The Pretend Pros

Jennifer Hoffman

Welcome to The Pretend Pros, the sports podcast where the takes are hot and the expertise is...questionable. We're two die-hard fans breaking down weekly stories in sports, from March Madness and college rivalries to whatever interesting story catches our eyes. One of us might know what we're talking about...the other is just here for the chaos. This is The Pretend Pros -- certified fans, uncertified experts.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 22: Life in the Boat with Payton Dilger

    Jenny and Beth are joined by Payton Dilger, an Indiana University alum and former IU rowing team member, to break down what rowing actually looks like at the college level. Payton explains how she went from soccer recruiting to rowing, what the sport demands physically and technically, and how novice rowers are developed. If you have ever wondered how boats are organized, what coxswains do, or why rowing sounds like a sport built on equal parts power and precision, this episode has you covered. Key topicsIn this episode, Payton shares how she ended up on IU rowing after initially trying to get recruited for soccer.We discuss the basics of boat setup and seat roles, including eights and fours, the coxswain, port and starboard sides, and how seats are assigned based on rhythm, power, and technique.Payton explains why rowing is more than strength, describing splits, erg testing, stroke rate, and the balance between raw power and technical efficiency.The episode covers the coxswain’s job, from steering and giving race calls to motivating the boat and tracking how a team lines up against nearby competitors.Payton shares memorable rowing vocabulary, like swing, sculling, sweep rowing, power ten, and crab, including a story about a novice rower who got thrown from the boat during a race.She closes by reflecting on what rowing gave her, especially friendships, discipline, and work ethic, plus advice for anyone interested in trying to row in college.

  2. Aug 4

    Episode 21: Officially Speaking with Former College Referee, Randy Smith

    Join us as we explore the world of college football officiating through the eyes of Randy Smith, a seasoned referee and replay official with decades of experience. Discover how officiating has changed, the training involved, and insider stories about game decisions, rivalries, and memorable moments on the field. In this episode:Randy shares his journey from high school officiating to college football and the transition into replay review.Insight into officiating training, including rule knowledge, physical fitness, and the use of technology.How officiating crews are organized, assigned games, and communicate during high-pressure situations.The impact of video replay on officiating philosophy and decision-making processes.Surprising stories, memorable games, and the emotional experiences of working major rivalry and championship contests.The influence of bias, fan perceptions, and the importance of maintaining impartiality.Practical advice for aspiring referees and understanding how officials are evaluated and graded.Reflection on the mental and physical demands of officiating and how the game’s speed evolves at different levels. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous and demanding world of football officiating, highlighting the skills, integrity, and dedication required to keep the game fair and enjoyable for all.

  3. Jul 28

    Episode 20: Hurdling Toward Greatness with Rachel Mehringer

    Discover the intricacies of hurdling and the life of a collegiate athlete through this inspiring interview with Rachel Mehringer, a top-performing NCAA hurdler for Indiana State University. From training routines to mental resilience, Rachel shares her insights on competing at the highest level. Main Topics:Rachel's journey and achievements in hurdlingThe technical and mental aspects of hurdlingTraining, conditioning, and race day preparationIn this episode:Rachel discusses her record-breaking seasons and NCAA accomplishmentsInsights into hurdle techniques, including stride cadence and formThe impact of wind and weather on race performanceHow mental toughness and confidence influence racing successBehind-the-scenes of race day routines and post-race emotionsAdvice for young athletes interested in track and hurdlesThe importance of passion and support systems in sports Rachel emphasizes the importance of loving the sport, mental resilience, and the support system in achieving athletic success. Her insights offer valuable guidance for young athletes dreaming of competing at national levels.

