Talon Talk

Talon Talk Episode 65: "On the National Stage" -- With Aidan O'Gorman

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:49:00 +0000

In this edition of Talon Talk, North Florida men's track and field's Aidan O'Gorman speaks on his hard work to get him to the 10,000m NCAA Finals as well as the detailed preparation that goes into it. Tune in to ESPN2/ESPNU tonight, June 7 to catch him compete against the top 24 runners in the country in the 10,000m.

Talon Talk Ep. 64 "Ariana Munoz Playing for Peru"

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:28:00 +0000

UNF Women's Soccer's Ariana Munoz shares her experience playing for Peru during COPA America competition this past summer in our latest edition of Talon Talk.

Talking Title IX - With Khadijah Rushdan (Women's Basketball) & Eric Faulconer (Women's Soccer)

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 17:23:00 +0000

In this edition of "Talking Title IX" we sit down with Khadijah Rushdan, assistant women's basketball coach, and Eric Faulconer, head women's soccer coach, to touch on a variety of topics around women's sports. Both Rushdan and Faulconer share their experiences coming up in the athletics field, the changes to women's sports over the years and the unique roles that women's basketball and women's soccer have had on elevating opportunity and notoriety for women in sports.

Talking Title IX - With Donna Kirk (Senior Associate AD for Compliance & Administration/SWA)

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:38:00 +0000

In the fourth edition of Talking Title IX, we speak with Senior Associate AD for Compliance & Administration/SWA, Donna Kirk. Kirk has been at North Florida for nine years and was previously at Jacksonville University for 13 years. She discusses her influences in getting involved in working in college athletics, as well as some of her favorite moments while working in college athletics.

Talking Title IX - Breaking Into Broadcasting & Production (with Sabrina Ceniza)

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:25:00 +0000

In the third edition of our Talking Title IX series, we speak with Sabrina Ceniza. After serving as a student assistant in UNF ESPN+ broadcasts while enrolled at North Florida, Ceniza has become an essential part of North Florida's productions after graduation. Ceniza has served in nearly every role there is to speak of in a broadcast, helping with replay, graphics, audio, all camera positions and directing. With this experience, Ceniza has grown to make connections in the field throughout Florida. With broadcasting, and particularly production, being a largely male field, Ceniza speaks on breaking into the field as a female. She also shares advice and insight into what goes in to make a quality broadcast.

Talking Title IX - History on the Pitch & for Women's Sports - With Linda Hamilton

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:33:00 +0000

June 23, 1972, Title IX was passed as a law as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. The law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government.

Over the next few months, North Florida Athletics will feature former and current student-athletes, staff and coaches, discussing their careers and the role that women's sports have played in their lives.

In this edition, we with former UNF women's soccer head coach, Linda Hamilton (07-13) on her career as a student-athlete, professional soccer player and collegiate head coach. Currently the head coach at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Hamilton was recently inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Having shared the pitch with other greats such as Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers and more, Hamilton helped pave the way for US Women's Soccer and the sports world as whole for women in the United States. Hamilton was a member of the first Women's World Cup in 1991 and was a four-time all-american in college among other achievements.

Talon Talk Ep. 63 - "Nick Gabrelcik Gears Up for Arnold Palmer Cup"

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Talking Title IX - Navia Penrod (UNF Softball 2016-19)

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 20:04:00 +0000

Talking Title IX - Navia Penrod (UNF Softball 2016-19)

June 23, 1972, Title IX was passed as a law as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. The law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government.

Over the next few months, North Florida Athletics will feature former and current student-athletes, staff and coaches, discussing their careers and the role that women’s sports have played in their lives.

In this edition, we spoke with one of the greatest to play for UNF softball, Navia Penrod. Penrod currently works as a special education teacher in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. While at North Florida, Penrod achieved five different career statistical records and was the conference’s NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.

Growing up in Naples, Florida, Penrod was always involved in athletics, being signed up for soccer, ballet, softball and more. Being raised predominately by her grandparents, Penrod’s pursuit of softball came even before elementary school.

“My grandfather got me involved in softball,” Penrod said. “He got my first glove for me and get me out in the yard throwing every day. He saw something in me and decided to sign me up for little league at six years old. From there, it was really a wrap, so I owe it all to him.”

Growing up in Naples, Fla., Penrod’s talent pushed her to have to look harder and harder for the right fit as she pursued travel softball. She tried out for teams in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Penrod recalls having to drive multiple hours for practices as she found her niche in the sport of softball.

