Welcome to our February BONUS series! Every day this month, we're sitting down with fellow track and field podcasters to spotlight their amazing shows. In each episode, we dive into their story—how and why they started, their format, their most popular episodes, and where you can tune in. Whether you're looking to expand your podcast playlist or discover fresh perspectives in the world of track and field, this series is here to add value to your listening experience. Don't miss this exciting journey through the podcasting community! 🎙️🎉

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 300 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

We had the incredible honor of sitting down with Mechelle Freeman, the 2024 Head Women's Relay Coach for Team USA. Mechelle brings a wealth of experience, from her days blazing down the track at South Carolina 🐔🏃‍♀️ to leading the world’s fastest women on the biggest stages.

🔥 In this episode, Mechelle shares:

- How racing boys in her neighborhood sparked her love for track 🏃‍♀️💨

- The twin dynamic – growing up with her equally fast sister 👯‍♀️

- Winning a National Championship at South Carolina and learning from Coach Curtis Frye 🏆

- Her transition from advertising to chasing Olympic dreams and eventually coaching elite athletes

- The science and art behind coaching Team USA’s relays – and the pressure that comes with it! 💪📊

One of the standout moments? Mechelle’s motto: "I observe and I learn." 🧠👀

✨ We also dive deep into her work with TrackGirlz, empowering young women in the sport and breaking down barriers for future generations 🌍👧🏽💪.

🎧 Hit play and get inspired by Mechelle’s journey of resilience, faith, and leadership – this one’s not to be missed!

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 300 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

#TrackAndField #GilConnections #WomenInSports #RelayCoach

Welcome to our February BONUS series! Every day this month, we're sitting down with fellow track and field podcasters to spotlight their amazing shows. In each episode, we dive into their story—how and why they started, their format, their most popular episodes, and where you can tune in. Whether you're looking to expand your podcast playlist or discover fresh perspectives in the world of track and field, this series is here to add value to your listening experience. Don't miss this exciting journey through the podcasting community! 🎙️🎉

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 300 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