Zachara Perkins on The State Of Women's Basketball and Playing For Rutgers University

In this episode of SZN Opener, Rodney Rikai chats with Rutgers basketball standout Zachara Perkins. From living abroad as the daughter of retired WNBA player DeMya Walker-Wheatfall, to balancing pre-vet studies with D1 basketball, Zachara shares her unique journey. She opens up about embracing Rutg…

Ezra Ausar, a Basketball player from The University of Utah

In this episode of SZN Opener, Rodney Rikai chats with Utah Utes basketball player Ezra Ausar about his journey from Georgia to collegiate basketball. Ezra shares how his family shaped his character, the challenges of being a young father while excelling as a student-athlete, and his transition fro…

Mekhi Ashford, A Hockey Player From The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In this SZN Opener episode, host Rodney Rikai welcomes Mekhi Ashford, a standout hockey player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. From being one of the few Black athletes in the sport to balancing academics, athletics, and a job, Mekhi shares his journey and how he's breaking barri…

Welcome To Season 3 of SZN Opener Featuring Rodney Rikai

In Season 3 of SZN Opener, new host Rodney Rikai brings fresh energy and insight as we explore the journeys of an even more diverse range of collegiate athletes. This season dives into the lives of standout students from sports like football, hockey and gymnastics, uncovering the challenges and tri…

Monica McNutt Speaks to Jordyn Dorsey From North Carolina A&T University Sponsored By Tums

In the Season 3 premiere episode of SZN Opener, special guest host Monica McNutt sits down with North Carolina A&T University student-athlete Jordyn Dorsey. They discuss Jordyn's inspiring journey from high school valedictorian to standout leader on the basketball court, the challenges of balancing…

Ceyair Wright from University of Southern California

In this exclusive episode brought to you by Prime Video, join Monica McNutt as she dives into the dynamic life of Ceyair Wright, a four-star cornerback for USC.  Discover the fascinating balance between his roles as an actor and collegiate football player, get insights on his 2024 Super Bowl predic…

NY Giants Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux Sits Down With Jaylin Simpson From Auburn University - Bonus Episode

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Linebacker for the New York Giants steps into the host seat for this special episode of SZN Opener to chop it up with Auburn University Safety Jaylin Simpson. We get into Simpson's humble beginnings, getting invited to the 2024 Senior Bowl, and Kayvon shares his story of going th…

Vincent Iwuchukwu from University of Southern California

In today's episode I'm sitting down with USC Basketball center Vincent Iwuchukwu. We're diving into his Nigerian roots, playing soccer in Germany and Korea, how he's handling some of the changes coming to college sports, and the wild journey back to the court after having a cardiac event during pra…

Kyren Lacey from Louisiana State University

In this episode, Monica McNutt sits down with Kyren Lacey, wide receiver for LSU Tigers Football team. They talk about how he fell in love with football, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals,  and how he went from playing high school basketball to becoming a ranked wide receiver. out of the state…

Kendyl Terell from Jackson State University

In this episode, Monica McNutt sits down with Kendyl Terell, a forward for the Jackson State University Women's Soccer team. They talk about what it's like being the only minority in a mostly white sport, her passion for supporting women in sports, how she ended up kicking for her high school foot…