“As a child, you don’t see how crazy that is,” Penrod said. “But, my grandparents drove me to and from practices between their responsibilities.”

The sacrifice was worth it. Penrod knew it was her passion to continue playing past high school.

“Watching it [softball] on TV and seeing it, I knew I wanted to do that [play Division I softball],” Penrod said. “I told my grandparents every day and said, that’s what I want to do.”

Penrod recalls Jacksonville, Fla., native and Florida Gators softball great, Michelle Moultrie, as one of her biggest inspirations growing up.

“The person I was inspired the most by was Michelle Moultrie,” Penrod said. “Her story as a walk-on, how good she got, how hard she worked and representation of an African-American in the sport; I wanted to do everything she did.”

As college approached, North Florida emerged as a favorite for Penrod, being enthralled by the special education program, the campus and the influence of head coach Marcie Higgs.

The fit became apparent with her illustrious career as she was a two-time conference scholar-athlete of the year, three-time first team all-league pick, NFCA All-Region selection and career record holder in career batting average at a staggering .404. She also set program records in:

On-base percentage (.451)
At-bats (705)
Hits (285)
Stolen bases (83)
Double plays turned (39)

After graduating, Penrod entered the working world as a special education teacher in the Atlanta, Ga., area where she has grown quite the fan base.

“My students are hilarious,” Penrod said. “For some reason they googled me and found UNF softball. They are so funny. They come up to me with chrome books and find pictures of me playing and think it’s the coolest thing. Because of me, they want to play sports, they want to play baseball and softball during recess. That’s fun to see. “

This past month, the viewership of the NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series, and postseason as a whole, was at an all-time high. All NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals were broadcasted on ESPN+ or a linear network. The WCWS Championship Series between Oklahoma and Texas brought in an average of 1.6 million viewers.

“It’s changed [coverage] tremendously,” Penrod said. “When I was younger, I only remember seeing the big games, the championship games.”

“I think a key driver [of growth] is just how amazing the sport is and people realizing that we need positive role models for women out there and that representation matters,” Penrod said.

Undoubtedly, women’s collegiate softball is one of the fastest growing sports in the NCAA.

“I think exposure and representation needs to continue to grow,” Penrod said. “I would like to see more games, more mid-major games and low-major games covered. I think representation in advertisements and sponsorships for women in sports is important in terms of growth.”

Talon Talk Ep. 62 - “Thais Talks Pro Debut With Orlando Pride”

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:22:00 +0000

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - In the 62nd edition of Talon Talk we talk to Thais Reiss, five-time ASUN Women’s Soccer All-Conference honoree, as she made her professional debut with the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) June 12 against the Chicago Red Stars.

A native of Curitiba, Brazil, Reiss played her first season with North Florida in 2017 and added to her legacy every year thereafter. The five-time letterwinner finished her UNF career as one of the greatest to wear the Navy and Gray, scoring 42 goals while assisting on 18 more as she tallied 102 points.

Reiss finished as the UNF Division I-era program leader in goals, while posting the second-most game-winning goals in ASUN history. Four times she was named to the all-conference first team, while also picking up second team honors in 2017 as the ASUN Freshman of the Year.

The five-time United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region honoree was named to the ASUN All-Decade Team as a five-time ASUN Player of the Week honoree. After her final match with UNF in the fall of 2021, Reiss was named to the Orlando Pride Preseason Team Feb. 1, 2022.

After months training with the team as a practice player, Reiss’ hard work and ability earned her contract with the team, an announcement made public June 11, 2022. One day later she made her NWSL debut in the 82nd minute of a game against the Chicago Red Stars.
Today we catch up with the UNF graduate turned pro!

Talon Talk Ep. 61 - "Honorary Doctorates With Keonna Farmer"

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:19:00 +0000

In the latest episode of Talon Talk, former UNF women's basketball student-athlete, Keonna Farmer, discusses the honorary doctorate that she recently received. At just age 27, Farmer became the youngest such recipient in the history of the Tinity International University of Ambassadors School of Business to earn the honorary doctorate.

Farmer also discusses her current career goals, life after college and advice for soon to be graduates. The Birmingham, Ala., native was named ASUN Newcomer of the Year and was a six-time recipient of the ASUN Newcomer of the Week honor in her lone year in the Navy and Gray.

