Blue Demon Room
Welcome to the Blue Demon Room, the official podcast of DePaul Athletics! Our host, Kacy Standohar, will be sitting down with our own student-athletes, coaches and alumni to hear their stories, learn what keeps them going and get to know who they are on and off the field of play. We look forward to featuring our DePaul Athletics team working behind the scenes to dive deeper into what goes into running a Division I program in the city of Chicago. Episodes will air every other Wednesday so be sure to follow along with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and DePaulBlueDemons.com.
Episodes
Sophomore sprinter Sade Miller joins the Blue Demon Room to talk record-breaking performances, the power of positive self-talk, and the confidence she brings to the track. She reflects on her growth from freshman to sophomore year, how her mindset fuels her speed, and what's ahead for the 2026 outdoor season.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePaulAthletics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, an...
On this episode of the Blue Demon Room, Hall of Famer Lenae Williams Fergerson takes us back through her DePaul journey. From her playing days under Doug Bruno to the memories made in Alumni Hall, including time spent in the Blue Demon Room, she reflects on the moments that shaped her career. Williams Fergerson also discusses her path playing overseas and...
Fresh off induction night, the Blue Demon Room welcomes Hall of Famers Matt Babicz and Wilson Chandler. Babicz, a standout thrower from 2010–14, and Chandler, a key figure in DePaul's transition to the BIG EAST from 2005–07 who went on to a successful professional career in the NBA and overseas, reflect on their journeys. The duo shares storie...
On this episode of The Blue Demon Room, Kacy sits down with DePaul senior guard Brandon Maclin to talk about his unconventional path to Lincoln Park. From Jackson to prep school, junior college and ultimately DePaul University, Maclin shares the perseverance and belief that shaped his journey. He also reflects on wha...
As part of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, the Blue Demon Room sits down with Nina Goodhue, Associate AD for Marketing & Fan Experience. Nina shares how her early experiences as a men's basketball manager at DePaul influenced her career trajectory and leadership style. The conversation also explores fan experience initiatives, marketing across multiple programs, and how Nina is committed to paying it forward for women...
Kicking off the first episode of the New Year, DePaul track & field thrower Jaiden Gary joins the Blue Demon Room to give an inside look at the sport of throwing.
Now in his second season with the Blue Demons and coming off a freshman year that earned him Co–Male Freshman of the Year at The Billy's, Jaiden explains how he introduces his sport to newcomers, why staying calm is critical in an event that lasts just 12 second...
In this episode, we sit down with head women's tennis coach Marisa Arce, a leader known for building more than just competitive teams, she's built a true family. Coach Arce shares how intentional culture, daily habits, and personal connection shape her program, and how those values show up in the way her teams train, travel, and support one another.
We revisit he...
DePaul men's golf head coach Ryan Jamison sits down for an in-depth conversation about the experiences that shaped him, from his early years as a caddie to the lessons that continue to guide his coaching today. He discusses the importance of the mental game, how he builds a sustainable team culture, and why long-term development matters as much as immediate results. Jamison also reflects on vulnerability, growth, and his vision for...
Coach Chris Holtmann is back in the Blue Demon Room for season two. He dives into finding balance between the grind of the season and life away from the court, the importance of practicing gratitude, and the meaningful steps forward DePaul took in 2024-25. Holtmann also gives an early look at the 2025-26 outlook, with a little Taylor Swift talk sprinkled in.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePa...
In this special duo episode, Kacy and Jenna open up about their paths, from where they grew up to how they broke into the sports and media industry. They share the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way, reflecting on how their friendship and mutual support have fueled their growth. Tune in for a candid conversation about ambition, resilience, and the power of having someone in your corner.
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On this episode of The Blue Demon Room, DePaul men's basketball alum Bobby Simmons shares his story of perseverance, pride, and purpose. Simmons reflects on growing up on Chicago's South Side, his rise through Simeon High School, and joining a nationally ranked recruiting class that helped shape DePaul Basketball in the late '90s. He takes us behind the scenes of his NBA Draf...
From the English countryside to the heart of Chicago, DePaul senior Ryan Thomas has made the most of every step in his soccer journey. In this episode, Ryan reflects on his transition from junior college to Division I, how he's seen the Blue Demons program grow during his time at DePaul, and the team's continued hunger for more and more success. Off the field, he shares how cooking helps him stay ...
In this episode, we sit down with Mohamed Abdullahi, a runner, content creator, and storyteller whose journey is deeply rooted in faith, family, and resilience. Mohamed opens up about his upbringing in Chicago, the values instilled in him by his family, and how his faith has served as a guiding compass throughout his life. From formative travels to Kenya and back to the U.S., to discovering his passion for running, Mohamed shares h...
Heading into her final season as a Blue Demon, women's soccer senior midfielder Nahla Dominguez sat down with Kacy and Jenna to discuss her transition to DePaul, finding her love for the sport again and lessons learned from one of her greatest mentors, Coach Alex. Dominguez also shares on her step-by-step gameday routine as well as her career aspirations postgrad.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by fol...
Coming off a U23 Gold Medal with USA Volleyball, DePaul head coach Marie Zidek sits down with Kacy and Jenna to kick off season two of the Blue Demon room. The Chicago native speaks of her journey to leadership at the highest level, intentionality behind program building and previews the season ahead.
Stay up to date with all things Blue Demon Room Podcast by following @DePaulAthletics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik To...
Wrapping up season one of Blue Demon Room, we welcome Rachel Krasowski (Volleyball), Schuyler Riese (Women's Soccer), Kash Allen (Track and Field), and Ryder Henares (Golf) to the show to reflect on their athletics journey with DePaul just before graduation.
Thank you for your support of the inaugrual season of the Blue Demon Room. Stay tuned for season two coming in August of 2025.
As a...
On this episode of the Blue Demon Room, we are joined by DePaul Men's Basketball forward, NJ Benson! Benson tells us about his familial bond with his team, how he dealt with his first big injury this year, and what led him to come to DePaul and play BIG EAST basketball! He also shares what inspired him to study psychology and how important of a role his family has played in his academic and athletic journey.
On this episode of the Blue Demon Room, we are joined by DePaul cheer co-captains Gwen Halik and Jamya Whitman. The two four-year members share their journey of growing up together, finding their love for the sport and choosing to compete collegiately in Chicago. Through many shared experiences, the two seniors detail what's next after a lifelong commitment to cheerleading.
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On this episode of the Blue Demon Room, we are joined by DePaul Men's Tennis seniors and two-time BIG EAST Champions, Jona Gitschel and Matteo Iaquinto! Jona and Matteo reflect on their last four years with the program, sharing how they've grown and matured on and off the court. We discuss their recruitment coming from Germany and Spain to now, as well as their hopes for after graduation.
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