In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, hosts Tyler Baum and Erin Molay sit down with soccer standout and new Shining Athletes team member Allie Goerge. Allie opens up about the twists and turns of her recruiting journey, including making one of the latest commitment decisions you’ll ever hear, and how patience and perseverance shaped her path. She shares what it was really like competing at Virginia Tech, the lessons she learned from playing at the highest college level, and how those experiences prepared her for her transition into professional soccer. Beyond her playing career, Allie talks about why she’s passionate about joining Shining Athletes and how she hopes to guide the next generation of student-athletes through the same challenges she faced. Whether you’re an athlete navigating recruiting, a parent supporting the journey, or just someone who loves hearing inspiring stories, this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and motivation. Tune in now to hear how Allie turned a late decision into a lifelong dream, and why it’s never too late to chase your goals.

In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, hosts Tyler Baum (Co-Founder of Shining Athletes) and Erin Molay sit down with Max Dopp. A former Division III soccer player at Gettysburg College, Lane Tech High School alum, and club soccer competitor at TCU.

Max’s story is about making the most of every opportunity, adapting through transitions, and continuing to compete at a high level both on and off the field. From his early days in Chicago’s soccer culture to balancing academics and athletics, transitioning to club soccer, and carrying lessons from sports into life, Max shares valuable insights for athletes at every stage

In this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Martin to talk about the real recruiting process—not the highlight-reel version, but the patient, resilient, and unconventional path that many athletes experience.

From being a high school Shining Athlete and standout leader, to going overlooked in recruitment, to becoming Freshman of the Year and a national contender with Arizona State University’s Club Basketball National Team, Dylan’s story is one of persistence and adaptability. Now a point guard at Santa Rosa Junior College, he shares how each step—no matter how unexpected—prepared him for the next opportunity.

In this episode, we cover:

• Dylan’s high school career and early recruiting expectations

• The pivot to ASU Club Basketball and turning it into a national-level success

• Making the jump to JUCO and embracing the full-time athlete lifestyle

• Real talk on recruiting misconceptions, staying ready, and finding your own path

• Dylan’s proudest moments and the advice he’d give to his younger self

Whether you’re a high school athlete waiting on offers, a parent navigating the recruiting process, or a coach guiding your players, this conversation is a reminder that there’s more than one way to reach your goals.

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