Talon Talk Ep. 60 - Jazz Bond to the WNBA

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 20:03:00 +0000

In a special edition of Talon Talk we speak with Jazz Bond after she was drafted in the 2022 WNBA Draft, becoming the first UNF women's basketball player to do so.

The accolades are endless for Jazz and they led her to a life-changing day April 11 when she found out she was headed to the Dallas Wings of the WNBA. Enjoy the interview with this Osprey great!

Talon Talk Ep. 59 - "Getting to Know Kit Gulihur" -- UNF Women's Tennis

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:57:00 +0000

In episode 59 of Talon Talk we get to know UNF women's tennis standout, Kit Gulihur. Gulihur is ranked No. 32 in the ITA singles rankings and No. 9 in doubles with Ana Paula Melilo, and is fresh off a Jan. 25 ASUN Women's Tennis Player of the Week honor.

Talon Talk Ep. 58: Dominik Barton - "History at ITA Regionals"

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 12:39:00 +0000

In episode 58 of Talon Talk we speak with Dominik Barton of UNF men's tennis to discuss his historic run to the ITA Southeast Regional Semifinals. We also to get to know him a little bit more in this episode.

Talon Talk Episode 57: Dream Fulfilled - Bryan Baker

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:38:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we speak with Bryan Baker for the second time, this time around to discuss his MLB Call-Up and Debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. Baker is the first to make the Bigs for UNF since Mike Wood in 2003.

Talon Talk Ep. 56 - Jay Bolt: "Back in Jax With a New Role"

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:30:00 +0000

In episode 56 of Talon Talk we sit down with Jay Bolt, one of the best to play for the UNF men's soccer program. After an accolade-filled career that included a conference championship, Bolt went on to play for the Charleston Battery before returning to Jacksonville to take over as head coach at Episcopal High School.

Talon Talk Ep. 55 - Catherine Dunagan: "Reflections on a Championship Season"

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:30:00 +0000

In episode 55 of Talon Talk we speak with head women's tennis coach Catherine Dunagan to reflect on the success from the 2021 season.

UNF claimed its sixth consecutive ASUN Championship, and first under Dunagan, as the second-year head coach was named ASUN Coach of the Year.

The Ospreys also made UNF women's tennis DI history by knocking off No. 25 Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA Championship, securing the program's first win during the tournament in UNF's DI era.

Talon Talk Ep. 54: "We are the Champions!" -- Dana Roskic and Antonia Harrison

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In a special edition of Talon Talk we talk ASUN Championships with Antonia Harrison and Dana Roskic from UNF Beach Volleyball. The duo clinched the wins in the semifinals and finals of the 2021 ASUN Beach Volleyball Championship.

Talon Talk Ep. 53 - Alex Kachler: Talon Talk Ep. 53 - Alex Kachler: "Graduate Transfer Success - From D3 to D1"

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 53 of Talon Talk we speak with graduate transfer first baseman/catcher Alex Kachler from UNF baseball. Kachler transferred from Division III Methodist University and has made more than the most of his time at UNF.

Kachler was twice named ASUN Player of the Week, is leading the league in hitting and is a nominee for the prestigious Senior Class Award. Get to know Alex and his journey in this episode.

Talon Talk Ep. 52 - Gabby O'Connell "The Journey to Scholar-Athlete of the Year"

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Episode 52 of Talon Talk features Gabby O'Connell of UNF volleyball and beach volleyball. O'Connell shares her journey through ups and downs en route to becoming Spring 2021 ASUN Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the first in program history.

Talon Talk Ep. 51 - Head Coach Jeff Pigg: "Accolades and the Track Resurfacing"

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 51 of Talon Talk we sit down with the head coach of the UNF men's cross country and track and field programs, Jeff Pigg. Pigg was recently named ASUN Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year after the men's team took home the ASUN title.

Student-athlete Nathan Jubran received an opportunity to run at nationals following that. We also discuss the upcoming busy track and field schedule at UNF and the track resurfacing completed at Hodges Stadium.

Talon Talk Ep. 50: "Pitchers and Catchers Report" -- Frank German

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 12:30:00 +0000

In episode 50 of Talon Talk we speak with former UNF baseball pitcher Frank German. German was a two-time first team All-ASUN pick and was drafted in the 4th round of the MLB Draft by the New York Yankees.

German was recently traded to the Boston Red Sox organization and was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.

