59 episodes

What if I told you about a group of elite college athletes who compete in 36 different sports at one of the toughest institutions in the nation. For them, it’s not about name, image, and likeness or any other kind of major endorsement deal. Because at the end of the day, their ultimate goal is to serve their country.  These young men and women represent the best our country has to offer. They compete at a high level on both the national and world stage, and their stories have mostly gone untold. I’m here to change all of that. With Navy Sports Central, you'll get the latest news on the athletes, and their teams, gain some unique insights in our Deep Dive segment and hear from some great guests along the way. So please join me, Karl Darden, and check out Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts to learn more about these incredible athletes and our nation’s future leaders.

Navy Sports Central Karl Darden

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 4 Ratings

What if I told you about a group of elite college athletes who compete in 36 different sports at one of the toughest institutions in the nation. For them, it’s not about name, image, and likeness or any other kind of major endorsement deal. Because at the end of the day, their ultimate goal is to serve their country.  These young men and women represent the best our country has to offer. They compete at a high level on both the national and world stage, and their stories have mostly gone untold. I’m here to change all of that. With Navy Sports Central, you'll get the latest news on the athletes, and their teams, gain some unique insights in our Deep Dive segment and hear from some great guests along the way. So please join me, Karl Darden, and check out Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts to learn more about these incredible athletes and our nation’s future leaders.

    Navy's Magnificent Seven: Behind the Scenes with the Women's Triathlon Team

    Navy's Magnificent Seven: Behind the Scenes with the Women's Triathlon Team

    Welcome to Navy Sports Central - The Official Podcast of the Navy Sports Nation!

    Get ready to step into the shoes of the Navy Women's Triathlon Team as they gear up for the NCAA championships in Tempe, Arizona. We promise an exciting journey that not only explores the physical and mental preparation these athletes undertake but also showcases the unique dynamics of this all-girls team. 

    Listen as Coach Billy Edwards shares tactics for the competition, and nationally ranked triathlete, Coach Alli LaRochelle provides an inside look at what motivated her to take on the challenge of being a coach at the collegiate level on top of running two businesses of her own. 

    From cycling strategies to race-day nerves, this episode is packed with personal experiences and practical takeaways. The team members share how they navigate their way through each phase of the race, from swimming to cycling and running. 

    The episode culminates with a retrospective look at the team's journey, as seniors Sarah Jarman and team captain Reagan Quilty reflect on the legacy of the Navy Women's Triathlon Team. From humble beginnings to attaining varsity status, the pride they take in the team's growth and accomplishments is evident.  Join us for this special edition of Navy Sports Central, and prepare to both entertained and inspired. 

    Related Links:


    2023 Women's Triathlon RosterNCAA Regional Qualifier Results

    Follow Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts:


    Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaser
    Check out the Navy Sports Nation group page on Facebook!
    Music is provided courtesy of Audio Jungle. Artists featured in order:
    Seven In Music (Intro)Alexiaction (Deep Dive)Loka Music (Deep Dive Pt. 2 Lead In)Artlss (Question of the Day Lead In)Cinematic Alex (Closeout Music)Support the show
    You can click on the hyperlink above to make a $1 donation through Cash App if you like what you hear. You can also support the Mids and the show at the same time. Navy Sports Central is a proud affiliate partner of Fanatics.com, the Ultimate Fan Gear Store! Click on the link to start shopping now!

    • 47 min
    Back on Course: My Conversation With Navy Women's Rowing Coach Joe Schlosberg

    Back on Course: My Conversation With Navy Women's Rowing Coach Joe Schlosberg

    Welcome to Navy Sports Central - The Official Podcast of the Navy Sports Nation!


    In this episode, we'll be taking a closer look at one the most quietly successful athletic programs at Annapolis, the Navy Women's Rowing team.  Coach Joe Schlosberg will join us to talk about the impact that COVID had on the team and how his athletes bounced back to win another Patriot League title last spring. So you do not want to miss our Deep Dive segment.

    In our sports update, we'll talk about the Men's Cross Country team winning their 3rd straight league championship in pretty convincing fashion. And we'll check in with the Men's Rugby team as well as women's volleyball as well as both swimming & diving teams. 

    Finally, we'll wrap things up with our Question of the Day and Mid Watch segments. So please stay with us. You'll be glad you did. 

    Related Links:
    2023 Patriot League Women's Rowing ChampionshipNavy Rowers Shine at U23 World ChampionshipsWe want your answer to our Question of the Day. Here is the one for this episode:

    The Women’s Rowing team has had two Varsity 8 Crews inducted into the Navy Sports Hall of Fame.They were from the 1V8 boats in both 1992 and 1994. How many individual rowers from the program have earned that distinction since 1980. Is it:
    A.) 8
    B.) 11
    C.) 14
    D.) 18

    Give us your answer on the Navy Sports Nation Group Facebook page. 

