Continuing with our junior college podcast series, Chris Bates sits down with Coach Brooks Buffington, the newly crowned 2024 National Women's Junior College Coach of the Year at Jones College in Mississippi, to uncover the truth behind the often misunderstood junior college sporting landscape. As he shares his insights, particularly for Australian students unfamiliar with the U.S. system, we promise you'll gain another great perspective on the unique opportunities junior colleges can offer both academically and athletically.

Coach Buffington takes us on a journey through the world of junior college tennis, debunking myths and highlighting the supportive environment these institutions can provide. Contrary to the dramatised portrayals in shows like "Last Chance U," junior colleges can serve as nurturing spaces for personal growth and academic success, featuring smaller class sizes and a more intimate learning experience. We explore the financial and competitive advantages for international student-athletes, showcasing success stories from Argentina and Australia that demonstrate how junior colleges can be a wonderful fit.

Throughout their conversation, Chris and Coach Buffington also dive into the rewarding yet challenging dynamics of coaching multicultural teams and building a family-like atmosphere that integrates players from diverse backgrounds.

This podcast episode dives deep into one of our most frequently requested topics: Junior College, also known as JUCO or NJCAA.

Coach Drew Mahin from Cloud County describes the recruitment process in a way for everybody to understand: are you approaching this as a customer or an explorer? Coach Mahin talks about rejection directing you to your next path, success stories of his athletes post Junior College, the amazing cultural diversity on his track/xc team, life in small town Kansas and how Junior College coaches assist their athletes to find their right fit after 2 years.

This episode is a great conversation starter for families and athletes from any country to reflect on their approach to the US college recruitment process.

How do you balance athletics and academics while ensuring proper nutrition?

In this episode, Director Alexia Bates sits down with Sports Dietician Lyss Koenan to discuss nutritional choices for high school and college aged athletes. Alexia dives into questions for Lyss including new surroundings at college meaning unfamiliar American food and the new responsibilities college athletes have to make healthy choices. Lyss also touches on the importance of preparing food the night before for busy high school athletes and not overlooking a solid esky to bring to high school each day to set these athletes up for success.

Lyss also details the process of fuelling your body the day before, the day of and recovery after playing sport, as well as the importance of sleep in an athlete's performance. This episode also covers things for parents to consider when helping kids pack lunches. Lyss busts common myths around nutrition and covers topics like sports drinks not necessarily being suitable for young athletes. Wherever you are in the world, this is a great listen for high school/college aged athletes and parents!