RU STRONG

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes and coaches who define perseverance, passion, and purpose.Today, I’m fired up to welcome one of college baseball’s most respected leaders, University of Michigan Head BaseballCoach Tracy Smith and his former standout player, now New York Mets first-round draft pick, Mitch Voit.Coach Smith’s journey has been nothing short of legendary. With over 800 career victories, back-to-back Big Ten titles, and 90+ MLB draft picks to his name, he’s built powerhouse programs at Indiana,Arizona State, and now Michigan, all while mentoring some of the game’s biggest stars, from Kyle Schwarberto Spencer Torkelson.Joining him is the young man who represents everything Michigan baseball stands for, Mitch Voit, a Midwest-bornathlete whose humility, leadership, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most complete players in college baseball. A former two-way star and Freshman All-American, Mitch’s rise from a small-town kid to a first-round MLBdraft pick is a story of commitment, growth, and staying true to his values.In this episode, we’ll talk about the bond between coach and player, how it began with a recruiting miss at Arizona Stateand came full circle at Michigan and how trust, culture, and belief can transform not only a program but a person.We’ll explore what separates good players from great ones, what “team-first” leadership looks like in today’s NIL era, and how mental toughness continues to define the next generation of athletes stepping into the national spotlight.So, get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at the Michigan baseball culture, from the clubhouse to the big leagues with Coach Tracy Smith and Mitch Voit.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define perseverance,passion, and purpose.Today, I’m proud to welcome another outstanding young man from the Kean University Football team, Nick Sura.Nick’s story is a masterclass in discipline, balance, and leadership. A standout linebacker for the Cougars, Nick earned All-Conference and All-District honors, carried a 3.7 GPA, and graduated magna cum laude, all while finishing hisdegree a year early. Now pursuing his MBA and preparing to enter the police academy, Nick continues to embody the same work ethic and integrity that made him a leader on the field and in the classroom.In this episode, Nick opens about:·        His early academic drive and how he earned 36 college credits before stepping footon campus·        The lessons from balancing academics, athletics,and sacrifice or as he calls it, “investmentof time”·        The shared suffering and brotherhood of collegefootball·        Overcoming setbacks, including a tough 0-10 season that became a catalyst forrebuilding culture and unity·        His decision to serve in law enforcement and howleadership, empathy, and discipline from football translate to life on theforceNick’s mantra “Seek discomfort” captures what this episode is all about. Whether it’s waking up early, pushing through pain, or leading through adversity, Nick reminds us that growth happens outside your comfort zone.Tune in to hear a powerful conversation about accountability, purpose, and the drive to make a difference on and off the field.🎧 RU Strong. Real stories. Real athletes. Real life.#RUStrong #RUFinancialAthleticDepartment #KeanUniversity #CollegeFootball#Leadership #MentalToughness #AthleteMindset #PoliceAcademy

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes and coaches who defineperseverance, passion, and purpose.Today, I’m fired up to welcome a phenomenal young coach who’s already built an extraordinary résumé in the world ofcollegiate swimming, Trevor Maida.Trevor grew up in Hauppauge, New York, where his journey in sports began under the influence of his father, who coached him in cross-country and track. This October, Trevor and his father will share a once-in-a-lifetime honor, being inducted together into their High School Hall of Fame, a testament to family legacy, hard work, and generational impact.After a standout swimming career and degree in Sports Studies and Exercise Science at St. Bonaventure University, Trevor began a meteoric rise through the coaching ranks. He went on to make stops at Indiana, Wisconsin, and Louisville, helping those programs reach championship heights, including Big Ten titles and ACC runner-up finishes.Now part of the legendary coaching staff atthe University of Texas, Trevor continues to build one of the most dominant dynasties in college athletics, a program that’s captured 16 men’s national championships and 9 women’s titles. Beyond competition, he’s shaping athletes who excel both in the pool and in life, bringing perspective on the evolving world of college sports, NIL, and the mentalresilience needed to compete at the highest level.In this episode, we talk about legacy, leadership, and lessons from a coach who’s proving that success isn’t defined by age, it’s defined by attitude, adaptability, and authenticity.So, get ready for an inspiring conversation with University of Texas Assistant Coach Trevor Maida, right here on the RUStrong Podcast.