Talon Talk Ep. 49: "ASUN Player of the Week X3" - Jazz Bond

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:47:00 +0000

In episode 49 of Talon Talk we catch up with Jazz Bond, senior forward on the women's basketball team. We follow up on recent milestones and her ASUN Player of the Week three-peat.

Talon Talk Ep. 48: "Training With Tomic" - PJ Kotan (UNF Men's Tennis)

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:30:00 +0000

In episode 48 of Talon Talk UNF men's tennis' PJ Kotan discusses training with a staple in the professional tennis world, Bernard Tomic. Kotan also gets into life in Australia and travel tricks to make the long flights doable on the way to the States.

Talon Talk Ep. 47: "In December, But Really We're in July"

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:30:00 +0000

Head women's soccer coach Eric Faulconer joins us for episode 47 of Talon Talk to discuss the adjustments he and his program have made with soccer season beginning in the spring semester due to COVID-19.

Talon Talk Ep. 46: “Soccer in the Spring” - Derek Marinatos

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 12:30:00 +0000

On July 24, news broke that no regular-season competition would take place prior to September 18. Weeks later fall sports were pushed entirely to the spring semester.

Moving targets and an increased demand for attention to detail has heightened the need for creativity to deliver practice plans and reach student-athletes.

That plan included multiple zoom meetings, guest speakers and film, connecting concepts they're implementing to those used at the professional level.

In episode 46 of Talon Talk we speak with men's soccer head coach Derek Marinatos, discussing how he and his program have adapted to the changes required of the program in preparing for an altered season.

Talon Talk Ep. 45: "Peace in the Next Step - Equal Shot" -- JT Escobar

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we talk to former UNF men's basketball student-athlete, JT Escobar.

Escobar joined UNF's 1,000-point scorer club while at UNF and helped the Ospreys to the 19-20 ASUN Regular Season Championship.

Now he is on to his next challenge, serving as Youth Director at Engage Church in Tallahassee, Fla., while spearheading Equal Shot Academy, "an elite youth program that goes beyond the scope of basketball. We empower under-resourced youth through athletic training, purpose development, and skill acquisition."

JT's UNF Bio | https://www.equalshotacademy.comhttps://unfospreys.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jt-escobar/9653

Equal Shot Basketball Training Academy | https://www.equalshotacademy.com

Talon Talk Ep. 44: "Prom Series" -- Tori Murphy

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:37:00 +0000

In episode 44 of Talon Talk we speak to former UNF softball student-athlete, Tori Murphy. Then Tori Ahern, Tori speaks on her journey to UNF and since then, focusing on her Prom Series endeavor with the Colorado Rockies to benefit foster care teenage girls.

Talon Talk Ep. 43: "Embrace Where You Are" -- Garrett Sams

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +0000

In episode 43 of Talon Talk we speak with former UNF men's basketball student-athlete, Garrett Sams.

Sams played for the Ospreys between 2016-20 and finished among one of the program's best performers in a number of categories.

We talk about his past at UNF and more specifically the ups and downs of the last few months of his life and basketball career.

Now, Sams is playing overseas with the Paderborn Baskets at the ProA level.

Talon Talk Ep. 42 - "Kicking It With Alex Morrell”

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 12:30:00 +0000

In episode 42 of Talon Talk we speak to former UNF men’s soccer standout Alex Morrell and catch up with him regarding his professional career on the pitch.

Talon Talk Ep. 41: "Collaboration and Community" -- Josh Martino (Bono's Pit BBQ)

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 41 of Talon Talk we speak with Josh Martino, president and legal counsel of Bono's Pit B-B-Q and Willie Jewell's Old School BBQ. UNF Athletics and Bono's Pit B-B-Q have been sponsorship partners for over 10 years.

With business changing for the Bar-B-Q franchise and athletic event schedules altered at UNF, Martino speaks with how they have adjusted their operations, how he's involved in the Jacksonville community, the University of North Florida and UNF Athletics specifically.

Martino is a class of 2015 Leadership Jacksonville graduate and was named to the Jacksonville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 in 2016. The Atlanta, Ga., native and his family reside in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Talon Talk Ep. 40: "Making the Best of It" - Kristen Wright

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 40 of Talon Talk we speak with Director of Volleyball and indoor and beach volleyball head coach Kristen Wright. With fall seasons postponed, we catch up with Wright and discuss what the fall looks like and the progress being made in practice.