  4. Jul 21

    Episode 19: Barbell Confessions with Tyree Harris

    Ever wondered what the difference is between a clean & jerk and a snatch? Today, we’re diving into the nuts and bolts of Olympic weightlifting, strength & conditioning, and a little college rivalry banter with Tyree Harris, a seasoned coach, competitor, and all-around lifting enthusiast. Barbell Confession: It’s more than just heavy weights. In this episode: The difference between a snatch and a clean and jerk explained like you’re five (or a middle aged adult).Common technical flaws in lifts and how to fix them.The underrated importance of trust, program structure, and mental prep in lifting competitions.Recovery hacks: sleep, stretch, and foam rollers—your new best friends.The secret sauce for gym newbies: simple, effective, and injury-free routines with just three exercises. If you think weightlifting is just about heavy stuff, think again. Tyree paints a picture of how technique, trust, and a little bit of old-school discipline make all the difference. Whether you’re chasing a national title or just trying to pick up your groceries without injury, there’s a nugget here for everyone—plus, some college rivalry jokes for good measure.

  5. Jul 14

    Episode 18: In the Paint, Out of Our League with Amber Tretter

    Think you’ve got a busy schedule? Meet Amber Tretter, the Miami University basketball star juggling NCAA stats, architecture projects, and stadium designs. This episode is your crash course in resilience, dedication, and dreaming big...oh, and some epic stories about Selection Sunday, March Madness and the power of a good rebound! In this episode:Amber’s journey from Indiana high school glory to NCAA superstar at Miami UniversityThe inside scoop on NCAA eligibility rules and what it means for players like AmberHow she balances a demanding architecture major with the grind of college basketballThe behind-the-scenes of her role in helping design Miami’s new stadiumEpic moments like cutting down nets and surviving March Madness crowdsThe rising popularity and future of women’s basketball, and why it’s more than just a gameA lesson in effort, resilience, and the importance of having fun along the wayTimestamps:00:00 - Meet Amber Tretter: Indiana basketball prodigy and future stadium designer 02:00 - Amber’s high school championship record & college recruitment story 04:00 - Connection to IU and the importance of local roots in her journey 06:00 - Favorite IU players and the impact of college basketball memories 08:30 - How NCAA’s new eligibility rules could extend Amber’s playing career 10:00 - Reliving the MAC championship victory & the magic of March Madness 12:00 - The emotional experience of cutting down the net and celebrating wins 14:00 - The grind of balancing architecture studies and basketball practice 16:00 - The value of discipline, time management, and living the student-athlete life 18:00 - Helping design Miami’s new arena and Amber’s involvement in the project 20:00 - The future of women’s basketball & its growing spotlight 22:00 - Overcoming big crowds & the thrill of March Madness in hostile arenas 24:00 - Media coverage, fan support, and the ups and downs of tournament life 26:00 - The significance of mentorship, connectivity, and small-world college sports stories 28:00 - Advice for young girls dreaming of basketball greatness 30:00 - Amber’s goals for the upcoming season & program ambitions So, grab your popcorn, and let's get inspired by Amber’s story of dedication, talent, and vision—on and off the court!

  6. Jul 7

    Episode 17: Zero Splash Zone with Nathan Cox

    Ever wondered what really goes on beneath the surface of platform diving or how a college athlete balances flips with their academic studies? Buckle up because today we get the lowdown from Nathan Cox, a Virginia Tech college diver who’s flipping his way to NCAA greatness. In this episode: Nathan shares his journey from trampoline flips to NCAA dives, no gymnastics background neededThe difference between springboard and platform diving, and why the platform screams “scariest”How scoring works in diving, and why splash control is the ultimate goalThe mental game: nerves, strategies, and rituals before that big leapTraining routines, nutrition tips, and the importance of dry land practiceWhat it’s like to compete at NCAA nationals and thoughts on Olympic ambitionsWeirdest on-deck moments and rule changes Nathan would make to keep dives exciting Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and diving into Nathan's story 02:30 - What is diving, really? The graceful yet powerful sport explained 04:00 - Gymnastics or no gymnastics? How Nathan’s flips came to be 06:30 - Springboard vs. platform – what’s the real difference? 08:42 - The fear factor: which dives are the most terrifying? 10:14 - How judging works: scores, splash control, and difficulty 11:45 - Nathan’s favorite dive: the double out and how it’s performed 13:30 - Practice makes perfect: years of honing a single dive 14:50 - The hardest dives out there: twists, flips, and scoring the big points 16:03 - Handstand dives and platform quirks: the challenges of specialty moves 17:29 - Navigating team and individual goals for NCAA and beyond 18:47 - The NCAA qualifying process and how meets are scored 21:26 - Why Virginia Tech? The scoop on choosing a college over Indiana 23:46 - When things go wrong: what hitting the water the wrong way feels like 25:12 - The deep water discussion: injury risks and safety measures 26:32 - The mental side: nerves, routines, and mental toughness 27:45 - Weekly training routines: weights, dry land, and pool sessions 30:21 - Life as a student-athlete: balancing studies and practice 34:20 - Pre-dive superstitions and mental prep rituals 36:29 - Traveling to meets: adjusting to new pools and facilities 37:45 - The rule Nathan would change: no more back dives? Yes, please! 38:27 - Embarrassing moments and how divers handle slip-ups in front of the crowd 40:26 - Synchronized diving in college? Not quite, but what it takes to sync perfectly 42:11 - Olympic dreams: the road to trials and future goals 43:08 - Advice for young divers: believing in yourself and pushing through fears

