Patrick Agyemang admits that even he has to pinch himself when he reflects on how his life — his soccer life — have turned out. Just a few years ago, as a high schooler, his game garnered zero interest from colleges. It quickly became clear that if he was going to achieve his dream of playing professionally, his path to pro would need to take some unconventional turns.

But with a strong family unit behind him, Agyemang stayed the course — first showcasing his potential at Division III Eastern Connecticut State University before catching the attention of Rhode Island University, where he flourished.

At the 2023 MLS Combine, Agyemang shared that he felt optimistic after his conversations with Charlotte FC and hoped they'd call his name on Draft Night. They did, and Agyemang hasn't looked back since.

As the club's leading goalscorer from last season, Agyemang is optimistic about a top-four finish in 2025 — and a deep playoff run.

In this episode of Press Pause, Agyemang reflects on how his deep Ghanaian roots continue to shape his personal growth and gazes into his crystal ball to predict what the soccer gods have in store for him personally in 2025 — and beyond.

It may sound cliché, but Jay Harris approaches each day with the goal of being better. “It’s a thing—I never want to feel like I’ve arrived... like I’ve conquered this,” says Harris, who in February 2025 celebrates his 22nd year at ESPN, most of it spent hosting the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter.

Even with a shelf full of SportsCenter Emmy Awards, the Norfolk, Va., native remains driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. “I don’t care if [your content] is going to social media, to Mars, or to cable TV—it doesn’t matter. My job is to be a journalist every single day, and to do everything journalistically.”

Harris joined the Press Pause podcast and shared that it was in 11th grade when he first felt inspired to pursue journalism.

Twenty years at ESPN, he says, have flown by. “But it’s been a good ride,” he reflects. “As blurry as it is, it’s been a good ride.”

The Athletic’s NBA Deputy Editor, Rob Peterson, joins Press Pause (from chilly central Connecticut!) to discuss The Basketball 100—the definitive ranking of the 100 greatest NBA players of all time—and his role in bringing this ambitious 737-page book to life.

Rob played point guard on this effort, collaborating with The Athletic’s award-winning team of writers and analysts, including veteran columnists David Aldridge and John Hollinger. In this episode, he trades shots with Mark W. Wright, dives into the art of the ranking, explains why Derrick Rose (yes, D-Rose!) didn’t make the cut, defends Draymond Green’s inclusion, and much, much more.