Talon Talk Ep. 39: "Ospreys at the US Amateur" -- Jordan Batchelor & Mike Mattiace

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Here in episode 39 of Talon Talk we speak with Jordan Batchelor and Mike Mattiace. Jordan, former UNF men's golfer (2014-19) served as a volunteer assistant following his senior season before coming on as assistant coach in January 2020. Graduate student Mike Mattiace returns for another year after the spring shortened 2020 campaign.

Talon Talk Ep. 38: "The Show Must Go On" -- Grady Trimble

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 12:30:00 +0000

In episode 38 of Talon Talk we speak with former UNF men’s soccer student-athlete and now Fox Business Correspondent, Grady Trimble.

Trimble graduated from UNF in 2014 with his bachelor’s degree in communication. Since making his on-air debut at 19 he hasn’t turned back, taking reporting from Maine to Tampa and up to Chicago where he currently works.

In this episode we speak on his career, time at UNF and how he has managed working on the frontlines over the past few months as we look at another UNF alumni success.

Talon Talk Ep. 37: "Here We Are 12 Years Later" -- John Limanti

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Here in episode 37 of Talon Talk we speak to former UNF men's golfer and northeast Florida native, John Limanti.

Limanti has taken golf to the next level since graduating from UNF, creating a career for himself as a professional caddie. He currently works with former number one in the world men's golfer, Adam Scott.

We touch on that, his career, Jacksonville and his passions in this talk.

Talon Talk Ep. 36: "Nothing to Waste" -- Karina Bermudez

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 12:30:00 +0000

In episode 36 of Talon Talk we speak with rising women's soccer senior Karina Bermudez and her volunteer involvement in the Jacksonville community.

Talon Talk Ep. 35: "A Series of Trust Yourself Moments" -- Joe Wielbruda

Fri, 22 May 2020 10:46:00 +0000

In episode 35 of Talon Talk, former UNF baseball player Joe Wielbruda (2012-13) goes through his unique and passion-driven life and career that has taken him around the country. Wielbruda transferred to UNF from Midland College, a two-year junior college in west Texas. At UNF he made an impact as one of the Ospreys’ most reliable players. The second baseman hit .336 (146-for-435), scoring 84 runs while driving in 47. Baseball as a profession took the Youngstown, Ohio, native from New York City, to Staten Island, Virginia, Scranton, Indianapolis, Tampa and many stops in between.

Talon Talk Ep. 34: "Let's See What You Can Do" -- Eden Meyer

Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

From winning half marathons to claiming 15 all-conference honors at UNF, Eden Meyer made a name for herself running the streets of Jacksonville and in the collegiate ranks. Now she's doing it professionally. Find out about how she made this happen and what running means to her life in this week's edition of Talon Talk.

Talon Talk Ep. 33: "Hawaii Life As a Traveling Nurse" -- Stephany Hall

Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 33 of Talon Talk we speak to former UNF softball player, Stephany Hall. Hall lettered between the 2008-10 seasons before earning her degree in community health. The Florida native went far beyond the Sunshine State, serving as a travel nurse. We look into that journey and her life in this field as a frontline worker.

Talon Talk Ep. 32: "I Always Just Land On My Feet" -- Julian Bradley

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In edition number 32 of Talon Talk we take an inside look at the journey of a former student-athlete and UNF men’s tennis player, Julian Bradley. A native of Ireland, Bradley came to Jacksonville in 2014 and played two seasons of tennis for the Ospreys, helping contribute to a 2016 ASUN Title. Bradley’s tennis journey began roughly a decade earlier when he picked up a tennis racquet in his early teens for the first time in his life. It’s taken him to North Florida, all across North America and even Uganda. Today we take an inside look at the path and how he has adjusted his life during the lockdown.

Talon Talk Ep. 31: "Between the Lane Lines, to the Frontlines" -- Amy Taylor

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This is episode 31. Today we have Amy Taylor, UNF alum and former swimming great for the Ospreys. Taylor is serving on the frontlines during COVID-19, so we want to catch up with her and see what the demands are and how she is doing. Thank you for what you’re doing for communities now, and thank you for representing UNF well! When she was at UNF, Taylor was breaking records in the pool in a number of events. Taylor had a memorable 2016 CCSA Championship, making the most out of her final events as an Osprey. During that event she set the 200 fly, 1,650 free and 1,000 free school record while contributing to the new 400 medley relay record. Three times she was named CCSA Swimmer of the Week and she was a four-time member of the CCSA All-Academic Team.