    Follow Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts:
    Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserGoogle PodcastsCheck out the Navy Sports Nation group page on Facebook!
    Music is provided courtesy of Audio Jungle. Artists featured in order:
    Seven In Music (Intro)Alexiaction (Deep Dive)Loka Music (Deep Dive Pt. 2 Lead In)Artlss (Question of the Day Lead In)Cinematic Alex (Closeout Music)









    Support the show
    You can click on the hyperlink above to make a $1 donation through Cash App if you like what you hear. You can also support the Mids and the show at the same time. Navy Sports Central is a proud affiliate partner of Fanatics.com, the Ultimate Fan Gear Store! Click on the link to start shopping now!

    • 46 min
    Tacking, Jibing, and Running With the Wind: An Inside Look at the Navy Offshore Sailing Program

    Tacking, Jibing, and Running With the Wind: An Inside Look at the Navy Offshore Sailing Program

    Welcome to Navy Sports Central - The Official Podcast of the Navy Sports Nation!

    Today, we're charting a course through the world of offshore sailing - a sport where Navy holds an impressive 15 NCAA Championships. Joining me on this maritime adventure is Warren Mazanec, a fellow classmate from '84 and a seasoned veteran of the offshore sailing team. He will provide invaluable insight into the intricacies of the sport. We're unpacking everything from the roles and responsibilities of the crew to vital maneuvers and race tactics, giving you a complete insider's view into the entire program at the Naval Academy.

    We'll also navigate through the world of professional sailing and the evolution of the America's Cup, comparing boat designs and discussing the sport's growth. Finally, we'll reflect on Warren's time with the Zeiberger crew and his passion for making sailing a family affair. 

    Of course, we've also got our Question of the Day and Mid Watch segment, so please join us for what promises to be a very fun and informative episode!

    Related Links:


    Navy Offshore Sailing win Storm Trysail Club Offshore RegattaOffshore Sailing Takes 3rd at Shields Trophy Regatta We want your answer to our Question of the Day. Here is the one for this episode:

    On how many occasions has the Navy Offshore Sailing team won the Kennedy Cup in consecutive years?

    A. Once
    B. Twice
    C. Three times
    D. Four times 

    Give us your answer on the Navy Sports Nation Group Facebook page. 

    Follow Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts:


    Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserGoogle PodcastsCheck out the Navy Sports Nation group page on Facebook!
    Music is provided courtesy of Audio Jungle. Artists featured in order:


    Seven In Music (Intro)Alexiaction (Deep Dive)Loka Music (Deep Dive Pt. 2 Lead In)Artlss (Question of the Day Lead In)Cinematic Alex (Closeout Music)Support the show
    You can click on the hyperlink above to make a $1 donation through Cash App if you like what you hear. You can also support the Mids and the show at the same time. Navy Sports Central is a proud affiliate partner of Fanatics.com, the Ultimate Fan Gear Store! Click on the link to start shopping now!

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Passion, Pride & Perseverance: Haley Carter ('06) Talks Navy Soccer and Her Mission to Grow the Women's Professional Game

    Passion, Pride & Perseverance: Haley Carter ('06) Talks Navy Soccer and Her Mission to Grow the Women's Professional Game

    Welcome to Navy Sports Central - The Official Podcast of the Navy Sports Nation!

    It's been a great start to the fall sports season.  The volleyball team is riding a seven-match winning streak, the water polo team knocked off two ranked opponent's on their way to moving up in the national rankings, and the  women's soccer team enters league play on a three match unbeaten streak.  And of course the Navy Football team got into the win column, giving Brian Newberry his first as a head coach.

    We'll update you on all these sports in addition to bringing you our Deep Dive and Mid Watch segments as well as our Question of the Day.

    Our guest today is Hailey Carter.  She is a former Naval Academy Women's soccer player and the current  Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager for the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League, 

    Carter discusses her journey from playing soccer as a young athlete and how her desire to serve  led her to the U.S. Naval Academy. Her passion for soccer continues to drive her today. 

    Carter also unravels the moving story of the Afghanistan Women's National Team - and their continuing fight to be recognized by FIFA, international soccer's governing body. 

    This episode has its share  of compelling stories and terrific insights.  So let's get to it. 

    Related Links:


    Afghanistan's Women's National Team Fights for FIFA RecognitionOrlando Pride Announces Haley Carter as VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager
    We want your answer to our Question of the Day. Here is the one for this episode:

    Mattie Gallagher's Goals Against Average in 2020 was  a microscopic 0.80 per game as she helped the Mids win their 5th Patriot League title.  What was her save percentage over that same period?


    A. 77%
    B. 79%
    C. 82%
    D 84%


    Give us your answer on the Navy Sports Nation Group Facebook page. 

    Follow Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts:


    Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserGoogle Podcasts

    Check out the Navy Sports Nation group page on Facebook!
    Music is provided courtesy of Audio Jungle. Artists featured in order:


    Seven In Music (Intro)Alexiaction (Deep Dive)Loka Music (Deep Dive Pt. 2 Lead In)Artlss (Question of the Day Lead In)Cinematic Alex (Closeout Music)Support the show
    You can click on the hyperlink above to make a $1 donation through Cash App if you like what you hear. You can also support the Mids and the show at the same time. Navy Sports Central is a proud affiliate partner of Fanatics.com, the Ultimate Fan Gear Store! Click on the link to start shopping now!