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define perseverance, passion, and purpose.Today, I’m fired up to welcome another University of Maine Black Bear and one of the most impressive student-athletes to ever come through that program, Tiana Bucknor.Tiana’s journey started north of the border in Milton, Ontario, where she first fell in love with soccer, though not right away. She played basketball, volleyball, and ran track before realizing the sport that would take her around the world was,in fact, soccer. Her dedication and talent led her first to the University of Dayton, and later to the University of Maine, where she became team captain, an Outstanding Graduating International Student, and a Presidential Scholar with an incredible 3.95 GPA in kinesiology and she didn’t stop there. Tiana went on to earn her master’s degree in kinesiology with a 4.0 GPA.After playing professionally in the U.K. for the London Bees, Tiana has come full circle returning to her alma mater as an Assistant Coach for the University of Maine Women’s Soccer Team, where she now mentors the next generation of Black Bears on and off the field.In this episode, we talk about her journeyfrom navigating the recruiting process and overcoming coaching transitions to finding balance as a student-athlete, rediscovering her love for the game, and building the mental toughness it takes to thrive at both the collegiate andprofessional levels.Get ready for an inspiring conversation with someone who truly embodies what it means to be RU Strong, TianaBucknor.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr,where we dive deep into the stories behind the athletes, exploring the grit, mindset, and life lessons that carry far beyond the field.Today’s guest is one of New Jersey’s finest, Aaron Martin a Bergen Catholic standout and Rutgers University wide receiver whose story embodies discipline, humility, and the power of perseverance.Born in Northern California and raised in Oradell, New Jersey, Aaron grew up in a true football family. His brother Benplayed at Rutgers before him, and his father spent 14 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. From the moment Aaron stepped onto the field at Bergen Catholic one of the nation’s most competitive programs, he was forged in anenvironment of excellence, accountability, and pressure.At Rutgers, Aaron became a four-year starter, averaging over 15 yards per catch a testament to his preparation, toughness, and drive. He learned under two legendary coaches Terry Shea and Greg Schiano and carried those lessons into every chapter of his life. From 5:30 a.m. winter ball sessions toovercoming injuries and learning how to lead through adversity, Aaron’s story is one of faith, family, and fierce competitiveness.Today, he joins us from Houston, Texas, where he’s transitioned from the gridiron to a successful business career, still fueled by that same “attack the day” mentality that Coach Schiano instilled years ago.In this episode, Aaron opens up about what it was like to grow up in a household of athletes, how he handled the spotlight ofBergen Catholic and Rutgers football, and the mental battles that come with injury, identity, and life after sports. He shares how lessons like “Do your 1/11th” and “Don’t hit the snooze button” continue to guide his approach to business, leadership, and family.So get ready this conversation is packed with truth, toughness, and timeless takeaways for anyone striving to be great on and off the field.This is the RU Strong Podcast, and here’s my guest Aaron Martin.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, the show where we explore the stories behind the athletes, the lessons learned beyond the scoreboard, and the strength it takes to succeed both on and off the field.I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s episode takes us across the globe, from New Jersey to Japan, for an incredible conversation with a young man whose journey defines what it means to be RU Strong.He’s a Jersey native, a Watchung Hills High School graduate, and a proud alumnus of Cornell University, where he not only played Division I ice hockey but also served as team captain and earned All-Academic honors in the Ivy League,  proving excellence on the ice and in the classroom go hand in hand.After college, he continued his pursuit of the game at the professional level, competing in the U.S. minor league system within NHL organizations, before taking his careerinternational — playing in Europe and now in Japan, where he currently skates for the Yokohama Grits in the Asian Ice Hockey League.He’s also a proud inductee in the New Jersey Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, representing leadership, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence wherever hisskates take him.Today, we dive into what it means to chaseyour dream across continents, adapt to new cultures, and build a life defined not only by hockey but by resilience, gratitude, and growth.So, sit back and enjoy this inspiring conversation as we go “All In” with Alex Rauter right here on the RU Strong Podcast.

Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we spotlight athletes who continue to lead withstrength long after the game clock runs out.Today, I’m honored to welcome another proud member of the Maine Black Bear family, a man whose discipline, intellect, and leadership have made an impact both on and off the field.Jeff DeVaughn earned his bachelor’s degree inKinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Maine, one of the toughest programs in college academics and went on to complete his master’s in Higher Education Administration. A two-time team captain, Jeff, exemplifiedwhat it means to lead with integrity and consistency.His excellence didn’t stop on the gridiron, Jeff was named to the National Academic Team, honored as the M Club Dean Smith Award winner as the University of Maine’s TopMale Athlete and was even nominated for the America East Man of the Year.After graduating, Jeff continued his journeyof purpose, completing postgraduate work at the University of Nebraska and now serving as Associate Director ofAthletics for Major Gifts and Sports Fundraising at Boston College, where he’s helping shape the future of collegiate athletics.From the locker room to the leadership office, Jeff’s story is about persistence, humility, and building a life of meaningbeyond the field.Let’s go All In with my guest today, former Maine Black Bear and true leader, Jeff DeVaughn.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today I’m honored to share the mic with an incredible leader in the world of athletics and education, Sarah Lawshe.Sarah’s journey is a powerful example of discipline, leadership, and balance. She began her athletic career at Shippensburg University, where she not only played women’s lacrosse but also served as captain of the team. From there, she went on to Wilkes University, earning her Master’s degree in education, serving as an assistant coach, and later stepping into the role of head coach, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.Her commitment to excellence didn’t stop there.Sarah continued her coaching journey at Montclair State and also led as Director of Girls Lacrosse at Evolution LacrosseAcademy. Today, she brings her passion, resilience, and vision to the role of Head Coach of the Kean UniversityWomen’s Lacrosse Team.On this episode, we’ll dive into Sarah’s experiences as both a player and coach, how she balanced academics andathletics at the highest level, and the lessons she now passes on to her players about leadership, perseverance, and life beyond the game.Sarah, welcome to the RU Strong Podcast.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, I’m your host Jeff Durr. Today, I’m thrilled to bring on a guest whosejourney is nothing short of extraordinary, Rob Thompson.Rob’s story begins on the football field at the University of New Haven, where he was an All-Conference, All-New England, and All-American player. His playing days took him from the New England Patriots to a unique experience overseas in England. His legacy has been cemented in notone, not two, but three Hall of Fames: the New Haven County Football Hall of Fame, the West Haven High School Hall of Fame, and the University of New Haven Sports Hall of Fame.But Rob’s impact didn’t stop with athletics. His business career is equally impressive. He served as Managing Partner of North American Sports Group, returned to his alma mater as Director of Economic and Athletic Development, and later became an advisor with Game Plan U, helping athletes transition into business. Most recently, he co-founded American Gridiron 1880, continuing his mission ofinnovating in the sports world.Rob is also the founder of the 5% Club program for athletes and the author of How to Land a Dream Job if YourDad’s Not the Owner of the Team and the SportsDream Job Playbook. His dedication to mentoring athletes and shaping careers makes him a perfect guest for this platform.So let’s dive in, here’s my conversation with Rob Thompson.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today I’m honored to sit down with an incredible guest whose journey embodies resilience, reinvention,and leadership.She grew up in Gorham, Maine, making a name for herself as a standout basketball star. Her talent took her to the national stage at Villanova University, one of the biggestplatforms in college basketball. Later, she transferred closer to home and finished her playing career at Boston University, where she graduated in 2022.Like so many athletes, Emily faced both physical and mental challenges along the way. But rather than letting thosestruggles define her, she turned them into fuel. Out of her own journey, she built a business called Empowered, where she trains and coaches athletes and groups not only in basketball, but also in mindset, resilience, and self-discovery.She lives by the quote she created: “We are not our sports. We are our stories.” That powerful reminder is exactly why her voice matters here today.Please join me in welcoming to the show, Emily Esposito.