  7. Jun 30

    Episode 16: World Cup Vibes

    Dive into this witty, soccer-infused episode where Jenny and Beth unravel the colorful fan stories and the cultural moments surrounding the 2026 World Cup. Oh, and they'll even sprinkle in some actual game talk. Perfect for non-soccer fans because who doesn't love a good footie tale with a side of humor? Takeaways Cultural observations and fan experiencesChallenges of understanding soccer and the offside rule Cultural connections and heritage play a significant role in players' loyalty and support for their respective teams.The World Cup tournament evokes enthusiasm, superstitions, and humorous reflections, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. And remember: Who needs all that high-stakes soccer drama? Just enjoy the fun stories, cultural quirks, and the international messiness, after all, it’s only a game!

  8. Jun 23

    Episode 15: Set It & Forget It with Gracie Cagle

    Get ready to dive into the world of college volleyball with Gracie Cagle, the Texas-turned-University of Montana setter whose story is as inspiring as it is athletic. From high school standout to Big Sky star and potential pro overseas, she’s got the tips, tales, and terrific stats to share. In this episode:The role of a setter: the court quarterbackThe top rules and strategies you need to know about volleyball scoringBehind the scenes of college volleyball life: training, travel, and balancing schoolAdvice for young girls dreaming of spiking their way to college and beyond Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to the game: Meet Gracie and her volleyball journey 02:45 - From a kid playing second grade to Big Sky setter of the year 04:22 - Libero, setter, and the evolution of her position: all about growth 05:06 - The temperament of a setter: calm, in control, and a leader on the court 06:09 - Communication is key: How setters keep the game moving smoothly 07:22 - Understanding rotations and formations like a volleyball ninja 08:02 - Moving around on the court: no front row or back row spot is safe! 09:43 - The art of passing, pulling back, and staying in the right place 10:37 - Power, athleticism, and the smash hits that make volleyball awesome 11:52 - Montana’s Big Sky Conference: rivals, travel, and loyal fans 13:00 - Deciding Montana over other schools: more than just the mountains 14:29 - How early did Gracie know college volleyball was her thing? 15:19 - Steady as she goes: consistent assists and stats that impress coaches 16:24 - The demanding schedule of a student-athlete: practice, travel, and schoolwork 20:41 - Nutrition, training, and staying in top shape — all part of the college grind 24:10 - What’s next? Pro volleyball dreams and overseas adventures 26:09 - The volleyball scene in the US and abroad: opportunities outside college 30:25 - Fan culture: cult or community? Montana fans know how to cheer 34:00 - Beach volleyball: sandy, tougher, and equally addictive 37:24 - Goals, dreams, and how to follow your volleyball passion 41:24 - Words of wisdom: Play with joy, and the rest will follow

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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Pretend Pros, the sports podcast where the takes are hot and the expertise is...questionable. We're two die-hard fans breaking down weekly stories in sports, from March Madness and college rivalries to whatever interesting story catches our eyes. One of us might know what we're talking about...the other is just here for the chaos. This is The Pretend Pros -- certified fans, uncertified experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Hoffman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jennifer Hoffman