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Gear Up! A Deep Dive into the Triathlon World With Navy Coach Billy Edwards

    Gear Up! A Deep Dive into the Triathlon World With Navy Coach Billy Edwards

    Welcome to Navy Sports Central - The Official Podcast of the Navy Sports Nation!

    The fall sports season is just cranking up, and we'll be joined by Billy Edwards, the head coach of Navy's newest varsity sport, the Women's Triathlon.

    Coach Edwards discusses his athletic career at Annapolis and how he first became exposed to the triathlon. He also shares his personal experience as a professional triathlete and how that helped him establish a highly competitive club program.

    With the Women's Triathlon being elevated to varsity status, Coach Edwards and his team are entering new territory. Not only will you learn how the triathlon differs from other college sports, but you will also see how its evolution is already redirecting recruiting efforts.

    From the rigorous training cycles leading up to the NCAA championships to the skill sets of each athlete on his team, Coach Edwards provides an in depth look into a sport that is still largely unknown to many of us.  So, gear up for this immersive journey into the triathlon world. It's a race you won't want to miss.

    Related Links:


    Women's Triathlon Becomes the 36th Varsity Sport at the Naval AcademyCoach Billy Edwards BiographyQuilty Named First Team Captain of Women's Triathlon
    We want to hear from you! Give us your answer to our Question of the Day. Here is the one for this episode:

    Navy Women’s Triathlon coach Billy Edwards is a Naval Academy graduate (Class of 2000). How many other sports at Annapolis have a Navy grad as part of their coaching staff?  Is it

    A. 5
    B. 6
    C. 8
    D.9



    Give us your answer on the Navy Sports Nation Group Facebook page. 

    Follow Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts:


    Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserGoogle PodcastsCheck out the Navy Sports Nation group page on Facebook!
    Music is provided courtesy of Audio Jungle. Artists featured in order:


    Seven In Music (Intro)Alexiaction (Deep Dive)Loka Music (Deep Dive Pt. 2 Lead In)Artlss (Question of the Day Lead In)Cinematic Alex (Closeout Music)


    Support the show
    You can click on the hyperlink above to make a $1 donation through Cash App if you like what you hear. You can also support the Mids and the show at the same time. Navy Sports Central is a proud affiliate partner of Fanatics.com, the Ultimate Fan Gear Store! Click on the link to start shopping now!

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Catch, Drive, Finish, Recovery: My Conversation With Navy Rowing Hall of Famer Sean Coughlin

    Catch, Drive, Finish, Recovery: My Conversation With Navy Rowing Hall of Famer Sean Coughlin

    Welcome to Navy Sports Central - The Official Podcast of the Navy Sports Nation!

    Today, we are joined by former rower Sean Coughin from the Class of '87. He's is a Navy Sports Hall of Famer, and he provides us with some insightful and very real perspective on the challenges of competing at the international level.  

    Sean takes us through his early years of rowing and humbly shares both his successes and setbacks.  Sean's story is more than just about sports; it's about grit, and the ability to bounce back. Sit back as we discuss the different aspects of rowing, the significance of camaraderie, and the rush of competition. 

    Finally, we'll get into Sean's post-rowing life, exploring his transition from the Marine Corps to teaching, and his accomplished published work.  Join us as Sean Coughlin shares his unique story. 

    Related Links:


    "Our" Boys in the Boat": A Visit with Navy Lightweight Rowing Coach Shawn BagnallNational Champions Again: Catching Up with the Navy Lightweight Rowing TeamU23 World Rowing ChampionshipsWe want to hear from you! Give us your answer to our Question of the Day. Here is the one for this episode:

    Navy's Great Eight crew won the gold medal in Helsinki, Finland in 1952. How many consecutive races did they win between 1952 and 1954? Was it:
    A. 29
    B. 30
    C. 31
    D. 32

    Give us your answer on the Navy Sports Nation Group Facebook page. 

    Follow Navy Sports Central wherever you get your podcasts:



    Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserGoogle PodcastsCheck out the Navy Sports Nation group page on Facebook!
    Music is provided courtesy of Audio Jungle. Artists featured in order:


    Seven In Music (Intro)Alexiaction (Deep Dive)Loka Music (Deep Dive Pt. 2 Lead In)Artlss (Question of the Day Lead In)Cinematic Alex (Closeout Music)





    Support the show
    You can click on the hyperlink above to make a $1 donation through Cash App if you like what you hear. You can also support the Mids and the show at the same time. Navy Sports Central is a proud affiliate partner of Fanatics.com, the Ultimate Fan Gear Store! Click on the link to start shopping now!

    • 1 hr 2 min

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Episode 1! Awesome job, Karl! I love the variety of topics and the characteristic Darden Depth. - there is no way I am jumping off a 10 meter platform again!

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