The Monarchists

The Monarchists

The Monarchists, Mike and Aaron, sit down with Old Dominion University (ODU) alums, athletes and coaches (current and former) to discuss the school, their experiences and how their lives have been impacted by the school and their athletic programs.

  1. NOV 26

    The Monarchists Podcast - David Washington

    🏈 From QB to WR and Back: David Washington on ODU Football, Leadership, and Legacy | The Monarchists Podcast David Washington made history at Old Dominion University — the only quarterback in Monarch history to win a bowl game, the last to lead ODU to a 10-win season, and the definition of a true team-first leader. In this episode, David joins Mike and Aaron to share his story — from his recruitment and first days at ODU, to his transition from quarterback to wide receiver, memories from the Bahamas Bowl, and hilarious locker room stories featuring his teammates. David also reflects on what he’s most proud of as a Monarch, his advice for current ODU players, and life after football as a proud father and youth soccer coach. If you love Monarch Football, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the life of a student-athlete, this is one you don’t want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: The Pride of ODU and welcoming David Washington 01:00 – David’s recruitment and decision to join Old Dominion 04:00 – Early impressions of ODU and the 757 football culture 05:00 – Redshirting, gaining 50 pounds, and “welcome to college football” moments 07:30 – Transitioning to FBS and new challenges 09:00 – Moving from quarterback to wide receiver 12:00 – Learning both positions and how it changed his mindset 15:00 – Taylor Heinicke’s last throw at Ballard and passing of the torch 17:00 – Building chemistry with Zach Pascal and breakout games 20:00 – Louisiana Tech game and top career memories 28:00 – Lessons from switching positions and leadership 30:00 – Locker room fun, teammates, and legendary lunchroom chaos 34:00 – The atmosphere at Ballard Stadium and “clamshell magic” 37:00 – David’s proudest ODU moments on and off the field 40:00 – In the zone: FAU, Louisiana Tech, and that 2016 team 42:00 – How he wants to be remembered as a Monarch 47:00 – Hall of Fame talk and the case for ODU’s offensive linemen 48:00 – Life after football and coaching his daughter’s soccer team 49:00 – Advice for current and future ODU players 52:00 – NIL talk and his ideal sponsorship (hint: Del Vecchios pizza!) 56:00 – Karaoke night idea and closing thoughts

    58 min
  2. S4E3 - Monarchists Basketball Show ft. Coach Mike Jones - The Monarchists Basketball Show

    NOV 25 · BONUS

    S4E3 - Monarchists Basketball Show ft. Coach Mike Jones - The Monarchists Basketball Show

    Monarch Nation, we’re back with another episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show featuring Old Dominion Head Coach Mike Jones! In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Coach Jones opens up about the team’s growth since the early-season road trip — and the fellas don’t hold back. We ask Coach some tough, honest questions about the struggles, lapses, and inconsistencies the Monarchs have shown so far this season, including what’s behind the offensive stagnation, defensive breakdowns, and difficulty maintaining momentum on the road. Coach breaks down the lessons learned from four challenging road losses (Miami (OH), George Washington, Xavier, Drexel) and the positives gained from strong home performances against Randolph, Norfolk State, and Morgan State. He also explains how he’s balancing a roster full of former “go-to guys,” the importance of trust, and why becoming a more connected team is the key to unlocking their true potential. You’ll also get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at ODU’s analytics system — from deflections to punctures to multi-side possessions — and how the coaching staff uses real-time data to guide decision-making. The episode wraps with a preview of massive upcoming road matchups vs Villanova, William & Mary, Richmond, and George Mason… plus a powerful message to Monarch Nation about staying locked in as this team gears up for Sun Belt play. Whether you’re looking for Xs and Os, honest discussions about growing pains, or pure ODU hoops passion… this episode delivers . . . despite problematic hotel internet towards the end. Go Monarchs! ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Monarchists Basketball Show 00:32 – Coach Jones on Team Growth Since Miami (OH) 02:00 – Why Offense Sometimes Stalls & Breaking Old Habits 03:15 – Defensive Struggles: Technique, Trust & Fixing Blow-By Drives 05:20 – Inconsistency & Learning to Play Connected 07:10 – The Miami (OH) First Half & What “Good ODU Basketball” Looks Like 08:00 – Electric Atmosphere vs Norfolk State & Newcomer Reactions 09:00 – Home vs. Road: Fixing Runs & Stopping Momentum Swings 10:40 – Identifying a Leader When Things Go Wrong 11:00 – Zacch Wiggins’ Maturity & Freshman Impact 12:00 – Defensive Technique Deep Dive: Turning Hips vs Stepping Out 14:00 – What High School/AAU Doesn’t Always Teach Defensively 15:50 – Xavier Breakdown: Length, Matchups & Missed Responses 17:00 – Timeout Philosophy & Preparing for Sun Belt Crunch Time 19:00 – ODU’s Analytics System (Deflections, Punctures, Shot Clock Zones) 24:00 – Internet Chaos & Pepper the Dog’s Cameo 26:00 – Closing Thoughts from Mike & Aaron 28:20 – Final Message from Coach Jones 30:00 – Why Monarch Nation’s Support Matters

    32 min
  3. NOV 7

    In the Lion's Den - S2EP06 ft. Tennant McVea

    n the Lion’s Den - S2EP06 ft. Tennant McVea | ODU Men’s Soccer Coach on Tournament Push & Kentucky Battle Old Dominion Men’s Soccer Head Coach Tennant McVea joins Aaron and Mike to break down a huge week for the Monarchs — from the rivalry draw at JMU to a gritty comeback vs. #18 Kentucky that sealed their spot in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Coach McVea opens up about ODU’s resilience, tactical evolution, and leadership on and off the pitch, with special praise for standout striker Lewis Rourke. The guys also dig into officiating drama, the physicality of the Kentucky game, and what it’ll take to upset West Virginia this Sunday. Plus: soccer lingo lessons like “handbags” and “tiki-taka” — because every Monarch needs to sound sharp come matchday. 📅 ODU vs. West Virginia – Sunday, 3 PM on ESPN+ 👑 Support ODU student-athletes: theprideofodu.com 🎧 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU 00:45 – Welcome back, Coach Tennant McVea 01:00 – The JMU rivalry match and late equalizer 04:00 – Battling #18 Kentucky: toughness, tactics, and heart 06:00 – Halftime message and second-half surge 08:00 – Lewis Rourke’s clutch goals and growing confidence 11:00 – Preparing for West Virginia in the Sun Belt Tournament 13:00 – Kentucky red cards and refereeing frustrations 16:00 – Adjustments heading into Morgantown 17:30 – What ODU must do to beat WVU 18:00 – Tournament format: golden goal and penalties explained 21:00 – Postseason intensity and legacy moments 22:30 – Women’s team seeding and respect for the grind 25:00 – Soccer talk: “handbags” and “tiki-taka” explained 32:00 – Final thoughts and Go Monarchs!

    33 min
4.7
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

The Monarchists, Mike and Aaron, sit down with Old Dominion University (ODU) alums, athletes and coaches (current and former) to discuss the school, their experiences and how their lives have been impacted by the school and their athletic programs.

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