Talon Talk Ep. 30: "Hartford, Pawtucket and a Save in One Day" -- Bryan Baker

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 30 of Talon Talk we sit down with former UNF pitcher (2014-16) Bryan Baker. Baker was drafted in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB June Draft by the Colorado Rockies. Baker was later traded to the Toronto Blue Jays organization and has since worked his way to Triple A - Buffalo. Today we catch up on that journey, how he came to UNF and dealing with the lockdown as a professional athlete.

Talon Talk Ep. 29: "Take the Open Door" -- Kim Hildreth

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Here in episode 29 of Talon Talk we speak with former UNF beach volleyball player, Kim Hildreth, as she addresses her career in professional beach volleyball and how she's staying ready for the next opportunity amidst COVID-19.

Talon Talk Ep. 28: "Living Room Golf" -- Mindy Herrick, Sara McKevitt

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:43:00 +0000

Here in episode 28 of Talon Talk we speak with two members of the UNF Women's Golf team, juniors Mindy Herrick and Sara McKevitt. We discuss their careers, the changes in their lives and how they're adjusting during the developments surrounding COVID-19. Mindy Harrick Bio | https://unfospreys.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9331&path= Sara McKevitt Bio | https://unfospreys.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9336

Talon Talk Ep. 27: "A New Normal" -- Jenny Barth and Tara Sunquist

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In edition number 27 of Talon Talk we speak to the Student-Athlete Center for Excellence's Jenny Barth and Tara Sunquist to discuss their new normal and the adjustments they've made in their life and work world.

Talon Talk Ep. 26: "Home Workouts and Moving Forward" -- Brian Bert and Colin Corcoran

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 26 of Talon Talk we speak with two members of our UNF Strength and Conditioning Staff, Brian Bert and Colin Corcoran, discussing how COVID-19 has affected the strength and conditioning world and what to do moving forward.

Talon Talk Ep. 25: "Running Now, Registered Nurse Later" - Camryn Cooney and Grace Gumpel

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:56:00 +0000

In episode 25 we speak to Camryn Cooney and Grace Gumpel of women's track and field and cross country.

Talon Talk Ep. 24: "It Seemed Like Just Another Game" -- Morgan Clausen & Ashley Goebel

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In edition number 24 of Talon Talk we speak with Ashley Goebel and Morgan Clausen, the battery for the nine-inning perfect game in a 1-0 win against Stony Brook.

Talon Talk Ep. 23: "Being Me!" -- Wajid Aminu

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we get to know UNF's all-time blocks leader, Wajid Aminu.

Talon Talk Ep. 22: "Let's Sign the Dotted Line" -- Michael Mattiace

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Senior men's golfer Michael Mattiace joins Talon Talk for edition number 22.

Talon Talk Ep. 21: "Oh the Places You'll Go!" -- Drew Weeks

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Catching Up With Former UNF Baseball Player, Now Triple-A Member of the Albuquerque Isotopes

Talon Talk Ep. 20: "A New Season" -- Kayla McGory

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we talk with softball's Kayla McGory just hours out of the 2020 season.

Talon Talk Ep. 19: "On the Other Side of the Lines" -- Ana Roman Dominguez

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode we talk to assistant women's tennis coach, Ana Roman Dominguez. Coming off a huge four-year career with the USF Bulls, Roman Dominguez speaks on her experience as a student-athlete, as a native of Spain and now being a coach.

Talon Talk Ep. 18: "Midseason Form" -- Darrick Gibbs

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we talk to head women's basketball coach Darrick Gibbs as he comes off a big win against Jacksonville Monday night.

Talon Talk Ep. 17: "Twitter and Training" -- Anderson Bobo

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In episode 17 of Talon Talk we talk with men's XC and track and field runner, Anderson Bobo.

Talon Talk Ep. 16: "Life-Changing Surprise" -- Rhetta Moore

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we sit down with junior guard Rhetta Moore and discuss her journey from walk-on to scholarship athlete.

Talon Talk Ep. 15: "A Look Behind the Scenes" -- With Bryson Valentine & Sean Weglicki

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

A look behind the scenes at the work that UNF's facilities crew does to help make everything run smoothly from events to practices and even graduations.

