Always an Athlete Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Always an Athlete podcast, former collegiate athletes share raw, honest reflections about identity, resilience, mentorship, injury, and the mindset that carries you into your career and beyond the game.From growing up with big dreams of being the first woman to play in the NBA, to devastating back-to-back ankle injuries, to navigating the pressures of college athletics. This conversation dives deep into what it truly means to compete, rebuild, and redefine success.#AlwaysAnAthlete, #StudentAthleteLife, #SportsMindsetAbout the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and business leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE and that lessons from sports carry us through life long after the final whistle.About the HostShow host Jonathan is a trial lawyer and former collegiate basketball player who represents people and businesses facing complex legal challenges. He played ball at UNLV and the University of Alaska, before law school at Georgetown University.

Welcome to our new episode, “From the Soccer Field to Medicine with Athlete and Sports Surgeon” Michael Mijares, where Jonathan K. Osborne sits down with Dr. Mijares to talk about the journey from childhood sports and his journey to medicine, fixing bodies and changing lives. We dive into his high school years as a multi-sport athlete, the journey to medical school, fellowship, and beyond, and more...This episode is about resilience, identity, mentorship, and what it truly means to be Always An Athlete, long after the final whistle blows. Listen, learn, and get inspired.#AlwaysAnAthlete, #OrthopedicSurgeon, #PodcastInterviewAbout the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE.Our Guest: Michael R. Mijares MD, FAAOS/ Orthopaedic Surgeon; Board Certified Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon Sports Medicine — Shoulder | Hip | KneeFollow Dr. Michael Mijares: https://www.instagram.com/mijaresortho

In this conversation, the Head Coach of GWU's Women's Basketball Team, Ganiyat Adeduntan, joins the show to talk about her basketball and coaching careers, the season ahead, leadership, and developing winning cultures.About the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE.

In this conversation, Taylor Bigby emphasizes the importance of developing winning habits, aligning her work with personal goals, and finding an identity beyond sports. She discusses her journey to Texas Christian, faith, leadership, and plans to play professional basketball.TakeawaysYou got to have winning habits.Align your work with your goals.Find your identity outside of your sport.Winning habits are essential for success.Your efforts should reflect your aspirations.Life lessons extend beyond sports.The importance of personal development.Identity is crucial when sports end.Work hard to achieve your desired outcomes.Success requires a holistic approach.About the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE.

In this episode of the Always an Athlete podcast, Ben Chase, the Director of NIL Strategy at the University of Florida, discusses his role and the evolving landscape of college athletics. He shares insights on the recent partnership with Chipotle, his daily responsibilities, and the challenges and opportunities presented by NIL legislation. Ben reflects on his unconventional journey to his current position, the implications of ongoing NIL litigation, and the financial dynamics shaping the future of college sports. He emphasizes the importance of competition, overcoming adversity, and the legacy he hopes to leave at UF. The conversation concludes with a call for community support for UF athletics.Ben Chase is the Director of NIL Strategy at UF.The Chipotle partnership provides significant benefits to UF athletes.NIL has changed the landscape of college sports dramatically.Ben's journey to his current role was unconventional and inspiring.NIL litigation is ongoing and has many implications for athletes.Financial dynamics in college sports are shifting due to NIL.Competition drives personal growth and development.Adversity can lead to greater resilience and success.Legacy is about giving your all and supporting others.Community support is crucial for the success of UF athletics.About the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE.

In this episode of Always an Athlete, host Jonathan Osborne interviews Val Ackerman, the fifth commissioner of the Big East Conference and the founding president of the WNBA. Val shares her journey from being a young athlete in the 60s and 70s to becoming a prominent figure in sports management. She discusses her experiences with the Dream Team, the challenges and triumphs of launching the WNBA, and her leadership style. Val also reflects on her role in the Big East Conference, the importance of supporting women's athletics, and offers valuable advice for young professionals looking to make their mark in the sports industry.Val Ackerman's journey in sports began with a supportive family.The Dream Team experience was a pivotal moment in her career.Launching the WNBA was a significant achievement for women's sports.Leadership in sports requires adaptability and strong communication skills.The Big East Conference has evolved significantly under her leadership.Val emphasizes the importance of education and hard work for young professionals.Building relationships is crucial in the sports industry.Val's leadership style is influenced by her mentors, including David Stern.The future of college athletics is uncertain, but the Big East is well-positioned.Supporting women's athletics is essential for the growth of the sport.About the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE.

In the inaugural episode of the Always an Athlete podcast, host Jonathan engages with guests Luke, Micah, and Brian from Oak Hill Academy. The conversation explores their competitive upbringing in Buffalo, the importance of mentorship and leadership in sports, and how they prepare young athletes for future success. They discuss the impact of adversity, the significance of being coachable, and the legacy of notable athletes like Carmelo Anthony. The episode also highlights the new partnership with Paris Saint-Germain, expanding opportunities for student-athletes. Throughout, the guests emphasize the importance of dreaming big and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.The competitive spirit from childhood shapes professional life.Mentorship is crucial in sports and personal development.Adversity can drive individuals to achieve greatness.Being coachable is essential for success in sports and life.Surrounding yourself with supportive people is key to growth.The importance of creating a positive culture in schools.Athletics can teach valuable life lessons beyond the field.Dreaming big can lead to unexpected opportunities.The role of coaches in shaping young athletes' futures is vital.Building a legacy involves impacting others positivelyAbout the PodcastWelcome to the Always an Athlete Podcast with Jonathan K. Osborne, a conversation on competition in sports, business, law, and leadership. The show features interviews with coaches, athletes, and leaders across the spectrum who know that, at your best, you are ALWAYS an ATHLETE.