he’d give to his younger self Whether you’re a high school athlete waiting on offers, a parent navigating the recruiting process, or a coach guiding your players, this conversation is a reminder that there’s more than one way to reach your goals. Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with an athlete who needs to hear it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories from the world of sports.

    23 min

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Empowering Athletes, One Story at a Time