Talon Talk Ep. 14: "A Chat With Ozzie" -- Wyatt Helms

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We've seen him in the suit, but we haven't got to hear the voice behind the suit. In this episode of Talon Talk we get the voice and the name behind the Ozzie mascot suit that we've seen at games, meets and events for the past year and a half. That's Wyatt Helms, UNF graduate and former Ozzie, Wyatt Helms.

Talon Talk Ep. 13: "Running Away With the Circus" - Alexa Singletary

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Now she is a junior and member of the UNF cheerleading team. In the past she was 35-feet in the air hanging from a flying trapeze as part of her life in the circus. Today we talk to Alexa Singletary about this one-of-a-kind past.

Talon Talk Ep. 12: “An All-American from Great Britain” -- Jack Findel-Hawkins

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We talk with former Osprey men's tennis player, Jack Findel-Hawkins. Jack was an ITA All-American and two-time ASUN Player of the Year before playing professionally.

Talon Talk Ep. 11: “Winning Mentality” - Lucia Montano

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this edition we sit down and talk to three-time ASUN Women's Tennis champion Lucia Montano.

Talon Talk Ep. 10: "Making a Home in the States" - Alessia Venturelli and Miriam Stingl

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:30:00 +0000

In the 10th episode of Talon Talk we talk to Alessia Venturelli and Miriam Stingl, two Europeans that went on to play junior college prior to playing in every match this season.

Talon Talk Ep. 9: "It's Here" -- Tiffany Tolbert

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this edition of Talon Talk we sit down with redshirt-sophomore women's basketball player Tiffany Tolbert and discuss her game, chicken Alfredo and returning from injury.

Talon Talk Ep. 8: "Upending Uncertainty" - Ivan Gandia-Rosa

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Talon Talk we sit down with senior men's basketball guard Ivan Gandia-Rosa and go into his journey battling language barriers, hurricanes and making a life for himself through basketball.

Talon Talk Ep. 7: "DJ Herbie" - Herbie Stiegelman

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The sports world and the music world have merged together over the past few decades. Football teams have touchdown celebration songs, baseball players have walk-up songs, volleyball players have serve songs and teams all around the world have pre-game playlists. Men's soccer freshman defender Herbie Stiegelman takes a whole new approach to merging music with sports. Not only has he carved out appearances in all 10 of his matches this season but he is building a growing presence as a DJ in the Jacksonville area.

Talon Talk Ep. 6: "All Gas, No Brakes" -- Nathan Jubran

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

He doesn’t touch caffeine. He only uses headphones when he is running on a treadmill. A 4:25 mile time is run-of-the-mill for him. Men’s cross country’s and track and field’s Nathan Jubran clearly isn’t like most people and his times insist that he isn’t like most runners. Since coming to the University of North Florida in the summer of 2018, Jubran has been dominant on courses from Gainesville, Fla., all the way to the Bronx, N.Y. Jubran helped the men’s cross country team win the 2018 ASUN Championship while racking up countless individual honors in just a year and change in the Navy and Gray.

Talon Talk Ep. 5: "6 A.M. Practices and Tapers - The Swimming Life”

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In episode five of "Talon Talk" we sit down with head women's swimming coach Ian Coffey and senior Sydney Mutschler for an in-depth look at swimming at UNF.

Talon Talk Ep. 4: “Down, But Never Out” - Emma Voigt

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this edition of Talon Talk we sit down with redshirt-freshman midfielder Emma Voigt as she goes into the comeback from her five knee surgeries and bout with MRSA to return to the pitch.

Talon Talk Ep. 3 - "Taking Softball Overseas" - Veronika Klimplova

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of "Talon Talk" we talk to UNF Softball sophomore Veronika Klimplova and discuss how she got into softball as a native of Czech Republic, and where it has taken her in life.

Talon Talk Ep. 2: "The Dream Ticket" - Emily Strack

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Seeing all of the eras of UNF beach volleyball, UNF volleyball assistant coach and beach volleyball director of operations Emily Strack discusses the program and recent announcement of the future on-campus beach volleyball complex, "The Coop".

Talon Talk Ep. 1: “Look Mom, I Can Fly” - Raff Libunao

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In our first episode of Talon Talk we talk to junior baseball player, Raff Libunao. Libunao not only goes to class and plays for the Osprey baseball team, but also became a pilot recently with the earning of his private pilot license.